AED Brands Compared: Philips vs ZOLL vs HeartSine vs Defibtech vs Cardiac Science vs Stryker

Choosing the right AED (Automated External Defibrillator) starts with understanding the brands behind each device. With six FDA-approved AED manufacturers on the market, buyers face a real decision: which brand fits their facility, budget, and readiness goals? Response Ready is one of the only distributors in the United States authorized to carry all six brands, giving our team a unique perspective on the strengths each manufacturer brings to the table.

Browse all AED brands and models at Response Ready

This guide breaks down every FDA-approved AED brand side by side, covering key specs, standout features, ideal use cases, and how to match the right device to your environment. Whether you are outfitting a school, a corporate office, a fitness center, or your own home, this comparison will help you make a confident, informed purchase.

What Makes an AED Brand FDA-Approved?

An FDA-approved AED brand has passed rigorous testing by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to confirm its devices are safe, effective, and reliable for use by trained and untrained rescuers during sudden cardiac arrest emergencies. Only six manufacturers currently hold this approval: Philips, ZOLL, HeartSine (now part of Stryker), Defibtech, Cardiac Science, and Stryker/Physio-Control. Each brand must demonstrate that its AEDs can accurately analyze heart rhythms, deliver appropriate shocks, and guide users through the rescue process with clear audio and visual prompts.

Purchasing from an FDA-approved brand is not optional for most organizations. Schools, workplaces, fitness centers, and government buildings in many states are required by law to use FDA-cleared devices. Beyond legal compliance, FDA approval ensures the device has been validated in real-world emergency scenarios. Organizations equipping multiple locations can benefit from wholesale AED programs that provide volume discounts across all six approved brands.

Philips AED: The Most Recognized Name in Defibrillators

Philips manufactures the HeartStart line of AEDs, including the HeartStart OnSite and the professional-grade HeartStart FR3. The OnSite model is the most widely deployed public-access AED in the United States. Philips AEDs are known for their intuitive voice prompts, lightweight design (3.3 lbs for the OnSite), and SMART Analysis technology that evaluates heart rhythms and determines whether a shock is needed.

For a detailed comparison of all three Philips HeartStart models, see our Philips HeartStart AED review of the OnSite, FRx, and FR3.

Philips uses a pull-tab cartridge system that combines pads and a sealed battery, simplifying maintenance. The OnSite delivers a fixed 150-joule shock, which is effective for adult patients and can be adapted for pediatric use with an optional infant/child key. Battery standby life is approximately 4 years with a capacity of around 200 shocks.

Best for: Schools, churches, small offices, and home use where simplicity and brand recognition matter most.

ZOLL AED: Real-Time CPR Feedback Technology

ZOLL AEDs stand out for their integrated Real CPR Help technology, which provides real-time feedback on compression depth and rate during CPR. For detailed replacement schedules by brand, see our AED battery and pad replacement guide. The ZOLL AED Plus and ZOLL AED 3 both guide rescuers with audio prompts like “push harder” or “good compressions,” making them the only AED brand that actively coaches CPR quality during a rescue.

The ZOLL AED Plus uses widely available CR123A lithium batteries (set of 10), offering up to 5 years of standby life. The newer AED 3 features a full-color touchscreen, WiFi connectivity for remote monitoring, and a child mode switch that eliminates the need for separate pediatric pads. ZOLL devices weigh around 5 lbs and deliver escalating energy from 120 to 200 joules.

Best for: Workplaces, fitness centers, and organizations that prioritize CPR quality and want real-time coaching during emergencies.

Compare AED models and find the right fit for your organization

HeartSine AED: Compact Design with Integrated Pad-Pak

HeartSine, now part of the Stryker family, manufactures the Samaritan PAD series. The HeartSine Samaritan PAD 360P is a fully automatic AED that requires no button press to deliver a shock, making it ideal for untrained bystanders. HeartSine AEDs are among the lightest on the market at just 2.4 lbs, and they use a patented Pad-Pak system that integrates the battery and electrode pads into a single replaceable cartridge.

This integrated design simplifies maintenance dramatically. Instead of tracking separate battery and pad expiration dates, organizations replace one Pad-Pak unit every 4 years. HeartSine devices deliver escalating energy (150J, 150J, 200J) using SCOPE biphasic technology and carry an IP56 dust and water resistance rating, the highest among consumer AEDs.

Best for: Mobile teams, outdoor events, first responder bags, and any environment where weight, portability, and low maintenance are priorities.

Defibtech AED: Rugged Reliability and Simple Operation

Defibtech manufactures the Lifeline series, including the standard Defibtech Lifeline AED and the Lifeline VIEW with a full-color video screen. The VIEW model is the only AED on the market that plays step-by-step video instructions during a rescue, showing users exactly where to place pads and how to perform CPR. This visual guidance reduces hesitation and improves rescuer confidence, particularly for first-time users.

Defibtech AEDs feature a simple two-button interface, military-grade durability (used by the U.S. military and Department of Defense), and battery options ranging from 4 to 7 years of standby life. The high-capacity DBP-2800 battery is the longest-lasting in the industry, making Defibtech devices excellent for remote locations where frequent maintenance is difficult.

Best for: Government facilities, military installations, industrial sites, and locations where rugged durability and long battery life are essential.

Cardiac Science AED: Self-Testing Intelligence

Cardiac Science manufactures the Powerheart series, including the Powerheart G5 AED. The G5 is the first and only AED with dual-language capability, rescue-ready indicators, and Intellisense technology that automatically performs daily, weekly, and monthly self-tests on the battery, pads, and internal circuitry. If any component fails, the device alerts you immediately.

