AED pads are the single most expensive and operationally consequential consumable in an AED program. Most missed pad replacements happen because nobody set a calendar reminder, and most failed rescues attributable to consumables are pad-related, not battery-related. The pad expiration date is the date the AED program lives or dies.
Quick answer
AED electrode pads are adhesive patches that transmit electrical energy from the AED to the patient. Standard adult pads expire every 2 years and cost $75.15 to $234 per set. ZOLL CPR-D-padz last 5 years, the longest available. HeartSine Pad-Pak combines a battery and pads for 4 years. Replace pads immediately after any rescue use, even if no shock was delivered.
Fleet refresh: pads and batteries for every AED, on one screen
Own more than one AED, or more than one brand? Find each model below, enter how many you have, and see the refresh cost and the buy link for every part. Prices from AED Leader, checked 25 September 2026.
| Your AED | Adult pads | Battery | Child pads (if needed) | Refresh set per AED | How many? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philips HeartStart OnSite | M5071A adult pads $99 every 2 yr Buy pads | M5070A battery $249 every 4 yr Buy battery | M5072A infant/child pads $139 Buy | $348 | |
| Philips HeartStart FRx | SMART Pads II $89 every 2 yr Buy pads | M5070A battery $249 every 4 yr Buy battery | Uses an infant/child key | $338 | |
| ZOLL AED Plus | CPR-D-padz $230 every 5 yr Buy pads | 10 x 123A lithium batteries $100 every 5 yr Buy battery | Pedi-padz II $155 Buy | $330 | |
| ZOLL AED 3 | CPR Uni-padz (adult and child) $234 every 5 yr Buy pads | 8000-000696 battery $201 every 5 yr Buy battery | Adult pads also cover children | $435 | |
| HeartSine samaritan 350P / 360P / 450P | Pad-Pak 01 (pads and battery in one) $236 every 4 yr Buy pads | Included in the Pad-Pak | Pediatric Pad-Pak $279 Buy | $236 | |
| Defibtech Lifeline | DDP-100 adult pads $75.15 every 2 yr Buy pads | DBP-1400 battery $229.10 every 5 yr Buy battery | DDP-200P pediatric pads $130.25 Buy | $304.25 | |
| Defibtech Lifeline VIEW | DDP-2001 adult pads $83.05 every 2 yr Buy pads | DCF-2003 battery $240.45 every 5 yr Buy battery | DDP-2002 pediatric pads $136.40 Buy | $323.50 | |
| Cardiac Science Powerheart G5 | XELAED001C adult pads $88 every 2 yr Buy pads | XBTAED001A battery $495 every 4 yr Buy battery | XELAED003C pediatric pads $127 Buy | $583 | |
| LIFEPAK CR2 | QUIK-STEP pads (adult and child) $196 every 4 yr Buy pads | CR2 lithium battery $341 every 4 yr Buy battery | Adult pads also cover children | $537 |
Why it matters: an AED with expired pads or a flat battery may not shock when it is needed, and pads must be replaced after any use. The printed expiry date on each part always overrides the typical life shown here. Buying 5 or more units? Ask AED Leader for a quote.
What AED pads actually do
The pads serve three functions: detect the patient’s electrical activity for rhythm analysis, transmit shock energy from the AED to the patient’s heart, and on ZOLL devices, measure compression depth and rate via embedded accelerometers. The adhesive surface must make full contact with bare skin for any of these functions to work.
Adult vs pediatric pads and placement
Adult pads deliver ~150–200 joule shock energy. Pediatric pads (or pediatric mode on universal pads) deliver ~50 joules, appropriate for patients under 8 years or under 55 lbs per American Red Cross guidance.
