AED Cost

The cost of an AED (AED defibrillator, AED machine, etc.) is essential to consider whether you’re looking for an AED for your home, at your business, or anywhere else. Understanding the initial expense of an AED and 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 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 and the variables influencing the TCO for an AED.  

What is an AED?

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

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 heartbeat (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) aid. While most AED machines will require a prescription, some retailers, including AED Superstore, can 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.

There are also two non-prescriptive AEDs to keep in mind – the Philips HeartStart Onsite and HeartSine samaritan 350P AED. 

*Note: The only FDA-approved AED for Home is the Philips HeartStart OnSite  HeartSine samaritan 350P 

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

Business AEDs

AEDs for businesses and offices have only become more critical in recent years. According to the American Heart Association, 10,000 cardiac arrest events occur 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 (August 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 and budget constraints. Carefully managing the AED purchase and understanding the costs involved, including the AED program and AED accessory expenses, is essential. If you’re looking for an AED for a church or non-profit, we recommend reviewing the TCO information below.

As of August 2023, the average base price of a new AED for church or non-profit use at AED Superstore is $1,712.00. 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 contact us.

EMT / Emergency Medical Responder AEDs

While AEDs are essential for personal and home use, 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 (EMTs) tend to choose higher-end models loaded with features that their organization needs. While all automated external defibrillators work to reset heart rhythms, only specific models have advanced features such as manual override, ECG monitoring, or aviation capabilities that EMTs may require in their profession. Naturally, the AED price rises as medic features are added.

Not surprisingly, as of August 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–at ~$3,217.00.

What is the Total Cost of Ownership for an AED?

As we all know, the actual cost of owning anything usually exceeds the initial expense of the item. An automated external defibrillator is no exception. To understand the TCO for AEDs accurately, you must 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.

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

AED Purchase Example: 

New AED: $1,600.00

Common AED Accessories Purchased: 

• Backup electrode pads – $50-$175
• Pediatric electrode pads – $50-$220
• AED Batteries – $150-$150
• AED Trainer – $400-$500 
• AED Cabinet & signs – $15-$250

Recurring AED Maintenance Costs:

• AED electrode pads (replaced every two years)
• AED battery (replaced every four years)

Optional Expenses: 

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

Expected AED Lifespan:

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

The estimated total cost of ownership for an AED with an 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.