Real 2026 pricing for new and refurbished AEDs across all major brands, plus the recurring costs most buyers underestimate. No marketing language, just numbers you can budget with.
The 30-Second Answer
A new AED in 2026 costs between $1,200 and $2,800, depending on brand and features. A professionally refurbished AED costs between $700 and $1,600. Both prices typically include the first set of pads and a battery.
Average: $1,650 new | $1,050 refurbishedOver 10 years, you should also budget approximately $2,400 for replacement pads, batteries, cabinet, training, and refresher certifications. That brings the true 10-year total cost of ownership to roughly $4,000 to $5,200 for a single-unit workplace deployment.
The sticker price on an AED is only part of what you will actually spend. Every buyer we talk to has done the initial research and knows the device costs somewhere between one and three thousand dollars, but almost no one has a clear picture of what pads, batteries, cabinets, training, and periodic replacements add up to over the AED's 8 to 10 year service life. This article gives you those numbers so you can budget accurately from day one.
All prices are 2026 U.S. market ranges compiled from current manufacturer suggested prices and typical distributor pricing across the six major AED brands. Individual pricing varies by vendor, quantity, and included accessories. Total AEDs pricing is competitive across all categories; call (855) 286-6384 for a specific quote on any model referenced below.
What This Article Covers
1. New AED Prices by Brand (2026)
New AED prices depend primarily on brand tier, feature set (CPR feedback, Wi-Fi connectivity, real-time coaching), and whether the device is a semi-automatic or fully-automatic variant. The table below shows current 2026 U.S. market ranges for the most-deployed models. All prices are for the AED alone with first set of pads and battery included; cabinet, signage, and training are separate.
| Brand and Model | Segment | New Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Philips HeartStart OnSite (M5066A) | Public access, OTC, no Rx required | $1,200 to $1,500 |
| Philips HeartStart Home (M5068A) | Home use, OTC, no Rx required | $1,200 to $1,450 |
| Defibtech Lifeline (DDU-100) | Entry-level workplace | $1,100 to $1,400 |
| HeartSine samaritan PAD 350P | Public access, OTC, IP56 | $1,300 to $1,550 |
| ZOLL AED Plus | Real CPR Help feedback | $1,500 to $1,850 |
| Cardiac Science Powerheart G5 | Intellisense smart chip | $1,700 to $2,050 |
| HeartSine samaritan PAD 450P | CPR Rate Advisor, IP56 | $1,700 to $1,950 |
| Physio-Control LIFEPAK CR2 | cprINSIGHT, Wi-Fi/Bluetooth | $1,800 to $2,200 |
| ZOLL AED 3 | Integrated dashboard, RapidShock | $1,900 to $2,300 |
Three AED models are FDA-cleared for over-the-counter sale, meaning no prescription is required: Philips HeartStart OnSite, Philips HeartStart Home, and HeartSine samaritan PAD 350P. All others require a prescription from a physician or purchase through a licensed medical device distributor. Total AEDs handles the prescription workflow at no extra cost; call (855) 286-6384 for details.
2. Refurbished AED Pricing
Professionally refurbished AEDs typically cost 30 to 50 percent less than new equivalents. A reputable refurbisher tests every device to manufacturer specifications, replaces any worn components, installs fresh pads and a new battery, and provides a limited reseller warranty (typically 1 to 4 years, shorter than the manufacturer's original 5 to 8 year warranty on new units).
| Brand and Model (Refurbished) | Typical Warranty | Refurbished Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Philips HeartStart OnSite (refurbished) | 1 to 4 years | $700 to $900 |
| ZOLL AED Plus (refurbished) | 1 to 4 years | $900 to $1,200 |
| Cardiac Science Powerheart G3 (refurbished) | 1 to 4 years | $750 to $1,000 |
| Physio-Control LIFEPAK CR Plus (refurbished) | 1 to 4 years | $1,000 to $1,300 |
| HeartSine samaritan PAD 350P (refurbished) | 1 to 4 years | $900 to $1,200 |
Every refurbished AED at Total AEDs ships with new pads, a new battery, and a documented reconditioning history. Browse current inventory at Refurbished AEDs or read our detailed comparison at New vs Refurbished AED: Which Should You Buy?
3. Recurring Costs: Pads and Batteries
Pads and batteries are consumables. They expire on manufacturer-set cycles whether they are used or not, and expired consumables leave your AED unable to function during a real rescue. Budget for these costs from the beginning of your program, not as a surprise expense later.
