
“Then if you really get into it, you could make the investment in a smartwatch or other wearable fitness tracker, which will likely offer more health-related metrics, like a heart rate monitor and sleep tracking.”

“If you’re looking to track your activity, these inexpensive, if not free, apps are a great way to get started,” says Rachel Rothman, chief technologist at the Good Housekeeping Institute. That's what the experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute found when they surveyed dozens of the latest step counter apps, as part of their continued coverage of fitness-related products, from treadmills to training shoes.

The easiest solution is to download a step counter app, most of which work by using the built-in GPS on your cell phone. Keeping track of your physical activity can be hard without a Fitbit, Apple Watch, or other workout tracking device - especially for people who walk as their main form of exercise.

We also added more apps, including Sweat and WW, plus highlights about why we love each app and things to consider before you download. We updated this guide in November 2021 to ensure all step counter apps vetted by the Wellness Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute are available and correctly priced.
