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Health Trackers Tested: Which Counts Steps Best?
10 Apr
Summary
- Google Pixel Watch 4 showed the most accurate step count.
- Apple Watch had difficulty displaying workout step data.
- Oura Ring excels in sleep tracking, not activity.
Wearable step counters from Google, Apple, and Oura were recently tested for accuracy. The Google Pixel Watch 4 demonstrated the highest step-counting precision in trials conducted at Brooklyn's Prospect Park. Participants noted that while the Pixel Watch and Oura Ring readily display steps within logged workouts, the Apple Watch Series 11 requires digging through multiple app menus to find this information.
In a comparison of three walking and running trials, the Google Pixel Watch 4 averaged 18 steps off, making it the most accurate. The Apple Watch averaged 53.3 steps off, and the Oura Ring averaged 56.3 steps off. These results highlight the variation in data aggregation among popular health trackers.
While the Oura Ring is recognized for its comprehensive sleep and wellness tracking, it is less optimized for activity monitoring. Conversely, the Apple Watch and Google Pixel Watch are designed with activity tracking as a primary focus. For users prioritizing sleep, the Oura Ring is recommended, whereas the Apple Watch or Pixel Watch are better suited for exercise enthusiasts.
