Reviews You Can Rely On

Bellabeat Leaf Review

A female-specific pedometer that tracks more types of data than any other product in our test
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bellabeat leaf pedometer review
Credit: Bellabeat
Price:  $120 List
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Manufacturer:   Bellabeat
By Mary Witlacil and Jediah Porter  ⋅  Jun 13, 2018
80
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#1 of 6
  • Depth of Data - 20% 9.0
  • Data Management - 20% 9.0
  • Accuracy - 20% 7.0
  • Ease of Use - 20% 6.0
  • Portability - 20% 9.0

Our Verdict

The Bellabeat LEAF is a decorative pedometer that offers menstrual cycle tracking and is among the most data-rich devices tested. The version we reviewed had some inaccuracy issues that Bellabeat claims it fixed in 2017. That's welcome news as the previous LEAF left room for improvement. But, while not incredibly accurate, it was consistent enough to let you account for its accuracy handicap. While we like its looks and thoughtful, female-specific features, what we love about the LEAF is that it offers an immense depth of data. The only other product that comes close to capturing as much data as the LEAF is the Fitbit Flex 2, which also tracks menstruation but features a more unisex style.
REASONS TO BUY
Appealing look
Robust set of data captured
REASONS TO AVOID
Fragile spring clip
No data displayed on device
Product Updated Since Testing
Since our tests, Bellabeat addresses past glitches and aims to improve accuracy. Keep reading to learn more!

Compare to Similar Products

 
bellabeat leaf pedometer review
This Product
Bellabeat Leaf
Awards Top Pick Award Editors' Choice Award Top Pick Award   
Price $120 List
$69.22 at Amazon
$25 List
$24.99 at Amazon
$80 List$25 List
$24.99 at Amazon
$27 List
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Bottom Line A woman-specific step counter that collects a host of other data as wellAn affordable, extensive, and autonomous pedometer with no need for a smartphoneMonitors activity and breathing to provide uniquely effective guided meditationsThe simplest sort of pedometerA product that collects all the information that most will want, without the complication of a phone app
Rating Categories Bellabeat Leaf Realalt 3D TriSport Spire Stone 3DFitBud Simple Ste... Omron Alvita Optimized
Depth of Data (20%)
9.0
5.0
9.0
2.0
3.0
Data Management (20%)
9.0
7.0
9.0
5.0
7.0
Accuracy (20%)
7.0
10.0
7.0
8.0
9.0
Ease of Use (20%)
6.0
9.0
6.0
10.0
7.0
Portability (20%)
9.0
8.0
5.0
8.0
7.0
Specs Bellabeat Leaf Realalt 3D TriSport Spire Stone 3DFitBud Simple Ste... Omron Alvita Optimized
% Accuracy 94.5 99.1 94.4 97.3 99.2
Battery Life Up to 6 months Up to 1 year 7 days Approx. 1 year Information not available
Tracks Distance in addition to steps? Yes Yes No No Yes
Needs additional device? Yes, syncs with smartphone No Yes, syncs with smartphone No No
Sync Style Syncs wirelessly No Syncs automatically and wirelessly n/a n/a
Tracks Heart Rate? No No No No No
User-entered data? Yes Yes Yes No No
Automatically enters sleep mode? Yes N/A Yes Yes N/A

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Improved LEAF


Since testing, Bellabeat made a few tweaks relating to the accuracy of this popular device. In the past, some issues caused imprecise tracking of waking hours. Apparently, this issue has been addressed. Additionally, according to Bellabeat, the tracking algorithms have been improved to be more accurate no matter how you wear the tracker. The gadget looks the same as the model we reviewed, and the list price continues to be set at $120.

Here's a summary of the critical differences between the current Bellabeat and the previous version:
  • Tracking Algorithms — The LEAF is updated to improve the tracking algorithms so that it performs consistently any which way you wear it.
  • Past Glitches Addressed — Bellabeat fixed a glitch that caused some imprecision during waking hours. In theory, this should increase overall accuracy percentages of this device.

Since we haven't had the chance to test this new model, the review below pertains to the original model which we thoroughly tested. Aside from accuracy ratings, we don't expect the performance of this new model to deviate too much from our original assessment.

Hands-On Review of the Original LEAF


The Bellabeat crafted LEAF is the only gender-specific product in our test. As such, it has a smaller market and smaller tester team but is perhaps more compelling for women.

bellabeat leaf pedometer review - the leaf is pretty in necklace mode.
The Leaf is pretty in necklace mode.
Credit: Jediah Porter

Data Management


In assessing data management, the biggest criteria we assessed is how data is collected and displayed. There are two major ways of displaying data. Some of the devices we tested show data on the device itself, some on a smartphone app, and the best do both. Of those that show ongoing data on a smartphone app, the LEAF and the Fitbit Flex 2 are the only devices we tested that do not show any sort of progress on the device itself. Of the devices we tested that are app-enabled, they are all best when used with their corresponding apps. The data shown on the app is always more robust than the information on the pedometer itself. The LEAF is not alone in this regard.


However, it is one of two devices that have absolutely no visual indication of one's progress toward an ultimate goal. Similar to the Fitbit Flex 2, the LEAF vibrates when you have achieved daily fitness goals, and both of these pedometers have discrete vibrating alarms to remind you to move at regular intervals, which can double as alarms.

