StepUp alternative for iPhone: WalkOff vs StepUp
Store facts checked Nov 2, 2026
Short answer: StepUp is a free social step app with leaderboards, groups of up to 15,000 people, chat and bots. WalkOff is an iPhone step leaderboard with friends, with free home screen and lock screen widgets and no ads. StepUp does more for free; WalkOff is smaller and has no ads.
Disclosure: WalkOff is made by Tortuga Labs, LLC, which publishes this site. We say where StepUp is the better pick.
Why people look for a StepUp alternative
- StepUp's listing says it contains advertising.
- StepUp has a lot going on: groups, chat, bots, recaps and rankings. Some people want something simpler.
At a glance
| WalkOff | StepUp | |
|---|---|---|
| App Store rating (US) | 5.0 from 10 ratings | 4.8 from about 148,900 ratings |
| Price | Free download with in-app purchases | Free. "No subscription needed. No features locked behind paywalls" |
| Paid options (US App Store) | WalkOff Pro: $2.99 a week, $4.99 a month or $34.99 a year | Optional "Support StepUp" tips from $1.00 to $25.00 |
| Platforms | iPhone only, iOS 18.6 or later | iPhone (iOS 16.0 or later) and Android |
| Apple Watch app | No Watch app. Reads the steps your Apple Watch saves to Apple Health | Yes, with complications (watchOS 11.2 or later) |
| Languages | English | English and 14 more |
| Step source | Apple Health | Your phone, Apple Health and most wearables, including Fitbit, Garmin, Oura and WHOOP |
| How you compete | Friends leaderboard and a global leaderboard | Daily, weekly and monthly leaderboards, private groups up to 15,000 people, group chat, and walking bots |
| Widgets | Home screen and lock screen widgets, all sizes free | Widgets |
| Reminders | Daily reminders | Not listed |
| Ads | No ads | The listing says it contains advertising |
Sources: the WalkOff App Store listing, the StepUp App Store listing, all checked Nov 2, 2026. "Not listed" means the listing doesn't mention it, not that the app lacks it. Prices are US prices and can change.
Where StepUp is the better pick
- You want everything free. StepUp lists no subscription and no paywalled features.
- You run a big group, like an office or a club. StepUp groups hold up to 15,000 people.
- Your friends use Android or other wearables, or you want an Apple Watch app or group chat.
- You want a big, proven community. StepUp has about 148,900 US ratings, and WalkOff is new with 10.
Where WalkOff may suit you better
- You want a step app with no ads.
- You want a simple leaderboard with friends, without groups, chat and bots.
- You want free home screen and lock screen widgets in every size.
What WalkOff has
Free: step tracking from Apple Health, home screen and lock screen widgets, a friends leaderboard and a global leaderboard, friend invites by link, streaks, step history and daily reminders.
WalkOff Pro: a custom daily step goal, widget themes, unlimited friends (free accounts have a friend limit) and a Weekly Summary of your past week every Monday.
Trying WalkOff
There is nothing to move. WalkOff reads your steps from Apple Health, so you can install it, allow Health access, and invite friends with a link while StepUp stays on your phone.
Questions
Is WalkOff a good StepUp alternative?
If you want a simple, ad-free step leaderboard with friends on iPhone, yes. If you want big groups, chat, Android or an Apple Watch app, all for free, StepUp is the better fit.
Is StepUp free?
Yes. StepUp's listing says it is completely free with no subscription. It offers optional tips from $1.00 to $25.00, and the listing says it contains advertising (checked Nov 2, 2026).
Is WalkOff free?
Yes. WalkOff is a free download, and step tracking, widgets and the leaderboards are free. WalkOff Pro adds a custom daily step goal, widget themes, unlimited friends and a Weekly Summary. On the US App Store it costs $2.99 a week, $4.99 a month or $34.99 a year (checked Nov 2, 2026).
Can I try WalkOff without deleting StepUp?
Yes. WalkOff reads your steps from Apple Health, so you can keep StepUp installed and try both side by side.
Does WalkOff work on Android?
No. WalkOff is iPhone only and needs iOS 18.6 or later.
Who makes WalkOff?
WalkOff is made by Tortuga Labs, LLC, which publishes this site. We are not affiliated with StepUp.
Other comparisons: Stompers · Stridekick · Pacer · StepsApp