Your first decision will be which type of device to buy (see Pedometer or speed-and-distance device?). Other decisions follow:

Consider how you exercise. If your goal is simply to track how far you’ve gone during your day or on an exercise walk or run, an inexpensive pedometer will do the trick. If you want to know your pace, a speed-and-distance monitor is the right choice. If you like to hike, consider a speed-and-distance monitor that uses the Global Positioning System (GPS).

Consider the features you want. Some devices, noted in the Ratings, have a stopwatch function so that you can time your workouts. Some have a clock, handy if you aren’t wearing a watch; some have backlighted displays, nice if you walk at dawn or dusk; some have a pulse meter. Some pedometers will count calories if you program in your weight and sometimes gender, age, and height. All else being equal, models that ask for more information provide a more accurate calorie count. Some speed-and-distance monitors beep when you go above or below your target speed.

Consider comfort. Pedometers are easy to clip on, but any model’s accuracy can suffer if the unit isn’t worn just right. (See Pedometer or speed-and-distance device?)

Some people may find the wristwatch speed-and-distance devices bulky or the shoe-attached device distracting.

Consider convenience. Try before you buy. Programming pedometers can be as easy as entering your weight and stride length, but you may think you need a math degree to program some GPS devices. And those work only in the open air: A roof or deep woods can block the signal.

Most pedometers make you scroll through the display to read step count, distance, and calories. More convenient models show data and time at once.