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. “These devices are often great for encouraging needed rest and recovery days to allow the body to adapt and build back stronger," Roche adds.

How much does a pedometer cost?

Generally, you can expect to pay between $20 and $200 for a quality pedometer. Cheaper options may not track enough statistics to help you reach your fitness goal, and they may also be less accurate. More expensive options may have additional features—but too many, and they can be confusing to use. The cheapest option on our list, iGank's Simple Walking Pedometer , is often available for under $20. Our top pick, Fitbit's Versa 3 , was $230 when we published this list.

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.”

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.

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, including most Fitbit models (like our top picks, the Versa 3 and the Inspire 2 ).

Set and Forget These Trusty Pedometers, Tested by Experts

Best Pedometers — 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.

Pedometers come in a range 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, tracks steps accurately, and has a decent battery life.

After researching dozens of pedometers from the top trusted brands, we narrowed the options down to 10 popular models. 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.

We also had a walking coach and certified group fitness instructor from our Review Board review this article for accuracy surrounding what to look for in pedometers, their accuracy, and who can benefit from using one.

Here's how each step counter stacks up:

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Fitbit Versa 3 at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best No-Frills:

3DActive 3DFitBud Simple Step Counter 3D Pedometer at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

iGANK Simple Walking Pedometer at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Running:

Garmin Forerunner 55 at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Walks:

Realalt 3DTriSport Walking 3D Pedometer at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Battery Life:

Garmin Vivofit 4 at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Accuracy:

Fitbit Inspire 2 Fitness Tracker at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Discreet:

Garmin Vivosmart 4 at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Hiking:

Polar Ignite Advanced Waterproof Fitness Watch at Amazon

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
How We Rated the Pedometers
How We Tested
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Fit

4.8

Amazon

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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 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, we noticed that the wristband and display were a bit larger than some of the other wristband-style pedometers we tested. But it didn’t feel bulky or heavy during regular use. Instead, we realized that its square screen was the star feature in its sleek design, along with a smooth, comfortable band.

We also liked that it uses GPS to track distance, so there’s no need to bring your phone along 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. And considering how much functionality this pedometer offers, we were impressed with its battery life and short charging time—it was ready to wear in just 12 minutes.

One quirk we 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, we think 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.

Price at time of publication: $230

^{Key Specs:
Style: Smartwatch | Battery Life: 6 days | Water-resistant: Yes | Heart Rate Tracking: Yes | Connectivity: Bluetooth or Wi-Fi}

4.7

Amazon

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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
Lightweight
Good battery life

Cons

Can’t save data

Our favorite simple pedometer has a 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 by how it was ready to go right out of the box. Unlike our top overall pick, Fitbit's Versa 3, 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. We tried it out by clipping it to a waistband, wearing it on the included lanyard, and carrying it in a pocket. It felt lightweight and comfortable in all positions and consistently kept an accurate step count.

You won’t be able to use this pedometer to track stats like calories burned or heart rate, and it doesn't save data over time. But we like that it has a battery that doesn’t require charging.

Price at time of publication: $40

^{Key Specs:
Style: Clip-on or lanyard | Battery Life: 12 months | Water-resistant: Not listed | Heart Rate Tracking: No | Connectivity: None}

4.5

Amazon

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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

iGank's Simple Walking Pedometer is a basic, budget-friendly top pick 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 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 setup. While it's bulkier than other, more expensive picks on our list, we liked the old-school interface for how simple it is.

While we walked, 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 setup 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.

Price at time of publication: $18

^{Key Specs:
Style: Clip-on (carabiner) | Battery Life: Up to one year | Water-resistant: Not listed | Heart Rate Tracking: No | Connectivity: None}

4.7

Amazon

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Our Ratings

Setup

4/5
Comfort

5/5
Ease of Use

4/5
Accuracy

4.5/5
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's Forerunner 55. It's a high-quality pedometer that also 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 made it easy and comfortable to wear all day. 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 we noted that the buttons are fairly intuitive and easy to press. And we loved the display, which is clear and customizable, so you can view the statistics 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 (like Fitbit's Inspire 2). However, its GPS functionality and distance measuring was spot-on, so we still gave it a 4 out of 5 for accuracy. Plus, the two-week battery life is impressive for a device that tracks so much data at once.

Price at time of publication: $200

^{Key Specs:
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}

4.5

Amazon

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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 step counter to track laps around the neighborhood, we like Realalt's 3DTriSport for a budget-friendly, practical option. We love its simple design, which is easy to set up and use. It tracks steps, calories burned, and distance walked—plus, you can use it to set daily goals.

We appreciated the large display that helped us see our progress at a quick glance. Although this pedometer doesn’t offer long-term data storage, you can save your statistics 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.

Price at time of publication: $40

^{Key Specs:
Style: Clip-on or lanyard | Battery Life: One year | Water-resistant: Not listed | Heart Rate Tracking: No | Connectivity: No}

Verywell Fit / Ashley Mateo

4.5

Amazon

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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 Garmin's Vivofit 4. This pedometer features a replaceable coin cell battery that can last up to one year, 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 easy to get started with the Vivofit 4. We synced the watch with the app, navigated through the prompts, and had the device ready to go in less than five minutes. And we liked that it automatically started tracking our activities once it sensed movement.

During our test, we liked that the small display was always on and easy to see, even in direct sunlight. We 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. And we appreciated that you can navigate through the basic data on the display or dig deeper into your statistics 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 like Polar's Ignite Advanced Waterproof Fitness Watch. But it’s a convenient option for those who want to ditch the charging cord while tracking their steps and other health data 24/7.

