Article Contents
Introduction
The purpose of a pedometer is to count the number of steps you take throughout the day. Simple though this function is it can act as an effective tool to motivate and inspire you to be more active. I personally know a number of people who possess a pedometer and they’re always bragging about how many steps they’ve taken. And they relish the opportunity – any opportunity! – to convert their steps into kilometres travelled: ‘Oh, look,’ exclaims one of my pedometer-wearing compatriots, ‘I’ve walked fifteen-thousand metres today!’
For those people who are either considering or taking steps to increase their daily activity levels, a pedometer could be just the gadget to facilitate that positive lifestyle change. For not only do pedometers count your steps, but they can also stimulate self-competition by encouraging you to exceed your previous day’s step count.
In addition, most pedometers feature a ‘sedentary’ function that notifies you if you’ve remained inactive for too long. This function is designed, of course, to prompt you to move more as well as bringing about awareness of sedentarism.
Right, now that we’ve briefly considered a range of functions and benefits, we will take a look at the best pedometers available for 2021. But before we dive into the review, you’ll find a Buyer’s Guide which outlines the different types and styles of pedometers. The purpose of the Buyer’s Guide is to support you in deciding which type of pedometer will best suit your needs because, as you’ve probably already discovered, pedometers come in many different shapes and sizes.
Buyer's Guide
As with all technological gadgets nowadays there’s a steep gradation of complexity. You’ll have noticed this when you last bought a laptop or TV. There’s the box-standard entry model that performs the primary function then there’s the super-duper, all singing all dancing top of the range model that does a million and one things. And separating the two extremes is a multitude of intermediate options. So frustrating!
Pedometers are no different. A simple pedometer will perform the function of counting your steps when walking and running. However, some of the more complex models feature fitness tracking technology – such as heart rate, calorie counting and stress monitoring.
Before purchasing your pedometer you might want to deliberate over exactly which functions you think you’ll need (see list below). Once you’ve made up your mind, you’ll be able to select a pedometer more suited to your fitness requirements. To make life a little simpler, the commentary has been cut down considerably so that the review focuses primarily on the essential functions of the 5 featured pedometers.
3 Different Types of Pedometer
Clip-on pedometer
These pedometers are in many ways similar to a pager – that now archaic communicative device that pre-dates mobile phones. The clip-on pedometer is used in the way that its name implies: you would clip the pedometer to your waistband or belt. Being the most primitive type they are relatively inexpensive costing less than £20. But if all you want is to count steps and a conversion calculator then the clip-on is the perfect pedometer for you.
Wrist pedometer
The wrist pedometer typically features more functions than their clip-on counterparts. They sit somewhere between a basic pedometer and a fitness tracker. For example, a wrist pedometer, in addition to counting steps and converting them into kilometres, may also estimate calorie consumption, estimate sleep duration and feature functions like sedentary alerts and stress monitoring.
Of course, the price of a wrist pedometer is reflective of the additional functions they feature. However, even a ‘top of the range’ model costs little more than £20.
Fitness tracker pedometer
The fitness tracker pedometer performs a multitude of innovative functions which aim to provide the wearer with a comprehensive insight into their physiology. For example, in conjunction with step counting and distance conversions, the fitness tracker pedometer monitors heart rate, calorie consumption, sleep duration (some can even assess the quality of sleep), stress levels and sedentarism – that is, how long the wearer has remained in an inactive state.
Furthermore, the fitness tracker pedometer provides the wearer with an assessment of their activity levels and, if those levels fall under a proscribed range, ‘suggests’ or ‘prompts’ them to participate in more exercise.
Fitness tracker pedometers can cost anywhere between £30 and £120.
Key Features
Steps into distance calculation: surprisingly not all pedometers calculate steps into distance (usually kilometres) travelled. However, for most this is an essential feature as it provides the wearer with a comprehensible metric. All of the pedometers that feature in this review calculate steps into distance.
