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We Walked for 280 Hours to Find the 9 Best Pedometers That You Can Count On

These expert-approved picks are reliable, accurate, and easy to use

Different Pedometers lying next to each other on table

Verywell Fit / Jhett Thompson

Pedometers are an excellent tool for tracking your steps and helping you stay motivated to reach your fitness and health goals. They come in various types and styles, from simple step counters to high-tech smartwatches, and can vary quite a bit in price and functionality. The best pedometers are accurate, comfortable, and durable. 

After researching dozens of pedometers from the top trusted brands, we narrowed the options down to 10 popular models. Next, we spoke with experts about what key features to look for in a high-quality pedometer. Then, we tested the devices over a four-week period, spending 280 hours wearing them while exercising and during our day-to-day activities. We evaluated each one for its ease of setup, comfort, ease of use, features, battery life, accuracy, appearance, and value. We also had a member of our Review Board, who is both an ACE-certified group fitness instructor and an RRCA-certified running coach, review this article for accuracy.

Pros
  • Very compact and unobtrusive

  • Easy to use

  • Accurate tracking

Cons
  • Clip can be hard to pinch open

Key Specs

Style: Clip-on or lanyard | Battery Life: 12 months | Water-Resistant: No | Heart Rate Tracking: No | Connectivity: None | Our Overall Rating: 5/5

Who It’s For

Best for those who want a simple, accurate pedometer that’s small, comfortable to wear, and easy to set up and use.

Why We Love It

NESKLA’s 3D Pedometer is our top pick for its ease of use, accurate tracking, and budget-friendly price. During testing, we appreciated this small device’s simple design and straightforward, one-button functionality. It felt so comfortable and discreet that we often forgot it was attached to our pants. We loved that it would automatically start recording our steps and then start a new step tally when we held down the reset button.

During everyday activities and when we walk our dog, the pedometer accurately tracks our steps, whether clipped onto our clothes or carried in a pocket or bag. Even when we change our stride length, it keeps a precise count. The device is so small and convenient that we felt more motivated to stay active throughout the day and tried to surpass our daily step counts. Plus, we love that it comes with a replaceable battery, so we don’t have to worry about recharging it.

Potential Flaws

  • One minor annoyance we noted is that the plastic clip feels a little hard to pinch open. However, we like the fact that it grips securely onto our clothes.

Most Valuable Insight

“In the past, I avoided using a pedometer because I thought it would be bulky and get in the way during my walks. However, this option is so tiny that I can easily wear it anywhere or carry it in my bag. It has definitely motivated me to get up and walk more.” —Daniela Galvez, Verywell Fit product tester

Pros
  • User-friendly

  • Easy and comfortable to wear

  • Easy to set up

Cons
  • No advanced tracking or features

  • Some accuracy issues for non-continuous walking

Key Specs

Style: Clip-on or lanyard | Battery Life: Up to 3 months | Water-Resistant: No | Heart Rate Tracking: No | Connectivity: None | Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Who It’s For

Best for those looking for a no-frills, budget-friendly pedometer that’s extremely easy to operate and carry on walks or runs.

Why We Love It

KONTYNU’s 3D Pedometer is a basic, budget-friendly device that’s a cinch to set up and easy to use. With our goal of running or walking at least four miles per day, we found the device to be small, lightweight, and much easier to bring along than a phone. We also like that we could carry the pedometer several ways—clipped onto clothes, kept in a pocket, or worn around our neck on the included lanyard.

The set-up process is super easy and quick, making this pedometer a great choice for those who don’t like very technical or complicated devices. With its single-button functionality, the device is also straightforward to use. Plus, the battery can go about three months between charges and can be easily recharged using any USB adapter or computer.

Potential Flaws

  • While we like the pedometer’s simple design and basic functionality, we wish it had more tracking options, such as time or mileage.
  • During testing, we found that the device was fairly accurate, but it wasn’t as precise in counting steps when we made a lot of stops or were walking on grass.

Most Valuable Insight

“This device works on its own and automatically counts steps when you walk with it. It's very straightforward, and there's no need to toggle between various screens or menus.” —Jackie Cucco, Verywell Fit product tester

Pros
  • Low profile

  • Large, easy-to-read display, even in sunlight

  • Solid battery life

Cons
  • Can’t save data

  • Instructions could be clearer

Key Specs

Style: Clip-on or lanyard | Battery Life: 12 months | Water-Resistant: Not listed | Heart Rate Tracking: No | Connectivity: None | Our Overall Rating: 5/5

Who It’s For

Best for those who want a simple, budget-friendly pedometer that can be worn in different ways for daily activities and exercise.

