AED Units
Which AED Should You Buy?
Choosing the right AED (automated external defibrillator) can feel overwhelming. Different brands, features, and price points all compete for your attention—and you still need to be sure the AED you pick will be easy to use in a real emergency. On this page, you’ll find a curated selection of AED units and AED packages from trusted manufacturers, along with cabinets, response kits, training units, and more to help you build a complete program.
If you’re not sure where to start, visit our AED Comparison Page to see the major AED models side by side. You can also review AED cost of ownership to understand pad, battery, and maintenance costs over time, or explore AED grant programs that may help fund your purchase.
Key questions to consider before buying an AED unit:
- Where will the AED live? Offices, schools, gyms, churches, and industrial sites all have different risks and layout considerations.
- Who will use it? Most public access AEDs are designed for lay rescuers with clear voice and visual prompts; some offer bilingual prompts or CPR feedback.
- Who are you protecting? Make sure the AED you choose supports both adult and pediatric use (via pediatric pads or a key, depending on the model).
- What level of maintenance can you support? Some AEDs have lower long-term pad and battery costs than others—compare total cost of ownership, not just the upfront price.
- Do you need accessories? Consider AED packages that include wall cabinets, alarmed cases, signs, and response kits to keep you in regulation and make the AED easy to find.
Browse the AED units and packages below, or narrow your search by brand—such as Philips, ZOLL, Defibtech, HeartSine, Physio-Control, or Cardiac Science—or by category like refurbished AEDs, AED trainers, and AED management programs.
What Is an AED?
An AED, or automated external defibrillator, is a lifesaving medical device used together with CPR to treat victims of sudden cardiac arrest. AEDs analyze the heart’s rhythm through adhesive electrode pads placed on the chest and, if needed, deliver a controlled electrical shock to help restore a normal heartbeat. Clear voice and visual prompts walk you through each step so you can act quickly—even if you have never used an AED before.
Many public access AEDs are designed for everyday rescuers, not just medical professionals. Models are available in semi-automatic designs—where you press a button to deliver the shock—or fully automatic designs, which deliver the shock when the device determines it is needed. In both cases, internal safety checks help ensure a shock is only given when appropriate.
What Is Sudden Cardiac Arrest?
Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) happens when the heart’s electrical system suddenly stops working properly, causing the heart to stop beating effectively. Blood flow to the brain and vital organs stops within seconds, and without treatment, SCA is almost always fatal. In the United States, more than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside the hospital each year, and most of them are deadly when no immediate help is available.
The best chance of survival comes from acting quickly: call emergency services, start high-quality CPR, and use an AED as soon as one is available. Modern AED technology is accurate, reliable, and built to be used by the general public—but becomes even more powerful when more people are trained in CPR and AED use.
Is Cardiac Arrest the Same as a Heart Attack?
No—cardiac arrest and heart attack are related but different emergencies. A heart attack happens when blood flow to part of the heart muscle is blocked, usually by a clot in a coronary artery. The heart is still beating, but part of the muscle is starved of oxygen. Sudden cardiac arrest, on the other hand, is usually caused by an electrical problem in the heart that makes it beat irregularly or stop altogether.
A heart attack can sometimes lead to cardiac arrest, but not all heart attacks do. In both cases, fast action is essential: call 9-1-1, follow dispatcher instructions, begin CPR if the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally, and use an AED if one is available.
AEDs Save Lives
When cardiac arrest occurs, every minute without CPR and defibrillation reduces the chance of survival. CPR helps keep blood flowing to the brain and organs, and an AED can deliver the shock that may reset the heart into a survival rhythm. Studies show that timely CPR and defibrillation can double or even triple survival rates compared with no immediate help.
Unfortunately, many workplaces and public locations either do not have an AED or have one that staff members don’t know how to find or use. Placing AEDs in visible, clearly marked locations—and training staff so they feel confident using them—can make a critical difference in an emergency.
Whether you’re buying a personal AED for peace of mind at home or purchasing multiple AED units to keep your organization in compliance, CPR Savers offers one of the widest selections of AEDs and AED packages available. Take a moment to explore our AED Comparison Chart and learn about potential funding through our AED Grant Programs. If you’re replacing an older device, be sure to check out our AED Trade-In Rebate Program for additional savings.
If you have any questions about which AED model is right for your setting—or the differences between brands and features—call us at 1.800.480.1277. Our trained representatives are happy to help you build an AED program that fits your environment, budget, and regulatory requirements.
