Fitness Gear Equipment The 10 Best Pedometers of 2022, Tested and Reviewed by an Expert After testing on hikes, runs, and more, Fitbit’s Versa 3 won our top spot By Christine Luff, ACE-CPT Christine Luff, ACE-CPT LinkedIn Twitter Christine Many Luff is a personal trainer, fitness nutrition specialist, and Road Runners Club of America Certified Coach. Learn about our editorial process Updated on June 06, 2022 Reviewed Verywell Fit articles are reviewed by nutrition and exercise professionals. Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Michele Stanten Reviewed by Michele Stanten Michele Stanten is a walking coach, certified group fitness instructor, and running coach. She is the author of Walk Off Weight and The Walking Solution. Learn about our Review Board Fact checked Verywell Fit content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Isabella Broggini, NASM-CPT Fact checked by Isabella Broggini, NASM-CPT Isabella Broggini is a health writer and editor, NASM-certified personal trainer, and fitness nutrition specialist. She is a commerce editor at Verywell. Learn about our editorial process Print We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Verywell / Sabrina Jiang Walking is a great, low-impact way to get your body moving. But if you’re ready to level up your laps around the neighborhood, then it might be time to invest in a pedometer. Pedometers can help you track your daily steps, distance traveled, sleep quality, calories burned, and heart rate. “If you like a pedometer enough to wear it all the time, you'll get all the data it provides without having to remember to put it on before exercise or other activity," Jim Karas, founder of Intelligent Fitness and Wellness, says. Tested & Approved Our top pick, Fitbit’s Versa 3 is comfortable, user-friendly, and accurately tracks steps and other fitness data. We also love 3DFitBud’s Simple Step Counter because it's easy to use and budget-friendly. Pedometers come in plenty of types and styles, from simple step counters to high-tech smartwatches. Their price points vary, so it’s important to find a pedometer that’s worth its cost, is accurate, and has decent battery life. We sorted through dozens of options and chose ten products to try for ourselves. For four weeks, we tested the devices by wearing them while exercising and during our day-to-day activities. Then, we evaluated each pedometer based on its ease of setup, comfort, ease of use, features, battery life, accuracy, appearance, and value. Based on our research and testing, here are the best pedometers on the market. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Fitbit Versa 3 at Amazon Best No Frills: 3DActive 3DFitBud Simple Step Counter 3D Pedometer at Amazon Best Budget: iGANK Simple Walking Pedometer at Amazon Best for Running: Garmin Forerunner 55 at Amazon Best for Walks: Realalt 3DTriSport Walking 3D Pedometer at Amazon Best Battery Life: Garmin Vivofit 4 at Amazon Best for Accuracy: Fitbit Inspire 2 at Amazon Best Discreet: Garmin Vivosmart 4 Fitness Tracker at Amazon Best Large Display: Broadsheet Pedometer at Amazon Best for Hiking: Polar Ignite Advanced Waterproof Fitness Watch at Amazon In This Article Expand Our Picks How We Tested What to Look For Why Trust Verywell Fit Best Overall: Fitbit Versa 3 4.8 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Belk.com Our Ratings Setup 4/5 Comfort 4.5/5 Ease of Use 4.5/5 Accuracy 5/5 Value 4.5/5 Pros Versatile User-friendly Good battery life Cons No music storage Expensive If you want a device that'll accurately measure your steps and distance, monitor your heart rate, and track calories burned (plus a whole lot of other health data), Fitbit’s Versa 3 is our top l choice. During our test, we were impressed with its design, fit, and performance, and found it to be suitable for exercisers of all levels. Initially, our tester thought the wristband and display was a bit larger than some of the other wristband-style pedometers we tested. But it didn’t feel bulky or heavy during regular use. In fact, the sleek design and smooth, comfortable band helped to earn the device a 4.5 out of 5 for comfort. Our tester liked that it uses GPS to track distance, so there’s no need to bring along a phone on runs, walks, or rides. And once you’re done with your miles, you can view a workout intensity map on the Fitbit app to see how you did. The Versa 3’s widgets are very intuitive and simple to navigate, and the settings are easy to change right on the display. We also like that the watch gives regular reminders to move or drink water. Considering how much functionality this pedometer offers, we were also impressed with its battery life and short charging time—it was ready to wear in just 12 minutes. One quirk our tester noticed is that the touchscreen is not very sensitive and sometimes required a hard jab to wake up. However, this can be easily resolved by setting the display to be always on or activated by motion. Overall, the Fitbit Versa 3 is a versatile, user-friendly device that can help you stay motivated to reach your health and fitness goals with features that made it an easy pick for our best overall spot. Style: Smartwatch | Battery Life: 6 days | Water-resistant: Yes | Heart Rate Tracking: Yes | Connectivity: Bluetooth or Wi-fi What Our Testers Say “I like that the Fitbit Versa 3 is very user-friendly and versatile. It’s not complicated to set up and is also very easy to navigate. Whether I’m in the mood to just get some basic information, like step count, or dig deeper and analyze sleep and heart rate data, it covers it all,” —Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, certified running coach, certified personal trainer, and Verywell Fit product tester Best No Frills: 3DActive 3DFitBud Simple Step Counter 3D Pedometer 4.7 eBay View On Amazon Our Ratings Setup 5/5 Comfort 4/5 Ease of Use 5/5 Accuracy 4.5/5 Value 4.5/5 Pros Extra-large display Budget-friendly Good battery life Cons Can’t save data This simple pedometer has a very large display that’s easy to read, even in bright sunlight, making it a nice choice for outdoor walks. During our test, we were impressed with how it was ready to go right out of the box, scoring it a 5 out of 5 for ease of set up and use. Unlike some other pedometers, it doesn’t require you to download any apps or connect with other devices to get started. The 3DFitBud’s versatility lies not in its list of features, but in its wearability. Our tester tried it out by clipping it to a waistband, wearing it on the included lanyard, and carrying it in a pocket. It felt comfortable in all positions and consistently kept an accurate step count, earning a 4.5 out of 5 for accuracy. You won’t be able to use this pedometer to track stats like calories burned or heart rate. But it’s a nice option for anyone who wants an affordable step counter that’s simple to use and has a battery that doesn’t require charging. Style: Clip on or lanyard | Battery Life: 12 months | Water-resistant: Not listed | Heart Rate Tracking: No | Connectivity: None What Our Testers Say “I’d recommend this device to anyone looking for a simple and inexpensive step counter. It’s accurate, easy to use, and has a large display to see your step count at a quick glance,” —Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, certified running coach, certified personal trainer, and Verywell Fit product tester Best Budget: iGANK Simple Walking Pedometer 4.5 Amazon View On Amazon Our Ratings Setup 5/5 Comfort 4/5 Ease of Use 5/5 Accuracy 4.5/5 Value 4/5 Pros User-friendly Long battery life Stores up to 30 days of records Cons May be too bulky for some No advanced tracking or features The iGank Simple Walking Pedometer is just that: A basic, affordable device that’s a cinch to set up and easy to use. The instructions are printed right on the package, rather than in an included user guide. Just start walking for it to record your steps. Then, hit the reset button at the end of a walk or when you’re ready to start a new daily step tally. In our testing, the device’s straightforward, one-button design helped to earn it a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for both ease of use and set-up. However, its basic functionality means that you can only use it to track steps and nothing else, which is why we gave it a 3 out of 5 for its features. During our test, the pedometer worked accurately whether it was clipped onto a belt loop, carried in a pocket or bag, or held in hand. Overall, it’s perfect for anyone who doesn’t want to deal with a complicated set-up and is not interested in advanced features or tracking through an app. Plus, the device comes with a replaceable battery, so you don’t have to worry about recharging it. Style: Clip-on (carabiner) | Battery Life: Up to one year | Water-resistant: Not listed| Heart Rate Tracking: No | Connectivity: None What Our Testers Say “You don’t get a lot of features and functionality with this pedometer, but it’s ideal for someone looking for a budget-friendly, old-school pedometer that’s easy to set-up and use. I like that you can just clip it onto a belt loop or bag, or even carry it comfortably in hand,” —Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, certified running coach, certified personal trainer, and Verywell Fit product tester Best for Running: Garmin Forerunner 55 4.6 REI View On Amazon View On REI Our Ratings Setup 4/5 Comfort 4.5/5 Ease of Use 4/5 Accuracy 4/5 Value 4/5 Pros Lots of data tracking options Running-specific metrics Easy to read display Cons Expensive May be too much functionality for some For avid runners who also want to track their step count, we recommend Garmin Forerunner 55 as a quality option that offers plenty of running-specific metrics, including distance, pace, race goals, and more. Right away, we were impressed with the watch’s lightweight feel and sleek design that make it easy and comfortable to wear all day. In fact, the Forerunner 55 received a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for comfort. Although it has a lot of features and functionality to track activities and health data, it also offers basic step counting, so you can easily monitor your daily progress. During our test, the watch was simple to set up and use, especially given its many features. It has five different buttons, but our tester noted that the buttons are fairly intuitive and easy to press. We were also impressed with the display, which is clear and allows for customization, so you can view stats that are most relevant to your workout. Surprisingly, the Forerunner 55 didn’t nail our step count test as well as some of the less expensive, basic pedometers that we tested. However, its GPS functionality and distance measuring was spot-on, so we still gave it a 4 out of 5 for accuracy. The battery life is impressive for a device that tracks so much data at once. Style: Wristband | Battery Life: 10 days in smartwatch mode; Up to 20 hours in GPS mode Water-resistant: Yes | Heart Rate Tracking: Yes | Connectivity: Bluetooth What Our Testers Say “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. This version of the Forerunner doesn’t disappoint. It’s lightweight, comfortable, easy to read, and has an impressive battery life, so it checks off many of my must-haves in a tracker,” —Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, certified running coach, certified personal trainer, and Verywell Fit product tester The 9 Best Running Watches of 2022 Best for Walks: Realalt 3DTriSport Walking 3D Pedometer with Clip and Strap 4.5 Amazon View On Amazon Our Ratings Setup 5/5 Comfort 4/5 Ease of Use 5/5 Accuracy 4.5/5 Value 4/5 Pros Budget-friendly Good battery life Large display Cons No app Limited data storage Realalt 3DTriSport Walking 3D Pedometer Review If you're looking for a basic step counter, the Realalt 3DTriSport is a budget-friendly, practical option. We like it for its ease of use and set up, scoring it a 5 out of 5 for those categories, thanks to its simple design. You can use it to track your steps, calories burned, and distance walked—plus, you can set daily goals. Our tester appreciated the large display that made it easy to see her progress at a quick glance. Although the pedometer doesn’t offer long-term storage of your data, you can save your stats for up to 30 days. During our test, the 3DTriSport worked well whether it was clipped to a waistband or worn around the neck using the included lanyard. Additionally, it comes with a replaceable battery that doesn’t need charging, a huge plus for those who don’t want to deal with constantly recharging a device. The pedometer also counted steps well, receiving a 4.5 out of 5 for accuracy. While it won’t win any design awards and it doesn’t have as many advanced features as other devices we tested, it’s a nice pick for a simple, user-friendly pedometer. Style: Clip-on or lanyard | Battery Life: One year | Water-resistant: Not listed | Heart Rate Tracking: No | Connectivity: No Verywell Fit / Ashley Mateo What Our Testers Say “I love this pedometer for its simplicity and ease of use. It was a breeze to set up and I could start using it right away. It’s a great option for anyone who just wants a stand-alone pedometer that’s simple, easy-to-read to track their daily steps and distance, and doesn’t require a lot of set-up or battery charging,” —Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, certified running coach, certified personal trainer, and Verywell Fit product tester Best Battery Life: Garmin Vivofit 4 4.5 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Kohls.com Our Ratings Setup 4.5/5 Comfort 4/5 Ease of Use 4/5 Accuracy 4/5 Value 4/5 Pros No battery recharging required Simple to navigate Lightweight Cons Very small display Strap can feel stiff Frustrated with having to constantly recharge your fitness tracker? Enter the Garmin Vivofit 4. This pedometer features a replaceable coin cell battery that can last for a full year of use, so you can wear it all the time without worrying about remembering to bring a charging cord with you. With no initial battery charging needed, it was super easy to get started with the Vivofit 4 and we rated it a 4.5 out of 5 for ease of set up. Our tester synced the watch with the app, navigated through the prompts, and had the device ready to go in less than five minutes. Using it was just as simple, since it automatically starts tracking your activities once it senses movement. During our test, we liked that the display was always on and easy to see, even in direct sunlight. Our tester found it simple to track steps, as well as distance and calories burned. The Vivofit 4 also monitors sleep and provides a personalized daily step goal. It’s simple to navigate through the basic data on the display, but you can dig deeper into your stats using the Garmin Connect app. The included band is a bit stiff and not very attractive but it’s easy to swap out for more stylish, compatible options. Overall, the Vivofit 4 doesn’t have as many advanced features as some other fitness trackers do, but it’s a convenient, simple option for those who want to ditch the charging cord while tracking their steps and other health data 24/7. Style: Wristband | Battery Life: One year | Water-resistant: Yes | Heart Rate Tracking: No | Connectivity: Bluetooth What Our Testers