Choosing which Automated External Defibrillator (AED) you are placing in your home, school, or business is one of the most important decisions you can make. You're not just buying a device, you're investing in a tool that could save a life. With so much at stake, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the options. You need clear, expert guidance to move past the technical specifications and understand what truly matters in an emergency.
As a leading consumer focused provider of AEDs for over a decade, we at Response Ready have guided thousands of people through this exact process. We know you’re looking for a device that is reliable, easy to use under pressure, and fits your budget over the long term. This guide cuts through the noise to give you a straightforward comparison of three of the most trusted brands on the market, namely Philips, HeartSine, and Cardiac Science. We’ll break down the key differences to help you make a confident choice for your specific needs.
Let's quickly explore to the best AED for you
For those who need a fast recommendation, here’s a summary based on the most common scenarios we see.
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Best for home or office use:
Philips HeartStart OnSite. Its unparalleled ease of use and availability without a prescription make it the top choice for non-medical users in a controlled environment. -
 Best for public spaces and schools:
HeartSine Samaritan PAD 350P. It offers a fantastic blend of durability, portability, and the lowest long term cost of ownership thanks to its innovative Pad-Pak design. -
Best for rugged environments and advanced users:
Cardiac Science Powerheart G5. With its high water and dust resistance, real time CPR feedback, and bilingual capabilities, it’s built for demanding conditions and diverse user groups.
How to compare aed brands beyond the price tag
While every FDA approved AED is proven to be effective, the best device for you depends on your environment and who is likely to use it. Research shows that survival rates are not tied to a specific brand, but rather to the speed and confidence of the rescuer. That's why we evaluate devices on the factors that truly impact a rescue, ease of use, long term cost, and durability.
Philips AEDs a focus on simplicity for everyday heroes
Philips has built its reputation on creating medical devices that are intuitive for people without medical training. Their AEDs are designed to guide a user calmly and clearly through a high stress event.
Key features and user experience
The flagship Philips HeartStart OnSite is a favorite for homes and small businesses because it is the only AED available in the US without a prescription. It features calm, clear voice instructions that walk you through every step, from pad placement to CPR coaching. The device won’t deliver a shock unless it’s needed, which provides critical reassurance for a first time user.
Cost and maintenance
While the initial price is competitive, it's important to consider the total cost of ownership. The OnSite battery has a four year lifespan, and the adult electrode pads must be replaced every two years. These separate replacement schedules mean you need to track two different expiration dates.
Best for
The OnSite is the ideal choice for environments where simplicity is the absolute top priority, like a home, a small office, or a community center with volunteer staff.
Heartsine AEDs durable design with simple maintenance
HeartSine, a part of Stryker, designs AEDs that are compact, lightweight, and exceptionally durable. They are built to withstand the rigors of public access environments where devices might be moved around or exposed to challenging conditions.
Key features and user experience
HeartSine devices like the Samaritan PAD 350P are known for their portability and straightforward visual and voice prompts. What truly sets HeartSine apart is its innovative Pad-Pak system. This single cartridge contains both the battery and the electrode pads, which share one expiration date. When it’s time for replacement, you simply swap out one component. This streamlined approach greatly simplifies AED maintenance.
Cost and maintenance
The combined Pad-Pak has a four year lifespan, which is the longest of any single consumable part in the industry. This means that over a ten year period, the HeartSine Samaritan often has the lowest total cost of ownership, making it a budget friendly choice for organizations like schools and nonprofits.
Best for
Thanks to its high durability rating (IP56), compact size, and simplified maintenance, the HeartSine Samaritan is perfect for public venues, athletic facilities, and schools where reliability and long term value are key.
Cardiac science AEDs rugged and ready for anything
Cardiac Science devices are engineered for performance in the most demanding situations. Their Powerheart line is known for ruggedness and advanced features that provide extra support to rescuers.
Key features and user experience
The Cardiac Science Powerheart G5 is a workhorse. It has one of the highest durability ratings (IP55) against dust and water. Key features include RescueCoach voice prompts, a text screen that displays instructions for noisy environments, and real time CPR feedback that tells you if you need to push harder or faster. The G5 can also switch between English and Spanish with the touch of a button, a critical feature for diverse multilingual communities.
Cost and maintenance
The G5 features a four year, full operational guarantee on its Intellisense battery and two year non polarized electrode pads. While the initial investment may be higher, the advanced features and robust build can provide significant value for their users.
Best for
The Powerheart G5 is the go to choice for police, fire departments, industrial worksites, and large, busy public facilities like airports or stadiums. Its ruggedness and advanced feedback tools are designed for those who need a device that can handle anything.
Making your final decision
Choosing the right AED comes down to balancing ease of use, environmental factors, and your budget. There is no single "best" brand, only the brand that is best for your specific situation. By understanding the core philosophies of Philips, HeartSine, and Cardiac Science, you can select a device that gives you and your community the confidence to act in an emergency.
At Response Ready, our goal is to ensure you feel fully prepared. From our extensive AED superstore to our comprehensive AED and CPR training programs and innovative management app, we provide end to end support to make owning an AED simple and affordable.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Can I use Philips pads with a HeartSine AED?
A: No. AED pads and batteries are brand and model specific. You must use the consumables designed for your exact device to ensure it functions correctly in an emergency. Using incorrect accessories can result in device failure and will void the manufacturer's warranty.
Q: Do I need a prescription to buy an AED for my home?
A: For most AEDs, the FDA requires a prescription from a licensed physician. However, the Philips HeartStart OnSite is the only model currently cleared for over the counter sale, making it the most accessible option for home use.
Q: What is an IP rating and why does it matter?
A: The Ingress Protection (IP) rating measures how well a device is protected against dust and water. The first digit rates solid protection (like dust) and the second rates liquid protection (like water). A higher number means better protection. For example, a HeartSine AED with an IP56 rating is better protected against the elements than a device with a lower rating, making it more suitable for outdoor or industrial use.
Q: How will I remember to replace my AED pads and batteries?
A: This is a critical part of owning an AED. The Response Ready App is designed to solve this exact problem. Users on the Apple App Store love how it "makes managing your AED program so convenient and easy." The app allows you to scan your device, log monthly readiness checks, and receive automated reminders before your pads and batteries expire, ensuring your AED is always ready.
Q: What is the most important factor when choosing an AED?
A: While features and cost are important, the most critical factor is ease of use for the intended rescuer. The best AED is one that a bystander with little to no training can operate confidently under extreme stress. This is why we emphasize clear voice instructions and simple, intuitive designs in our recommendations.
