Very bad with step counts.

This section is for the Earthmate smartphone app. Can you let me know what product model you have and I can move your post to the correct section?

The Fenix 5 Plus, couldn't figure out exactly where to put it, my bad and thank you.

Interesting, it's quite something if Oura gets this right. I guess that the actual 'step counting' is done based on raw data from the Oura device being processed elsewhere, allowing more complexity and integration of data. But again, that's just a guess.

Most stepcounters have algorithms built in and work on a limited amount of data, so they can show the count in almost real time on a display.  If the count is based on wrist movement, mistakenly identifying repeated arm movements as steps is common. Electronic pedometers worn at a waist belt or in a trouser pocket generally do better in that respect. Wearing the watch in a pocket isn't a great solution though.

With no budget limit, in some way, this might get fixed on the Fenix, but realistically, probably not.

I did multiple tests, basically a lot of arm shaking lol and found that I could not fool the Oura ring, but it was quite easy to fool the Garmin watch. I wish that Garmin even offered some kind of small piece that could connect to their software that I could wear on my back, or shoe that would give an accurate count of steps. I realize steps aren't the end all, be all, but they help me push my own limits.

Something like the Running Dynamics Pod, but only counting steps and connected with the watch all day without having to start an activity. A small rechargeable ANT+/BLE pedometer essentially, and some rework of the activity tracking implementation. 

I'm aware of the desire for accurately counted steps is bordering on the slightly obsessive, and it's probably not important enough to most people, but as you say for a lot of folks it helps them getting more active. Also, there's this whole reward system with goals, challenges, badges etc - if steps are the basic input for that, better get that right.

And it's just fun to play with ideas.

Has nothing to do with that my steps never count while I'm footbiking, because my hands are on the handlebars :-)

I don't walk on my arms. So when I pack all day and get 13,000 steps, it's wrong!!! And you can say that yes, most people swing their arms when they walk which is true. But Oura have figured it out and I will stick with them.

I will stick with my Oura ring which actually counts my steps, not the swinging of my arms.

Our Outdoor watches are using internal sensors and that is why your arm swing is the key factor.

Now you are aware of that so you can use the Oura that is doing something different that works well based on your job.