Say “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 7 Best Audio Players for Low-Tech Walks Best for Accuracy: Fitbit Inspire 2 4.5 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart Our Ratings Setup 4/5 Comfort 5/5 Ease of Use 4/5 Accuracy 5/5 Value 4/5 Pros Can track different workouts Easy to set up and use Slim, sleek design Cons Font may be hard to read May buzz frequently With its sleek, comfortable design and easy-to-use features, Fitbit’s Inspire 2 is a great choice, no matter your level of fitness or technical expertise. It tracks your steps, heart rate, calories burned, distance, active minutes, and sleep status, all while alerting you to any texts or calls. Plus, you can use the pedometer to record a wide range of workouts, including runs, swims, and bike rides. Right out of the box, we were impressed with the device’s soft, smooth band and slim, lightweight design, which earned it a 5 out of 5 for comfort. To get started, our tester first needed to download the app and fully charge the device, but setting it up was a very straightforward process. During our test, both the steps and distance tracking were spot on, so we gave the device a 5 out of 5 for accuracy. Our tester also liked the motivational prompts that push you to stay active and reach your weekly fitness goals. Even with all of its features, one charge lasts up to ten days, earning the device a 4.5 out of 5 for battery life. The Fitbit Inspire 2 may have too many features for someone who just wants to count their daily steps, but its comfort, durable design, and long battery life make it a good option for those who want a smartwatch to accurately track their activity all day long. Style: Wristband | Battery Life: Up to 10 days | Water-resistant: Yes | Heart Rate Tracking: Yes | Connectivity: Bluetooth What Our Testers Say “The Fitbit Inspire 2 is so comfortable that I almost forgot I was wearing it. The lightweight, slim design makes it a nice pick for those who want to monitor their steps all day,” —Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, certified running coach, certified personal trainer, and Verywell Fit product tester Best Discreet: Garmin Vivosmart 4 Fitness Tracker 4.6 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Best Buy Our Ratings Setup 4/5 Comfort 5/5 Ease of Use 4.5/5 Accuracy 4.5/5 Value 4.5/5 Pros Very accurate User-friendly Good for long-term wear Cons Need to use the app for full functionality Small display If you love having easy access to your step count, but don’t want to clip a big pedometer to your waistband, the Garmin Vivosmart 4 is a sleek, ideal option. Made with an ultra-slim wristband design, it tracks your steps, distance, heart rate, sleep quality, and even your rate of oxygen consumption. Plus, it syncs with your phone and uses GPS navigation to provide you with accurate data during outdoor walks, runs, and hikes. Our tester found the device easy to set up, after syncing it with the Garmin Connect app. You need to use the app to use all of the features and change some of the settings, which may be frustrating for those who like a simple tracking device. However, you can have a lot of stats available right at your fingertips on the device itself. With an intuitive, uncomplicated interface, it was very straightforward to use, earning a 4.5 out of 5 for ease of use. Our tester wore the Vivosmart 4 consistently for a few days and noticed that it didn’t interfere with any activities. It was also comfortable to wear while sleeping. The lightweight, narrow band looks and feels like a comfortable bracelet, helping to earn the device a 5 out of 5 for comfort. Given its features, the device has an impressive battery life. It lasted about six days without needing a charge, a huge plus for those who like to wear their tracker 24/7. The device also performed well in our step count and distance accuracy tests, earning a 4.5 out of 5 for accuracy. Style: Wristband | Battery Life: Up to 7 days | Water-resistant: Yes | Heart Rate Tracking: Yes | Connectivity: Bluetooth What Our Testers Say “This tracker is a convenient way to track daily steps, and I like that it gives some other helpful data, while still maintaining its simple design and functionality,” —Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, certified running coach, certified personal trainer, and Verywell Fit product tester Best Large Display: Broadsheet Pedometer 4.5 Amazon View On Amazon Our Ratings Setup 5/5 Comfort 4/5 Ease of Use 5/5 Accuracy 4.5/5 Value 4/5 Pros Budget-friendly Accurate Easy to set up Cons Can’t save data If you’re sick of squinting while trying to read your step count on a small screen, then you’ll enjoy this pedometer’s extra-large display. The device’s simple and straightforward design impressed us right away, earning it a 5 out of 5 for ease of use and setup. Our tester didn’t even need to consult the product instructions, since getting started was as simple as pressing the pedometer’s one button. If you stop to take a break, the device goes to sleep, but it continues to count steps once you start moving again. Lightweight