Choosing the right AED a practical comparison for businesses

Selecting an automated external defibrillator (AED) for your business is one of the most important safety decisions you will make. With approximately 350,000 sudden cardiac arrests (SCA) occurring in the workplace each year, having the right device is not just about compliance, it is about being prepared to save a life. The American Heart Association recommends a response time of just three minutes from collapse to the first shock, making the accessibility and usability of your AED program absolutely critical.

But the market is crowded with options, technical specifications, and varying price points. As a procurement officer or safety manager, your challenge is to look past the marketing and identify the device that truly fits your unique environment, budget, and personnel. This guide is designed to cut through the noise. We will move beyond the initial purchase price to explore the total cost of ownership, compare the top models head to head, and give you the clear, practical framework you need to make a confident decision.

The true cost of an AED program

One of the biggest mistakes businesses make is focusing solely on the initial price of the AED. The most effective way to evaluate cost is by calculating the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) over the device’s lifespan, typically around eight years. This includes the upfront cost plus the scheduled replacement of essential accessories like batteries and electrode pads.

A device with a lower sticker price might require more frequent and expensive replacements, leading to a higher TCO. For example, some models use long life batteries that last five to seven years, while others use batteries with a four year lifespan. Similarly, pad expiration dates vary. Understanding these replacement cycles is essential for accurate long term budgeting and reveals the true financial commitment of your workplace AED total cost of ownership.

A head to head comparison of top AEDs for business use

To simplify your evaluation, we have compared five of the most trusted and widely deployed AEDs suitable for business environments. As a direct partner with all six FDA approved manufacturers, we provide this guidance to help you find the perfect fit, not to favor one particular brand.

Philips HeartStart OnSite

• Best for:

Office environments and first time users who need maximum guidance.

• Ease of use:

Designed for the ordinary person in the extraordinary moment. The OnSite provides calm, clear voice instructions that guide the user step by step. Its simplicity is its greatest strength.

• Estimated 8-year TCO: 

Moderate. The device uses a four year battery and pads that expire every two years.

• Key feature: 

Unrivaled simplicity. The device is famously intuitive, making it a popular choice for workplaces without dedicated medical staff.

•  
• Consideration:

It is less rugged than some other models, making it better suited for indoor, climate controlled settings like corporate offices.

Learn more about the Philips HeartStart OnSite AED Value Package.

ZOLL AED Plus

• Best for: 
  Businesses that want to empower responders with real time CPR coaching.
• Ease of use:
  Very user friendly with a unique graphical interface showing each step. Its standout feature is Real CPR Help®, which measures the depth and rate of chest compressions and provides audible feedback like “Push harder.”
• Estimated 8-year TCO:
  Low. The ZOLL AED Plus uses low cost, consumer grade lithium camera batteries that last five years, as do the CPR-D-padz. This significantly reduces long term maintenance costs.
• Key feature:
  Real CPR Help® technology. This feedback is proven to help rescuers perform higher quality CPR, a critical factor in survival.
• Consideration: 
  The single piece CPR-D-padz system is easy to place but can be more expensive to replace than separate pads.

Physio-Control LIFEPAK CR2

• Best for:
  Organizations seeking advanced technology and seamless connectivity.
• Ease of use: 
  Features a simple, bold design with ClearVoice™ technology that adjusts volume based on background noise. It also has a bilingual option, allowing the rescuer to switch between two pre-set languages.
• Key feature: 
  cprINSIGHT™ analysis technology allows the device to analyze the patient’s heart rhythm during chest compressions, reducing pauses in CPR. Many models offer WiFi connectivity for remote monitoring.
• Estimated 8-year TCO:
  Moderate to high. Consumables have a four year life, which is a strong advantage.
• Consideration: 
  The advanced features and connectivity options can place it at a higher initial price point compared to more basic models.

Discover the Physio-Control LIFEPAK CR2 Value Package.

Defibtech Lifeline

• Best for: 
  High demand environments that need durability and a low long term cost.
• Ease of use:
  A simple two button interface and clear voice prompts make it easy to operate under pressure. It is known for its ruggedness and has a high IP rating for water and dust resistance.
• Estimated 8-year TCO:
  Very low. The standard battery for the Defibtech Lifeline AED has an industry leading seven year life, minimizing replacement costs and maintenance checks.
• Key feature:
  Exceptional durability and the longest battery life available in a standard AED, making it a cost effective and low maintenance option.
• Consideration:
  It does not offer CPR feedback, a feature found in models like the ZOLL AED Plus.

Cardiac Science Powerheart G5

• Best for:
  Industrial settings, construction sites, and businesses needing a rugged and reliable device.
• Ease of use:
  The Rescue Ready® technology performs daily, weekly, and monthly self tests on the battery, pads, and internal circuitry. A prominent status indicator confirms it’s ready to perform.
• Estimated 8-year TCO: 
  Moderate. The device has a four year battery life and two year pad life.
• Key feature: 
  Military grade toughness. The Cardiac Science Powerheart G5 boasts a very high IP55 rating against dust and water, making it ideal for harsh environments.
• Consideration: 
  While incredibly durable, its robust build makes it slightly heavier than some compact office models.

