I walked 3,000 steps with my Apple Watch, Google Pixel, and Oura Ring - this tracker was most accurate
In a head-to-head test against Apple Watch Series 11 and Oura Ring, Google's tracker won.
ZDNET's Wearables Editor Nina Raemont conducted a real-world accuracy test of three premium health trackers: the Apple Watch Series 11, Google Pixel Watch 4, and the Oura Ring. The methodology involved walking and running 1,000-step segments in Brooklyn's Prospect Park while manually counting steps and recording workouts on all devices at once. While not a definitive scientific study, the controlled comparison aimed to see how consumer-grade trackers perform in everyday use.
The Google Pixel Watch 4 emerged as the most accurate step counter in this specific trial. Beyond raw accuracy, the test highlighted significant differences in user experience for accessing step data. Both the Oura Ring and Pixel Watch provide clear post-workout step counts within their workout details, while the Apple Watch makes this specific metric more difficult to locate after an exercise session is logged.
- Google Pixel Watch 4 was most accurate in a 3,000-step walking/running test against Apple Watch Series 11 and Oura Ring.
- Test methodology involved manual step counting during recorded workouts on all three devices worn simultaneously.
- Apple Watch's post-workout step data is harder to find compared to the readily available data on Google and Oura platforms.
Why It Matters
For professionals tracking fitness metrics, device accuracy and data accessibility are key for reliable health monitoring and goal setting.