Why We Love It

If you want a basic, easy-to-use pedometer, you can’t go wrong with 3DFitBud’s Simple Step Counter. During testing, we were impressed with how simple and straightforward it was to operate. Whether we wore it with office attire or workout wear, it felt lightweight and unobtrusive, remaining flush with our waistband. This device was so secure and comfortable to wear that we forgot we had it on, even during a dance class, allowing us to focus completely on our workout without interruptions.

We especially liked the large, single-interface display, which was easy to read even in bright sunlight, making it a nice choice for outdoor walks. Additionally, we didn’t experience any technical glitches or fluctuations in accuracy, even when walking on different surfaces—including pavement and a more rugged trail—and in varying weather conditions. We also appreciate that the battery didn’t need to be charged and lasts up to 12 months.

Potential Flaws

  • This pedometer’s basic functionality means that you won’t be able to track stats like calories burned or heart rate, and it doesn't save data over time.
  • Although the pedometer is extremely easy to use, the included instructions weren’t very detailed and could have been more helpful.

Most Valuable Insight

“The pedometer has a single-button operation that makes it incredibly intuitive—it’s practically foolproof. The display is equally straightforward, focusing solely on the step count, which means you can see your progress at a glance. I’ve taken it out on numerous walks, testing it in different settings and under various weather conditions, and it’s been remarkably consistent.” —Jeanne Geer, Verywell Fit product tester

Pros
  • Lots of data tracking options

  • Running-specific metrics

  • Lightweight, sleek design

Cons
  • Pricier than some other options

  • May be too much functionality for some

Key Specs

Style: Wristband | Battery Life: 2 weeks in smartwatch mode; up to 20 hours in GPS mode | Water-Resistant: Yes | Heart Rate Tracking: Yes | Connectivity: Bluetooth | Our Overall Rating: 4.6/5

Who It’s For

Best for runners who want an all-in-one, water-resistant device that tracks steps in addition to running and health data.

Why We Love It

Garmin's Forerunner 55 Running Watch is a fantastic option for avid runners who want to track their step count in addition to running-specific metrics, including distance, pace, race goals, and more. During testing, we were impressed with its simple, user-friendly setup process, especially given its many features. It has five different buttons, but we noted that they are fairly intuitive and easy to press. And we love the clear display, which is customizable so you can view the statistics that are most relevant to your workout.

When we started using this device, the relevant user tips on the screen were very helpful in getting us acclimated to it. We also appreciate its lightweight, comfortable feel and sleek design, which make it easy to wear all day and even during our three-mile runs. Plus, the two-week battery life is impressive for a device that tracks so much data simultaneously.

Potential Flaws

  • It’s pricier than some other options on our list, but we think it’s worth the investment for a highly functional GPS watch.
  • If you’re looking for a simple wristband watch for tracking steps, this device may offer more functionality than you need.

Most Valuable Insight

“As an avid runner and running coach, I’ve been using Garmin devices for many years, and I’ve always been impressed with their quality and features. I love that the Forerunner’s buttons are pretty big for a wristband device and very easy to press. It’s very lightweight and has a wide display screen, which isn’t always the case with GPS watches.” —Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, certified running coach, certified personal trainer, and Verywell Fit product tester

Pros
  • Strong battery life

  • Robust tracking features

  • Aesthetically pleasing design

Cons
  • Vibration alerts may be too subtle

  • Double-tapping required to sync data

Key Specs

Style: Clip-on or wearable jewelry | Battery Life: Up to six months | Water-Resistant: Yes | Heart Rate Tracking: No | Connectivity: Bluetooth | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5

Who It’s For

Best for those who want a pedometer that monitors steps and other fitness and health data.

Why We Love It

Looking for a pedometer that does more than count steps? Bellabeat’s Leaf Urban Smart Health Tracker is perfect for active individuals who want to track their activity and monitor and improve their overall well-being. During our test, we easily synced the device with the Bellabeat app and then used it to accurately record our steps, distance, calories burned, sleep patterns, and more.

