With the advancement of technology, the fitness world has reaped many benefits. Today, there are fitness trackers that help you monitor your activity levels, including counting your steps. Pedometers have gained popularity as more and more people have adopted walking for fitness.
In this article, you will find pedometer reviews, including features and our thoughts on the best pedometer to buy.
Table of Contents
How a Pedometer Can Help You With Fitness Goals
A pedometer counts and records the steps you take at a given time. Monitoring your step count acts as a motivation to walk more and improve your activity levels. Walking is a low-impact exercise and can help you reach your fitness goals, of course, with other healthy lifestyle strategies [1].
When you count the steps, you are more likely to walk more the next day and beat the previous day’s step count. This will increase your exercise intensity levels and ultimately drive you closer to your goals.
P.S. also check out our review of the best heart rate monitors.
Top 10 Pedometers
1. 3DTriSport Walking Pedometer
This step counter uses 3D tri-Axis technology for accuracy.
Key Features
- Easy to set up and use
- Accurate
- Bright display
- Built-in clock
- Step goal feature
The pedometer records steps when walking or running and the distance you cover at a given time. It is easy to set up and comes with a user manual to guide you through. The design allows you to clip it to your waist or wear it around the neck with the included lanyard.
It has additional useful features, such as a clock and a step goal feature. It is the best clip-on pedometer; however, it is not reliable to measure steps distance.
2. 3DActive Walking Pedometer
This design comes ready to use out of the box, so you do not have to worry about setting it up.
Key Features
- Simple design
- Easy-press start button
- 3D Tri-Axis technology
- Easy to use
- Long battery life
- Large digital display
If you are looking for a simple pedometer to use regularly, this is one of the best options on the market. You only need to press the start button and start walking. It utilizes advanced technology for more accurate results.
The best thing is that you can wear it however you like. It has a lanyard that you can use to wear around the neck or clip it to the waist. The display is bright to read steps at a glance, and with the long battery life, you do not have to worry about regular replacements.
It has a go-to-sleep function to save on battery for regular users. Additionally, it is accurate and provides excellent value for money.
Key Features
- Bracelet design
- Rechargeable battery
- Large display
- Comes with a user manual
3. Smart Watch Fitness Tracker Bracelet Pedometer
This activity tracker has an inbuilt step counter to track the number of steps you take when exercising.
Key Features
- Bracelet design
- Rechargeable battery
- Large display
- Comes with a user manual
The smart bracelet is ideal if you are looking to track other parameters in addition to the step count. It is super easy to set up and comes with a user manual to help you through the process. The rechargeable battery lasts approximately three days with a single charge.
The bracelet has a comfortable band that you can adjust to the size of your wrist. It works well, and you can make use of the additional features it has.
4. Fitbit Charge 2 Band
This Fitbit band is one of the most useful fitness trackers to monitor your activity levels.
Key Features
- Wrist design
- Continuous heart rate
- Accurate tracking
- Available in different sizes
The Fitbit tracker has fantastic functions, all essential for keeping tabs on your exercise. It measures a continuous heart rate in addition to counting your steps. The built-in step counter is accurate and also shows the distance you cover.
The wrist design is comfortable for any type of exercise. Additionally, the large digital display is easy to read at a glance. It is one of the most popular activity trackers, but you have to ensure the right size of the band for effective tracking.
5. Xiaomi Mi Band 3 Bracelet Pedometer
This Xiaomi bracelet comes with plenty of features essential for tracking activity and health.
Key Features
- Heart rate monitoring
- Sleep tracking
- Accurate step counting
- Compatible with smartphones
- Waterproof
If you are looking for more than a pedometer in a fitness tracking device, this particular model from Xiaomi is an ideal choice. It tracks the heart rate, sleep, and steps. It comes in a simple design that is comfortable to wear for long hours of exercise.
The quality is outstanding, and the inbuilt battery lasts a long time. Additionally, it is waterproof, allowing you to engage in water sports. It might not be the most accurate pedometer out there but works well if you are looking for an all-in-one tracker.
6. Persuper Outdoor Pedometer Watch
This is the best wrist pedometer if you are looking for a waterproof design.
Key Features
- Calorie count
- Alarm clock
- Stopwatch
- Dual time design
- Comfortable and durable
- Backlight
It is one of the most accurate step counter designs on the market. It is super comfortable to wear, thanks to the high-end silicone strap. With the dual time display, you can easily track your activity time.
Although the backlight works in low-lit situations, it affects visibility in bright natural light. But, with the accuracy of this wrist pedometer, this is not a significant problem.
7. FITFORT Fitness Tracker with Pedometer
Having an activity tracker helps you evaluate your progress and make changes if necessary. This fitness tracker with a pedometer is an excellent choice.
