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AED Cost Calculator
💰 Free AED Budget Tool · 5-Year Ownership Estimate

What Will Your AED Really Cost?

AED price is only one part of the total cost. Pads, batteries, cabinet, signage, and training account for the other 30% of the 5-year math. This calculator surfaces the true ownership cost so your procurement budget is right the first time.
  • 5-year ownership estimate
  • Includes pads + batteries
  • Built for schools, offices, gyms, churches, homes
  • No email required

📊 The Math

Why AED sticker price is misleading

Most procurement spreadsheets only capture the device line. The other 30% of the 5-year cost shows up as surprise expenses — usually mid-cycle when no one budgeted for it.

~70%

Device cost

The AED itself is one-time. After year one it never comes up again — but it's only 70% of the 5-year math.

~20%

Consumables

Pads replace every 2–5 years (~$60–$195 each cycle). Batteries every 4–5 years (~$60–$245). Both compound across multi-unit programs.

~10%

Cabinet, signage, training

Easy to skip. Then the device sits in a closet, no one knows where it is, and no one's trained to use it. Don't skip.

⚖️ Compare

Budget AED vs Premium AED — 5-year math

For a single-unit purchase, the device tier matters more than buyers realize. A budget AED with cheaper consumables can flip premium math after year 5.

Budget — HeartSine 350P

~$2,490 / 5 yr

Standard — Philips HeartStart OnSite

~$3,055 / 5 yr

Premium — Philips HeartStart FRx

~$3,610 / 5 yr

Professional — ZOLL AED Pro

~$4,640 / 5 yr

📍 By Environment

Typical AED cost by environment (single unit, 5-yr)

Budget benchmarks our editors see most often per facility type.

🏫

School (K-12)

~$3,200–$4,500

🏢

Office

~$3,000–$4,200

🏋️

Gym

~$3,500–$4,800

⛪

Church

~$2,600–$3,800

🏠

Home

~$2,200–$3,200

🏨

Hotel

~$3,300–$4,500/unit

⚠️ Hidden Costs

How to avoid surprise AED costs

Forgetting pediatric pads

If your facility serves anyone under 8 or 55 lb, pediatric pads (~$155) need to be in the cabinet from day one — not added later after a discovery audit.

Counterfeit pads from marketplaces

Authorized U.S. distributors guarantee authentic consumables. Marketplace pads can be expired, recalled, or counterfeit — and they void the warranty.

Cabinet alarms not specified at purchase

Alarmed cabinets (~$320) cost more than basic wall mounts (~$180), but they discourage tampering and alert staff to cabinet openings — invaluable for public-access deployments.

Recertification training every 2 years

AHA-aligned certifications expire every 2 years. Budget recurring training cost (~$60/person) — not a one-time line item.

🤝 Next Steps

Where to go from here

🛒

Shop AED packages

Authorized U.S. distributor. Bundled packages with cabinet + signage.

AED Leader →

⚖️

Compare AED models

Side-by-side specs + editorial verdicts on all 16 FDA-cleared AEDs we review.

Open compare →

📋

Ask for program help

Fleet inspection, recall alerts, compliance tracking for 5+ AED programs.

AED Total Solution →

❓ FAQ

Common questions about AED cost

The device is roughly 70% of the 5-year cost. The other 30% comes from pads (every 2-5 years), batteries (every 4-5 years), cabinets, signage, and training. Procurement teams that only budget the device line under-budget by 30-40%.
They are reasonable mid-range estimates based on authorized distributor pricing in 2026. Actual costs vary by brand, region, and bulk-purchase discounts. For exact pricing, shop at AED Leader — and pick a specific model in the calculator for sharper math.
Optional. We add approximately $60-180 per AED per year for program management (inspection scheduling, recall alerts, compliance tracking). Most single-unit owners skip this; multi-AED operators benefit substantially.
Many schools, non-profits, and churches qualify for AED grant funding (Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation, state athletic association grants, fire-department donations). Run the calculator first to budget — then offset with grants.
For most lay-rescuer environments, budget tier (HeartSine 350P) and standard tier (Philips OnSite) deliver excellent value. Premium tier (Philips FRx, ZOLL AED 3) earns its premium for IP55 ruggedness, included pediatric capability, or real-time CPR feedback. Use the match tool to pick the right tier.
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