Best Pedometer App for iPhone — Free & Accurate (2026)
Looking for the best pedometer app for iPhone? Compare free pedometer apps by accuracy, widgets, and features. Find the right one for your fitness goals.
Steps Team•
Best Pedometer App for iPhone — Free & Accurate (2026)
A pedometer app turns your iPhone into a step counter. Your phone's accelerometer detects movement and counts every step — no extra hardware needed. But which pedometer app should you use?
This guide covers how pedometer apps work, what features matter, and why Steps: Workout & Pedometer is the best pedometer app for iPhone in 2026.
How Pedometer Apps Work on iPhone
Every iPhone has a motion coprocessor (M-series chip) that tracks movement in the background. Pedometer apps read this data through Apple's HealthKit framework.
This means:
- All HealthKit apps report the same step count — accuracy doesn't vary between apps
- Steps are tracked even when the app isn't open — the chip runs constantly
- Battery impact is minimal — the motion coprocessor is low-power
The difference between pedometer apps isn't accuracy — it's how they present your data and what extra features they offer.
What to Look For in a Pedometer App
Widgets and Glanceability
The best pedometer apps let you see your steps without opening the app. Look for home screen widgets, lock screen widgets, and Apple Watch complications.
Goal Tracking and Streaks
A daily step goal gives you something to aim for. Streak tracking adds motivation — you won't want to break a 30-day streak.
Workout Logging
Basic pedometers only count steps. Better apps also log workouts with GPS, distance, pace, and calories.
Data Ownership
Your fitness data should be yours. Look for apps that sync with Apple Health and offer export options like GPX files.
Best Pedometer Apps for iPhone in 2026
1. Steps: Workout & Pedometer (Best Overall)
Steps is a feature-rich pedometer that goes beyond basic step counting.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Step Counting | ✓ via HealthKit |
| Widgets | 8 types (home, lock, StandBy) |
| Apple Watch | Native app + complications |
| Workouts | 23+ types with GPS |
| GPX Export | ✓ |
| Streaks | ✓ Daily goal streaks |
| Yearly Recap | ✓ Wrapped-style insights |
| Personal Records | 8 categories |
| Price | Free (Pro available) |
Why it's the best: Steps combines a pedometer with a full workout tracker. You get 8 widget types, GPX export, streak tracking, yearly insights, and 23+ workout types — all in one app. Most pedometer apps only count steps.
2. Pedometer++ (Best for Simplicity)
Pedometer++ is a minimalist step counter that's been on the App Store since 2013. It counts steps and shows basic charts. No workout tracking, no GPX export, no streak tracking.
Best for: Users who want the simplest possible pedometer with no extras.
3. StepsApp (Clean Design)
StepsApp offers a clean interface with step counting and basic charts. Fewer widgets and features than Steps.
Best for: Users who want something simple but slightly more polished than Pedometer++.
4. Apple Health (Built-in)
Apple Health counts steps automatically but doesn't offer widgets, streaks, or workout logging. It's a data source, not a pedometer app.
Best for: Users who don't want to install anything extra and are OK checking the Health app manually.
Pedometer App Comparison Table
| Feature | Steps | Pedometer++ | StepsApp | Apple Health |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Step Counting | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Widgets | 8 types | 3 types | 2 types | ✗ |
| Watch Complications | ✓ Multiple | ✓ Basic | ✓ | ✓ (Activity) |
| Workout Tracking | 23+ types | ✗ | 3 types | ✗ |
| GPX Export | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Streak Tracking | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Yearly Insights | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Calorie Tracking | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
How to Use Steps as Your Pedometer
Step 1: Install and Set Up
Download Steps from the App Store. Grant HealthKit access and your step history loads instantly.
Step 2: Add a Widget
Long-press your home screen, tap +, search for Steps, and pick a widget. The circular progress ring is a popular choice — it shows steps, goal progress, and calories at a glance.
Step 3: Set Your Step Goal
Go to Settings in the app and set your daily target. Start with something achievable — our step goal calculator can help you find the right number for your age and activity level.
Step 4: Check Your Streaks
Hit your step goal every day and your streak counter grows. Open the app to see your current streak and longest streak ever.
Tips for Better Step Tracking
Carry Your Phone Consistently
Your iPhone counts steps when it moves with you. Keep it in your pocket or armband for the most accurate count.
Pair an Apple Watch
An Apple Watch tracks steps even when your phone is on a desk. Steps merges data from both devices automatically through HealthKit — no double-counting.
Walk After Meals
A 10-minute walk after meals improves digestion and adds 1,000–1,500 steps. Three post-meal walks can get you halfway to 10,000 steps without a dedicated workout.
Use the Weekly Chart Widget
The weekly chart widget shows your step trend across the week. It helps you identify low-activity days so you can plan extra walks.
Common Questions About Pedometer Apps
Are pedometer apps accurate on iPhone?
Yes. All pedometer apps that use HealthKit read from the same motion sensors. Step counts are identical across apps — the difference is in features, not accuracy.
Do pedometer apps drain battery?
No. The iPhone's motion coprocessor tracks steps using very little power. A pedometer app that reads from HealthKit adds negligible battery drain.
Can a pedometer app count steps without internet?
Yes. Step counting happens on-device using the motion coprocessor. No internet connection is required.
What's the difference between a pedometer and a fitness tracker?
A pedometer counts steps. A fitness tracker does that plus tracks workouts, heart rate, calories, and more. Steps: Workout & Pedometer does both — it's a pedometer with full fitness tracking built in.
How many steps should I walk per day?
Research suggests 7,000–10,000 steps per day for general health benefits. Your ideal goal depends on age, fitness level, and personal objectives.
Why Steps Is the Best Pedometer App
Most pedometer apps stop at counting steps. Steps goes further:
- 8 widget types for home screen, lock screen, and StandBy
- 23+ workout types with GPS tracking
- GPX export to save and share routes
- Streak tracking to build daily habits
- Yearly insights with a Wrapped-style recap
- 8 personal record categories to celebrate milestones
- Free with no subscription required for core features
Get Started Today
Turn your iPhone into the ultimate pedometer:
- Download Steps from the App Store
- Add a step counter widget to your home screen
- Set your daily step goal
- Start walking and building your streak
Ready for a better pedometer? Download Steps free on the App Store and start counting today.