Pedometers

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Pedometers

What's behind our pedometers Ratings?

Experts at our National Testing and Research Center tested 15 models in pedometers to see which ones perform best.

We look for:

Overall score
Overall score is based on mostly on accuracy, with ease of use and features also considered.
Accuracy
Accuracy for conventional pedometers and cell phone apps was measured against a manual step counter; for GPS watches, it was measured against a professional-grade measuring wheel that gauges distance
Ease of use
Ease of use includes clarity of instructions and how easy it was to operate the devices as judged by four sensory panelists.
Features
Features include calories, memory, backlight, multiple mode display, dual positioning (for conventional pedometers), water resistance, and speed.

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Recommended pedometers

Recommended pedometers are standout choices with high scores. They include CR Best Buys, which offer exceptional value. When narrowing your choices, weigh features, price, and attributes that matter to you.

Recommended pedometers

Pedometers buying guide

To find the pedometers that is right for you, read our expert advice on which features to consider and how to find the best value.

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Why shop here?

In addition to finding Ratings for the latest models, you can now shop online using an ad-free interface where you can buy pedometers in a safe-shopping environment.

Learn more about our Price & Shop program

Conventional pedometers count steps by detecting movement. Some also calculate calories and distance based on your weight and a stride length that you program in at the beginning of the workout. If you're looking for information about pedometers, Consumer Reports is your best resource. Consumer Reports’ pedometer reviews will give you honest buying advice that you can trust. Use our pedometer buying guide to discover which features are most important to consider. We also provide unbiased Ratings and pedometer reviews to help you choose the best pedometer for your needs.

Ratings & recommended pedometers

Pedometers (15)

The Ratings rank pedometers by overall performance.

Pedometers buying guide

Taking 10,000 steps a day (about 4 miles or so) is often touted as the ideal fitness goal. But even 7,000 steps can have health benefits, the American College of Sports Medicine says. Pedometers can help you to become motivated and to track your progress. We tested 16 and found that you don't have to spend much to get an accurate model. And we tested a few that you can download to your smart phone for less than the cost of a Starbucks latte.

Our test included regular pedometers, GPS watches, and cell phone apps that claim to measure steps and distance through your phone's movement. The recommended models range in price from $3 to $300.