Adult AED Pads
$50 to $150 per setShelf life: 2 years from manufacture (most brands). HeartSine's Pad-Pak combines pads and battery in one cartridge with a 4-year shelf life.
Replacement frequency: Every 2 years, or immediately after any rescue deployment.
See our reference chart at AED Accessories & Consumables.
Pediatric AED Pads
$80 to $180 per setShelf life: 2 years from manufacture.
When needed: Any program that could respond to a pediatric emergency (schools, family venues, workplaces with on-site childcare).
AED Battery (Standard Brands)
$150 to $350 per batteryShelf life: Varies by brand. Philips HeartStart batteries last approximately 4 years installed; ZOLL AED Plus uses standard Duracell CR123A cells lasting up to 5 years.
Replacement frequency: Every 4 to 5 years.
HeartSine Pad-Pak (Pads + Battery Combined)
$200 to $350 per cartridgeShelf life: 4 years installed.
Advantage: Single replacement cycle for both pads and battery reduces program management overhead. Unique to HeartSine 350P, 360P, and 450P.
4. One-Time Setup Costs
The AED itself is not the whole purchase. A properly deployed AED program includes a wall cabinet, standardized signage, and often an alarm to deter theft and alert nearby staff when the AED is removed. These are one-time purchases (or very infrequent replacements).
AED Wall Cabinet (Standard, Alarmed)
$150 to $350Indoor wall-mount cabinet with visual and audible alarm. Some include strobe lighting. Browse AED Wall Cabinets.
Outdoor / Weather-Rated Cabinet
$400 to $900Heated, insulated, or fully environmentally sealed cabinet for outdoor athletic fields, construction sites, or unheated warehouses.
Wall Signage (ILCOR-standard AED sign)
$20 to $60Standardized green-and-white AED wayfinding sign. Larger 3D projecting signs cost more but improve wayfinding.
AED Program Documentation Kit
$0 to $150Written AED program policy, responder list, inspection log templates. Free from Total AEDs when you purchase the AED; some vendors charge for compliance packages.
5. Training Costs
An AED is only as effective as the responders who use it. Formal CPR and AED training is not legally required for most workplaces, but is strongly recommended and often required by state law for schools, healthcare facilities, and certain licensed businesses. Certifications typically expire every 2 years and must be refreshed.
| Training Type | Duration | Cost per Person |
|---|---|---|
| AHA Heartsaver CPR/AED (initial) | 3 to 4 hours | $60 to $100 |
| American Red Cross CPR/AED (initial) | 3 to 4 hours | $60 to $100 |
| AHA BLS Provider (healthcare responders) | 4 hours | $80 to $130 |
| Refresher / Recertification (2-year cycle) | 2 to 3 hours | $40 to $70 |
| Online blended training (initial) | 2 hours online + 1 hour in-person skills | $45 to $85 |
For organizations training 10 or more responders, bringing a certified BLS Instructor in-house is typically more cost-effective than sending everyone to public classes. See our CPR & AED Training hub for guidance on setting up an internal training program.
6. 10-Year Total Cost of Ownership
Adding up device, consumables, one-time setup, and training over the AED's 10-year service life gives you the number your budget actually needs to plan around. The example below assumes a single-unit workplace deployment with 5 trained responders.
| Cost Category | Frequency | 10-Year Total |
|---|---|---|
| AED device (mid-range new) | One-time | $1,800 |
| Replacement pads (5 replacements) | Every 2 years | $400 |
| Replacement battery (2 to 3 replacements) | Every 4 to 5 years | $450 |
| Wall cabinet (alarmed) | One-time | $250 |
| Wall signage | One-time | $40 |
| Initial CPR/AED training (5 responders) | One-time | $500 |
| Biennial refresher training (4 cycles) | Every 2 years | $800 |
| Program management time (self-managed) | Included | $0 |
| Estimated 10-Year TCO | $4,240 | |
Averaged out, this is approximately $424 per year, or about $1.16 per day, for on-site cardiac arrest response capability. Buying a refurbished AED instead reduces the device cost by roughly $700, bringing the 10-year TCO to approximately $3,540 (about $0.97 per day).
7. Tax Deductions and Financial Incentives
AEDs and AED program expenses qualify for several U.S. tax and financial benefits that can meaningfully offset the purchase cost. Consult your accountant for specifics on your organization's situation.
- Business expense deduction (IRS Section 162) Workplace AED purchases and ongoing program costs (consumables, training, cabinet) are deductible as ordinary and necessary business expenses.
