Best AEDs for Home in 2025

What is the best AED machine for home use? According to the recommendations of the FDA and our product experts, there are two obvious choices for a home AED:

 

#1 Philips Heartstart Onsite AED

Why it’s great:

• Lower price
• First AED to receive FDA approval for home
• Feature-rich, but easy to use
• Instant help with ‘I’ button guidance.
• Ready-to-use with pre-installed pads.

Why It’s not:

• Higher 10-year total cost of ownership than HeartSine Samaritan 350P
• Pads require replacement every two years.
• “PULL” label on pads may lead to accidental deployment.
• Install-by date on pads can be confusing to track.
• Semi-automatic shock delivery; button press needed.

Full description:

The Onsite Home AED, which is sold at a medium price point around $1,479.00, was the first AED to receive FDA approval for the home. The Onsite AED is one of the least expensive yet still feature-rich AEDs on the market today. Purchasers can often find coupons, incentives or deals which bring the price down by an average of $200-$400. The Heartstart Onsite AED is a nice fit for home use since it has an all-in-one electrode pad cartridge which makes it easy to swap between adult and pediatric pads. It has easy-to-follow instructions, and the handy “i” button to press anytime you need information from the device.

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#2 HeartSine Samaritan 350P AED

Why it’s great:

• Lowest 10-year TCO of the top two options
• High IP56 rating; dust and moisture resistant.
• Battery and pads in one pack; 4-year lifespan.
• Illuminated graphics guide each rescue step.

Why it’s not:

• Frequent use can make replacements costly due to single battery/pad packs.
• Semi-automatic shock; button press required.
• Pediatric mode disables CPR Rate Adviser.

Full Description

The second FDA home-approved AED, The HeartSine Samaritan 350P AED is also available without a prescription. Just $1,485.00 in price, its features make the HeartSine another top choice. It is light-weight yet very rugged, with the highest available 8 year warranty. It features an easy to use 4-year electrode pad + battery pack in both adult and child form, clear voice prompts and a CPR metronome. Special pricing can also be found on this AED model.

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For the buyer who wants to save money, time, and effort in choosing an AED just for the home, the search can stop here. The price, quality, features and FDA approval make these units a sure bet, and we recommend either of these AEDs for home use in 2025.

Related: Shop Our Home AEDs & Packages

Other AED Choices

There are, however, a number of basic AEDs that are fitting for personal and home use. For instance, in addition to the two home AEDs recommended above there are intermediate-level offerings (the Defibtech Lifeline and the Cardiac Science PowerHeart G5) as well as two full-featured units included for your consideration–the Physio Control CR2 and the ZOLL AED 3. AEDSuperstore will provide the necessary prescription for any purchased AED.

These units include features such as an LED touch screen w/graphics (Zoll AED 3) or bold easy-to-follow visuals (Physio-Control CR2). They provide outstanding CPR guidance and can provide event recording or even wifi system connection (CR2). For users who have children at home, these defibrillators have easily identifiable buttons on the front which can be pushed in the event of a child’s sudden cardiac arrest emergency. The AEDs will dial back the shock to an appropriate level without needing a separate set of electrode pads.

Comparing AEDs

Though every AED walks you through a rescue with either audible or visual prompts and directions, there are still choices to be made based on several factors:

Related: Compare AED features, prices & specifications

Home AED Step-By-Step Buying Guide

Armed with information regarding available products, a step-by-step buying guide can be followed to assure the most fitting purchase for each household:

1. Assess your needs. Adult? Child? Trained caregiver in the home, etc.
    
2. Compare the various models for the most appealing fit. Look for customer reviews and expert opinions to confirm your choice. We offer a number of reviews from customers on all the FDA approved aed units we sell.
    
3. Don’t forget to include long-term costs as well as purchase price as you reach a decision.
    
4. Go shopping! This will occur mostly online and by phone, since most vendors do not have store fronts. Many outlets offer significant discounts at various times via their websites, so do some price comparison before making that final purchase decision. While some big-box stores are carrying AEDs online, AED-specific suppliers will often have more helpful staff to answer questions as well as better pricing options available.
    
