Stepr vs the Challenges app
By Joseph Tung, who makes Stepr · Checked against Challenges's App Store listing on September 22, 2026
The Challenges app ("Compete, Get Fit") is built around Apple Watch activity rings: teams earn points for closing Stand, Move and Exercise rings, stack up medals, and nudge each other on a challenge wall. Stepr counts steps only, needs no Watch, and runs an elimination league where the daily goal rises and the last one walking wins.
Side by side
| Stepr | Challenges | |
|---|---|---|
| What is measured | Steps, from the iPhone's sensor and Apple Health. | Apple Watch activity rings: Stand, Move and Exercise. |
| Hardware | An iPhone. A Watch, Garmin or Fitbit adds nothing you need. | Designed around the Apple Watch; its listing says progress is kept via Watch, the app or Health. |
| Format | Elimination: one rising daily goal, out when you miss it. | Team challenges scored in points, with bronze, silver and gold medals. |
| Social | Standings and day-by-day history for everyone in the league. | Nudges, a challenge wall for comments, invites by email or text. |
| Best group | Mixed group where not everyone owns a Watch, and offices. | A group where everyone wears an Apple Watch and closes rings. |
Pick Challenges if
- everyone in the group wears an Apple Watch and rings are how you already think about activity
- you want a running points total and medals instead of elimination
- banter on a shared wall is half the point
Pick Stepr if
- not everyone has a Watch, so steps are the only fair measure
- you want the tension of a bar that rises every day
- you are running it at work and need something verified and simple to explain
Questions people ask
Do I need an Apple Watch for Stepr?
No. The iPhone's motion sensor counts steps on its own. If you wear a Watch, Garmin or Fitbit that writes to Apple Health, those steps count too.
Does Stepr have teams?
Yes. Team lobbies share a combined daily goal, the league goal multiplied by the team size, and a team is eliminated together.
Start a league
Free to join. Share one code, and the last one walking wins.
More comparisons
Claims about other apps come from their own App Store listings on the date above. If one is out of date, email hello@stepr.io and it will be fixed.