Both models use the same defibrillator hardware. The real decision comes down to where the AED will live, not which one is more powerful.
The Philips HeartStart OnSite and HeartStart Home are functionally identical defibrillators. Same shock energy, same pads, same battery, same 8-year warranty, same no-prescription purchase.
The only real difference is packaging and marketing. OnSite targets workplaces and public spaces; Home targets households. Buy based on where it will be stored, not which one is "better."
The Hardware Is the Same. Here Is Proof.
Philips' own official product documentation settles this directly. Asked whether a difference exists between the two models, Philips states plainly that there is none.
The pads cartridge and battery are interchangeable between them. Both use part number M5071A for adult pads and M5070A for the battery.
Both deliver the same nominal shock energy: 150 joules for an adult patient, 50 joules for a pediatric patient with the Infant/Child cartridge installed.
OnSite is positioned and sold toward businesses, schools, and public-access locations. Home is positioned toward individual households, often for a family with a known cardiac risk factor. The underlying device does not change.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Spec | Philips HeartStart OnSite | Philips HeartStart Home |
|---|---|---|
| Part number | M5066A | M5068A |
| Adult shock energy | 150 J nominal | 150 J nominal |
| Pediatric shock energy | 50 J nominal, with M5072A | 50 J nominal, with M5072A |
| Adult pads | M5071A | M5071A |
| Battery | M5070A | M5070A |
| Warranty | 8 years | 8 years |
| Prescription required | No | No |
| Typical marketing target | Workplaces, schools, public spaces | Households, family use |
Which One Should You Actually Buy?
Nearly three-quarters of cardiac arrests in the US happen at home, not in public, according to the American Heart Association's own current data.
That statistic makes a strong case for either model in a home setting. The choice genuinely comes down to context, not capability.
Choose OnSite When No Prescription Required
Your AED will live in a workplace, school hallway, gym, or other space where multiple people, often untrained, might need to use it.
See the full Philips HeartStart OnSite.
Choose Home When No Prescription Required
Your primary concern is a family member's cardiac risk, and the AED will be stored in your house for use by household members.
See the full Philips HeartStart Home.
Both need the same accessories going forward. Adult pads: M5071A. Pediatric pads: M5072A.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Philips Home AED less powerful than the OnSite model used by paramedics?
No, and the premise needs a correction. Paramedics generally do not carry the consumer OnSite unit at all; EMS crews use professional monitor-defibrillators built for clinical use, not this platform.
Between OnSite and Home specifically, power is identical: both deliver 150 joules nominal to an adult patient and 50 joules nominal to a pediatric patient with the Infant/Child pads installed.
Do I really need a doctor's prescription to buy the OnSite version in the US?
No. The OnSite is one of only three AEDs sold over the counter in the US without a prescription. The Home model is the second of those three, and both can be purchased directly.
How much will I spend on replacement pads and batteries over the next 5 years?
Pads carry a 2-year shelf life, so plan on replacing them roughly twice over 5 years. Adult pad cartridges (M5071A) typically run $75 to $100 each.
The battery has a 4-year installed life, so expect one replacement in that window, typically in the $150 to $230 range based on current market pricing. Call (855) 286-6384 for an exact quote.
See our full AED total cost of ownership breakdown for the complete picture across a device's service life.
If I use the Home AED in my small office, am I still covered by Good Samaritan laws?
Most states extend some form of Good Samaritan or AED-specific liability protection to a good-faith rescue attempt, regardless of which model was used or where it was purchased.
Exact protections vary by state, and this is not legal advice. Confirm your specific state's statute, or ask your legal counsel, before relying on it as part of a workplace safety plan.
Can a child or an untrained person realistically use these devices during a panic?
Yes, and this is the specific design goal of both models. Step-by-step voice coaching walks a first-time user through pad placement, shock delivery, and CPR without any prior training.
Both use the same voice guidance system, so ease of use does not differ between OnSite and Home.
What happens if the battery dies and I don't realize it; does it have an alarm?
Both models run an automatic self-test every day and alert you if a problem is detected, including low battery status. A pads self-test also runs automatically every time a pads cartridge is inserted.
You can manually trigger a fresh self-test at any time by removing the battery for five seconds and reinstalling it.
Is the warranty for the Home model shorter than the OnSite model?
No. Both carry an identical 8-year manufacturer warranty. See our full AED warranty comparison for how this stacks up against other brands.
Can the OnSite pads be used on a child, or do I need to buy special infant pads?
The standard adult pads (M5071A) are not for pediatric use. A separate cartridge, the Infant/Child pads (M5072A), is required for patients under 8 years old or under 55 lbs.
That pediatric cartridge fits both OnSite and Home identically, confirmed directly on Philips' own product documentation.
Still not sure which one fits your situation?
Kyle Nowack has helped hundreds of families and small businesses pick between OnSite and Home. Call (855) 286-6384, or read our 10 questions every buyer should ask before you decide.