and compact, the device can be clipped onto a waistband, carried in a pocket or bag, or worn around the neck using the included lanyard. Our tester tried carrying it in a few different spots, and it consistently provided accurate results. Although it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of some other devices we tested, this pedometer is perfect for those who want a basic device that’s easy to read and use. Style: Clip-on or Lanyard | Battery Life: Replaceable | Water-resistant: Not listed | Heart Rate Tracking: No | Connectivity: None What Our Testers Say “It’s so easy to read the step count with this pedometer’s extra-large display. Its minimal functionality makes it extremely simple to set up and operate. This device is an ideal pick for someone who wants a basic, affordable pedometer,” —Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, certified running coach, certified personal trainer, and Verywell Fit product tester Best for Hiking: Polar Ignite Advanced Waterproof Fitness Watch 4.5 Amazon View On Amazon View On Polar.com Our Ratings Setup 4/5 Comfort 4.5/5 Ease of Use 4/5 Accuracy 4.5/5 Value 4.5/5 Pros Very accurate Good for sleep tracking Easy to read display Cons Pricier than some other options May be too much functionality for some If you’d like an accurate pedometer for hiking, but the rugged look of some hiking watches doesn’t appeal to you, the Polar Ignite should suit your needs. It’s a stylish (but practical) fitness watch that can track your steps, distance, heart rate, and calories. It’s also very durable and has a large display that’s easy to read in bright sunlight, making it a nice companion for hikes, runs, and walks. During our test, the Polar Ignite was comfortable to wear, even while sleeping, earning a 4.5 out of 5 for comfort. The watch’s features also stood out, including its color touchscreen display, GPS tracking, and personalized workout guidance. Our tester was impressed with how it uses the sleep data to measure how well your body recovers during the night and then gives helpful suggestions and daily personalized workout tips. The watch also performed well in our accuracy tests, earning a 4.5 out of 5. And unlike some watches with built-in GPS, it didn’t lose its signal during our test, even on trails. In general, the Polar Ignite is a reliable, versatile choice to bring along for outdoor adventures. Style: Wristband | Battery Life: 3 days | Water-resistant: Yes | Heart Rate Tracking: Yes | Connectivity: Bluetooth What Our Testers Say “This device goes way beyond basic step counting and distance tracking. I really like the workout suggestions, based on your training history. The sleep quality tracking module is very thorough and ties into the adaptive training recommendations,” —Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, certified running coach, certified personal trainer, and Verywell Fit product tester The 8 Best Heart Rate Monitors to Buy Under $100 in 2022 Compare Overall Rating Setup Comfort Ease of Use Accuracy Value Best Overall: Fitbit Versa 3 Amazon 4.8 4 4.5 4.5 5 4.5 Best No Frills: 3DActive 3DFitBud Simple Step Counter 3D Pedometer Amazon 4.7 5 4 5 4.5 4.5 Best Budget: iGANK Simple Walking Pedometer Amazon 4.5 5 4 5 4.5 4 Best for Running: Garmin Forerunner 55 Amazon 4.6 4 4.5 4 4 4 Best for Walks: Realalt 3DTriSport Walking 3D Pedometer Amazon 4.5 5 4 5 4.5 4 Best Battery Life: Garmin Vivofit 4 Amazon 4.5 4.5 4 4 4 4 Best for Accuracy: Fitbit Inspire 2 Amazon 4.5 4 5 4 5 4 Best Discreet: Garmin Vivosmart 4 Fitness Tracker Amazon 4.6 4 5 4.5 4.5 4.5 Best Large Display: Broadsheet Pedometer Amazon 4.5 5 4 5 4.5 4 Best for Hiking: Polar Ignite Advanced Waterproof Fitness Watch Amazon 4.5 4 4.5 4 4.5 4.5 Final Verdict There are lots of pedometers that can help you track your steps, and finding one that’s right for you really depends on your goals, preferences, and budget. The Fitbit Versa 3 is a classic fitness tracker that will cover all your bases, and then some. We love that the device effectively and accurately measures steps and distance, and it’s comfortable enough to wear all day long. The tracker will also delight those looking for something extra, since it tracks all kinds of workouts, from bike rides to swims. But if all you need is a basic pedometer that’s easy to read and doesn’t have a lot of advanced features, then we recommend the 3DFitBud Simple Step Counter. It’s super simple to set up and use, comes with long-lasting battery, and has an extra-large display that’s easy to read. How We Rated the Pedometers 4.8 to 5 stars: These are the best pedometers we tested. We recommend them without reservation.4.5 to 4.7 stars: These pedometers are excellent—they might have minor flaws, but we still recommend them.4.0 to 4.4 stars: We think these are great pedometers, but others are better.3.5 to 3.9 stars: These pedometers are just average.3.4 and below: We don't recommend pedometers with this rating; you won't find any on our list. How We Tested and Selected the Best Pedometers We sorted through a wide variety of pedometers and selected ten products to put