Top Ten Best Pedometers for Walking and Running

In this article we'll look at the top ten best selling pedometers for walking, jogging and for aerobics. A recent development in pedometers allows them to be used by simply dropping them into a pocket or a bag and our no 1 bestselling pedometer can be used in this way.

Walking and running pedometers are great for increasing the amount of exercise that you get every day by monitoring the number of steps that you take. Pedometers have improved in the last few years with models that can be simply dropped in a pocket or bag rather than having to be attached to a belt or placed on the hip. This makes it much easier to keep your pedometer with you at all times and to monitor your daily progress.

Having a realistic aim for your daily step rate is important and you should aim for 6000 steps a day for fitness or 10,000 steps a day if you need to lose weight. We've looked at the bestselling pedometers at Amazon and assessed them for ease of use and value for money as well as looking at reviews by actual users of each of the pedometers.

See the whole range of pedometers at Amazon here

No 1 The Omron HJ-112 Digital Pocket Pedometer has a unique sensor that allows you to place this pedometer in a bag or in your pocket and still accurately count your steps. It also includes a distance meter, timer and calorie counter and has an easy to read LCD display. If you want to wear it on your belt a belt holder is included and a security strap. In addition there is a 7 day history so that you can see your progress over a week. The counter resets automatically at midnight each day so you are always ready in the morning. The Omron HJ-112 Digital Pocket Pedometer is Consumer Reports no 1 rated digital pedometer and sells on Amazon for around $22.

This very popular model has over two thousand reviews on Amazon and an average rating of four and a half stars. Out of 2700 reviews over 2100 gave it the top five star rating.

Quote: 'I'd recommend this little device to anyone who wants to lose weight- just begin one day, and the next day, see if you can maintain or beat your previous step record. Now how easy is that?' and 'This is indeed a very sensitive little machine that does what it says it will do, in addition to being fast, easy, convenient, and extremely durable.This particular Omron model rises above the field because of one thing: quality. It's accurate, it's easy and fast, and it's dependable if not indestructible (I've sat on it, inadvertently sent it through the wash, dropped it into a bath-tub). It keeps going, as long as you do. If you have a shirt pocket and know how to read from one to 10,000, you're on your way.'

Conclusion

Excellent value, easy to use and accurate the Omron HJ-112 Digital Pocket Pedometer is highly recommended.

No 2 The Omron HJ-151 Hip Pedometer for Aerobic Activity is designed for both walking and aerobic activity and counts steps, calories, distance, time and moderate steps. It has a seven day history and an automatic reset to zero at midnight. The large display is easy to read and a clock is included. It must be correctly positioned on the belt or waistband in a horizontal position. Aerobic and moderate steps are displayed separately so this pedometer is ideal for those with a more active lifestyle. The Omron HJ-151 Hip Pedometer sells on Amazon for around $17.

The Omron HJ-151 Hip Pedometer has been reviewed by around 140 customers at Amazon who gave it an average of four and a half stars.
Quote: 'I really like this product. It's easy to set up and use, and it's not as complicated to read as some of the others out there. It provides exactly the right amount of information that I am interested in--time of day, calories burned, time spent doing moderate activity, distance, average speed, and it automatically resets itself at midnight so you don't have to. For the price, this pedometer is definitely worth it!  and 'This is the best pedometer that I have owned and yes I have had 4 of them...I reviewed many and am very happy with this purchase!!! It keeps accurate information for review for 7 days and does break down regular to moderate steps taken, miles and time...so if you walk, it keeps an accurate record...if you jog or speed walk, it keeps that accurate under moderate steps.'

Conclusion

A low priced pedometer that is accurate and great for walking and jogging.

No 3 The Omron HJ-720 Pocket Pedometer with Advanced Omron Health Management Software measures both walking and aerobic steps as well as calories, time and distance. Aerobic and walking steps are displayed separately and there is a seven day history so that you can see the whole weeks progress. It has a large, clear display, a clock and a detachable belt holder although it can also be used by placing in a pocket or purse. A lithium ion battery is replaceable and will last for around six months. The included software lets you keep track of your progress daily, weekly, monthly and yearly. The Omron HJ-720 Pocket Pedometer sells on Amazon for around $35

Over 1100 customers have reviewed the Omron HJ-720 Pocket Pedometer on Amazon, giving it an average rating fo four and a half stars. Almost 800 gave it the top five star rating.

