Best Pedometer App?

January 7, 2013 1:26 PM

I'm looking for an iPhone pedometer app that will count my daily steps. I'd like it to automatically run in the background all the time, so I don't have to remember to open it each day. Any suggestions?
posted by kidsleepy to health & fitness (10 answers total)

You'll need more than an app to track that properly. There are a bunch of Bluetooth pedometers and geotrackers for iOS.
posted by Burhanistan at 1:30 PM on January 7

To me that sounds like something that couldn't exist in the iOS ecosystem. Have you checked out either of the Bluetooth FitBit pedometers?
posted by sgo at 1:34 PM on January 7 [2 favorites]

iOS doesn't allow always-on background apps, so this can't exist in the form you want. as the others said, perhaps check out fitbit or one of the other Bluetooth pedometer devices.
posted by russm at 1:42 PM on January 7

Everyone else has nailed it. If you decide to pursue hardware, I love my FitBit One.
posted by Silvertree at 1:43 PM on January 7

My old iPod nano came with a native pedometer app. I don't recall what it was but surely there's something similar for the iPhone?
posted by kidsleepy at 1:50 PM on January 7

There actually are pedometer apps that don't rely on GPS in the app store, but I still think you're better off with a gadget like a fitbit out of concern for battery life. These can pair with an iPhone app to report your daily activity.
posted by adamrice at 1:55 PM on January 7

Here to recommend getting a FitBit One. It's a tiny device, the battery lasts a week, it has a built in display, and will automatically sync wirelessly with their free online service.
posted by axismundi at 2:14 PM on January 7 [2 favorites]

Even if you could do that, it would murder your iphone's battery. Get a fitbit.
posted by empath at 2:38 PM on January 7

Seconding FitBit. Also measures stair-climbing and sleep habits, and it gives little "rewards" when you meet targets.
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 2:43 PM on January 7

The gods have heard my prayers (and I didn't even have to sacrifice a goat)!

http://www.moves-app.com/
posted by kidsleepy at 8:43 AM on February 26