Zip accuracy against other trackers

[Davesgal]

ZIP logged over 10,000 steps after very active d ays. Husband walked with me and only 7,000 steps logged on his iPhone. Conflicts in counts have continued. Can ZIP be calibrate? Not ready to upgrade to another device. 

Moderator edit: Updated subject for clarity.

[YojanaFitbit]

Welcome to the Forums @Davesgal, nice to have you here. 

I'm glad to see that you and your husband are enjoying working out together! About your question, we have to check some background about how Fitbit tracks steps. Fitbit devices have a finely tuned algorithm for step counting. The algorithm is designed to look for motion patterns that are most indicative of people walking. The algorithm determines whether a motion's size is large enough by setting a threshold.

If the motion and its subsequent acceleration measurement meet the threshold, the motion will be counted as a step. If the threshold is not met, the motion won’t be counted as a step. Depending where you're wearing your Fitbit it will be more sensitive to movement. Fitbit trackers calibrates themselves during the first days of use, and there is no way to change how they measure steps.

Are you both wearing your trackers in the same place? 

This is a great model, you can find a lot of information about it in its manual; including tips on how to wear it:

For information about specific conditions see How accurate are Fitbit devices?  Although, we can verify how this is working by doing a quick test:

1. Wear your Zip on your torso
2. Walk 100 steps, making sure to count a step each time one of your feet hits the ground.
3. Pause, then check your tracker to see your step count.

If your tracker counted less than 100 steps or more than 100, please let us know and we'll see if we can investigate further. Sometimes, when you start walking you may notice that your steps may not update on your tracker right away. After about 10-15 continuous steps, you'll notice the steps catch up and start updating in real-time with each step you take.

I'll be around if you have questions about it. 

[Davesgal]

My count was 100 on the button! I feel confident after reading the info you
sent. I have been walking several years now. My husband just started so I
feel that he may not have correctly counted his steps. I’m going to use my
ZIP to log my steps and start saving for an upgrade devise. Thanks for your
help.
--
Marie

[YojanaFitbit]

Nice to have you back @Davesgal.

I'm glad to see your feedback. You're welcome! Your husband is doing great on starting with Fitbit, we encourage him to get healthier and more active. You can tell him to visit our Discussions board. He might be interested in these topics: Marathon Training or How do you break out of your sedentary lifestyle?

See you around. 

[SunsetRunner]

---

@Davesgal

The Zip is more accurate in terms of counting steps than any of the wrist-worn devices. The arm acts as a damper. An iPhone or other phone is even less accurate!, the thresholds for counting a step are much higher.
The reason Fitbit still make and sell the Zip but have discontinued numerous other devices is because their first product was their best.

[YojanaFitbit]

Thanks @SunsetRunner! You can find more details about Fitbit accuracy here: How accurate are Fitbit devices? 

Keep sharing your comments!