Key Features
- Comfortable wristband
- Tracks 14 exercises
- Bright screen in colour
- Easy charging
- Long battery life
- Accurate step counting
The wristwatch comes in a design that is easy to use regardless of the exercise. You can use it when running, cycling, walking, etc. The best thing is that it tracks various parameters in addition to counting steps.
It has a bright LCD display with five brightness levels that you can choose. With the long battery life, this tracker is the best for regular users.
8. Smart Bracelet Pedometer Tracker
The seamless design of this pedometer makes it one of the top choices for regular users
- Slim and comfortable
- Large display
- Easy to charge
- Accurate tracking
- Waterproof
- Bluetooth connectivity
If you are looking for an accurate pedometer for walking, this tracker works perfectly. In addition to tracking your steps, it displays additional parameters such as calories, distance, etc. It has a high-quality battery, and with the USB port, it is convenient to charge anywhere.
9. Bluetooth Smart Bracelet Step Tracker
This step counter has amazing functions to keep your exercise levels in check.
Key Features
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Calorie count
- Accurate step counting
- Sleek design
- Comfortable wristband
- IP67 waterproof
It works perfectly for people that engage in different exercises. If you love walking, you can use this tracker and monitor your progress. With the additional parameters, it can help you structure a suitable exercise plan.
10. Sport Style Bluetooth Pedometer Tracker
The best pedometer should count accurately. This sport style tracker can work well if you need to track calories burned, distance and time.
Key Features
- IP67 waterproof
- Wireless connectivity
- Lightweight and comfortable
- 3D acceleration sensor
- Rechargeable battery
The smart wristwatch combines comfort and functionality for the best user experience. It utilizes a 3D accelerator sensor that is highly sensitive for accurate step counts. It is super easy to maintain thanks to the USB port and the high-quality rechargeable battery.
You can pair the pedometer with your phone and track the steps more conveniently. With additional features such as sleep tracking, calorie consumption management, you can monitor your health and make the necessary changes.
Pedometer Features
Pedometers are some of the fitness trackers with few features. Unlike most trackers, pedometers do not sync data to your phone or app. Some designs store several days of data for you to compare but do not have ample space for months of data. Considering how simple they are, there are a few features that contribute to their functionality.
Step Focus
The primary work of a pedometer is counting steps. Designs that come with additional functions take away from the accuracy of its primary purpose; counting steps. On this note, it is essential to pick the simplest design of pedometer and monitor other parameters with more complex fitness trackers.
Distance Count
Some pedometers calculate steps distance. This feature can be helpful to track how far you can walk. Also, if you are training for half marathons, a step distance count can help you gauge the distance and prepare better.
Memory
Pedometers that have a memory feature can help you walk more. For example, if you walk 10,000 steps on a given day as stored in your pedometer, you will want to walks 10,001 steps the next day. Also, memory helps you track your progress to improve or make changes. Most designs store up to seven days of data that you can review.
Second/Third Counter
Basic pedometers often miss movements that are not clearly steps. For example, if you are climbing stairs or working out on an elliptical, you will want your pedometer to account for these steps. Some designs count and highlight the difference between such situations and regular walking.
Step Adjustment
Most pedometers allow you to adjust your step for different kinds of movements. For example, if your stride is different on the treadmill than outside, then you can adjust the step for accuracy. It not only ensures the correct count of steps but prevents you from taking credit for more steps than you take.
Types of Pedometers
Spring-Levered Pedometers
This type features a spring-suspended horizontal lever that responds to movement by moving up and down. The lever responds to vertical accelerations of your hips as you walk. When walking, the action opens and closes an electric circuit. As the lever arm touches, the pedometer registers a step.
For functionality, spring-levered pedometers should be placed vertically and perpendicular to the ground.
Piezoelectric Pedometers
These utilize piezoelectric, a material that emits an electric charge when it deforms mechanically. On this note, this kind has a horizontal cantilevered beam that has a weight on end. The weight compresses a piezoelectric crystal with movement as you walk.
This action generates a voltage that is proportional to the movement. The voltage oscillations record steps and the cycle continues. This type is ideal for people that walk slowly since it is much more sensitive than spring-levered ones.
FAQ
Are Pedometers Accurate?
The accuracy of pedometers is affected by speed. At speeds above 3MPH, pedometers count steps more accurately than when walking slower. If you drag your feet, the pedometer might miss some steps due to insensitivity.
How Many Steps Should You Walk a Day?
There is no definite number of steps for optimal health and fitness. Walking for 10 000 steps a day is a popular recommendation among fitness enthusiasts. However, it might not be appropriate for everyone considering age, health conditions, etc. The idea is to remain active and walk according to your health and fitness goals.
The Bottom Line
Pedometers provide objective and reliable data to help you keep track of your activity levels. The best pedometers can act as motivation to stay active and achieve your fitness goals. The reviews above can be a great starting point; hopefully, you find the best pedometer to suit your needs.