- Section 179 accelerated depreciation Qualifying businesses can deduct the full AED purchase price in the tax year of purchase rather than depreciating over multiple years. Limits apply.
- State-level tax credits (varies by state) Several states offer specific tax credits for workplace AED programs. Verify current programs in your state.
- Insurance premium reductions Some workers' compensation and general liability insurers offer premium reductions for workplaces that document an AED program and CPR-trained responders.
- Grants for schools and nonprofits State health departments, private foundations, and manufacturer programs sometimes fund AED deployments for schools, houses of worship, and youth sports organizations. See our AEDs in Schools & Youth Sports hub for grant sources.
8. Are AEDs Worth the Cost?
The financial question misses what an AED actually is. It is not a piece of equipment that generates return through use; it is insurance against a specific low-probability, high-consequence event. The way to think about the value question is not "what does the AED earn back" but "what is the cost of not having one when it is needed."
Sudden cardiac arrest survival probability drops approximately 7 to 10 percent for every minute without defibrillation. In most U.S. metropolitan areas, average EMS response time is between 7 and 14 minutes. Without an on-site AED, survival probability at time of EMS arrival is often already under 20 percent. With an on-site AED and a trained responder, survival probability can exceed 70 percent when the AED is deployed within 3 to 5 minutes.
At approximately $1.16 per day over 10 years for a single-unit deployment, the AED costs less per day than most workplace fire extinguisher inspection programs. For any organization with 50 or more people on-site during working hours, the math strongly favors deployment. For a full decision framework, see the AED Buyer's Guide.
9. How to Reduce AED Costs Without Cutting Corners
Cutting the wrong cost on an AED program can leave the device non-functional at the moment it matters most. These are the legitimate cost reductions that do not compromise clinical performance or compliance.
- Buy refurbished from a reputable vendor A professionally refurbished AED delivers the same clinical performance as a new one at 30 to 50 percent less cost. The warranty is shorter, which matters more if you plan to keep the AED for its full service life.
- Choose a brand with consumer-grade batteries ZOLL AED Plus uses standard Duracell CR123A batteries available from any retailer at consumer prices. Some other brands require proprietary batteries that cost $200 to $400 per replacement.
- Bring training in-house at scale For 10 or more responders, contracting a certified BLS Instructor for on-site training reduces per-responder cost meaningfully compared to public classes.
- Buy pads and batteries with the AED, not separately Bundled purchases often reduce shipping costs and lock in current pricing on consumables that will inflate over time.
- Verify shipped freshness Pads and batteries that arrive with only a few months of shelf life remaining are effectively short-cycle consumables. Total AEDs guarantees at least 12 months remaining shelf life at time of shipment on all pads.
- Take the Section 179 deduction Qualifying businesses can deduct the full AED purchase price in the year of purchase rather than depreciating. Talk to your accountant.
Skipping cabinet purchase (leaves the AED unprotected and unlabeled), skipping signage (delays responder location during an emergency), buying aftermarket unbranded pads (may not work with your AED), or skipping training (leaves responders unprepared) all compromise program performance and are false savings.
10. Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average price of an AED?
The average price of a new AED in 2026 is approximately $1,650, with the total range spanning $1,200 for entry-level models to $2,800 for high-end models with advanced CPR feedback and connectivity. Refurbished AEDs average approximately $1,050. These prices include the AED, first set of pads, and battery, but not cabinet, signage, or training.
Are AEDs worth the cost?
For any organization with 50 or more people on-site during operating hours, the answer is essentially always yes. Sudden cardiac arrest survival probability drops 7 to 10 percent per minute without defibrillation, and EMS response times typically exceed 7 minutes in most U.S. metropolitan areas. At approximately $1.16 per day of amortized 10-year cost, an AED is one of the least expensive workplace safety investments available. For smaller organizations, the answer depends on population, activity type, and EMS response time to the specific location.
How much does it cost to maintain an AED?
Annual maintenance costs average approximately $85 to $150 per year when amortized across the AED's 10-year service life. This covers pad replacements every 2 years ($50 to $150 per set), battery replacements every 4 to 5 years ($150 to $350 per battery), and periodic responder training. HeartSine Pad-Pak users have a simpler cycle with combined pad and battery replacement every 4 years. Self-managed inspection has no direct cost beyond program manager time.
Can you buy an AED without a prescription?
