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. For this article, Christine looked over the test results to help compile our top picks.