Walking not only reduces the risk of heart disease but also improves cardiovascular fitness and overall health. Fitness trackers are an easy and convenient way to keep track of our step count, distance traveled, and calories burned. They come in many shapes and forms, from wrist bands to smart watches and clip-on trackers. Clip-on fitness trackers are the most compact and lightweight. They comfortably clip to any garment and are so lightweight, you won’t even feel them. Some provide basic functionality and only measure the number of steps, while advanced models come with Bluetooth connectivity to sync data to your smartphone. Our experts reviewed many clip-on fitness trackers and chose their top five for you to choose from. These products deliver accurate measurements, are easy to use, and are durable. Let’s aim for a mile a day!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I use a clip-on fitness tracker?
Clip-on fitness trackers are compact and lightweight devices that are used to track the number of steps taken and the distance traveled daily. Although most of our smartphones have built-in pedometers that can track our daily steps, they may not be as accurate as a fitness tracker because of the sensor technology. Plus, smartphones are rather heavy too and can weigh you down when walking or jogging. A clip-on fitness tracker can be secured to exercise shorts or worn around the neck to keep track of the number of steps traveled.
How long do fitness trackers last?
Fitness trackers can last up to several years, depending on their quality and how well you care for and maintain them. Fitness trackers with shock-proof and wear-resistant silicone bodies resist shocks and impacts and can last even longer. Keep in mind that not all fitness trackers are sweat-resistant and their lifetime may be reduced due to prolonged exposure to humidity.
Buying Guide
A smartphone can be uncomfortable to carry on long walks and runs. A lightweight clip-on fitness tracker secured to the waist tracks the number of steps and rarely runs out of battery. We recommend you take the below points into account when shopping for clip-on fitness trackers.
- Accuracy: To accurately measure steps, pedometers use a 3D tri-axis sensor technology that can measure movement no matter its direction. Whether you are hanging it upside down or at an angle, the sensors are superiorly accurate in reading steps.
- Measurements: Aside from measuring daily steps, some fitness trackers also measure distance and calories burned. Some even track how many minutes you are active during the day. If you want to keep track of your training history, some clip-on fitness trackers can save up to 30 days of data. Some fitness trackers even allow users to set daily targets and goals.
- Ease of Use: Some fitness trackers are easier to use than others. Some automatically turn on when you pick them up or when they sense movement. Others require power to be turned on with a button. A large and bright display allows users to easily read measurements.
- Connectivity: Most basic clip-on fitness trackers do not require any connectivity or a Bluetooth connection to a smartphone. Others come with Bluetooth connectivity to sync data to fitness apps on a smartphone or a tablet. You can share your progress with friends and family and even compete to see who meets their daily targets.
- Attachment Method: Clip-on trackers have clips to attach securely to clothing items and pockets. On some models, the clip-on attachment is removable if you want to simply place the tracker in your pocket. Some have eyelets and come with a lanyard if you prefer to hang the fitness tracker around your neck.
- Size: The lighter and more compact a fitness tracker is, the more comfortable it will be during walks and runs. The last thing you need is a large tracker wobbling around when clipped to your walking shorts.
- Battery Life: Fitness trackers do not consume a lot of power and mostly come with replaceable coin batteries that can last anywhere from 6 to 12 months, depending on how frequently you use them. Some fitness trackers automatically shut down after a few minutes of inactivity to preserve battery life.
3DActive Clip-on Fitness Tracker
Best Overall
Extra Large Display
Our top choice is extremely easy to use right out of the box without any setup. The battery lasts for up to 12 months. Put it in your pocket, clip it onto your shirt or shorts, or use the lanyard and wear it around your neck.
Why We Love It:
- Extra large and bright digit display makes reading the number of steps easy
- Accurate and advanced sensor technology that reads steps in all positions
- Made of sturdy and durable ABS plastic and weighs less than an ounce
- Available in four colors to match your personal style
Something to Consider:
- May not be the ideal choice for humid climates since it is not sweat-resistant or water-resistant
Realalt Clip-on Fitness Tracker
Runner Up
Easy to Use
This option measures more than steps. It keeps track of the distance walked, the calories burned, and the total exercise time. Set your daily step goals on the large, bright display to stay motivated and improve your fitness levels.
Why We Love It:
- Stores 30 days of measurements and data to keep track of your progress
- Accurate and smart sensor technology records steps and daily activity
- Can be clipped to the waist, worn around the neck, or just stored in your pocket
- Long battery life of up to 12 months because it automatically shuts down if not in use
Something to Consider:
- The clip is a bit short and may fall off if you are very active
Beroziyesi Clip-on Fitness Tracker
Contender
Long Battery Life
To preserve battery life and last for up to 12 months, this option automatically shuts down after two minutes if it doesn’t sense any movement and automatically wakes up when you start moving again to accurately track your steps.
Why We Love It:
- Simple and easy to use and does not require a Bluetooth connection or any registration
- Extremely lightweight and compact design that can be worn around the neck or clipped to a belt
- The extra large display with large digits makes it easy to read at any time of day or night
- A reset button on the side resets the steps to zero to start counting again
Something to Consider:
- This fitness tracker is only available in black color
Fitbit Clip-on Fitness Tracker
Honorable Mention
With Bluetooth Connection
This option tracks your steps, total distance covered, active minutes per day, as well as calories burned. Sync all your stats and data wirelessly to any of your favorite apps on any compatible smartphone or tablet.
Why We Love It:
- Colorful and wear-resistant clip that securely attaches to clothing items
- Easily toggle between displaying the time and daily statistics by tapping the screen
- Replaceable coin battery with a long battery life of up to 6 months
- Allows you to set daily goals and share progress with friends and family
Something to Consider:
- May take a few tries to get this tracker to connect to some smartphones
OZO Fitness Clip-on Fitness Tracker
Recommended
Accurate Sensor Technology
This option has a built-in clock and an inverted display for easy viewing when clipped on. It auto-resets daily at midnight to accurately track the steps and distance covered, as well as the calories burned.
Why We Love It:
- Silicone cover protects it against impacts and shocks for long-lasting durability
- Keeps track of the last 30 days of measurements for long-term progress tracking
- Can be clipped to clothes, attached to a lanyard, or placed in a small pocket
- Allows you to set daily targets to keep yourself challenged and motivated
Something to Consider:
- Setting up the date and time for the first time on this fitness tracker is a bit cumbersome