Calorie: the most basic pedometers count steps and not much else. But the more high-tech products count calories as well. This feature is beneficial for those who are observing a calorie-controlled diet or are participating in a weight management programme.
1: Realalt 3DTriSport 3D Pedometer, Accurate Step Counter with Clip and Strap (£19.99)
Product Overview (click image for availability)
The 3DTriSport pedometer uses the latest Tri-Axis Sensor Technology which offers superb accuracy.
Easy-to-use functions the Realalt converts steps into distance travelled (kilometres or miles).
Large screen displays steps clearly.
Stores up to 30-days of daily step records.
Realalt’s light-weight clip-on pedometer features the Tri-Axis technology which is widely regarded as the most accurate for counting and tracking steps. The on-board computer, though undeniably basic in available functions, does allow you store up to 30-days of steps. Thus, you can access previous daily totals when you find yourself in a bragging competition with another pedometer enthusiast. The large screen clearly displays current steps taken and daily total. This pedometer is perfect for the person who wants a simple, no-fuss step counter.
4.5 stars with over 3400 reviews!
2: Letsfit Fitness Tracker & Pedometer (£21.99)
Product Overview (click image for availability)
The precise algorithm accurately calculates all-day activities like steps, distance, calories burned and active minutes.
Tracks your sleep duration and consistency automatically with comprehensive analysis of sleep quality data so you can get a better routine.
Letsfit fitness tracker pedometer can be paired with your smartphone so you can see incoming call, text, and calendar notifications right on your wrist.
Water resistant design enables you to count steps even when it’s wet out.
The built-in USB plug makes it easy to charge with any USB block and computer.
This is the first of the fitness tracker pedometers. As a consequence it offers many more functions than merely counting steps. For example, Letsfit’s fitness tracker calculates steps into distance and provides you with an accurate estimation of calories consumed. In addition, it automatically tracks and records your sleep duration while also analysing sleep quality. Another feature of note includes its smartphone compatibility: once paired this fitness tracker will notify you of incoming calls and texts. Also, it features a handy built-in USB plug which makes charging easy.
4 stars with over 13,000 reviews!
3: TEMINICE High-End Fitness Tracker & Pedometer (£27.99)
Product Overview (click image for availability)
Accurately records all-day activities such as steps, distance, calories burned, miles walked and active minutes.
Heart rate tracks real-time heart rate automatically and continuously throughout the day.
Automatically monitors your sleep duration and consistency and provides you with a comprehensive analysis of sleep quality.
Built-in the Nordic 51832 Chip, minimum size, lowest power consumption, highest integration.
14 exercise modes and multi-sport tracker enables you to analyse performance
Connects to GPS on your mobile phone so that you can record walk/run/cycle distance, current pace and average pace.
Compatible with most smartphones thus enabling you to receive text and call notifications.
As with Letsfitt, TEMINICE’s fitness tracker and pedometer boasts a staggering array of apps and functions. Yes, it costs slightly more but, as well as the typical fitness functions – steps, distance, pace tracking, etc., – it also offers 14 different sport modes and apps. It also comes with three health modes which enable you to: record personal activity throughout the day/week/month; monitor sleep and analyse the quality of sleep; interpret sleeping patterns based on scientific advice and research; monitor heart rate, sport distances, sleeping issues are individually recorded. Furthermore, this fitness tracker and pedometer also alerts you if you are not being active enough. The sedentary function assesses your levels of activity and alerts you if you have remained in an inactive state for too long.
4.5 stars with 24,500 reviews!
4: HONOR Band 5 Fitness Tracker and Pedometer (£35.00)
Product Overview (click image for availability)
Accurately records all-day activities such as steps, distance, calories burned, miles walked and active minutes.
In addition to being water-resistant up to 50m, the HONOR Band 5 automatically tracks swimming speed, distance covered and calories burned.