Price at time of publication: $80

^{Key Specs:
Style: Wristband | Battery Life: One year | Water-resistant: Yes | Heart Rate Tracking: No | Connectivity: Bluetooth}

4.7

Amazon

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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 our recommendation for an accurate pedometer that works, 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 it 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. To get started, we 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. We also liked the motivational prompts that pushed us to stay active and reach our weekly fitness goals. And even with all of its features, we found that one charge lasts up to 10 days.

The Fitbit Inspire 2 may have too many features for someone who just wants to count their daily steps. If you're looking for an accurate pedometer with a more stripped-down interface, we recommend Broadsheet's Pedometer. However, 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.

Price at time of publication: $100

^{Key Specs:
Style: Wristband | Battery Life: Up to 10 days | Water-resistant: Yes | Heart Rate Tracking: Yes | Connectivity: Bluetooth}

4.2

Amazon

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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 our top pick. 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.

We found that the device was 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, we noticed that a lot of statistics are available right at your fingertips on the device itself.

With an intuitive, uncomplicated interface, it was very straightforward to use. We wore the Vivosmart 4 consistently for a few days and noticed that it didn’t interfere with any of our activities. It was also comfortable to wear while sleeping.

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. While the display is small, plenty of our top picks have more surface area—including our top overall pick, Fitbit's Versa 3.

Price at time of publication: $130

^{Key Specs:
Style: Wristband | Battery Life: Up to 7 days | Water-resistant: Yes | Heart Rate Tracking: Yes | Connectivity: Bluetooth}

4.5

Amazon

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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, we recommend Polar's Ignite Watch. It’s a stylish (but practical) fitness watch that can track your steps, distance, heart rate, and calories. It’s also durable and has a large display that’s easy to read in bright sunlight, making it a nice companion on long outdoor treks.

During our test, the Polar Ignite was comfortable to wear, even while sleeping. The watch’s features also stood out, including its color touchscreen display, GPS tracking, and personalized workout guidance. We loved how it used our sleep data to measure how well we recovered during the night, providing helpful suggestions and daily personalized workout tips.

The watch also performed well in our accuracy tests. And it never lost its signal, even on trails. In general, we think the Polar Ignite is a reliable, versatile choice to bring along on outdoor adventures, making it well worth the high price point. Just note that it's pretty heavy on features, so it may be too complicated for some users.

Price at time of publication: $230

^{Key Specs:
Style: Wristband | Battery Life: 3 days | Water-resistant: Yes | Heart Rate Tracking: Yes | Connectivity: Bluetooth}

		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	4.7	4	5	4	4.5	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 Fitness Tracker	Amazon	4.7	4	5	4	5	4
Best Discreet: Garmin Vivosmart 4	Amazon	4.2	4	5	4.5	4.5	4.5
Best for Hiking: Polar Ignite Advanced Waterproof Fitness Watch	Amazon	4.5	4	4.5	4	4.5	4.5

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 Selected and Tested the Best Pedometers

First, we consulted experts to get their opinions on which features set the top pedometers apart from the rest. Then, we sorted through a wide variety of pedometers and chose a few to test at home, making sure to include devices at different price points that offered various features. Each pedometer was evaluated on a scale of 1 (would not recommend) to 5 (highly recommend) in eight categories: setup, comfort, ease of use, features, battery life, accuracy, appearance, and value.

When we first got the pedometers, we analyzed how easy they were to set up. Did they require us to download an app? How quickly could we start using them? After that, 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, we also wore it to sleep—and if it was water-resistant, in the shower, too.

Our team wore the devices to track daily steps while walking and also completed at least one 3-mile run while wearing them. 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.

The experts we talked to included:

Jim Karas, founder of Intelligent Fitness and Wellness
Megan Roche, running coach and five-time national ultrarunning champion in San Francisco, California
Daniel Sullivan, CPT, a personal trainer based in Dallas, Texas

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, budget-friendly pedometers can offer error-free step counts. Our top pick for the most accurate pedometer is Fitbit's Inspire 2, which passed all of our tests with flying colors.

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. 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.

Battery Life

Most pedometers boast long-lasting batteries, which is good news for anyone who wants to cut down on charging time. The picks on our list range from a few days all the way up to one year. Our recommendation for the pedometer with the best battery life is Garmin's Vivofit 4, which can last around one year before needing a replacement battery.

Special Features

Some pedometers, like Realalt's 3dTriSport, only include the basics: step count, activity time, and distance. But higher-tech options, like Polar's Ignite Watch, often have special features, like GPS tracking and workout tips. 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

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. “These devices are often great for encouraging needed rest and recovery days to allow the body to adapt and build back stronger," Roche adds.
How much does a pedometer cost?

Generally, you can expect to pay between $20 and $200 for a quality pedometer. Cheaper options may not track enough statistics to help you reach your fitness goal, and they may also be less accurate. More expensive options may have additional features—but too many, and they can be confusing to use. The cheapest option on our list, iGank's Simple Walking Pedometer, is often available for under $20. Our top pick, Fitbit's Versa 3, was $230 when we published this list.
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.”
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.
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, including most Fitbit models (like our top picks, the Versa 3 and the Inspire 2).

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.

Additional reporting contributed by Sarah Felbin

With over two decades of dance experience, Sarah Felbin loves diving into the latest wellness research. As a health and fitness writer, she's passionate about finding products that are of great value that make life easier. Her favorite pedometer is Fitbit's Inspire 3—she wears hers every day to track her step count, heart rate, and more.