Best Defibrillator for Home Use in 2024

Have you ever considered owning an automated external defibrillator (AED) in case a cardiac emergency happens at home? It can be daunting to try and figure out the best AED to purchase. There are many options on the market, and it’s scary to think about needing them for home use.

But a home defibrillator can make a huge difference in someone’s chance of survival if the worst should happen. With proper AED training, you could save a life while waiting for emergency services to arrive.

We know there is a lot of information out there about owning a home AED, and that’s why we’ve done the research for you to help you decide which one to buy.

What Is a Defibrillator?

An AED is a medical device that can be used to steady the heart rhythm of someone experiencing a cardiac emergency. Cardiac arrest, ventricular fibrillation, and ventricular tachycardia are all examples of reasons you might need to use an AED.

A defibrillator, sometimes called a defib for short, uses electric shocks to restart or regulate a heartbeat. You may have seen wall-mounted defibrillators in public places such as schools or libraries.

Having an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) at Home is a Practical Choice

While no one wants to think about it being necessary, access to an AED could save your life. Research shows that having quick access to a defibrillator can double your survival rate. Much like having a well-stocked first aid kit in your home, owning a portable defibrillator is practical.

The latest advice from the Australian government tells us that following CPR guidance using chest compressions and rescue breaths and following with defibrillation are the best methods for successful resuscitation. It could take first responders time to arrive at your home in an emergency, and every second counts.

Who Can Use an AED?

Chances are, whether on television or in real life, you’ve seen an AED being used. Usually, a patient goes into sudden cardiac arrest, someone shouts, “Clear!” and everyone gets out of the way before an electric shock is delivered to the patient’s heart.

In reality, anyone can be a rescuer. If you’ve ever received first aid or CPR training, you may have learned how to use an AED. Anyone who has ever been a bystander during an emergency knows that watching something terrible happen without being able to help is a terrible feeling.

Thankfully, Australia has passed initiatives to increase access to public defibrillators, making it easier than ever to save a life when someone goes into SCA (sudden cardiac arrest). But when the life that needs saving is at home, having access to a personal defibrillator is something you’ll never regret.

Key Features Needed in an AED

Now that you’ve decided you want to shop for an AED, there are a few things to consider before you head to checkout. There are many home defibrillators on the market, and their features vary. You’ll want to take these questions into consideration when shopping:

• Do you want a semi-automatic or fully automatic AED? Semi-automatic AEDs need you to press a shock button to work, while fully automatic AEDs issue a shock on their own at the right time.
• Do you need your AED to have CPR coaching abilities? Some models provide CPR feedback to the user as they are being used.
• Do you know what IP rating you need? These scores can tell you how well the machine will hold up in environments where it might come into contact with water or dust.
• What is your budget? There is a wide range of options on the market, with high-quality devices coming in at higher prices. Some also come with a warranty, and this should be factored into your budget.
• Do you need an AED that performs self-tests, delivers voice prompts, and provides real-time feedback? Make sure the AED you choose has all of the capabilities you need.

No matter what features you’re looking for, there are some that should be non-negotiable when searching for the perfect device. Make sure the AED you buy has the following:

• Clear, step-by-step instructions
• Ease of use – a complicated machine is no help in an emergency
• AED pads that are easy to replace

Best Defibrillators for Home Use

So, what is the best AED to buy? That depends on a few factors. We’ve ranked a few of your options based on the best in the market, budget-friendly, and overall value.

Most Affordable: Philips HeartStart Onsite AED

Cost: $1,650.00

Pros	Cons
Includes carry case	Heavier than other options
FDA approved	Pads suitable for children are not included

The Philips HeartStart Onsite AED combines affordability with function and quality. One, its 8-year warranty offers significant protection for your investment. Two, it’s widely recognized as one of the most user-friendly options on the market. It includes pads and a pre-installed battery, so it’s ready to use right away.

The Philips HeartStart Onsite is portable and comes with a convenient carry case that makes it easy to take with you wherever you go.