Quote: 'I think this is an excellent pedometer -- it does the job well and accurately. It counts your steps whether it is clipped on, in your pocket or in a purse. The auto-reset to zero at midnight helps keep you honest. Like the software - a couple of clicks and your data is automatically uploaded. It shows your results on a daily, weekly, monthly,and annual basis. ' and '..really like this unit for a number of reasons. First, it is quite compact and can comfortably fit in a pocket and not feel bulky (you can wear with a clip too or hang it from a cord off a belt). Second, it really seems to accurately count steps. I tried it a few times by counting 50 or 100 steps with the unit in my pocket and it seems to be right on target as a step counter.'

Conclusion

For those who are prepared to pay a little more than for a basic pedometer the Omron HJ-720 Pocket Pedometer is a good buy. It can be used attached to the waist or placed in a pocket or bag and the included software is easy to use and excellent for tracking your progress.

No 4 ACCUSPLIT AE170 Pedometer with Steps, Distance, and Calories Burned can be used for walking or jogging and counts steps up to 100,000 and distance up to 1000 miles. The case closes so that the display is protected from accidental resetting and its sets accurate stride lengths. There is also a 3-way leash. It has an easy to see, clear LED display and the battery life is around 1 1/2 years. the ACCUSPLIT AE170 Pedometer sells on Amazon for around $24.

Customers at Amazon gave the ACCUSPLIT AE170 Pedometer an avergae rating of four stars. They like the way the case closes to prevent accidentally pressing the buttons and the included leash to prevent the pedometer falling off.

Quote: 'This pedometer is easy to set up and use. I tested its accuracy at the local highschool track by walking a 1/2 mile, and sure enough, my pedometer read 1/2 mile. The clip is sturdy, I haven't had any problem with the device falling off.' and '... the case cover on this one protects the buttons so it doesn't reset. I like the fact that I can open the lid and read the LED without taking it off.'

Conclusion

An easy to use pedometer at a reasonable price.

No 5 Oregon Scientific Pedometer with Calorie Counter is a simple, accurate pedometer that measures steps, distance and calories. It has a digital clock, backlight and can measure up to 99999 steps. Batteries are included. It needs to be attached to a belt or waistband to work properly. The Oregon Scientific Pedometer with Calorie Counter sells on Amazon for around $15.

Customers on Amazon gave it an average rating of four star. In general they liked the simplicity and ease of use.

Quote: 'If you want a pedometer that easy to use and that can be adjusted for stride and sensitivity, this is the one. It is far above all that we have tried. and 'I like this product because it does exactly what they said it would, it came with batteries and it works without reading pages of instructions. Simple, effective, no frills.'

Conclusion

A cheap basic, accurate pedometer that will count your steps and display calories burned.

No 6 Omron HJ-303 GoSmart Tri-Axis Pocket Pedometer is an advanced pedometer that uses Omron's Smart Sense technology which filters out movements that are not walking movements to increase the accuracy. It can also be used anywhere on your person, on your hip, in a pocket or a purse and it doesn't have to be placed horizontally to be accurate. The precision is within 5% and it also has a separate display for moderate steps. i.e. steps that are taken at a pace of over 90 steps a minute. It also keeps a seven day history, counts calories and distance and has a sleep mode to prolong battery life which should be about 6 months at an average of 10,000 steps a day. The. Omron HJ-303 GoSmart Tri-Axis Pocket Pedometer sells on Amazon for around $36.

What do actual users of the Omron HJ-303 GoSmart Tri-Axis Pocket Pedometer think about it? Around 80 customers reviewed this pedometer at Amazon giving it an average rating of four and a half stars. Almost 60 customers gave i tthe top rating of five stars.  They found it very accurate and easy to set up and use and most people like the sleep mode for saving the battery although a few found it irritating if they stopped frequently and had to turn it back on. It's small and easy to fit into a pocket or bag although it's also easy to place on a belt withthe adjustable clip.