The Powerheart G5 delivers variable escalating energy using its proprietary STAR biphasic waveform and features an 8-year warranty, the longest in the AED industry. It also offers both semi-automatic and fully automatic models. Cardiac Science AEDs weigh around 5.4 lbs with a battery standby life of 4 years.

Best for: Large campuses, multi-location organizations, and facilities where automated self-testing and minimal manual oversight are priorities.

Stryker/Physio-Control AED: Professional-Grade Performance

Stryker, through its Physio-Control division, manufactures the LIFEPAK line, including the LIFEPAK CR2 and LIFEPAK 1000. The LIFEPAK brand has the deepest roots in professional emergency medicine. EMS teams, hospitals, and fire departments worldwide use LIFEPAK monitors and defibrillators, and that same technology powers their public-access AED line.

The LIFEPAK CR2 features ClearVoice technology that adjusts audio prompts based on background noise, WiFi/cellular connectivity for automatic readiness notifications, child mode without separate pediatric pads, and a rapid shock delivery time of under 10 seconds. The LIFEPAK 1000 is a step up, designed for professional responders with ECG display, manual override capabilities, and energy options up to 360 joules.

Best for: Hospitals, EMS agencies, corporate campuses with trained responders, and any organization that wants professional-grade AED performance in a public-access form factor.

AED Brand Comparison Table: All 6 FDA-Approved Manufacturers

How to Choose the Right AED Brand for Your Needs

Selecting the right AED brand depends on your specific environment, budget, and the experience level of potential rescuers. Here are key factors to evaluate:

• Ease of use: If your location has untrained bystanders as primary responders, choose a fully automatic model like the HeartSine 360P or a video-guided device like the Defibtech Lifeline VIEW.
• CPR coaching: If CPR quality is a priority, ZOLL is the only brand offering real-time depth and rate feedback during rescue.
• Portability: For mobile teams, event medics, or travel, the HeartSine Samaritan PAD at 2.4 lbs is the lightest FDA-approved option.
• Durability: For outdoor, industrial, or military applications, Defibtech and HeartSine offer the highest IP ratings for dust and water resistance.
• Connectivity: For multi-site organizations that need remote monitoring, the ZOLL AED 3 and Stryker LIFEPAK CR2 offer WiFi-based fleet management.
• Maintenance simplicity: HeartSine’s integrated Pad-Pak eliminates separate battery and pad tracking. Cardiac Science’s Intellisense runs daily self-checks automatically.
• Budget: AED pricing typically ranges from $1,400 to $2,900 depending on the brand and model. AED rental programs starting at $45/month are also available for organizations that prefer flexible options.

Contact Response Ready for a personalized AED brand recommendation

Why Response Ready Carries All 6 AED Brands

Most AED distributors carry one or two brands. Response Ready is one of the only authorized distributors in the United States that carries all six FDA-approved AED manufacturers: Philips, ZOLL, HeartSine, Defibtech, Cardiac Science, and Stryker/Physio-Control.

This matters because it means our recommendations are unbiased. We do not push one brand over another. Our team, founded by EMS and Fire service professionals, evaluates your facility layout, staff training level, compliance requirements, and budget to recommend the device that genuinely fits your situation. Every AED we sell includes free shipping on orders over $99, a 30-day money-back guarantee, and lifetime customer support.

Organizations looking for ongoing support can also explore the AED Total Solution program, which bundles equipment, training, compliance tracking, and medical director oversight through Dr. Ann Jarris, MD, MBA, FACEP.

Frequently Asked Questions About AED Brands

Which AED brand is best for schools?

Philips HeartStart and Defibtech Lifeline are the most popular AED brands for schools. Both offer straightforward operation, durable construction, and long battery life. The Philips OnSite is especially common in K-12 settings because of its simple pull-tab activation and lightweight design. Many states that mandate AEDs in schools accept any FDA-approved brand.

Are all AED brands compatible with each other?

No. Each AED brand uses proprietary pads, batteries, and accessories. Philips pads will not work with a ZOLL device, and HeartSine Pad-Paks are exclusive to HeartSine AEDs. Always purchase brand-specific AED accessories to maintain device compatibility and warranty coverage.

What is the lightest AED available?

The HeartSine Samaritan PAD series is the lightest FDA-approved AED at 2.4 pounds. This makes it the top choice for mobile responders, event medics, and travel-ready emergency kits. The Philips HeartStart OnSite is the second lightest at 3.3 pounds.

Do all AED brands offer pediatric capability?

Yes. All six FDA-approved AED brands offer pediatric functionality, but the method varies. Some require separate pediatric pads (Defibtech, Cardiac Science), some use a key or switch to reduce energy output (Philips infant/child key, ZOLL AED 3 child switch, Stryker LIFEPAK CR2 child mode), and HeartSine uses a dedicated Pediatric Pad-Pak that integrates pads and battery for children.

How often do AED brands require maintenance?

Most AED brands recommend monthly visual inspections to check status indicator lights, plus battery and pad replacements every 2 to 5 years depending on the model. Cardiac Science Powerheart AEDs reduce manual maintenance by performing daily automated self-tests. HeartSine simplifies replacements by combining pads and battery into a single Pad-Pak unit.

Can I buy any AED brand without a prescription?

Most consumer AED models from all six brands are available without a prescription under FDA guidelines for over-the-counter AED devices. Some professional-grade models like the LIFEPAK 1000 may require a physician authorization depending on the configuration. Response Ready can help determine whether your chosen model requires any additional documentation.