Key decision factors for a business AED

Beyond a direct model comparison, your final choice should be guided by your specific operational needs. Here are the most important factors to weigh.

Ease of use for lay responders

In a workplace emergency, the responder is rarely a medical professional. The device must be intuitive for someone with minimal training. Look for clear voice prompts, simple icons, and features that reduce confusion. Real time CPR feedback technology is one of the most significant advancements, as it actively coaches the user to perform better, life saving compressions. This is a crucial feature to consider when looking for the best AED for CPR.

Durability for your environment (IP rating)

An AED in a corporate office has very different needs from one on a factory floor or construction site. The Ingress Protection (IP) rating tells you how well the device is protected against dust and water. For demanding environments, you will want to evaluate rugged AEDs with a high IP rating, like the Cardiac Science Powerheart G5, to ensure they can withstand the elements.

Pediatric capabilities

If your business serves children (e.g., schools, family resorts, churches), having a pediatric capability is essential. Some models require you to purchase and install separate, smaller pediatric pads. Others, like the Philips HeartStart FRx, use a single set of adult pads with a pediatric “key.” Inserting the key automatically reduces the shock energy to levels safe for a child, which can be faster and less prone to error in a chaotic situation. You can explore a range of the best pediatric defibrillators to find the right solution.

Maintenance and readiness checks

An AED only works if it is ready to perform. All modern AEDs conduct automatic self tests to check the status of their battery, pads, and circuitry. A clear readiness indicator (often a green light or status screen) lets you know at a glance that the device is operational. This automates a significant part of your AED maintenance program and ensures the device will function when needed.

Future proofing your workplace AED program

As technology evolves, so does AED management. Modern WiFi enabled AEDs can connect to the cloud, allowing them to send readiness alerts directly to your safety manager. This remote monitoring is a game changer for businesses with multiple locations, as it allows you to track the status of every device from a single web portal.

Investing in a connected device and a comprehensive management program like the AED Total Solution ensures your program remains compliant and ready. It automates expiration reminders for pads and batteries, tracks responder training certifications, and provides a centralized system for oversight, saving administrative time and reducing liability risk.

Your workplace AED program checklist

Deploying an AED is the first step. Building a successful program requires a complete approach based on OSHA and AHA guidance.

• Placement: 
  Is the device centrally located and accessible within a 3 minute round trip from anywhere in your facility? Consider high traffic and high risk areas.
• Signage: 
  Is the AED cabinet clearly marked with visible AED signage to guide people during an emergency?
• Training: 
  Are employees trained in CPR and AED use? Regular training builds the confidence to act.
• Maintenance:
  Do you have a system for monthly visual inspections and tracking accessory expiration dates?
• Compliance:
  Have you met all local and state registration requirements and established medical oversight? Understanding the business need for an AED program goes beyond the device itself.

Making your decision with confidence

The “best” AED is the one that fits your specific workplace. An office may prioritize ease of use and CPR feedback, while a manufacturing plant needs rugged durability. By considering your environment, personnel, and long term budget, you can move from a simple product list to a strategic safety investment.

Choosing the right partner is just as important as choosing the right device. Our non commissioned experts are here to help you navigate these options. We will help you assess your needs, compare models without bias, and design a complete, compliant program that protects your team and your business.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Do we need a fully automatic or semi automatic AED for our business?
A: Both are safe and effective. A semi automatic AED prompts the user to press a shock button if a shockable heart rhythm is detected. A fully automatic AED will deliver the shock on its own after an audible warning. Most businesses choose semi automatic models, as it gives the rescuer final control, but the choice often comes down to organizational preference and local protocols.

Q: What are our legal requirements for having an AED?
A: AED laws vary significantly by state and sometimes by industry. While OSHA recommends AEDs in the workplace, federal law does not mandate them for all businesses. However, many states have specific requirements for places like health clubs, schools, and government buildings. It is crucial to check your state and local AED laws to ensure full compliance. Partnering with a program management provider can help navigate these legal complexities.

Q: How much does an AED program really cost over time?
A: The initial device purchase is only part of the cost. A complete program includes the AED, a cabinet, signage, a responder prep kit, training for your staff, and ongoing program management. The biggest long term cost is replacing expired batteries and electrode pads. This is why calculating the Total Cost of Ownership over 8 years is the most accurate way to budget for your program.

Q: Why should we partner with an AED program management provider?
A: Simply buying an AED and placing it on a wall is not enough to ensure readiness or compliance. A program management service like our AED Total Solution handles medical oversight and prescriptions, automates battery and pad expiration alerts, tracks training certifications, and ensures you meet all state registration requirements. It removes the administrative burden from your team and minimizes legal risk by ensuring your program is always ready and compliant.