Heart rate tracks real-time heart rate automatically and continuously throughout the day.
Automatically monitors your sleep duration and consistency and provides you with a comprehensive analysis of sleep quality and provides you with over 200 tips for sleeping.
The SpO2 Blood Oxygen function allows you to analyse your physical condition during the day.
The multi-sport mode provides a better training experience as it offers real-time tracking of heart rate and performance measures; running time, distance, speed.
Connects to GPS on your mobile phone so that you can record walk/run/cycle distance, current pace and average pace.
The HONOR Band 5 fitness tracker and pedometer is another step-up from the TEMINICE. As well as featuring all the aforementioned functions it can also be used as swim coach by providing you with readings refence your speed and distance. In addition, it provides you with real-time heart rate and performance outputs across a range of sports and exercise disciplines. This fitness tracker and pedometer would be perfect for the keen runner, cyclist, swimmer and/or triathlete. And, thanks to its smartphone compatibility, when you're out exercising you'll still be able to receive text and call notification.
4.5 stars with nearly 6000 reviews.
5: Smart Watch, YONMIG Fitness Tracker & Pedometer (£39.99)
Product Overview (click image for availability)
All-day activity tracking records your everyday activities in detail, including steps, distance, calories burned, mileage, workout duration, heart rate, sleep, and more.
Heart rate monitor tracks real-time heart rate automatically and continuously.
Sleep monitoring tracks sleep duration, consistency and offers an analysis of the quality of sleep.
Multi-sport modes for walking, running, cycling, climbing, hiking, treadmill, gym training, tennis, football and more.
Connects to your mobile phone and notifies you of text messages and calls.
High-resolution 1.3-inch screen displays all your fitness data and the reinforced, scratch-resistance 2.5D glass is smooth and responsive.
Call and message notification enables you to receive and read SMS messages and SNS notifications straight to your fitness tracker (including: Facebook, Whatsapp, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook Messenger, LinkedIn, and more).
Long battery life: 2-3 hours charge lasts for up to 10 days, or 45 days if standby is activated.
The smart watch fitness tracker and pedometer by YONMIG automatically records your everyday activities in detail, including steps, distance, calories burned, mileage, heart rate, sleep, and more. It provides you with comprehensive and accurate statistics that enable you to learn how your body responds to physical exercise. The 24-hour heart rate monitoring function can be set to either track heart rate activity manually or automatically. But it also comes with a nifty feature that automatically monitors your heart rate during exercise.
As well as the plethora of features already outlined and listed, this fitness tracker and pedometer also automatically records your sleep, including the relative ‘depths’ or ‘quality’ of your sleep. And what’s more, each morning you will wake to a ‘comprehensive analysis of your sleep quality’ and be provided with ‘ways you can improve it.’ How awesome is that!
4.5 stars with over 8000 reviews!
FAQ
How Accurate Are Pedometers?
Far more accurate than if you tried to manually count your steps that’s for certain. The majority of pedometers feature the coveted and exceedingly accurate 3d tri-Axis sensor technology, which boasts about a plus/minus 10% deviation. So, for every thousand steps you take, you have the luxury of adding or subtracting 100.
How Do Pedometers Work?
In most modern pedometer there is a mechanical device (a swinging pendulum) and microchip that are sensitive to subtle changes in movement. Each change translates to a step taken and these steps are, of course, counted and tallied throughout the day. However, this is merely surface level insight. For a comprehensive overview of how pedometer work follow the link.
How Many Daily Steps Should I Be Aiming For?
That really depends on your present level of physicality and fitness aims. However, apparently 10,000 steps per day is a worthwhile benchmark to aim for.
(As we are very interested in user experience here at Hungry4Fitness, we would be very grateful if you could take a few seconds out of your day to leave a comment. Thanks in advance!)
Blog Author
Adam Priest, former Royal Marines Commando, is a personal trainer, lecturer, boxing and Thai boxing enthusiast.
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