It was extremely comfortable to wear, whether clipped onto our clothes or worn as a necklace or bracelet during our walks or while running errands. We also love that it’s much more subtle and aesthetically appealing than other pedometers since it looks like a stylish piece of jewelry. Plus, the battery lasts up to 6 months, and the app lets you know when it’s time to replace it, so there’s no concern about suddenly losing power.

Potential Flaws 

  • We appreciate that it vibrates to remind you to move, but we found the vibration so subtle that it could easily be missed.
  • During testing, we disliked that you had to double-tap the tracker to sync data to the app, especially if you just want to know your step count.

Most Valuable Insight

“My favorite thing about this pedometer is that it's low-maintenance and doesn't require a frequent charge. It's also a very slim profile, and it looks cute when clipped on and doesn't look too techy or sporty.” —Kimberly Souza, Verywell Fit product tester

Pros
  • No battery recharging required

  • Simple to navigate

  • Lightweight

Cons
  • Small display

  • Strap can feel stiff

Key Specs

Style: Wristband | Battery Life: One year | Water-Resistant: No | Heart Rate Tracking: No | Connectivity: Bluetooth | Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Who It’s For

Best for those who want to ditch the charging cord with a simple, convenient device that can track their steps and other health data at all times.

Why We Love It

Frustrated with having to recharge your fitness tracker constantly? Enter Garmin's Vivofit 4 Activity Tracker. This pedometer features a replaceable coin cell battery that can last up to one year, so you can wear it continuously without fear of losing power in the middle of a walk. During testing, we found it quick and easy to get started with this durable device by syncing with the app and navigating through the prompts. And we liked that it automatically started tracking our walks and runs once it sensed movement.

We appreciate that the display is always on and easy to see, even in direct sunlight. Tracking steps, as well as distance and calories, was simple and straightforward. It also monitors sleep and provides a personalized daily step goal. And we appreciate that you can navigate through the basic data on the display or dig deeper into your statistics using the Garmin Connect app.

Potential Flaws

  • The included band is a bit stiff and not very attractive, but it’s easy to swap out for more stylish, compatible options.
  • The display is fairly small, so it doesn’t show much data. However, we found it easy to view our step counts, even in direct sunlight.

Most Valuable Insight

“As someone who struggles with staying on top of charging my devices, I like that I don’t have to even think about it with this tracker. I can just leave it on without monitoring the battery life and worrying about it dying in the middle of the day.” —Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, certified running coach, certified personal trainer, and Verywell Fit product tester

Best With Memory Storage

Omron Walking Style IV

Omron Walking Style IV Pedometer
PHOTO: Omron Healthcare
Pros
  • Easy setup

  • Clear, crisp display

  • Intuitive navigation

Cons
  • Accuracy could be better

  • Not as comfortable during intense exercise

Key Specs

Style: Clip-on | Battery Life: 24 hours | Water-Resistant: No | Heart Rate Tracking: No | Connectivity: None | Our Overall Rating: 4.4/5

Who It’s For

Best for those who want a basic pedometer that has the option of saving data to track progress.

Why We Love It

Omron’s Walking Style IV Pedometer is a great choice if you want a simple step counter but also want to save your data. We love that it stores your step count, distance traveled, and calories burned for up to seven days. During testing, we appreciated that we could easily review our previous stats, which helped us stay motivated to keep up our progress.

Lightweight and compact, this device can be clipped onto a waistband or other area, or carried in a pocket or bag. We found it easy and comfortable to take along on walks or wear while gardening or completing household tasks. The pedometer’s interface is a cinch to set up and navigate, and the clear, crisp, and easy-to-read display adds to its appeal.

Potential Flaws

  • During testing, we found our step counts to be slightly off, making this device slightly less accurate than some other options on our list.
  • Although the pedometer is comfortable and easy to wear for walking and daily activities, it may be too clunky to use during exercise classes or on runs.

Most Valuable Insight

“It was very intuitive to navigate and operate the multiple functions. From saving your steps to switching between passive and aerobic step counts, each metric is easy to find and use.” —Sammy Wordehoff, Verywell Fit product tester

Pros
  • Simple interface

  • Large display

  • Budget-friendly

Cons
  • Bulkier than some other options

  • Limited tracking features

Key Specs

Style: Clip-on | Battery Life: Up to 12 months | Water-Resistant: No | Heart Rate Tracking: No | Connectivity: None | Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Who It’s For

Best for those who want a simple, accurate pedometer that’s easy to read and use.