through our regimen of testing, making sure to include devices at different price points that offered various features. Each pedometer was evaluated on a scale of 1 to 5 (with 1 being not recommendable and 5 being exceptional) in eight categories: setup, comfort, ease of use, features, battery life, accuracy, appearance, and value. We spent four weeks testing the devices by wearing them while exercising and during our day-to-day activities. If the device offered sleep tracking, our tester wore it to sleep—and if it was water-resistant, in the shower, too. Testers wore the devices to track daily steps while walking and also completed at least one 3-mile run while wearing it. We performed two accuracy tests: one to test the step counting functionality and one to test the distance measuring, if the device offered distance tracking. To evaluate the battery, we noted how long the battery lasted with regular use and how long it took it to reach a full charge. What to Look for in a Pedometer Accuracy Since the main function of most pedometers is to count the steps you take, a good one should be able to precisely track your movement. But don’t assume that a product’s price tag is an indication of how accurate it is. Even basic, inexpensive pedometers can offer error-free step counts. Do your research and look for manufacturers and devices that are known for their quality and accuracy. 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're planning on using your pedometer for and how often you want to use it. Battery Life Most pedometers boast long-lasting batteries, which is good news for anyone who wants to cut down on charging time. Low-tech options tend to have longer lasting batteries than high-tech options, so keep these tradeoffs in mind as you shop. Special Features Some pedometers only include the basics: step count, activity time, and distance. But higher-tech options often have special features, like all-day heart rate tracking. You can even find water-resistant pedometers, which are great for anyone who exercises outdoors or swimmers. Heart rate tracking is another helpful metric for anyone who wants to measure the intensity of their workouts. However, pedometers with multiple special features tend to have a higher price point. When choosing a pedometer, consider how much data and feedback you’d like from your device. “Some people like as much data as possible, whereas others don't love the feeling of being constantly evaluated or can even develop anxiety surrounding their personal data metrics,” Megan Roche, a running coach and five-time national ultrarunning champion, says. “If you might fall into the latter category, choosing a device where you can turn on and off certain data components can be helpful.” Frequently Asked Questions How does a pedometer help people reach their fitness goals? Pedometers can help you reach your fitness goals in different ways. For starters, they can help you understand how much you’re already exercising on a day-to-day basis.“Many people are surprised to find out that they don't move as much as they thought,” Daniel Sullivan, CPT, a Dallas-based personal trainer, says. “Wearing a pedometer will help you become more aware of how you move throughout the day, and to work toward moving more.”Once you understand how much you’re currently exercising, you can create fitness goals for the future—and you can use your pedometer to track your progress.“Holding yourself accountable is absolutely critical to your success,” Sullivan says. “Pedometers will not only help keep you on track, but they will also encourage you to build other healthy habits, like trying new workouts, as your fitness level increases.” What does a pedometer measure? In its most basic form, a pedometer measures the number of steps you take while wearing it. But they often measure how far you’ve walked and how much time you’ve spent walking, too. If you’re willing to invest in a higher-tech option, you can often track other forms of exercise, such as cycling and swimming, as well as more advanced metrics.“Data gained from fitness trackers including resting heart rate, sleep, [heart rate variability], pace, and daily steps can be used to see how the body is responding to training,” Roche says. “These devices are often great for encouraging needed rest and recovery days to allow the body to adapt and build back stronger.” Can a pedometer be used for bike riding? Basic pedometers are designed to track steps, so they may not be able to track your cycling workouts effectively. That said, there are plenty of fitness trackers out there that are capable of tracking both walking and cycling workouts in great detail. How does a pedometer track steps? Pedometers typically track steps by picking up on the way 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. Why Trust Verywell Fit A certified personal trainer, running coach, gym buff, and 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. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Get one simple hack every day to make your life healthier. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit