Buyer's Guide
The Complete
AED Buyer's Guide (2026)
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* Estimates based on standard pad replacement every 2 years and battery every 3–5 years. Always buy from authorised dealers to protect your warranty.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a portable medical device that delivers an electric shock to the heart to restore a normal rhythm during Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA). AEDs analyse the heart’s rhythm automatically and only deliver a shock if one is needed — making them safe for untrained bystanders to use. Modern AEDs provide clear voice and visual instructions throughout the rescue process.
No training is legally required to use an AED — they’re designed for untrained bystanders. However, CPR training significantly improves outcomes. Good Samaritan laws in all 50 US states protect bystanders who use an AED in good faith. We recommend CPR1 training for anyone who owns or is responsible for an AED.
Philips holds our Best Overall rating for 2025, scoring 9.6/10 across reliability, ease of use, and clinical efficacy. For organisations prioritising CPR guidance, ZOLL AED 3 leads with real-time compression feedback. For budget-conscious buyers, HeartSine Samaritan PAD 360P offers excellent reliability at the lowest price point. View our full comparison →
AED prices range from approximately $895 (HeartSine PAD 350P) to $2,450 (LIFEPAK CR2). The average price for a quality consumer AED is $1,200–$1,800. Factor in ongoing costs: electrode pads (~$30–$60, replaced every 2 years) and battery replacement (~$90–$150, every 3–5 years). Buying from authorised dealers like AED Leader or Response Ready ensures warranty validity and authentic parts.
Requirements vary by state and business type. 43+ states mandate AEDs in schools. Many states require AEDs in fitness facilities, healthcare settings, government buildings, and high-occupancy venues. Some states have “encouraged” status with no mandate. Check our AED Laws by State guide →
The general guideline is that an AED should be accessible within a 3-minute round trip from any location. For most buildings, this means one AED per floor or wing. Larger campuses, schools, or facilities with high foot traffic may need multiple units. If you manage 5+ AEDs, consider AEDTS for fleet management.
Most modern AEDs perform daily self-tests automatically. Your responsibilities include: monthly visual inspection (check indicator light, inspect pads/battery expiry dates), annual more thorough inspection, replacing electrode pads when expired (typically every 2 years), and replacing the battery when indicated (typically every 3–5 years). Keep a maintenance log for liability and compliance purposes.
Yes — all major AED brands offer pediatric capability. Some models (like the Philips FRx) use an Infant/Child Key that automatically adjusts the energy level. Others require separate pediatric electrode pads. For environments where children are present (schools, daycare, community centres), ensure your AED has a clear pediatric mode.
Quick Buyer's Checklist
Before you buy, confirm these 6 things:
1
FDA Cleared
Verify FDA clearance number before purchasing any AED.
2
Authorized Dealer
Only buy from authorised dealers to protect your warranty.
3
Pediatric Capability
Required if children will be on-site.
4
State Compliance
Check your state's specific AED requirements.
5
CPR Training
At least one person per AED should be CPR certified.
6
5+ Units?
Use a management platform like AEDTS.