The LEAF's associated app is excellent, clean, and clear. The only app that rivals Bellabeat's LEAF app is the app for the 2018 Editor's Choice Flex 2 and the Zip Wireless both from Fitbit.

bellabeat leaf pedometer review - the main "home" screen of the bellabeat app.
The main "home" screen of the Bellabeat app.
Credit: Jediah Porter

Depth of Data


The LEAF gets one of our Top Pick awards for being best-in-class in depth of data next to the 2018 Editor's Choice Fitbit Flex 2. The only other product in our test that captures a comparable level of data is the Flex 2. The LEAF can monitor steps, mileage, breathing, and sleep using the accelerometer sensor. Then the LEAF's associated app also allows the user to enter information about diet, mood, and menstrual cycle. While the Flex 2 tracks a similar amount of data - it does not track breathing or offer meditation guidance. However, this device can track swimming and cycling distance, in addition to menstruation, and diet. Some devices in our test, like the simple Top Pick winner CSX Simple Walking 3D record nothing more than step count.


In our roster of devices, it is in Depth of Data collected that there is the most variety. It is this potential variety that distinguishes some products from the rest of the pack. The LEAF proves to be an exceptional device for the comprehensiveness of data captured. It is for this reason the LEAF garnered a Top Pick award. To address both ends of the spectrum, we awarded a Top Pick to the data comprehensive LEAF and the bare-bones CSX Simple Walking 3D device.

bellabeat leaf pedometer review - the most unique attribute of the leaf is its comprehensive manual...
The most unique attribute of the LEAF is its comprehensive manual data entry. It serves to track activity and menstruation.
Credit: Jediah Porter

Accuracy


Accuracy is the easiest attribute to test. In a standardized test we have used for years, we walk a known distance, counting our steps along the way. We then compare the actual results to the pedometer's record. We calculate the error in terms of a percentage variation from the actual distance traveled or steps counted. With the Leaf, over multiple iterations and across both step count and distance, we experienced an error percentage of 5.5 percent. Compared to our most accurate devices this is a fairly mediocre inaccuracy rating. The other Top Pick CSX Simple Walking 3D has an error percentage of 0.4 percent. At the other end of the spectrum, the non-award winning OZO Fitness SC2 delivered an inaccuracy rating of 9.2 percent. Essentially, the LEAF's accuracy sits right in the middle of the spectrum. This device neither provides exceptional accuracy nor is it questionably inaccurate.


Ease of Use


One of our testers is an admitted Luddite and a reluctant user of technology. That said, she is smartphone savvy, and it took her mere moments to get up and running with the LEAF. She has used other period-tracking apps and likes that the LEAF app can be programmed back many cycles for better and faster calculation of future cycles. Also, the user-programmable time-based and activity motivating vibrating alarms proved quite useful and inoffensive.


Portability


In terms of size and weight, the LEAF is in the middle of the pack. However, in terms of aesthetics, the LEAF sets an unsurpassable bar. Without fail, external wear of the LEAF yielded compliments and curiosity. It looks like jewelry but functions as a pedometer. It comes equipped for necklace wear, wrist mounting, and pocket or hem clipping. In any orientation, it is visually appealing and unobtrusive. Our testers found it large at first but quickly realized that the low-profile construction is inconspicuous and comfortable.


We did find the spring-steel clip did stretch out with use. The stretching precluded secure clippage and prevented attachment to the included necklace chain. Thankfully the steel clip could be bent back in just a few minutes with a small screwdriver, which was included in the packaging. The questionable portability of the LEAF is remarkably similar to the other Top Pick Spire. Unfortunately, one tester mislocated the Spire when the clip failed in routine use.

The devices that only count steps and distance didn't have any inconsistencies in terms of reliable carry that these two top pick winners do. However, the Fitbit Flex 2 proved extremely secure over a month of testing. Essentially, our testers have determined that to track breathing both the Spire and the Leaf must be clipped to your torso, and these clips have proven unreliable over extensive use. To simply count steps, devices like the CSX Simple Walking 3D can be securely stored in one's pocket.

bellabeat leaf pedometer review - in clipped orientation, only the metal leaf design shows. we did...
In clipped orientation, only the metal leaf design shows. We did have a little trouble with the integrity of the spring loading of the leaf clip. We were able to bend it back using included tools.
Credit: Jediah Porter

Best Applications


This stylish pedometer is awesome for an active woman concerned with holistic health tracking. The device and app work well when paired together for women to monitor many aspects of health and well-being. Further, the smartphone app integrates data to provide interesting and valuable insights and conclusions about overall wellness and health. You may come to the LEAF for one attribute but find yourself pleased with the many functions it offers.

bellabeat leaf pedometer review - the activity page blow up on the bellabeat app. not only can you see...
The activity page blow up on the Bellabeat App. Not only can you see overall goal progress, you can also view the time of day in which you were most active.
Credit: Jediah Porter

Value


The *LEAF is the most expensive product we tested, but it is also one of the most feature rich. For a woman interested in deploying all the features and attributes offered by this Bellabeat device, the LEAF* is well worth the higher price. For someone looking for simple step counting and activity motivation may prefer the Best Buy 3D TriSport or the Editor's Choice Fitbit Flex 2.

bellabeat leaf pedometer review - the leaf device in an average-sized female hand, for scale. it isn't...
The LEAF device in an average-sized female hand, for scale. It isn't the smallest nor largest product in our test.
Credit: Jediah Porter

Conclusion


The LEAF from Bellabeat is both highly specialized and an aesthetically pleasing general purpose tool. This device's branding, style, and femme-specific features target the ladies.

Mary Witlacil and Jediah Porter