AED Price Comparison & Cost of Ownership
DISCLAIMER: AED prices change frequently, and may vary from seller to seller. Always make sure to check with the AED manufacturer or their authorized representatives to obtain the latest prices.
If you’re here to compare the cost of each AED model, (1) you’re in the right place, and (2) you’re probably considering purchasing an AED. If the latter is true, then congratulations for protecting your home, business, or community at large!
At this point, if you’re like most AED buyers, you’ve probably been evaluating the features and capabilities of the various AEDs on the market, weighing their pros and cons, and trying to determine which unit is right for you. One of the most important criteria is undoubtedly comparing AED prices and finding a unit that’s within your budget, without having to sacrifice the features that you want.
To help make that decision, we’ll thoroughly answer how much does an AED cost? by covering the following topics:
- AED Initial Purchase Price: a comparison of today’s AED prices by their initial up-front prices
- AED Total Cost of Ownership (TCO): a comparison of the costs to own and properly maintain each AED model over a period of time
AED Price – The Initial Purchase Price
Definition: The cost to purchase a new, functional, FDA-approved AED unit in full.
The initial purchase prices for AEDs range from approximately $1,200 to nearly $3,000. So let’s start the AED cost comparison journey by taking a look at the initial purchase prices for the AEDs on the market.
| AED Make/Model | Initial AED Purchase Price* (Minimum Advertised Price MAP) |
|---|---|
| Avive Connect AED | $1395.00 or $349/year |
| Cardiac Science – G3 Plus | Discontinued (was $1,445.00) |
| Cardiac Science – G5 | $1,820.00 |
| Cardiac Science – G3 Pro | Discontinued (was $2550) |
| Defibtech – Lifeline AUTO AED | $1,315.00 |
| Defibtech Lifeline View AED | $1,655.00 |
| Defibtech Lifeline View ECG AED | $2,345.00 |
| HeartSine – PAD 350P & 360P | $1,315.00 |
| HeartSine – PAD 450P | $1,503.00 |
| HeartSine Connected AED (includes Gateway module) | $1795.00 |
| Philips – Onsite AED | $1,389.00 |
| Philips – FRx AED | $2,099.00 |
| Philips – FR3 AED | Discontinued (was $2520.00) |
| Physio Control – Express | Discontinued (was $1,435.00) |
| Physio Control – CR Plus | Discontinued (was $1845.00) |
| Physio Control – LifePak 1000 | $2,771.00 |
| Physio Control – CR2 | $2,095.00 |
| ZOLL – AED Plus | $1,799.00 |
| ZOLL – AED Pro | $2,995.00 |
| ZOLL – AED 3 | $1995.00 |
Source: Manufacturer pricing lists, January 2023
Now, you might be wondering, “are there any factors or options that could increase the initial AED purchase price?”
The answer is yes!
Factors Impacting the Initial Cost of an AED
Different AED Configurations
One factor for you to be aware of is that nearly every AED model has multiple stock-keeping units (SKU’s). Each SKU may represent different features, options, or functionality, and therefore a different price. For example, some AEDs have different SKUs for offering bilingual capabilities, semi-automatic vs. fully automatic shock delivery, the type of carry case selected, and more!
In an attempt to compare base models for each AED manufacturer, the prices listed above represent the initial AED purchase price for the least expensive SKU of every AED model. With that in mind, as you’re evaluating how much an AED costs, make sure you are looking at the SKU that provides the features you’re looking for. What might seem like a minor adjustment to the options you select could significantly alter the initial price for the device.
A perfect example of this is the Physio Control CR2 AED. Here’s a breakdown of pricing for some of the available SKUs:
| SKU Description | Price |
|---|---|
| Semi-automatic, Wi-Fi connected, English language, with handle | $2,115 |
| Semi-automatic, Wi-Fi connected, English language with bag | $2,284 |
| Fully automatic, Wi-Fi Connected, English/Spanish, with Bag | $2,512 |
| Fully automatic, Wi-Fi connected, English/Spanish language, with Handle | $2,420 |
| Fully automatic, USB, English Only, with Handle | $2,215 |
Source: website pricing from AED Superstore as of 12/12/2022
In other cases, such as with the Avive Connect AED™, all devices are fully automatic, WiFi, Cellular, Bluetooth, and GPS connected, bilingual in English and Spanish, and equipped with universal pads at no additional cost.
Adding Additional AED Accessories for Your Environment
Another factor that may increase the initial purchase price of your AED is whether you need to purchase additional accessories for your environment. For example, pediatric (child) electrode pads may be appropriate in your setting.
While all AEDs come equipped with adult electrode pads, they don’t all come with pediatric AED pads. If you are placing an AED in a setting where children are frequently present, such as a school, a home, or at a daycare, then it’s important to purchase pediatric AED pads so that your AED is capable of being used to save a child.
It’s worth noting that this additional expense can be avoided if you choose to purchase one of the two AEDs that utilize universal pads – which means that the same AED electrode pad can be used on both an adult and child patient.
Here’s a breakdown of the additional costs that pediatric AED pads add to the initial purchase price of each AED model:
| AED Make/Model | Pediatric Electrode Pad Price | Initial AED Purchase Price (Minimum Advertised Price MAP) + Pediatric Electrode Pads |
|---|---|---|
| Avive Connect AED | N/A (Universal Pads) | $1,345.00 or $349/year |
| Cardiac Science – G3 Plus | $101 | Discontinued |
| Cardiac Science – G5 | $102 | $3,298 |
| Cardiac Science – G3 Pro | $101 | Discontinued |
| Defibtech – Lifeline AUTO AED | $107 | $2,101.71 |
| Defibtech Lifeline View AED | $112 | $2,487.74 |
| Defibtech Lifeline View ECG AED | $112 | $3,626.36 |
| HeartSine – PAD 350P & 360P | $236 | $1,986 |
| HeartSine – PAD 450P | $236 | $2,174 |
| Philips – Onsite AED | $115 | $2,135 |
| Philips – FRx AED | $111 (infant/child key) | $2,157 |
| Philips – FR3 AED | $115 (infant/child key) | Discontinued |
| Physio Control – Express | $144 | Discontinued |
| Physio Control – CR Plus | $144 | $1,989 |
| Physio Control – LifePak 1000 | $132 | $2,903 |
| Physio Control – CR2 | N/A (Universal Pads) | $2,518 |
| ZOLL – AED Plus | $108 | Discontinued |
| ZOLL – AED Pro | $99 | $2994 |
| ZOLL – AED 3 | N/A (Universal Pads) | $3,298 |
MAP Source: Manufacturer pricing lists. January 2023.
Other Recommendations Stated in the AED’s Owner’s Manual
Prior to purchasing an AED, it’s good practice to make sure you’re comfortable with how to set up, use, and maintain your AED (per the AED manufacturer’s specific instructions), so we recommend that you give the AED Owner’s Manual a read.
Aside from learning the basics about the device, you might be surprised to read about additional requirements that could translate to an increased initial purchase price. For example,
- On page 2-2, of the Philips HeartStart Onsite AED owner’s manual, it states: “Philips recommends that you store a spare pads cartridge and spare battery with your OnSite.”
- On page 15 of the HeartSine Samaritan 350/360/450 User Manual, it states: “CAUTION: HeartSine Technologies recommends that you store a spare Pad-Pak with your HeartSine samaritan PAD in the rear section of the soft carry case.”
If the AED manufacturer is recommending or requiring you to purchase additional accessories, you should take it seriously, as it could be part of your AED’s warranty or your AED indemnification policy.
After including any recommendations or requirements from the AED manufacturer, and any AED accessories you might need for your specific environment, you should have the initial purchase price for an AED.
Now, let’s take a look at the full cost of an AED across multiple years of device ownership.
AED Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
Definition: The total cost of buying a new, functional, FDA-approved AED unit, in full PLUS the cost of any accessories the AED may require to remain operable over a duration of time.
All AEDs sold in the U.S. come equipped with a battery and adult electrode pads since they are necessary components to use the AED during an emergency. However, AED batteries and electrode pads (also referred to as “AED disposables”) expire over time and therefore must be replaced periodically.
The interval of time each AED disposable item lasts prior to requiring replacement varies from one AED model to the next.
That’s why we recommend that you look at the total cost of ownership for each model you’re interested in purchasing when comparing AED costs. The TCO is the most accurate way to look at all the AED costs you can expect, not just what you will pay upfront!
AED TCO = the initial AED purchase price + recurring cost of any components that expire and must be replaced over time to keep your device ready for emergency use.
The two AED disposables that primarily impact AED TCO are the AED battery and electrode pads.
When evaluating the cost of an AED, pay close attention to the lifespan and cost of the device’s battery and electrode pads. Both of these factors will help you understand what your future expenses will be for each AED model.
You might be surprised at how expensive AED disposables can be!
Some AEDs have a very affordable battery, but a limited lifespan, and others are just plain expensive. Similarly, AED electrode pads vary significantly in price as well as their lifespan.
Here’s a breakdown of the cost and lifespan of AED disposables for every AED model.
| AED Make/Model | Battery price | Battery Lifespan (Years) | Adult Electrode pad Price | Adult Electrode Pad Lifespan (Years) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avive Connect AED | N/A Rechargeable | N/A Rechargeable | $99.95 | 2 |
| Cardiac Science – G3 Plus | $398.00 | 4 | $51.00 | 2 |
| Cardiac Science – G5 | $395.00 | 4 | $69.00 (Regular) ; $225 (iCPR pads) | 2 |
| Cardiac Science – G3 Pro | $398.00 | 4 | $51.00 | 2 |
| Defibtech – Lifeline | $172.00 | 5 | $61.00 | 2 |
| Defibtech - View | $183.00 | 4 | $66.00 | 2 |
| Defibtech - ECG | $183.00 | 4 | $66.00 | 2 |
| HeartSine – PAD 350P | $199.00 | 4 | (included w/ battery) | (included w/ battery) |
| HeartSine – PAD 450P | $199.00 | 4 | (included w/ battery) | (included w/ battery) |
| HeartSine Connected AED (includes Gateway module) | $199.00 | 4 | (included w/ battery) | (included w/ battery) |
| Philips – Onsite | $175.00 | 4 | $75.00 | 2 |
| Philips – FRx | $175.00 | 4 | $62.00 | 2 |
| Philips – FR3 | $289.00 | 3 | $46.00 | 2 |
| Physio Control – Express | $118.00 | 2 | (included w/ battery) | (included w/ battery) |
| Physio Control – CR Plus | $118.00 | 2 | (included w/ battery) | (included w/ battery) |
| Physio Control – LifePak 1000 | $46.00 | 4 | $43.00 | 2 |
| Physio Control – CR2 | $268.00 | 4 | $155.00 | 4 |
| ZOLL – AED Plus | $42.95 | 5 | $177.45 | 5 |
| ZOLL – AED Pro | $498.00 (Rechargeable) | 4 | $177.00 | 5 |
| ZOLL – AED 3 | $160.00 | 4 | $175.00 | 5 |
Source: website pricing from AED Superstore as of 12/12/2022
To interpret this data for a specific AED model, look at the price and lifespan of each AED disposable. When an AED battery or electrode pad expires, the AED owner must buy a replacement.
For example, with the Cardiac Science G5 AED: Over the course of ten years the…
- AED battery must be replaced twice (lifespan four years) = $790
- Electrode pads need to be replaced four times (lifespan of two years)= $225 x 4 = $900 ($225 for iCPR pads, $69 for regular pads)
- Therefore, every 8 years, you’ll need to spend an additional $1,690 to keep the Cardiac Science G5 AED properly maintained and ready for emergency use!
- Over an eight year period, the TCO for the G5 AED = $3,510 ($1,820 for initial purchase + $1,690 for AED disposables)
As you can see, combining all these costs over a given period of time is the best way for you to get an understanding of what you should expect to pay when owning an AED.
Tip: using an AED’s warranty period is a commonly used timeframe to evaluate TCO, but since the warranty period may vary from one model to the next, make sure you’re calculating the TCO using an apples-to-apples comparison.
Since most AEDs have an 8-year warranty, let’s compare the initial AED purchase price to the cumulative costs for each AED model after eight years of device ownership.
| AED Make/Model | Initial AED Purchase Price (Minimum Advertised Pricing - MAP) | TCO After 8 Years (includes cost of batteries, adult pads, and child pads for units that need them) |
|---|---|---|
| Avive Connect AED | $1,395.00 or $349/year | $1,794.80 |
| Cardiac Science – G3 Plus | $1,445.00 | $2,445 |
| Cardiac Science – G5 | $1,820.00 | $2,886 |
| Cardiac Science – G3 Pro | $2,550 | $2,650 |
| Defibtech – Lifeline AUTO AED | $1,315.00 | $1,903 |
| Defibtech Lifeline View AED | $1,655.00 | $2,285 |
| Defibtech Lifeline View ECG AED | $2,345.00 | $2975 |
| HeartSine – PAD 350P & 360P | $1,315.00 | $1,713.00 |
| HeartSine – PAD 450P | $1,503.00 | $1,901.00 |
| HeartSine Connected AED (includes Gateway module) | $1,795.00 | $2,193.00 |
| Philips – Onsite AED | $1,389.00 | $2,039.00 |
| Philips – FRx AED | $2,099.00 | $2,697 |
| Philips – FR3 AED | $2,520.00 | $3,571.00 |
| Physio Control – Express | $1,435.00 | $1,907.00 |
| Physio Control – CR Plus | $1,845.00 | $2175 |
| Physio Control – LifePak 1000 | $2,771.00 | $3108 |
| Physio Control – CR2 | $2,095.00 | $2190 |
| ZOLL – AED Plus | $1,799.00 | $2,310.00 |
| ZOLL – AED Pro | $2,995.00 | $4,345.00 |
| ZOLL – AED 3 | $1,995.00 | $2,665.00 |
Source: website pricing from AED Superstore as of 12/12/2022
As you can see, the initial AED purchase price doesn’t tell the whole story.