Bonus: Most of these super-accurate pedometers are free!
By Amina Lake Abdelrahman Updated: Nov 22, 2021 Save Article
We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.
We updated this guide in November 2021 to ensure all step counter apps vetted by the Wellness Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute are available and correctly priced. We also added more apps, including Sweat and WW, plus highlights about why we love each app and things to consider before you download.
Keeping track of your physical activity can be hard without a Fitbit, Apple Watch, or other workout tracking device — especially for people who walk as their main form of exercise. The easiest solution is to download a step counter app, most of which work by using the built-in GPS on your cell phone.
That's what the experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute found when they surveyed dozens of the latest step counter apps, as part of their continued coverage of fitness-related products, from treadmills to training shoes. “If you’re looking to track your activity, these inexpensive, if not free, apps are a great way to get started,” says Rachel Rothman, chief technologist at the Good Housekeeping Institute. “Then if you really get into it, you could make the investment in a smartwatch or other wearable fitness tracker, which will likely offer more health-related metrics, like a heart rate monitor and sleep tracking.”
Step counter apps work as pedometers, and are perfect for any fitness level, whether you're walking to lose weight or just trying to get to 10,000 steps a day. It's important to keep in mind that these pedometer apps aren't always as accurate as wearable fitness bands, and they can't monitor heart rate. While many of these apps are free to download, most of them offer some kind of premium version or subscription with added features.
These are the best step counter apps and pedometer apps to download on the App Store or Google Play in 2021:
