Best 9 Step Counter Apps in 2026: Feature Comparison

Introduction

Google Fit is the best overall step counter app here. It's free, works with Wear OS, and connects to Strava and MyFitnessPal. This list covers nine apps across iPhone and Android, from simple pedometers to full fitness trackers. Comparisons rest on verified store listings and published descriptions, not hands-on testing.

Quick comparison table

Features and pricing change, so check the current store listing before you install.

1. Pacer Pedometer & Step Tracker

Best for: people wanting a widely recommended walking tracker on either phone platform.

Pacer tracks steps and calories on both iPhone and Android. It's widely recommended, though we haven't tested it ourselves. The combined step and calorie tracking is what sets it apart, and it suits people who mainly walk.

2. Google Fit

Best for: free tracking for anyone with a Wear OS watch or other fitness apps.

Google Fit counts steps and tracks activity on iOS and Android. It supports Wear OS smartwatches and integrates with Strava and MyFitnessPal. That app-to-app connectivity is its main strength, and it's why it tops this list.

3. Accupedo Pedometer

Best for: a no-fuss, popular pedometer on iPhone or Android.

Accupedo is described as one of the most popular pedometer apps. The listing gives few feature details, so popularity is the main thing to go on. It also runs on both platforms, which helps.

4. Stepz

Best for: people worried about battery drain.

Stepz is an all-in-one pedometer for iPhone and Android. Its listing reports low battery use, though we haven't measured it. That's the reason to consider it.

5. Pedometer++

Best for: iPhone users who want a well-reviewed step counter.

Pedometer++ is iOS-only and highly rated on the App Store. The large number of positive reviews is the main evidence in its favor. Its strong reputation is the draw.

6. Leap Fitness Step Counter

Best for: Android users who want something simple.

This is a straightforward Android pedometer, and it isn't available on iPhone. The listing is brief, so expect the basics rather than extras. Simplicity is the whole pitch.

7. MyFitnessPal

Best for: people who want step counting alongside calorie and macro tracking.

MyFitnessPal counts steps, but that's secondary to food logging, fitness and water tracking. If you only want a pedometer, it's probably more than you need. Its best feature is calorie and macro tracking in the same app.

8. Fitbit

Best for: people who want activity tracking, with or without a Fitbit device.

Fitbit records steps and can work as a standalone pedometer on your phone. The app is built around the wider Fitbit activity tracking ecosystem. You can count steps with just your phone and add a tracker later if you want one.

9. ActivityTracker

Best for: people who want daily activity logged beyond steps.

ActivityTracker is a pedometer that tracks daily activities on iOS and Android. The listing is light on specifics, so check the store page for details. Daily activity tracking is what it offers beyond steps.

Frequently asked questions

Do step counter apps need a smartwatch?

No. Phone-based counting works for every app here. Google Fit and Fitbit also support wearables if you add one later.

Which step counter apps are free?

Google Fit is listed as free. For the rest, check current pricing and in-app purchases in each store listing, since they change.

Do step counter apps drain the battery?

Stepz is reported to have low battery use, though we haven't measured it. Results vary by phone.

Which apps work on both iPhone and Android?

Pacer, Google Fit, Accupedo, Stepz, MyFitnessPal, Fitbit and ActivityTracker are cross-platform. Pedometer++ is iOS-only and Leap Fitness Step Counter is Android-only.

How accurate are phone step counters?

Accuracy depends on where you carry the phone, such as a pocket versus a bag. We haven't measured it.

The verdict

Google Fit is the strongest overall pick. It's free, supports Wear OS, and integrates with Strava and MyFitnessPal. Pacer Pedometer & Step Tracker is the runner-up for cross-platform walkers. Pedometer++ is the runner-up for iPhone users wanting a highly rated pedometer.

If you want more than steps, try MyFitnessPal or Fitbit. Check the current listing before installing.