Elliptical vs arc trainer at a glance
No significant energy-use gap at the same effort.
Figures from an ACE-sponsored study of 16 adults.
Short answer
Elliptical vs Arc Trainer: For home use, choose the elliptical. An ACE-sponsored study found no significant energy-use difference between an elliptical and an arc trainer at the same effort, and no arc trainer appears in our Amazon US pool of ellipticals and bikes.
Key takeaways
- The ACE study found no significant energy-use gap between elliptical and arc trainer.
- The elliptical is the home option: no arc trainer in our Amazon US pool.
- Try both at a gym if you can.
To choose an elliptical, see our best ellipticals for home.
Elliptical vs Arc Trainer at a Glance
| Elliptical | Arc trainer | |
|---|---|---|
| Light effort (RPE 11) | 8.8 kcal/min | 8.4 kcal/min |
| Somewhat hard (RPE 13) | 10.1 kcal/min | 9.8 kcal/min |
| Hard (RPE 15) | 11.7 kcal/min | 11.3 kcal/min |
| Heart rate at the same effort | Ranked higher | Ranked lower |
| Home models on Amazon US (our pool) | 47 ellipticals | None |
Check Amazon for current pricing and availability.
What the Research Shows
An ACE-sponsored study put 16 healthy adults aged 18 to 25 on 10 indoor machines, including an elliptical and an arc trainer, at the same perceived-exertion levels. Treadmill and stepmill used significantly more energy than every other machine, and the study did not flag a difference between the elliptical and the arc trainer.
The adults were young and healthy and the sessions short, so the numbers show how the machines compare, not what you will burn.
Which Should You Choose?
- Elliptical: you want a home machine; 47 models are on Amazon US in our pool, from compact to full-size.
- Arc trainer: a gym machine; try one at a gym if you can before deciding it feels different.
- Steeper climb at home: an elliptical with a power incline shifts work to the glutes; see our top home ellipticals.
- Whichever you use, the CDC advises 150 minutes of moderate activity a week.
Ellipticals to Start With
Top home elliptical
Sole E98
FitScore 69.1/100
A rear-drive elliptical with a power incline and a 20-inch stride. Ranked #1 in our best elliptical for home guide, FitScore 69.1 for that intent.
Check Price on AmazonTop compact elliptical
Schwinn 411
FitScore 54.7/100
A shorter frame with built-in programs. Ranked #1 in our best compact elliptical guide, FitScore 54.7 for that intent.
Check Price on AmazonChecklist Before You Buy
4 checks
Tap a number to check off that step.
- 01
Decide: home machine or gym machine.
- 02
Try an arc trainer at a gym first.
- 03
Measure floor and ceiling.
- 04
Plan 150 minutes a week.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1Paying more for a name instead of the effort you will sustain.
Mistake 2Skipping a gym trial of both.
Mistake 3Ignoring floor space.
The Bottom Line
- ACE-sponsored study, 16 adults aged 18 to 25, 10 machines: at “somewhat hard” effort, the elliptical used about 10.1 kcal a minute and the arc trainer about 9.8.
- The study reported no difference between the two at light, somewhat hard or hard effort.
- The elliptical ranked above the arc trainer for heart rate in the same study.
- We checked 47 ellipticals on Amazon US: none is an arc trainer.
Our Top Picks
Top home ellipticalSole E98FitScore69.1/100Check on Amazon- Top compact ellipticalSchwinn 411FitScore54.7/100Check on Amazon
Frequently Asked Questions
For home use the elliptical: an ACE-sponsored study found no significant energy-use difference between the two, and ellipticals are sold for home.
In the ACE-sponsored study of 16 adults it did not: about 9.8 against 10.1 kcal a minute at the same “somewhat hard” effort.
We found none in our Amazon US pool of 47 ellipticals; it is mainly a gym machine.
We found no study showing that; neither machine has a landing impact, and with a joint condition ask your doctor.
Explore More Elliptical Guides
Best Elliptical for Home (2026): 5 Standing Ellipticals Ranked
Best Compact Elliptical (2026): 5 Small-Space Picks Ranked
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Elliptical Benefits: What Regular Elliptical Training Does (and Does Not Do) (2026)
Elliptical Trainer for Weight Loss: Minutes, Intervals and a 12-Week Plan (2026)
Exercise Bike vs Elliptical: Calories, Joints, Space and Who Should Choose Which (2026)
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