5. If you are not able to connect with your top choice, rank order your top three, compare total cost to own, discounts, etc. and go for the best deal!
    

6. If you are in need of funds, you may find help from grants specifically established to help with purchasing AEDs, or coupon and discount codes. In most cases, health insurance does not cover the cost of an AED. Always check with your insurance company if you or someone in your family is considered “at risk” because it never hurts to inquire as to whether they will assist in the purchase.

   You may also consider using funds from an HSA or other type of health account to fund the purchase, however it’s important to talk with your fund holder before making this purchase as some HSAs do not cover these purchases. As always, thorough due-diligence is a must!

   Other ways to raise money for an AED include:

• Working with a local business
• Hosting a community fundraiser
• Raffling donated items
• Sponsoring an event
• Holding a rummage sale
• Writing to the local paper
• Gofundme project

 

How to Use Your Home AED

Once you have purchased your AED, it is important to learn its purpose and use. All AEDs follow the same basic steps. Cardiac arrest is a life-threatening emergency, and the timely use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) can significantly increase the chances of survival.

For a more detailed explanation of these steps below, you can read our How to Use an AED article or review the video below.
 

STEP 1: ASSESS THE SITUATION AND CALL FOR HELP

Assess the victim’s responsiveness and breathing. Ask, “Are you OK?” Instruct someone to call 911 or do so yourself.

STEP 2: BEGIN CHEST COMPRESSIONS

You can’t wait for professional emergency responders to arrive before performing high-quality chest compressions on the victim’s bare chest.

STEP 3: RETRIEVE AND PREPARE THE AED

If you are alone, locate the nearest AED and bring it to the victim’s side, or instruct someone nearby to retrieve it. Turn on the AED according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

STEP 4: APPLY THE AED ELECTRODE PADS

To use an AED, you must know the correct electrode pad placement, which is made easy with the visual guides, even for those who have had no AED training or AED skills.

STEP 5: CONNECT THE AED PADS TO THE DEVICE

If they are not already attached, connect the pad cables to the AED. The AED will automatically analyze the patient’s heart rhythm once connected, enabling it to determine if an electrical shock is required. If the heartbeat is not at a normal rhythm, then the AED delivers a shock or advises the rescuer to press the shock button.

STEP 6: CLEAR THE VICTIM’S SURROUNDING AREA

Ensure no one touches the patient’s body and instruct bystanders to stand clear. Clearing the area allows the AED to analyze the heart rhythm accurately without interference. Stand back and follow the AED’s voice instructions or visual prompts.

STEP 7: FOLLOW AED PROMPTS AND DELIVER SHOCKS IF ADVISED

Listen carefully to the AED’s voice instructions and/or follow the visual prompts displayed on the device.

STEP 8: RESUME CPR OR FOLLOW AED’S INSTRUCTIONS

If the AED does not advise a shock, immediately continue performing CPR, starting with chest compressions. Follow the AED’s voice instructions or visual prompts for the duration and sequence of compressions and rescue breaths. Continue CPR until emergency responders or paramedics arrive.

 

 

Home AED Maintenance

As important as they are, regular maintenance is essential to ensure every AED machine is ready for use when its crucial life-saving function is needed.

Tips for AED maintenance

1. Designate one person (personnel duty) in charge of the AED.
2. Know your AED machine. Spend time with the device and users manual when first setting up or taking charge of maintenance.
3. View ready-light daily (walk-by).
4. Visually inspect the machine at least monthly. Check ready light, condition of case, presence of supplies.
5. Check batteries and replace as needed; change according to refresh date, even if they are functioning.
6. Check electrode pads and replace according to the user manual, if they have been used or according to the refresh date.
7. Start the machine and/or follow the manufacturer’s test procedure.
8. Fill out inspection record card carefully and sign. Keep in a readily available location.

