Maeve
When it comes to choosing an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) for your business, school, or community space, the decision is far more than a matter of price or brand recognition. It’s about reliability in a crisis, ease of use under pressure, ongoing maintenance, and making sure the device you choose will actually be effective when it counts most.
Out-of-hospital cardiac arrests still only have a 10% survival rate, but that number jumps dramatically when an AED is used quickly, especially by someone confident enough to act. That’s why simplicity, reliability, and ease of maintenance are the essentials you should prioritise when selecting an AED.
HeartSine defibrillator models, particularly the 350P, 360P, and 500P, strike a rare balance: low cost, easy upkeep, and serious functionality. Whether you’re setting up a unit in a small business, local gym, or childcare centre, it’s hard to overlook the long-term value they offer.
Today, we’re diving into an in-depth comparison of some of the most talked-about AED brands on the Australian market: HeartSine, Zoll, Lifepak, and Philips.
HeartSine AEDs
Let’s start with HeartSine defibrillators, specifically the 350P, 360P, and 500P models. These are some of the most competitively priced AEDs in the market, and they’re known for offering exceptional value. You can get either the semi-automatic HeartSine 350P or the fully automatic 360P for $1,499.00, which already puts them ahead of the pack for budget-conscious buyers.
But a low price doesn’t mean compromise. One of HeartSine’s biggest advantages is the Pad-Pak, which is a clever cartridge that combines both the defibrillation pads and the battery in a single unit.
With most AEDs, you have to keep track of two separate expiry dates: pads (usually every 2 years) and battery (every 4 years). With HeartSine, you only need to swap out one Pad-Pak every 4 years, whether it’s been used or not. That’s simpler, cheaper, and easier to manage, especially across multiple units.
The 360P is also fully automatic, meaning once the unit advises a shock, it will deliver it without requiring the user to press a button. This reduces hesitation in high-stress situations.
The 500P takes things a step further with Reader technology (built-in CPR guidance that gives live feedback during compressions) telling you to “push harder” or “push faster” if needed. Given that even trained medical professionals have been shown to deliver suboptimal CPR, this kind of feedback can be potentially lifesaving.
HeartSine units also do monthly self-tests and come with clear audio prompts and visual indicators, making them beginner-friendly. And if you’re thinking of placing this in a school or childcare setting, there’s a paediatric Pad-Pak available that fits right into the same slot. It adjusts the shock level and features smaller pads to make placement easier on children under 8 or under 25kg.
Let’s not forget weight and build quality. The HeartSine defibrillator models, especially the 360P, weigh in at only 2.4 lbs (about 1.1kg), making them the lightest AEDs on the market. Combined with an IP56 rating, they’re well protected from dust and water, ideal for worksites, public parks, or community centres.
Zoll AED Plus
Now, if you’re looking at something more feature-packed and don’t mind spending a little more upfront, the Zoll AED Plus is a standout. While the initial cost is higher than HeartSine, it offers the lowest cost of ownership over time, meaning it may actually save you money in the long run through lower maintenance and consumable costs.
One key difference with Zoll is the one-piece CPR-D pad. Most AEDs use two separate pads that require correct placement, which, in a panic, can be tricky. Zoll’s one-piece pad eliminates that confusion: you just place it directly on the patient’s chest, and you’re good to go.
What really makes Zoll a market leader is its CPR coaching technology. The pad is actually interactive, so it gives real-time feedback while you’re doing compressions. If your pace is off or you’re not pushing deep enough, it will tell you. This makes the Zoll AED Plus especially valuable in settings where non-medical personnel might have to act fast, like schools or office buildings.
Plus, the device can be configured as either semi-automatic or fully automatic at no extra cost; that’s flexibility many other brands charge extra for.
Philips HeartStart OnSite
Sitting comfortably between the HeartSine defibrillator and Zoll in terms of pricing and features is the Philips HeartStart OnSite AED. This one is semi-automatic only, and while it doesn’t have advanced CPR feedback like the Zoll or the HeartSine 500P, it does offer a very user-friendly experience.
One handy feature is the front-facing window that clearly shows the expiration date of the pads, so you know at a glance whether replacements are due. It also performs daily self-tests, which adds peace of mind for facilities managers or school staff who might not check the unit regularly.
The OnSite comes with its pads and battery pre-installed, reducing setup time significantly. But its higher maintenance costs and the lack of a fully automatic version mean it’s not necessarily the best fit for every setting, especially if you’re managing multiple units across various sites.
Lifepak CR2
If you’re running a large operation, say, multiple school campuses, government buildings, or construction sites, then the Lifepak CR2 WiFi models bring something very valuable to the table: connectivity.
With WiFi capabilities, the CR2 can automatically send alerts if it’s been used or if the battery or pads need replacing. This is a major win for organisations juggling several defibrillators. But there’s a catch: the price.
The semi-automatic model sits at $2,399.00, and the fully automatic version also costs $2,349 to $3,295, that’s more than double the cost of a HeartSine 360P. There are also Essential models, such as the CR2 Essential Automatic with an average cost of $2,250.00 and the CR2 Essential Semi-Automatic at $2,520.00, which strip out some features but still carry a high price tag.
However, one edge Lifepak has over HeartSine is the built-in child mode. With the press of a button, the CR2 reduces the shock strength to suit children under 8 or weighing less than 25kg.
HeartSine doesn’t include this natively, but offers a Paediatric Pad-Pak for $290.00, which still simplifies the process by combining child pads and battery in one replaceable unit.
Key Differences Between the Different AED Brands
In the table below, you’ll find the primary differences between the four leading AED brands in Australia, and you sure can agree that the Heartsine defibrillator takes the cake on almost all fronts:
| Feature | HeartSine 350P / 360P / 500P | Zoll AED Plus | Lifepak CR2 / Essential | Philips HeartStart |
| Price | Starts at $1,489 | More expensive | $2,250–$3,200 | Around same as HeartSine |
| Pads & Battery | ✅ One pack (Pad-Pak) | ❌ Separate | ❌ Separate | ❌ Separate |
| Expiry | ✅ One expiry date | ❌ Two items to track | ❌ Two items | ✅ Expiry visible on unit |
| Lifespan (Pads & Battery) | ✅ 4 years | ❌ Pads: 2 yrs | ❌ Varies | ❌ Pads: 2 yrs |
| Maintenance | ✅ Super easy ( 1 part to change) | ❌ More effort | ❌ Can be tricky | ❌ Moderate |
| Weight | ✅ Lightest – 1.1kg | ❌ Heavier | ❌ Heavier | ❌ Heavier |
| Water & Dust Rating | ✅ IP56 – highest rating | ❌ Lower | ❌ Lower | ❌ Lower |
| Kids Use | ✅ Optional kids pack | ❌ Extra pads needed | ✅ Built-in child mode | ❌ Extra pads needed |
Why HeartSine Has the Edge
- Fewer parts to manage: You only replace one thing every 4 years (Pad-Pak), not two.
- Lower ongoing costs: No hidden pad or battery replacements catching you out.
- Simple to use and maintain: Especially when managing multiple AEDs across locations.
- Real CPR coaching without the price tag: 500P delivers feedback without needing advanced tech setup.
- Fully automatic option for less: You don’t pay a premium for automatic shock delivery.
Wrapping Up
Ultimately, all these devices save lives, but the right choice depends on your needs, budget, and who’s likely to be using it. If you’re after a lightweight, low-maintenance AED that won’t break the bank, HeartSine is a top contender. If you want more features and don’t mind the price tag, Zoll and Lifepak deliver as well.
Whatever you choose, one thing is clear: having an AED on-site gives you a much better chance of saving a life when every second counts.
