Best 7 Clip-on Fitness Trackers And Pedometers In 2023

If you are looking for a good clip-on Fitness tracker in 2023, this guide is for you.

Clip-on fitness trackers and pedometers have come a long way since their inception and now they are better than ever. Modern clip-on fitness trackers and pedometers come with advanced sensors which allow you to track your steps and fitness activities with great accuracy. 

If you just want to track your steps, you can consider a good pedometer. However, if you want to track your steps and fitness activities, you can go with clip-on fitness trackers. In this comprehensive guide, we will take a closer look at clip-on fitness trackers and pedometers and will share the best ones with you.

In this WearToTrack Guide, I’ll cover the following topics:

• Everything you need to know about the Clip-on Fitness Trackers
• Accuracy of Pedometers & Clip-on Fitness trackers
• Accuracy of Pedometers on Treadmills
• Accuracy of Pedometers in the Pocket
• Best location to wear a pedometer
• Top Clip-on Fitness Trackers and Pedometers in 2023
• And many more!

So, without any further ado, let’s get started.

Here is an article on my website that you must read, its about the 15 Best Fitness Trackers Compatible with MyFitnessPal(MFP) In 2023.

Clip-on Fitness Trackers – Everything You Need To Know!

While the majority of fitness trackers are designed to be worn on wrists, clip-on fitness trackers are the ones that you can strap on your bra or pants.

These Clip-on fitness trackers are slightly smaller than regular fitness trackers and have a low profile which is the reason why they are popular among people who love discreet fitness trackers.

When it comes to functionality, clip-on fitness trackers work similarly to wrist-based fitness trackers which means that they can track your steps and workouts. 

However, Clip-on fitness trackers come with some limitations as well. For example, like wrist-based fitness trackers, clip-on fitness trackers can’t track your heart rate. Similarly, the accuracy is also not as good as wrist-based fitness trackers but you can get fairly good accuracy by wearing them at waist height near your legs.

So, if you are someone who doesn’t like wearing fitness trackers on the wrist and are looking for a fitness tracker that you can wear on your bra or pants, you can consider the clip-on fitness trackers.

Here is an article that I have written about the Best Fitness Trackers with a Chest Strap And Why Do You Need It?

How Accurate Are Modern Pedometers?

Modern pedometers come with advanced sensors such as accelerometers which can detect your movement with great accuracy and record your steps. 

Scientists have also studied the accuracy of modern pedometers and they have found them pretty accurate in most scenarios. One study which was conducted by the University of Tennessee and published in the National Library of Medicine concluded that the low-cost pedometers were pretty accurate in recording steps. However, the study also highlighted the factors which can affect the accuracy of a pedometer. 

The scientists noted that the pedometers were more accurate at fast speeds as compared to slow speeds. The study mentions that the pedometers were more accurate at 3.0 mph as compared to 2.0 mph. So, the studies show that if you want your pedometers to accurately track your steps, you will need to move faster.

Similarly, modern pedometers have demonstrated their efficiency in various studies but it’s also a fact that pedometers or fitness trackers are not 100% accurate. In low-cost pedometers, you can expect a 10% error and in high-end fitness trackers, you can expect a 5% error.

Another post that will interest you is about Which Is More Accurate Fitbit Or Simple Pedometer?

Do Pedometers Work On Treadmills?

Yes, Pedometers come with an accelerometer sensor that can detect your movement and it allows the pedometer to detect your steps on Treadmills as well.

However, the accuracy of the Pedometer on the treadmill, and generally, can vary depending on its location. So, if you want your pedometer to track steps accurately on the treadmill, make sure that you wear it at waist height and near the legs.

How Accurate Is A Pedometer If I Put It In My Pocket?

The accuracy of the pedometer in the pocket will not be very good and it may record the extra number of steps depending on your dress type.

So, if you want your pedometer to accurately track your steps, it’s recommended that you shouldn’t put it in the pocket.

Try to clip it on a place where it doesn’t move freely and the ideal location to wear the clip-on fitness tracker is waist height but you can also wear it on your bra.

Where Should I Wear A Pedometer For Best Results?

If you want your pedometer to offer the best results, you must wear it at your waist height and near your hip. It’s because when you move, your hip will also move which will indicate to the pedometer that you are moving and it will record the step.

