AED Cost

The cost of an AED (AED defibrillator, AED machine, etc.) is important to consider whether you’re looking for an AED for home, at your business, or anywhere else. Understanding the initial expense of an AED as well as the total cost of ownership (TCO), will help you make a wise choice when selecting your defibrillator.

How Much Does an AED Cost?

Typically, a new AED will cost between $1,200.00 and $3,000.00. A used defibrillator device may cost significantly less and can be a good option for those on a budget. The AED devices’ features, use-cases, and manufacturer can all change the price of an AED model. AED packages are also popular but increase the initial out of pocket cost.  In this article, we’ll explore the average cost of AEDs, as well as the variables influencing the TOC for an AED.  

What is an AED?

Before we get any further, if you’re not familiar with what an AED is, read the section below.

According to the American Heart Association, an automated external defibrillator (AED) is “a lightweight, portable device that delivers an electric shock through the chest to the heart. The shock can potentially stop an irregular heart beat (arrhythmia) and allow a normal rhythm to resume following sudden cardiac arrest (SCA)”. [Source]

An AED may also be described as an emergency medical device used in conjunction with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) by a rescuer to stabilize a patient’s heart rhythm during sudden cardiac arrest. 

No matter your preferred definition, AEDs are about saving patients from sudden cardiac arrest before it’s too late.

The Average Price of An AED by Use-Case

In the sections below we look at the average expense of a new AED based on likely uses.

Home AEDs

Home AED units are becoming more and more common as the benefits of these medical devices become more well known for sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) first aid. While most AED machines will require a prescription, some retailers, including AED Superstore, are able to provide the prescription for you when you purchase, making buying a personal AED even easier. Please note, insurance companies will most likely not cover the purchase.

Currently (February 2023), the average base-cost of a new AED for home at AED Superstore is $1,473.50. This price will vary significantly depending on options and accessories selected.

*Note: The only FDA-approved AED for Home is the Philips Heartstart Onsite AED

Business AEDs

AEDs for businesses and offices have only become more important in recent years. According to the American Heart Association, 10,000 cardiac arrest events take place annually in the workplace within the United States. CPR and AED device use drastically increase cardiac arrest survival rates (2x-3x), making proper CPR training, AED device placement and management crucial.

Currently (February 2023), the average base-price of a new AED for business or office use at AED Superstore is around $1,715.00.

Church or Non-profit AEDs

Churches, places of worship and other non-profit organizations often have specific AED machine needs along with budget constraints. Carefully managing the AED purchase and understanding costs involved, including AED program and AED accessory expenses is important. If you’re looking for an AED for a church or non-profit, we recommend reviewing the TCO information below.

As of February 2023, the average base-price of a new AED for church or non-profit use at AED Superstore is $1,712.00. As always, This price will vary depending on the options and AED accessories selected. 

If you’re interested in purchasing an AED machine or AED package but are concerned about pricing, please review our AED grant resources or reach out to us.

EMT / Emergency Medical Responder AEDs

While AEDs for personal and home use are important, emergency medical responders use the machines most frequently. The TCO including defibrillator maintenance, accessory purchases such as electrode pads / defibrillator pads, AED batteries, etc. along with the price of a new defibrillator and AED program management must all be considered. 

Emergency medical responders (EMS) and technicians (EMT) require the most of their defibrillators. They tend to choose higher-end models loaded with features that their organization needs. While all automated external defibrillators work to reset heart rhythms, only certain models will carry important device features required by their professions. Naturally the AED price rises as medic features are added.

Not surprisingly, as of February 2023, the average base-price of new defibrillators for EMS applications on AED Superstore is the highest of all the groups we’ve looked at–coming in at ~$3,217.00.

What is the Total Cost of Ownership for an AED?

As we all know, the true cost of owning anything usually exceeds the initial expense of the item. An automated external defibrillator is no exception. To accurately understand the TCO for AEDs, you need to consider the cost of replacement parts such as a battery, electrode pads, and other items you may purchase such as cabinets, signs, program management, classroom training, etc.

To help you get a sense of the lifetime cost of these products, we’ve provided an example below using average costs. Please remember, prices change over time and the numbers used in the calculation are averages. When it comes time to purchase an AED, if you have any questions contact customer service and review product info.

AED Purchase Example: 

New AED: $1,600.00

Common AED Accessories Purchased: 

• Backup electrode pads – $50-$175
• Pediatric electrode pads – $50-$220
• AED Trainer – $400-$500 
• AED Cabinet & signs – $15-$250

Recurring AED Maintenance Costs:

• AED electrode pads (replaced every 2 years)
• AED battery (replaced every 4 years)

Optional Expenses: 

• AED Program Management ($75-$150/yr for full management–optional) 

Expected AED Lifespan:

• Expected Useful AED Life per The Department of the Army (TB MED 7) – 8 years

Estimated total cost of ownership for an AED with 8 year usable life: $2,705.00 to  $3,440.00

What is the Cheapest AED I Can Buy?

The cheapest new AED at AED Superstore is the Defibtech Lifeline AED.

Should I Buy a Pre-Owned AED to Save Money?

A Pre-owned or used AED can be a viable alternative if a new AED is cost prohibitive. We cover this question in more detail here.

Are there grants for AEDs?

Yes, many grants exist for AEDs! AED Superstore has compiled a variety of grant resources and opportunities. You can learn more about AED grants here.