Yes, for three specific models. The FDA has cleared the Philips HeartStart OnSite, Philips HeartStart Home, and HeartSine samaritan PAD 350P for over-the-counter sale, meaning no prescription is required. All other AEDs currently sold in the United States require either a prescription from a physician or acquisition through a licensed medical device distributor. Total AEDs handles the prescription workflow at no extra cost on prescription-required models.
Is there a monthly fee for an AED?
No. AEDs are purchased outright and have no required monthly fees. Some manufacturers offer optional cloud-based program management software (Stryker LIFELINKcentral, Cardiac Science AEDSafetrack, ZOLL PlusTrac) that carries subscription pricing for organizations that want centralized fleet management, but these services are optional and are typically used by organizations with 10 or more AED units. For single-unit deployments, no ongoing subscription is required.
Are there recurring subscription fees for software or monitoring?
Only if your program chooses to use them. Optional AED program management software subscriptions typically run $50 to $200 per AED per year and provide centralized expiration tracking, compliance documentation, and multi-site coordination. For a single AED or small deployment, these subscriptions are not necessary; the AED itself performs its own daily self-tests and displays its readiness status through visible indicators.
How often will I realistically need to spend money on replacement parts?
On a typical AED deployment: pads every 2 years ($50 to $150), battery every 4 to 5 years ($150 to $350), and cabinet replacement approximately once during the AED's service life if the cabinet is damaged or superseded by ADA updates. HeartSine Pad-Pak users combine pads and battery into a single 4-year replacement cycle. See our detailed AED Maintenance hub for full schedules.
Does the price include a manufacturer warranty or an extended service plan?
New AEDs from major brands include a standard manufacturer warranty typically ranging from 5 to 8 years depending on brand. Extended service plans and multi-year comprehensive coverage are available separately for organizations wanting predictable maintenance budgets. Refurbished AEDs carry reseller warranties, typically 1 to 4 years. See our AED Warranty Comparison for brand-by-brand details.
Can I get a tax deduction or insurance discount for purchasing an AED in the US?
Often, yes. Workplace AED purchases are typically deductible as ordinary business expenses under IRS Section 162, and qualifying businesses can accelerate the deduction under Section 179. Several states offer AED-specific tax credits. Some workers' compensation and general liability insurers offer premium reductions for documented AED programs with trained responders. Individual homeowners typically cannot deduct home AED purchases unless the AED is medically prescribed for a specific family member's condition. Consult your accountant for your specific situation.
Is a refurbished unit just as safe and reliable as a brand new one?
When purchased from a reputable refurbisher, yes. Professional refurbishment includes testing to manufacturer specifications, replacement of any worn components, installation of new pads and battery, and current firmware updates. The clinical performance of a refurbished AED is identical to that of a new one. The trade-offs are shorter warranty coverage (1 to 4 years vs 5 to 8 years) and typically an older model year (which does not affect defibrillation performance for FDA-cleared devices). See New vs Refurbished AED for a full comparison.
What happens if the battery expires and I am not notified?
All current-generation AEDs run automatic self-tests and display visible readiness indicators (a green check mark, a flashing "OK" light, or similar) that fail to normal when the battery is expired or depleted. Modern AEDs also emit audible alerts. However, if the AED is stored in a location where no one sees the indicator regularly and no one hears the alert, the failure can go unnoticed. This is why monthly visual inspections are the industry standard, and why some organizations use program management software or a rotating inspection responsibility. Powerheart G5 pads include smart chips that alert the AED to approaching expiration; the AED then displays warnings for weeks before actual expiration.
Are there cheaper generic pads available, or must I buy brand-name?
Buy brand-name only. Some third-party companies sell aftermarket AED pads, but manufacturers including Cardiac Science and ZOLL have issued explicit advisories warning against these products because they may lack the communication chips required for proper AED function, may not deliver correct defibrillation energy, and may fail during a rescue. Total AEDs sources only genuine OEM pads through authorized distribution channels. The cost savings on aftermarket pads (typically 20 to 30 percent) does not justify the failure risk.
Does the purchase price include initial training for my staff?
Not typically. AED purchases include the device, first set of pads, and battery; formal CPR and AED certification training for responders is a separate purchase. Some vendors bundle basic in-person orientation with multi-unit orders; ask before purchase. Formal certification through AHA Heartsaver or American Red Cross runs $60 to $100 per person for the initial course, with 2-year refresher cycles at approximately $40 to $70 per person. See our CPR & AED Training hub for details.
Total AEDs ships free on orders $149 and above within the contiguous United States. See our full shipping policy and return policy before ordering, or call (855) 286-6384 for a specific quote on any AED referenced in this article.
