A free step counter app uses your phone's motion sensors to count your steps through the day, then shows your totals, streaks and walking history. Simple apps just count steps, while fuller health apps add workouts and goals. Pick one that runs quietly in the background and keep your phone with you while you walk.
Counting steps is one of the easiest ways to see how active you really are. Most of us think we walk more than we do, and a step counter gently shows the truth.
Here are ten free step counter apps, in no particular order and sorted alphabetically. Some are simple pedometers, some are full health apps, and one rewards you for walking.
Every app here is a free download, according to its store listing, though many show ads or offer extras inside the app. The table and the store labels tell you which.
Before you set a big step goal, it's worth knowing what the official activity guidance says, because it isn't measured in steps at all.
Step counter apps at a glance
In the free plan column, Yes means the app's store listing shows it as a free download. Plenty of free apps show ads or offer in-app purchases, and the store labels tell you which, so check them before you install.
| Tool | Type | Good for | Free plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accupedo | Pedometer app | A simple, long-running step counter | Yes |
| Google Fit | Activity tracking app | Steps and activity on Android | Yes |
| Pacer | Pedometer and walking app | Walking plans and step goals | Yes |
| Samsung Health | Fitness and health app | Steps on Samsung phones and watches | Yes |
| Simple Step Counter | Pedometer app | A no-frills step count | Yes |
| StepGo | Pedometer app | Step counting without ads | Yes |
| StepsApp | Pedometer app | Clean design and step history | Yes |
| StepUp Pedometer | Step challenge app | Step challenges with friends | Yes |
| Stepz | Pedometer app for iPhone | Step counting on iPhone | Yes |
| Sweatcoin | Walking rewards app | Rewards for walking | Yes |
Ten free step counter apps
Accupedo
Best for: People who want a simple step counter with clear daily and weekly charts.
Google Fit
Best for: Android users who want steps and activity tracked with no extra setup.
Pacer
Best for: Walkers who'd like guided plans and goals to build a daily walking habit.
Samsung Health
Best for: Samsung phone and watch owners who want steps alongside sleep and exercise.
Simple Step Counter
Best for: People who want a no-frills step count without a busy health dashboard.
StepGo
Best for: Walkers who'd like a step counter whose name and store listing promise no ads.
StepsApp
Best for: People who like a clean, colourful view of their steps and history.
StepUp Pedometer
Best for: Friends and families who want to keep each other moving with step challenges.
Stepz
Best for: iPhone users who want a dedicated step counter on top of the built-in Health app.
Sweatcoin
Best for: Walkers who are motivated by rewards and challenges for the steps they take.
The activity target that matters more than steps
Step goals are popular, but the US guidance isn't written in steps. The CDC says adults need 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a week, and that it could be 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. It also mentions muscle-strengthening activity on at least 2 days a week.
So use your step counter as a nudge, not a rule. A brisk walk where you can talk but not sing counts towards those minutes, and your app's walking history is a handy way to see whether you're getting there.
Choosing a step counter that suits you
- Background tracking: it should count steps without you opening it.
- Battery: pedometer apps should sip power, not drain it.
- Ads: check the Contains ads label if you check it often.
- Goals: pick an app that lets you set your own target.
- Privacy: read what health data the app shares.
Getting accurate step counts
- Allow the app to use motion and fitness data.
- Keep your phone in a pocket rather than a bag.
- Walk normally for a minute and check the count rises.
- Turn off battery saving for the app if it stops counting.
- Compare a week of totals rather than a single day.
Walking as a break from work
A short walk is one of the simplest ways to reset during a busy day. If you're struggling to switch off, here's why downtime is important for your mental well-being.
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And if work stress is the reason you're not moving, my tips for stressed entrepreneurs include small habits that make room for a daily walk.
Do you make step counter or walking apps? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.
My plain advice on step counters
Pick one app and give it a week before you judge your numbers. Your first week is your baseline, and the goal is simply to beat it a little, not to hit a magic number straight away.
And don't let a missed day spoil a good week. A short walk after dinner counts, and the minutes add up faster than you'd expect.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a free step counter app?
Yes. Every app on this list is shown as a free download on its store listing.
Do step counter apps work without a watch?
Yes. They use your phone's motion sensors, so keep your phone with you.
How many steps should I walk a day?
The CDC sets activity in minutes, not steps: 150 minutes of moderate activity a week for adults.
Are step counter apps accurate?
They're accurate enough to track trends, especially if your phone stays in a pocket.
Do step counters drain the battery?
Good ones use little power. If yours drains the battery, check its location and background settings.
Can I count steps on an iPhone without an app?
The iPhone counts steps in its built-in Health app, and dedicated apps add goals and charts.
Which step counter has no ads?
Check the store label. At least one app on this list shows no Contains ads label.
Can I compete with friends on steps?
Yes. Some apps include step challenges with friends and family.
Do step counters count walking on a treadmill?
Usually, if your phone is in your pocket, though arm movement affects it.
Why did my step counter stop counting?
Battery saving settings often stop apps in the background. Allow the app to run.
Can a step counter help me walk more?
Yes. Seeing your daily total is a simple nudge to take an extra walk.
Do I need to open the app to count steps?
No. Most apps count in the background once you've given them permission.