Quote: 'this revision of the pedometer concept is terrific...small but large numbers...easy to set and use...it really does work in any position...the display blanks out to save power so it is inconvenient to constantly be looking at it...still not much of a problem...overall, the size (small) and accuracy and ease of use make this pedometer an outstanding device for walking or running.' and 'Tracks moderate pace walking in addition to the overall steps for the day. I never need to reset it, unless I want to track the overall total for a specified event (the TRIP function). It doesn't lose the data for the week, and the counter starts fresh after midnight each day.'

Conclusion

A good pedometer if you need accuracy and easy to use in a pocket or on a belt. A little more expensive than some pedometers so choose a cheaper one if you are not interested in these advanced features.

No 7 Omron Healthcare HJ-105 Digital Pedometer is another easy to use and quality product from Omron. It counts time, aerobic steps, calories and distance (in miles) . It has a seven day history function so that you can keep track of your progress. You will need to set  the time, your wight and stride length before usein it for the first time. The Omron Healthcare HJ-105 Digital Pedometer is good value at around $10 at Amazon.

Over 100 customers at Amazon gave the Omron Healthcare HJ-105 Digital Pedometer an average of four stars. They found it to be a good value, basic pedometer although lacking in features found on more expensive models.

Quote: 'While a little sparse on features, it gives you what you basically need; # of steps; distance; # of calories expended. If you are looking for basic, good value, this could be your winner' and 'It has seven day memory for all values, calorie counter, sensitivity setting - more features for less money. I have used it for a couple months so far and have no complaints.'

Conclusion

Good value for a basic pedometer that does what you need without any fancy features.

No 8 Timex T5E011 Pedometer is a compact, lightweight pedometer at a good price. It counts steps (up to 99,999), calories and distance (in either kilometers or miles) The flip top case ensures that buttons are not pressed accidentally and has a spring loaded clip to attach it to a waistband or belt. The included battery lasts for around 10,000 hours. This pedometer needs to placed horizontally on a belt to count steps accurately. It sells on Amazon for around $13.

Customers at Amazon gave the Timex T5E011 Pedometer an average of three and a half stars with many people being very satisfied with this model.However a few people found that walking on softer surfaces (grass etc) reduced the accuracy of the steps taken.

Quote: 'This is my second pedometer and I'm very happy with it. It's super easy to use. You set your stride length and your weight ... and away you go. It's amazingly accurate as far as being able to calculate distance ... and therefore I trust that the number of steps and calories it calculates must also be accurate.' and 'I love this pedometer! I've only ever used one other kind from a class I took and this one is very similar. It does it's job and I've loved owning one! I work out a lot but I found myself working out even more to reach certain goals I set at the beginning of the day.. :)'

No 9 Sw-801 Yamax Digiwalker Pedometer uses the world famous Digiwalker pedometer engine and is accurate and reliable. It counts steps, calories, distance and speed. A security strap is also included. It is small. easy to set up and use and sells on Amazon for around $28.

Customers on amazon gave the Sw-801 Yamax Digiwalker Pedometer an average rating of four stars. Overall they liked the accuracy and the small size.

Quote: 'This is both the smallest and most accurate of the three pedometers that I have tried. I love the fact that the buttons are on the inside so the do not get accidentally pushed' and 'This pedometer works so much better than many other brands I have tried. The others just never seemed to count anything close to all my steps, but this one does. And the tether helps prevent what could be severe damage from a crash to floor/sidewalk if the unit happens to work itself free from the waistband/belt.'

No 10 ACCUSPLIT AE120XL Pedometer is a basic step counter that accurately counts steps but has no other functions. Very easy to use, press one button to reset and go! If all you need is to count your steps this pedometer will work for you. The position is important for accuracy. It comes with a lithium battery that should last about five years and sells on Amazon for around $18.

Over 70 customers on Amazon gave the ACCUSPLIT AE120XL Pedometer an average rating of four stars.

Quote: 'This pedometer works well, is simple to use, reasonably accurate, unobtrusive, has a terrific warranty, and inspires me to walk more. At the price, it's also a bargain.' and 'I wear my pedometer 18 hours/day...walking, playing tennis, working out and at home and the office. This Accusplit has been very reliable and durable.'

Conclusion

A basic pedometer that only counts steps. Good value and accurate.