Best 2023 Smartwatches for step counting accuracy

#1 Garmin Forerunner 265
5.0

Step-counting evidence was limited but positive in one review that described step count as spot-on alongside other tracking.

Pros: step counting accuracy, third-party app support

Cons: ECG functionality, LTE connectivity

#2 Withings ScanWatch Nova
4.6

Step counting accuracy was praised as user-friendly and accurate, including one comparison favoring it over a previous Fitbit.

Pros: battery life, heart rate accuracy

Cons: third-party app support, GPS accuracy

#3 Amazfit GTR Mini
4.5

Step counting received one clear positive assessment, with the pedometer said to work well and count accurately.

Pros: pairing reliability, workout tracking variety

Cons: contactless payments, onboard music storage

#4 Garmin Forerunner 965
4.5

Step counting was tested as accurate, with a very low error rate in one review.

Pros: water resistance, workout tracking variety

Cons: LTE connectivity, ECG functionality

#5 Garmin Vivoactive 5
4.3

Step counting accuracy was positive, with testers finding counts aligned with measured courses or predictable routes.

Pros: fitness tracking accuracy, wellness insights

Cons: software smoothness, ECG functionality

#6 Amazfit Bip 5
4.2

Step counting receives one clear positive lab note for good accuracy.

Pros: comfort, touchscreen responsiveness

Cons: calorie tracking usefulness, onboard music storage

#7 Samsung Galaxy Watch 6
4.2

Step counting accuracy was supported by one reviewer whose steps, active calories, and average heart rate matched other watches well.

Pros: voice assistant quality, music controls

Cons: blood oxygen tracking, cross-platform compatibility

#8 Garmin Approach S70
4.0

Step counting gets limited positive evidence, with one reviewer finding the advanced step counter useful in daily use.

Pros: recovery insights, GPS accuracy

Cons: software smoothness, fitness tracking accuracy

#9 Garmin Venu 3
4.0

Step counting is supported by a single positive review that characterized step tracking as reasonably accurate.

Pros: health tracking accuracy, software smoothness

Cons: LTE connectivity, mapping and navigation

#10 Xiaomi Redmi Watch 4
3.8

Step counting accuracy is generally acceptable, with totals described as in line or not wildly far from comparison wearables.

Pros: battery life, software smoothness

Cons: contactless payments, recovery insights

#11 Withings ScanWatch 2
3.6

Step counting drew mixed but mostly acceptable feedback, from precise and conservative to variable or slightly trigger-happy depending on the reviewer.

Pros: Bluetooth connectivity, pairing reliability

Cons: third-party app support, contactless payments

#12 Garmin vivomove Trend
3.5

Step counting evidence was mixed, with one reviewer finding counts well aligned and another finding a 100-step test overcounted.

Pros: activity auto-detection, build quality

Cons: blood oxygen tracking, Bluetooth connectivity

#13 Casio G-Shock DW-H5600
3.1

Step counting can be solid in normal daily use, but arm movement, workouts, and distance estimation produced notable overcounts or shortfalls.

Pros: durability, outdoor visibility

Cons: app ecosystem, third-party app support

#14 TicWatch Pro 5
2.8

Step counting drew a single negative note where the count appeared to update only intermittently.

Pros: contactless payments, battery life

Cons: voice assistant quality, LTE connectivity

#15 Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro
2.3

Step counting accuracy drew negative evidence, with reviewers reporting inconsistent steps or early glitches where step totals failed to update correctly.

Pros: pairing reliability, outdoor visibility

Cons: ECG functionality, running power support

#16 Withings ScanWatch Light
2.1

Step counting accuracy is a weak spot, with reviewers reporting roughly 1,000-step gaps versus comparison devices.

Pros: comfort, build quality

Cons: call handling, contactless payments