ZOLL maintains two flagship lay-user AEDs, and the price gap between them (~$700) is one of the largest within any single brand. AED Plus is the legacy unit, well-loved for its CR123A battery economics and CPR-D feedback. AED 3 is the modern unit, with touchscreen interface, CPR Uni-padz that work for adult + pediatric without swapping, and Wi-Fi connectivity for fleet monitoring.
Head-to-head spec comparison
| Spec | ZOLL AED Plus | ZOLL AED 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Price (MSRP) | $1,795–$2,095 | $2,395–$2,795 |
| Pads | CPR-D Padz (adult) | CPR Uni-padz (adult/pediatric switch) |
| Pediatric mode | Pedi-Padz II (separate set) | Built-in pediatric mode button |
| Battery | 10× CR123A pack ($95) | Proprietary lithium ($245) |
| Pad shelf life | 5 years | 5 years |
| Wi-Fi connectivity | No | Yes (fleet monitoring) |
| Display | LED indicators | Color touchscreen |
| 10-year TCO | $3,153 | $4,085 |
Verdict by use case
Best for single-site · budget-conscious
ZOLL AED Plus
Lower upfront cost. CR123A battery at $95 vs AED 3’s proprietary battery at $245 — massive economic difference at scale. CPR-D feedback is the same.
Best for multi-site fleets · pediatric-heavy
ZOLL AED 3
Wi-Fi fleet monitoring = real-time readiness across multiple sites from one dashboard. CPR Uni-padz eliminate dual-pad inventory for schools/daycare/family venues. Touchscreen modernizes the user experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the older AED Plus or the newer AED 3?
For single-site, AED Plus — significant cost advantage. For multi-site fleets or pediatric-frequent facilities, AED 3.
What’s the difference between CPR-D and CPR Uni-padz?
CPR-D is adult-only with CPR feedback. CPR Uni-padz works for adult or pediatric via a mode button — single pad SKU for both.
Are AED Plus batteries really cheaper than AED 3?
Yes — about $150 less per replacement. ZOLL designed AED Plus around commodity CR123A cells; AED 3 uses a proprietary pack.
What does AED 3 Wi-Fi connectivity do?
Real-time device status (battery, pads, readiness) reports to a central dashboard. Critical for multi-site fleet management.
Is the AED 3 touchscreen better?
It’s modernized but not functionally different — both deliver the same lifesaving therapy. Touchscreen is a preference, not performance.
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Sources & References
- Manufacturer specs: ZOLL AED Plus, ZOLL AED 3
Disclaimer: 2024–2025 MSRP.