Why We Love It

If you want a reliable, accurate pedometer that doesn’t involve a complicated setup or require a Bluetooth or smartphone connection, check out PINGKO’s Sport Pedometer. During testing, we were impressed with its very precise step counts, whether we were walking, running, or doing daily activities. When setting up this device, we had to input our stride measurement for more accurate tallies.

We also love the pedometer’s simple design and interface, which couldn’t be easier to use. The large, easy-to-view display helped us see our progress at a quick glance. Additionally, the pedometer comes with a replaceable battery that lasts up to 12 months—a huge plus for those who don’t want to deal with constantly recharging a device.

Potential Flaws

  • We really appreciate this pedometer’s accuracy for step counting, but we would love to have some more features, such as the ability to save data.
  • For aesthetic reasons, we wish the device was a bit less bulky. However, its size didn’t affect the overall comfort or performance.

Most Valuable Insight

“If you want a pedometer that will track your steps accurately, this is the one for you. Overall, it was very accurate and is now my benchmark compared to other devices. It really just does its job well.” —Alice Morgan, Verywell Fit product tester

Pros
  • Very accurate

  • Stylish and comfortable

  • Easy-to-read, large display

Cons
  • Pricier than some other options

  • May be too much functionality for some

Key Specs

Style: Wristband | Battery Life: Up to 30 hours | Water-Resistant: Yes | Heart Rate Tracking: Yes | Connectivity: Bluetooth | Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Who It’s For

Best for active individuals who want a reliable device with high-tech functionality that they can use to track their data and adapt their training.

Why We Love It

If you’d like an accurate pedometer for hiking but the rugged look of some hiking watches doesn’t appeal to you, we recommend Polar's Ignite Watch. It’s a stylish (but practical) fitness watch that can track your steps, distance, heart rate, and calories. When testing a previous model, we found it comfortable, even when worn while sleeping. Its features also stood out, including its color touchscreen display, GPS tracking, and personalized workout guidance.

We love how it uses our sleep data to measure how well we recover during the night, providing helpful suggestions and daily personalized workout tips. It also performed well in our accuracy tests and never lost its signal, even when worn on trails. It’s durable and has a large display that’s easy to read in bright sunlight, making it a nice companion on long outdoor treks.

Potential Flaws

  • It’s pricier than other devices on our list, but we think it’s well worth the investment if you want a reliable, versatile device for tracking hikes and other activities.
  • This device has robust features and functionality, so it may be too complicated for some users who just want a basic fitness monitor.

Most Valuable Insight

“I like that this watch gives adaptive training recommendations based on your history. The sleep quality tracking module is thorough and ties into the adaptive training recommendations.” —Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, certified running coach, certified personal trainer, and Verywell Fit product tester

Person wearing Polar Ignite 3

Verywell Fit / Christine Luff

What We’ve Updated

  • Since publishing our initial tested roundup of the best pedometers, we’ve continued to test some of them and collected additional observations on their design and performance. Based on this long-term testing, we’ve added more insights to our article.
  • We’ve re-evaluated our previous picks, and we’ve hands-on tested new products from top-selling brands. Based on our testing, we’ve reworked our superlatives, including an update to our Best Overall Pick.
  • We consulted two additional fitness experts to better understand key factors to consider when selecting a high-quality pedometer, its benefits, how to properly use it, and to ensure that all of the information in our roundup is up to date.

What to Look for When Shopping for a Pedometer

  • Style: Pedometers can be worn a few different ways—in a lanyard around your neck, clipped onto your waistband, or on your wrist like a watch. The style that suits you best will depend on what you plan to use your pedometer for and how often you want to use it. Most of the less expensive options on our list feature clips or lanyards, while our higher-priced smartwatch picks are meant to be worn on your wrist.
  • Metrics Tracked: Some pedometers track the basics, such as step count and activity time. But higher-tech options, such as fitness trackers and smartwatches, can record pace, distance, calories burned, heart rate, sleep data, and more. When choosing a pedometer, consider how much data and feedback you’d like from your device, says endurance coach Megan Roche, MD. If you don't love the feeling of being constantly evaluated, you may want to opt for a device with limited tracking or the ability to turn off certain data components.
  • Special Features: Some devices have special features, like GPS tracking, Bluetooth connectivity, and the ability to sync with an app to save and analyze data. You can even find water-resistant pedometers, which are great for anyone who exercises outdoors in inclement weather or wants to track swim workouts. However, pedometers with multiple special features tend to have a higher price point.

How We Tested the Pedometers

To find the best pedometers, we spent 280 hours testing 10 options from top, trusted brands. When testing pedometers, we evaluate each option based on the following key criteria.

  • Ease of Setup: First, we set up each device according to the manufacturer's instructions and consider its difficulty. Is the process easy and straightforward? If we have to connect the device with an app, how seamless is that step? We note if we encounter any challenges when setting up the pedometer and if it’s time-consuming to resolve them.  
  • Comfort: While wearing each device during walks and other workouts, daily activities, and sleep (if applicable), we focus on how it feels. Is it lightweight or heavy? Does it pinch, tug, irritate, or dig into our skin? We carefully select options that don’t feel clunky and won't distract us from workouts or daily activities.
  • Ease of Use: During our tests, we assess how easily the pedometer tracks steps and other data, as well as how simple it is to access all recorded data. Are the buttons easy to press, and is the display large and clear? We award high scores to devices that are simple and intuitive to navigate and operate.
  • Accuracy: Since the main function of most pedometers is to count the steps you take, a good one should be able to track your movement precisely. We compare the device's metrics to stats on our phone or smartwatch to evaluate their accuracy. Are the numbers consistent with our daily activity? Does the step counting start and stop as it should?
  • Battery Life: To assess battery life, we track how long it lasts with regular use. We consider if the battery life is adequate for typical usage. If it’s rechargeable, we record how long the battery takes to fully charge. Pedometers earn high scores if the battery life accurately reflects the manufacturer's claims.
  • Features: When evaluating features, we pay attention to what additional features each pedometer offers beyond basic step counting, such as the ability to save data or reminders to move. We consider how useful and relevant these additional features are in tracking and achieving fitness goals.
  • Value: Once testing is complete, we look at the device’s price to determine a value score. We consider if the price reflects the pedometer's features and overall performance. Additionally, we note whether we would be willing to pay that price for the pedometer and if we’d recommend it to a friend or family member. We give high scores to products that we think are priced fairly. 

Our Experts

Throughout our research, testing, and reporting process, we consulted these fitness experts to understand why and how pedometers are used and what key factors to consider when selecting a high-quality one. We choose products independently, although input from experts may influence our choices.

  • Jim Karas, founder of Intelligent Fitness and Wellness
  • Megan Roche, MD, health and performance consultant and researcher, endurance coach, and five-time trail running national champion
  • Daniel Sullivan, CPT, personal trainer based in Dallas
  • Denise Chakoian, fitness expert and founder of CORE Cycle Fitness Lagree
  • Wesley Trimble, hiking expert and communications and creative director for the American Hiking Society

Frequently Asked Questions 

How does a pedometer track steps?

Pedometers typically track steps by picking up how you move when you walk. Your hips may move up or down, or your body may sway from side to side. Many pedometers use these motions to determine how many steps you’ve taken.

Can I use a pedometer for bike riding? 

Basic pedometers are designed to track steps, so they may be unable to track your cycling workouts effectively. That said, plenty of fitness trackers are capable of tracking both walking and cycling workouts in great detail. 

What's the difference between a pedometer and a fitness tracker?

Pedometers are used primarily to track your steps, while fitness trackers offer more robust functionality, tracking metrics such as distance, pace, calories burned, heart rate, and sleep data. Fitness trackers can be synced with an app to view and analyze all your stats, but pedometers are usually stand-alone devices. 

Why Trust Verywell Fit

A certified personal trainer, running coach, gym buff, and Verywell Fit fitness writer, Christine Luff, ACE-CPT spends countless hours researching and testing the latest exercise gear and gadgets. She only recommends products that she can genuinely stand behind and that she believes would be a good investment for her readers. As an avid runner, she prefers Garmin’s Forerunner 55 for tracking her running metrics.

Christine Luff

By Christine Luff, ACE-CPT
Christine knows that the right fitness gear can improve your motivation and workouts. She uses her expertise and experience as a fitness writer and personal trainer to recommend products she can stand behind.