Pedometers Reviews

When it comes to pedometers, accuracy matters most. If a pedometer isn't giving you an accurate count of your steps, it's impossible to get a realistic idea of your total distance and calories burned. In lab testing and clinical studies, researchers found that there are big differences in accuracy when it comes to pedometers. Some models underestimate or overestimate steps by up to 50%. To compound the problems, most pedometers in tests do a far better job counting steps when you're walking faster -- many were less accurate at a slower pace.

We found the best pedometer reviews and testing in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, the journal of the American College of Sports Medicine. The journal includes several studies involving pedometers. The most comprehensive pedometer review comes from University of Tennessee researchers, who contribute several studies to the journal.

Among mainstream publications, Consumer Reports and Prevention magazine also test pedometers. Consumer Reports’ test is better detailed and more methodical, while the pedometer review at Prevention magazine doesn't disclose which pedometers didn't score as well as the nine recommended models. Additionally, we found interesting but less detailed reviews at Money magazine, About.com, Good Housekeeping, Natural Health, PC Magazine and Business Week.

Rather than models from Sportline, reviews consistently back pedometers in the Yamax SW series as best, and in many tests, the Yamax SW-200 (*est. $20) is used as the control. In review after review, experts recommend this simple step-counter for its excellent accuracy. Be aware that because of distribution issues, the Yamax SW-200 is next to impossible to buy except directly through New-Lifestyles, the U.S. distributor. However, the same mechanics are licensed and used in the similar Accusplit AE120XL (*est. $15) , which is more widely available.  ... Continued

Our Consensus Report shows how many times products are top-ranked by reviewers included in our
All The Reviews Reviewed chart.

The Yamax brand receives the most picks, usually for the same two models. Yamax pedometers are hard to find in stores, but Yamax also licenses their technology to Accusplit. The New-Lifestyles NL-2000 is particularly recommended for larger individuals or slower walkers, even though it's more expensive. The WalkStyles DashTrak is one of several pedometers that connect to a computer and analyze fitness data. We found lots of popular support for the Omron HJ-112, which doesn't get the same scrutiny in clinical trials.