Some people also prefer wearing a pedometer or clip-on fitness tracker around their ankles but this location is not as accurate as your hip. If you wear your pedometer around your ankles, it may record extra steps as just moving your legs casually.

So, if you want to get the best results, make sure that you wear your pedometer near your waist height.

Top 7 Clip-on Fitness Trackers And Pedometers In 2023

In 2023, we have many great clip-on fitness trackers and pedometers available. So, after extensive research and feedback from the community, I’ve handpicked the top 7 clip-on fitness trackers and pedometers that you can buy right now. Let’s have a look at my top picks.

1. Fitbit Charge 5 Advanced

Let’s start with the Fitbit Charge 5 which is arguably the best fitness tracker you can buy right now and using third-party accessories, you can use it as a clip-on fitness tracker.

The best thing about the Fitbit Charge 5 is that it’s pretty compact and lightweight so you can easily clip it on your pants or bra without getting uncomfortable.

Also, the accuracy of the Fitbit Charge 5 is pretty good. It comes with a 3-axis accelerometer which can detect your movement in 3-axis and it’s pretty accurate when it comes to tracking steps. On top of that, it’s also equipped with built-in GPS which means that it will track your outdoor workouts with great accuracy.

In the Fitbit Charge 5, you also get many other great features that include ECG, SPO2, activity tracking, sleep tracking, and stress tracking. But, it’s also worth noting here that you won’t be able to use most of these features if you wear the fitness tracker on your waist, pants, or bra. If you want to use these features, you will need to wear your fitness tracker on your wrist.

So, if you are looking for an advanced clip-on fitness tracker to track your steps & fitness activities, you can’t go wrong with Fitbit Charge 5.

2. Fitbit Inspire 3

The Fitbit Inspire 3 is another very popular fitness tracker which you can use as a clip-on fitness tracker using third-party accessories.

Compared to the Fitbit Charge 5, Inspire 3 is a more affordable option but it also lacks some advanced features. However, it’s more compact and lightweight.

When it comes to accuracy, Inspire 3 is as good as Charge 5 because both fitness trackers come with a 3-axis accelerometer. So, the Inspire 3 will be tracking your steps with great accuracy.

However, it lacks dedicated GPS and advanced features such as ECG & SPO2 which can be a deal breaker for some people. But, if you are on a budget and you want an accurate Fitbit clip-on fitness tracker, Fitbit Inspire 3 is a solid option for you.

3. Garmin Vivosmart 5

Garmin Vivosmart 5 is one of the latest fitness bands by Garmin and like other bands on the list, Vivosmart 5 can also be used as a clip-on fitness tracker using a third-party accessory.

When it comes to price, Vivosmart 5 competes directly with the Fitbit Charge 5 but it doesn’t feel as premium as the Charge 5.

However, when it comes to accuracy, Vivosmart 5 is as good as charge 5. It comes with the latest accelerometer sensor which can track your steps with great accuracy.

In terms of features, you get features such as a step counter, hydration tracking, SPO2, and others but you can only use these features when the fitness tracker is worn on the wrist.

Vivosmart also doesn’t come with GPS which can be a deal breaker for some people. Overall, the Fitbit Charge 5 is the best option at this price point but if you are looking for a good clip-on fitness tracker by Garmin, you can consider Garmin Vivosmart 5. 

4. Xiaomi Mi Band 7

If you are on a very tight budget and you are looking for a feature-rich clip-on fitness tracker, you can consider the Xiaomi Mi Band 7. 

When Xiaomi Mi Band was launched it disrupted the fitness tracker market with its competitive pricing. Over the years, it has also improved a lot and become one of the best fitness trackers in the budget category.

In terms of tracking, Xiaomi Mi Band 7 is as good as any other clip-on fitness tracker on the list. On the inside, it has a 3-axis accelerometer sensor which allows the band to track your steps accurately.

It doesn’t come with built-in GPS but you can connect it to your smartphone and it will start using the GPS of your phone to track your workouts

Overall, Xiaomi Mi Band 7 is a very attractive option in the budget category and if you are on a budget, you can consider it.

5. 3DFitBud Pedometer

If you are not interested in getting a clip-on fitness tracker and looking for an affordable clip-on pedometer, you can consider the 3DFitBud Pedometer. It’s one of the most popular clip-on pedometers out there and it can track your steps with great accuracy.

