In the last two decades, the healthcare industry has developed a number of innovative technology devices that have thrown it well and truly into the digital age. From technological advances within the hospital to devices that can help people better manage their health on the go, these innovations have provided something for everyone’s needs!

For the sake of this article, we’re going to stick specifically to pedometers, a portable electric or electromechanical device that counts an individual’s steps. These devices have increased in popularity over the course of the last decade, and many brands have become a namesake in our everyday lives.

With that being said, not every pedometer has been created equally, and with technology like this, choosing the best of the best really is important. The cheaper versions tend to be less accurate, and have none of the additional features that those we mention in this article have.

If you’re looking for high-quality pedometers that are suitable for most price points, then look no further, as we explore the best pedometers available in 2019.

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Omron Heart Guide Smartwatch

Named the best pedometer of 2019 by HealthcareWeekly, the Omron HeartGuide is a unique wearable medical device you need to own today.

Clinically tested and approved, this device scientifically measures your steps and total walking distance each day using real-time walking data.

Unlike some of the other pedometers on the market, it will also provide you with information about the number of calories you have burnt.

But that isn’t all that the Omron HeartGuide Smartwatch offers. With a flexible synthetic wristband that deflates and inflates with ease to fit comfortably on your wrist, this device also continuously takes blood-pressure readings, providing you with real-time indications of your heart health.

Inflating and deflating with ease to take these readings, it will not be uncomfortable and has been created so that it performs as well as in-hospital blood pressure tests. For ease of use, you can also download an Alexa skill related to the smartwatch, which will provide you with information about your steps and heart health whenever you request it.

This innovative technology that has yet to be replicated by another brand does come at a price of $499, which can be slightly out of some people’s price ranges, but it’s definitely worth it if you are able to stretch your budget.

Fitbit Charge 3

Being one of the most well-known brands on the market, the Fitbit has brought previous knowledge of wearable devices to their Charge 3. This device delivers the most accurate pedometer readings across all metrics when compared to most popular pedometers, with tests showing it is out just 25 steps in every 2500 on average.

It also comes with a fast, user-friendly app that you can use to keep track of your fitness settings and goals and work out whether your current level of activity is enough to reach them. You can, if desired, use the app to adjust your stride length, which will increase the accuracy of the metrics you receive.

In addition to this, the Fitbit Charge 3 is waterproof up to 50M, meaning you don’t need to remove it for showering. This also makes it the perfect device for those who swim or engage in regular water sports activities. The Fitbit Charge 3 is relatively cheap, with an MSRP of $169.95.

Misfit Shine 2

If you’re looking for a pedometer that you can style as a watch, the Misfit Shine 2 is the choice for you. With a slick, modern and snazzy design and no display on the front, it’s easy to disguise, making it perfect for those in professional job roles.

With a 30 day memory, this is also perfect for business trips, holidays and other events, as you can set it up and forget about it for weeks before needing to charge it. If you’d rather not have a pedometer showing, the Misfit can handle that, too, as it has the ability to clip it onto your side pocket, belt or waist, or drape it around your neck.

This pedometer has many benefits, including being waterproof and having the ability to measure swim laps in addition to step counts.

The only downside to this pedometer is that it is not the most accurate out of the options on this list, though it is thought to be considerably better at measuring distances than specific step counts.

Striiv Fusion Lite

The Striv Fusion Lite is a unique pedometer that comes with several different features usually reserved for smartphones, including notifications, a full touch screen and a clear LED display. Despite this, it takes its primary role of a pedometer seriously, and is considered to be even more accurate than the Fitbit itself! In fact, it’s only 20 steps out over the course of 2500 steps on average.

On a slightly less impressive note, the accuracy cannot be said for some of the other metrics, including calories burned and active minutes.

Xiaomi Mi Band 3

Xiaomi is a Chinese brand that is bringing affordable, and sleek looking pedometers into the mainstream. Despite initial problems with the comfort and design of its predecessor, the Xiaomi Mi Band 3 has none of those concerns, built with a sleek strap that fits snuggly against the skin.

Primarily, this wearable device is used to measure steps, but it’s also loaded with extra features, including a display that allows you to get alerted to emails and texts. The only downside to this app is that it isn’t as accurate as some of the other options on our list, but its Chinese origins do make it a cheaper option, so it’s not worth ruling out completely!

Summary

The wearable devices we have mentioned in this article prove that their capabilities make them one of the greatest digital transformations we have seen in healthcare in recent years. Though the primary job of pedometers is to measure steps and distance, they go to show that this is no longer enough, and the additional features are often what sells the device.

With options to suit every price point, this article has provided you with a few examples and their benefits, as well as potential drawbacks, that will help you get a better idea of what pedometers have to offer in 2019, and what you may want to look for going forward.
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