Best Step Counter App for iPhone in 2026
Find the best step counter app for iPhone. Compare features, widgets, and accuracy to pick the right pedometer for your daily step goals.
Steps Team•
Best Step Counter App for iPhone in 2026
Your iPhone already counts steps in the background. But the built-in Health app buries that data behind taps and menus. A dedicated step counter app puts your daily steps front and center — on your home screen, lock screen, and Apple Watch face.
This guide covers what to look for in a step counter app and why Steps: Workout & Pedometer is the best option for iPhone users in 2026.
What Makes a Great Step Counter App?
Not all step counter apps are equal. The best ones go beyond a simple number on your screen:
- Home screen widgets — See your steps without opening the app
- Apple Watch support — Track steps from your wrist with complications
- Goal tracking — Set daily targets and build streaks
- Workout tracking — Log walks, runs, hikes, and more with GPS
- Data export — Own your data with GPX and HealthKit sync
- Clean design — Easy to read at a glance
Why the Built-in Health App Falls Short
Apple Health records your steps, but it doesn't offer widgets, streak tracking, or workout logging. You need a third-party step counter app for those features.
Top Step Counter Apps for iPhone
1. Steps: Workout & Pedometer
Steps is a modern step counter built for iPhone and Apple Watch. It combines accurate step tracking with features you won't find in most pedometers.
| Feature | Steps |
|---|---|
| iPhone Widgets | 8 widget types |
| Apple Watch App | Native with complications |
| Workout Types | 23+ |
| GPX Export | ✓ |
| Streak Tracking | ✓ |
| Yearly Insights | ✓ (Wrapped-style) |
| Personal Records | 8 categories |
| HealthKit Sync | ✓ |
| Price | Free (Pro available) |
Why it stands out: Steps offers 8 widget types for your home screen, GPX export for workout routes, and a Wrapped-style yearly recap. It tracks 23+ workout types beyond just walking — running, cycling, hiking, swimming, and more.
2. Pedometer++
A simple, focused step counter. Great if you only need basic daily step counts. Limited to walking and lacks GPX export, streak tracking, and yearly insights.
3. StepsApp
Clean interface with step counting and basic charts. Fewer widget options and workout types than Steps.
4. Pacer
Includes social features and group challenges. Heavier app with more prompts to upgrade.
How to Track Steps with Steps: Workout & Pedometer
Step 1: Download and Open
Download Steps from the App Store. Your historical step data from Apple Health loads automatically — no manual setup needed.
Step 2: Add Widgets to Your Home Screen
Long-press your home screen, tap the + button, and search for Steps. Choose from 8 widget types: step counters, progress rings, weekly charts, and more.
Step 3: Set Your Daily Goal
Set a step goal that matches your fitness level. Steps tracks your daily streak — hit your goal every day and watch it grow.
Step 4: Start a Workout
Tap the workout button to track a walk, run, or hike with GPS. After your workout, export the route as a GPX file to share or analyze.
Step Counter App Features Compared
| Feature | Steps | Pedometer++ | StepsApp | Pacer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Widgets | 8 types | 3 types | 2 types | 2 types |
| Watch App | ✓ Native | ✓ Native | ✓ | ✓ |
| Workout Types | 23+ | Walking only | 3 | 5 |
| GPX Export | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Streaks | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Yearly Recap | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Personal Records | 8 | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Free Tier | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Tips for Getting the Most From Your Step Counter
Wear Your Apple Watch
Steps counts steps from both your iPhone and Apple Watch. Wearing your watch captures steps even when your phone is on a desk or charging.
Use Widgets Daily
Add a step counter widget to your home screen or lock screen. Seeing your progress throughout the day keeps you motivated to hit your goal.
Start Small and Build Up
If you're new to step tracking, start with 5,000 steps and increase by 1,000 each week. The daily step goal calculator can help you find the right target.
Track Workouts Separately
Logging dedicated walks or runs gives you pace, distance, route, and calorie data beyond just step counts.
Common Questions
Are step counter apps accurate on iPhone?
Yes. Apps that read from Apple Health use the same motion sensors. The data is identical across all HealthKit-connected step counter apps.
Do I need an Apple Watch for a step counter app?
No. Your iPhone counts steps on its own using its built-in accelerometer. An Apple Watch adds accuracy when your phone isn't on you and provides wrist-based complications.
What is a good daily step goal?
Most health organizations recommend 7,000–10,000 steps per day. The ideal goal depends on your age, fitness level, and health objectives. See our guide on recommended steps per day by age.
Can I see my steps on my lock screen?
Yes. Step counter apps with widgets let you add step counts to your lock screen in iOS 16 and later.
Why Steps Is the Best Step Counter App for iPhone
Steps gives you everything the built-in Health app doesn't:
- 8 widget types — Home screen, lock screen, and StandBy
- Apple Watch complications — Multiple styles for any watch face
- 23+ workout types — Track walks, runs, hikes, cycling, and more
- GPX export — Save and share your workout routes
- Streak tracking — Stay motivated with daily goal streaks
- Yearly insights — A Wrapped-style recap of your fitness year
Get Started Today
Download Steps and start tracking in seconds. Your Apple Health history loads automatically.
- Download Steps from the App Store
- Add widgets to your home screen
- Set your daily step goal
- Start walking
Find your perfect step counter. Download Steps free on the App Store and start tracking your steps today.