Choosing the right AED for your Australian workplace in 2026 is harder than it looks. The market has changed significantly — CellAED entered administration, HeartSine faced major supply disruptions, and the SA AED Act has pushed a wave of first-time buyers into the market who don't know where to start.
This guide cuts through the noise. We're biomedical engineers who service AEDs for Queensland Ambulance Service, NSW Ambulance, the Australian Federal Police, and the ADF. We see what fails in the field. Here's what actually matters.
The Five Things That Matter When Choosing an AED
1. TGA Registration
Non-negotiable. Only TGA-registered AEDs can be legally sold as medical devices in Australia. Every device we sell is TGA-registered.
2. Ease of Use for Untrained Responders
Your AED will most likely be used by someone who has never seen one before. Fully automatic AEDs deliver the shock automatically — the rescuer just attaches the pads. Semi-automatic devices require the rescuer to press a button when prompted. For untrained responders, fully automatic removes the moment of hesitation that costs lives. Read more in our AED training guide for Australian workplaces.
3. Ongoing Pad and Battery Cost
The upfront price of an AED is not the total cost of ownership. See our complete AED maintenance guide for a full breakdown of replacement schedules and costs across all brands.
4. Service and Supply Stability
The CellAED administration and HeartSine supply disruptions in 2025–2026 were a wake-up call. As Authorised Service Providers for Philips and ZOLL, Vectr Medical handles warranty claims directly.
5. Warranty and Support
Most major AEDs carry 8-year manufacturer warranties. Warranty support depends on who you bought from.
AED Comparison: The Main Options in 2026
| AED | Price | Pad Life | Battery Life | CPR Feedback | IP Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philips HS1 | $2,990 | 4 years | 4 years | No | IP21 |
| Philips FRx | $3,690 | 2 years | 4 years | Metronome | IP55 |
| ZOLL AED 3 Semi | $3,299 | 5 years | 5 years | Yes — visual + audio | IP55 |
| ZOLL AED Plus | $2,799 | 5 years | 5 years | Yes — audio | IP55 |
| Defibtech Lifeline 7yr | $2,299 | 2 years | 7 years | No | IP55 |
| HeartSine 350P | $1,549 | 4 years | 4 years | No | IP56 |
Our Recommendations by Use Case
Best for Untrained Responders: Philips HeartStart HS1
Engineered specifically for bystander use. Calm, adaptive voice prompts, SMART Pads one-cartridge system, deployment in under 8 seconds.
Best Value for Trained Workplace Teams: ZOLL AED Plus
IP55-rated, powered by off-the-shelf 123A batteries, Real CPR Help coaching, 5-year pads. $2,799.
Best Premium Option: ZOLL AED 3
Full-colour Real CPR Help display, 5-year Uni-padz covering adult and paediatric, optional WiFi program management.
Best Budget Entry: Defibtech Lifeline (7-year battery)
Simple two-button operation, 7-year battery option, $2,299. Lowest entry price for a full-featured TGA-approved workplace AED.
SA AED Act Compliance
From 1 January 2026, commercial buildings over 600m² in South Australia must have a compliant AED. Read our full SA AED compliance guide for everything you need to know about installation, registration, and ongoing maintenance requirements.
For Queensland businesses, see our Queensland AED requirements guide.