| Patient | Pad type | Placement | Energy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult / 8+ years / 55+ lbs | Standard adult pads | Upper right chest + lower left side | ~150–200 joules |
| Child under 8 / under 55 lbs | Pediatric pads OR adult pads with pediatric mode | One front (mid-chest) + one back (between shoulder blades) | ~50 joules |
| Infant under 1 / under 22 lbs | Pediatric pads | Front + back placement | ~50 joules (or per device guidance) |
AED pads expiration and replacement schedule by model
| Pad type | Shelf life | Replacement cost | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| ZOLL CPR-D-padz | 5 years | $230 | Longest shelf life on the market |
| ZOLL Uni-padz | 5 years | $234 | Universal (adult + pediatric) |
| HeartSine Pad-Pak | 4 years | $236 | Combined battery + pads |
| Philips SMART Pads II (FRx) | 2 years | $89 | Standard 2-year cycle |
| Philips SMART Pads (OnSite) | 2 years | $99 | Standard 2-year cycle |
| LIFEPAK QUIK-STEP | 2 years | $196 | Adult pads |
| Cardiac Science Intellisense pads | 2 years | $88 standard, $282 ICPR | Standard vs ICPR option |
| Defibtech DDP-100A (adult) | 2 years | $75.15 | Standard 2-year cycle |
The Pad-Pak economics advantage
HeartSine’s Pad-Pak combines battery and electrode pads into a single 4-year cartridge. Buyers track one expiration date instead of two. Total consumables cost over 5 years: $236 for one Pad-Pak replacement. Compared to a Philips OnSite over 5 years: $198 in pads (2 replacements) + $249 battery + $139 pediatric pads if applicable.
For single-AED programs without dedicated AED program management, the Pad-Pak simplicity is operationally meaningful.
After rescue use – always replace
Pads must be replaced immediately after any rescue use, even if no shock was delivered. The adhesive surface contacts patient skin and is contaminated even with no shock cycle. Most authorized distributors offer replacement-after-use programs that ship replacement pads within 24 hours.
AED pad replacement prices, checked 24 September 2026
At AED Leader on 24 September 2026: Philips OnSite M5071A pads are $99 with a 2-year shelf life, ZOLL CPR-D-padz are $230 with a 5-year shelf life, and the HeartSine Pad-Pak 01 is $236 with a 4-year shelf life and the battery built in. Per year of shelf life that is about $50 for the M5071A, $46 for CPR-D-padz and $59 for the Pad-Pak.
Recertified AEDs from $875: the 7 models that sell
Same FDA-approved (PMA) hardware for 38% to 58% less than new, each with a 3-year seller warranty at AED Leader. Prices checked 4 October 2026.
| Recertified model | Price | New | You save | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philips OnSite recertified | $875 | $714 (45%) | Check price | |
| Philips FRx recertified | $875 | $1,224 (58%) | Check price | |
| ZOLL AED Plus recertified | $875 | $1,207 (58%) | Check price | |
| ZOLL AED 3 recertified | from $1,150 | $1,249 (52%) | Check price | |
| HeartSine 450P recertified | $875 | $886 (50%) | Check price | |
| HeartSine 350P recertified | $875 | $536 (38%) | Check price | |
| Powerheart G5 recertified | $1,225 | $932 (43%) | Check price |
Buying 5 or more? Response Ready handles fleet orders. Compare all of them in the best refurbished AEDs.
Frequently asked questions
How much do AED pads cost?
$75.15 to $234 per set, depending on brand. Standard 2-year pads run $75.15 to $99. HeartSine Pad-Pak combines a battery + pads for $236 and lasts 4 years.
What’s the longest shelf life for AED pads?
ZOLL CPR-D-padz at 5 years. Used with the ZOLL AED Plus.
Are pediatric pads required for daycares?
Yes, for any facility serving children under 8. Either separate pediatric pads or universal pads with pediatric mode.
Do I need to replace pads after every use?
Yes. Even if no shock was delivered, the adhesive surface is contaminated, and pads must be replaced.
Where do I buy replacement pads?
From the authorized distributor that supplied the AED – AED Leader or Response Ready. Avoid gray-market pads (compatibility and authenticity not guaranteed).
Can I use one brand’s pads on another brand’s AED?
No. Pads are model-specific. Using incompatible pads will not work and may damage the device.
Pediatric-first AED procurement
The free quiz routes daycare-profile buyers to the right pediatric-capable model.
Sources
- AHA, CPR + AED guidance
- American Red Cross, Pediatric AED guidance
- Manufacturer specifications, Philips, ZOLL, HeartSine, LIFEPAK, Cardiac Science, Defibtech
Educational content. Pricing reflects 2026 authorized distributor reference points.