Most User Friendly: Lifepak CR2 Essential Semi-Automatic Defibrillator

Cost: $2,465.97

Pros	Cons
8-year warranty	More expensive than other options
Very user friendly	Not Wi-Fi enabled

With its ClearVoice technology that makes understanding the voice prompts a breeze, the Lifepak CR2 Essential Semi-Automatic Defibrillator is a great choice for those who prioritize user-friendliness. It has excellent reviews, most of which mention how easy it is to use.

This AED does not require separate pads for children – instead, it offers a child mode, which sets the machine to lower shock levels that can be used on children.

Best on the Market: ZOLL AED Plus Semi-Automatic Defibrillator

Cost: $2,380.00

Pros	Cons
5-year warranty (extends to 7 years with registration)	Pediatric pads not included
IP rating of 55	Uses regular batteries that are not rechargable

The ZOLL AED Plus Semi-Automatic Defibrillator is definitely a pricier option, but its quality can’t be beaten. Its metronome is only the first of many features on deck to help you perform life-saving measures accurately.

It comes with a Real CPR Help feature that gives real-time feedback to your CPR efforts, advising when your compressions need to be harder or faster. The electrode pads, which are called Zoll CPR-D Padz, come with a 5-year warranty of their own.

This AED has an IP rating of 55, which makes it comparable to professional AEDs and allows it to stand up to indoor and outdoor environments. If you have the budget for it, the ZOLL AED Plus is a fantastic option.

Best Value for Money: Heartsine Samaritan PAD 360P Defibrillator AED

Cost: $1,927.71

Pros	Cons
8-year warranty	CPR coaching not included
Fully automatic	Less sophisticated than other models

The Heartsine Samaritan PAD 360P Defibrillator AED is an excellent option for those who are looking for an effective, user-friendly AED. It comes with an 8-year warranty, and this model is fully automatic, meaning it does the hard work of determining when to deliver a shock for you.

The Heartsine Samaritan is designed to be lightweight and portable, and has a high IP rating, making it versatile and perfect for use in any home.

Other AED Options to Consider:

These options are worth considering especially if you have a higher budget, and all of them can perform well for home use.

Defibtech Lifeline Pro

Cost: $3,997.44

The Defibtech Lifeline Pro certainly isn’t the cheapest AED on the market, but it’s still one of the leading options out there. This device is FDA approved and comes with a 4 year battery pack, adult defibrillation pads, and a carry case.

Cardiac Science Powerheart G5 AED

Cost: $2,450.00

The Cardiac Science Powerheart G5 AED comes in either fully or semi-automatic options and is a great lightweight option for anyone looking for a home AED. With an IP rating of 55, it can withstand almost any environment. This AED has passed rigorous military testing, making it a sturdy choice.

Zoll AED 3

Cost: $3,440.46

The Zoll AED 3 might just be the ticket for those looking for a higher-quality option. Its electrode pads and battery last for five years. The Zoll AED 3 is available in semi-automatic or fully automatic versions.

When Should You Replace Your AED?

The life of an AED varies by type, but as a general rule, you can expect your AED to last for eight years. After that, you’ll want to replace the device with a new model.

If your AED spends most of its time in storage and is rarely (or never) used, it will last longer than eight years. Most models will self-test to make sure they are functional, so you’ll know when it’s time for a new one.

Make sure you’re paying attention to the consumable parts of your AED, because those likely need to be replaced much more frequently. Pads and batters both expire, so you’ll need to stay on top of those to be sure the kit is always ready to go.

Conclusion

Making the decision to keep an AED at home is difficult because it forces you to face the fact that emergencies happen. But being prepared for sudden cardiac arrest is your best chance at survival, and having an AED in your home is the best way to do that.

The hope is that you’ll never have to use it, but it’s always better to expect the worst and hope for the best. Remember that your chance of survival from SCA is significantly higher if an AED is used.