The main highlight of the 3DFitBud Pedometer is its 3D Tri-Axis Sensor which allows the pedometer to track your movement with great accuracy and record steps. It also comes with a pretty big display which will show the number of steps.

Also, the built quality of the pedometer is pretty good and it feels sturdy. Overall, If you are looking for a quality pedometer at a reasonable price, you should consider the 3DFitBud Pedometer.

6. Omron HJ-112 Pedometer

Omron HJ-112 Pedometer is another very popular clip-on pedometer that you can use to track your steps every day. 

Omron Pedometers are quite famous for their accurate tracking and Omron HJ-112 is no exception here. It’s one of the latest pedometers by Omron and it comes with 2D Smartsensor technology which allows the HJ-112 Pedometer to track your steps pretty accurately. 

The overall built quality of the Omron HJ-112 Pedometer is pretty good and it feels sturdy enough to handle minor drops easily. 

The biggest drawback of this pedometer is its price. It will cost you around 90 bucks and at this price, you can easily get a dedicated clip-on fitness tracker. So, I’d rather spend my money on a fitness tracker rather than a simple pedometer. 

However, If you are looking for a high-end pedometer with great accuracy and are willing to pay a slight premium for it, you can consider the Omron HJ-112 Pedometer.

7. Garmin Running Dynamics Pod

This is my favorite clip-on fitness tracker, however, it will only work with compatible Garmin’s watches. If you are a Garmin user who wants to get additional accurate data regarding your running both outdoor and indoors than this device is for you.

Running with the Garmin running dynamics pod will just give you so much additional data to your watch’s data making your runs an amazing experience.

The running dynamics pod will add data such as Very accurate cadence, Ground contact time balance, stride length, vertical oscillation, vertical ratio and Ground contact time. The main con of it is that is will work just with compatible Garmin devices.

Garmin Foot Pod

While the RD pod gives you a running dynamics data and will only work with some Garmin watches, the foot pod will give you data such as speed distance and cadence and it will work with any GPS watch that supports ANT+ foot pods.

Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]

Is Fitbit Zip Still A Good Option In 2023?

No, Fitbit Zip was discontinued in 2019 and was replaced by Fitbit Inspire Clip which allows users to use the Inspire fitness tracker as a clip-on fitness tracker. In 2023, Fitbit Inspire 3 is the best alternative to Fitbit Zip.

Is Bellabeat Leaf Urban Still A Good Clip-on Fitness Tracker?

No, Bellabeat Leaf Urban has been around since 2016 and there hasn’t been any update on this fitness tracker since then. So, Bellabeat Leaf Urban is not a good option in 2023 because there are more accurate and better options available out there.

What Is The Difference Between A Fitness Tracker And A Pedometer?

Pedometer is a simple device that can only track steps whereas a fitness tracker is a complex device that can track your steps, heart rate, workouts, and other metrics.

Are Cheap Pedometers Accurate?

Cheap pedometers can surely track your steps but their accuracy may vary depending on the quality of the accelerometer sensor inside. In cheap pedometers, you can expect an error of around 10%.

Is Fitbit Better Than A Pedometer?

When it comes to tracking steps, a good pedometer & Fitbit are equally accurate. However, Fitbits are better in terms of tracking your overall fitness which makes them a better option than a pedometer.

What Is The Best Clip-on Fitness Tracker In 2023?

These are the top clip-on fitness trackers which you can buy in 2023.

• Fitbit Charge 5
• Fitbit Inspire 3
• Garmin Vivosmart 5
• Xiaomi MI Band 7

What Is The Best Pedometer In 2023?

3DFitBud Pedometer & Omron HJ-112 Pedometer are two of the best pedometers you can buy right now. In my opinion, 3DFitBud Pedometer offers the best value for money and offers great accuracy. 

Conclusion

Clip-on Fitness Trackers and Pedometers are two excellent devices that you can use to track your step count accurately. Honestly, you can’t go wrong with any two of them but it all comes down to your personal preference.

If you only want to track your steps, you can consider a pedometer. However, if you also want to track your workouts, sleep, and other metrics, you should consider a clip-on fitness tracker. In this guide, I’ve shared the top 7 clip-on fitness trackers and pedometers which you can buy right now and you can choose the one based on your requirements.

I hope that you found this guide useful and If you have any questions about these picks, please feel free to contact me. Also, if you are interested in tracking your sleep, check this guide where I’ve shared the best fitness trackers for sleep tracking.