Automated External Defibrillators: You Can Buy Cheap

When automated external defibrillators (AEDs) intended for public access defibrillation (PAD) use were first introduced to the market years ago, their list prices were between $3,000 and $4,000. Over the years, the price of many AEDs has fallen. Average quoted prices for the most popular AEDs from April 2015 to April 2016 ranged from $1,750 to $2,900.

With these devices, the saying "you get what you pay for" does not always apply. The lower-priced AEDs that we've evaluated are sometimes easier to use than the higher-priced units. The lower-priced units were often designed specifically for PAD use and priced lower because their market demands a lower price. Many different types of organizations, from hospitals to churches, purchase these devices, and some of these organizations do not have a lot of money for an AED. Also, competition in this market is driving down the price.

The bottom line is that you can purchase one of these less expensive devices without worrying that it isn't as good as the more expensive ones. In fact, it might be better.