Learn More: How to Maintain an AED

 

AED For Home FAQ

How Much Does an AED For Home Cost?

The average home AED price ranges from $1,400.00 to around $2,000.00 with most consumer units falling below $1,600.00. Prices vary depending on the features which are important to you. Learn more about how much anAED costs here.

Some AEDs have immediate real-time feedback on the effectiveness of your CPR (HeartSine 450P,ZOLL AED Plus, Physio-Control CR2, Cardiac Science G5 with iCPR electrode pads).

One AED has a video screen which actually shows you how to do CPR (Defibtech View). Another allows you to switch back and forth from English to Spanish with a touch of the button (Cardiac Science G5).

A third brand gives you the option of a one-piece Z-shaped pad configuration with hand placement guides and CPR feedback (ZOLL Plus AED). Some are smaller and lighter than others (HeartSine AEDs,Philips OnSite) which are larger (Defibtech,ZOLL, Physio-Control). For a full listing and comparison of all the AEDs and the features of every AED offered through AEDSuperstore, refer to ourUltimate AED Buyer’s Guide.

Who Should Get an AED for Home?

Anyone may need an AED at home, but a home AED is especially valuable for at-risk individuals and those in rural areas.

As mentioned above, the sobering truth is anybody could need an AED at home because SCA can strike anyone at any time, even healthy people who have no history of heart trouble. If you just want to feel more secure in your ability to save those around you, an AED may be a good addition to your home’s safety equipment.

Those considered at risk for cardiac events, or their loved ones, may want to evaluate the benefits of having an AED in their home. The risk of SCA is increased if you:

• have had a previous heart attack,
• received bypass or stent surgery,
• or are known to have a syndrome such as long QT, Marfan’s, or Wolff-Parkinson-White.

If your home is in a rural location or a place that might be hard to reach during certain times of year (such as due to snow in the winter), an AED might make sense. Again, every minute counts, and by the time the paramedics arrive, it may be too late.

Which AED is Approved for Home Use?

The FDA has now approved two AEDs for home use without a prescription. These are thePhilips Heartstart Onsite Home AED, and theHeartSine Samaritan 350P, both listed above.

Can I Buy an AED Without a Prescription?

Yes! The Philips Heartstart Onsite Home AED and the HeartSine Samaritan 350P can both be purchased without a prescription. They are both listed above.

Will Insurance Cover the Cost of AEDs?

In most cases, health insurance does not cover the cost of an AED, much like they do not cover the cost of a first aid kit, even though the two are health-related. There are rare cases in which insurance companies have helped cover a portion of the cost, but it is not common. Always check with your insurance company if you or someone in your family is considered “at risk” because it never hurts to inquire as to whether they will assist in the purchase.

How Do I Store my AED Safely at Home?

If you choose to place an AED in your home, it should be kept indoors in a location where it’s easy to find and easy to maintain. Minimally, monthly checks to ensure it is ready to rescue are recommended, and the AED itself will do more frequent checks and typically alert you with either a visual or audio clue something is amiss. It is important to note that you cannot rely solely on the AED to signal to you when something is not functioning with the unit, a physical check is imperative.

Final Thoughts

Remember, proper CPR training and AED training are as important as having the AED device on hand. CPR guidance is especially important–using an AED defibrillator alone is less likely to save a life. Delivering chest compressions and rescue breaths to a family member during an emergency should not be taken lightly. Proper training will prepare you for the crucial moments when you need to start CPR, utilize a portable defibrillator and contact emergency services. Seconds matter when it comes to restoring a normal rhythm to the heart.

You’ll also need to keep adult AED pads and pediatric pads fresh and ready to use whether you choose a Philips Heartstart Home defibrillator or any other AED unit.

Above all, don’t be intimidated by the thought of using an AED. You may one day be an SCA victim’s best hope of survival. The high-level defibrillation technology found in every one of these machines also includes an interface made to guide even a lay first-aider through the rescue process. Even children have successfully saved lives using an AED!

(updated 10/28/2024)