The 10 Best Pedometers of 2021

What to Look for in a Pedometer

Accuracy

If you’re using a pedometer, you likely care about how your steps impact your life, meaning you want a product that can track your movement without fault. “Accuracy is one of the most important factors to consider when you’re choosing a pedometer,” says Christine Luff, certified running coach through Road Runners Club of America. “A high-quality, reliable pedometer may cost a little more, but it’s worth the investment to know that you’re getting reliable results.”

Style

Pedometers can be worn a few 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 plan to use it.

Luff notes that a wristband style is the most popular. “It won’t get in the way or distract you as you’re walking. It’s also easy to check your progress as you’re moving,” she says. The more convenient and accessible your pedometer, the more likely you’ll be to use it.

Battery Life

Most pedometers boast long-lasting batteries, which is good news for anyone who wants to cut down on recharge time or frequency. But remember, 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, such as tracking steps, activity time, and distance. But as you work your way to higher-tech options, you may find special features like all-day heart rate tracking and more. Luff explains that you can find water-resistant pedometers which are great for anyone who exercises outdoors or wants to track swim workouts.

Additionally, she says that heart-rate tracking is a neat feature for anyone that wants to measure the intensity of their workouts, but that it’s not necessary—especially if the price point is a major factor.

FAQs

How does a pedometer help people reach their fitness goals?

Pedometers can help you reach your fitness goals in a few different ways. For starters, a pedometer 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, C.P.T., 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 already exercising, you can set goals to work out more—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 often, you’ll find that even no-frills pedometers will measure distance walked and time spent walking, too.

If you’re willing to invest in a higher-tech option, you can often track other forms of exercise (like cycling and swimming), as well as more advanced metrics (like heart rate, blood oxygen level, sleep quality, and more.)

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. And if you’d prefer a biking-centric fitness tracker, you can always buy a bike computer.

How does a pedometer count 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. And many pedometers use these motions to determine how many steps you’ve taken. 

What Experts Say

“Using a pedometer is a huge first step toward achieving your health and fitness goals. It's an awesome accountability device to ensure your success. Try wearing your pedometer for a normal day's activities, then set a goal to increase your movement. Increasing your goal over time will lead to big results!” —Daniel Sullivan, C.P.T., a Dallas-based personal trainer

Why Trust Verywell Fit?

As a former fitness coach, long-time wellness enthusiast, and current health editor, Lily Moe understands the importance of equipment that is made to help you reach your fitness goals. She also ran the New York City Marathon and relied on a Fitbit Inspire HR to track every step of her training. Most importantly, Lily always looks for research and first-hand reviews when it comes to deciding on a product.

Additional reporting to this story by Lindsey Landquist

As a seasoned health and fitness writer, Lindsey Lanquist understands how vital quality product recommendations can be. She is careful to recommend products that are reliable, comfortable, and genuinely well-reviewed by those who’ve tried them.