Best AEDs for Home

Roughly 70% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests happen at home. For families with a history of heart disease — or anyone who simply wants to be prepared — a home AED can mean the difference between a survivable emergency and a tragedy. The good news: today's home defibrillators are designed for ordinary people, not paramedics.

Should you have an AED at home?

If a household member has known cardiac risk factors, a prior cardiac event, or a family history of sudden cardiac arrest, a home AED is worth serious consideration. Because survival drops 7–10% for each minute without defibrillation, having a device steps away — rather than waiting 8 to 12 minutes for an ambulance — dramatically improves the odds.

What to look for in a home AED

• No prescription required. In the U.S., one consumer AED is cleared for over-the-counter purchase, which simplifies buying for households.
• Simplicity. Clear voice prompts walk a spouse, parent, or neighbor through every step.
• Low maintenance. Look for multi-year pad and battery life and an at-a-glance readiness indicator.
• Pediatric capability if children or grandchildren are in the home.
• Compact size for easy, accessible storage.

Best AEDs for home use

Philips HeartStart OnSite/Home

The standout choice for households: it's the only AED available in the U.S. without a prescription, and its Life Guidance voice prompts are famously easy to follow. Pair it with infant/child pads if needed.

HeartSine Samaritan PAD 350P

Compact, lightweight, and affordable, with a single Pad-Pak cartridge that combines the battery and electrodes — fewer parts to track and replace.

Defibtech Lifeline

A budget-friendly, straightforward option that's simple to operate and easy to store, making it a practical first AED for many families.

Keeping your home AED ready

Store it somewhere central and known to the whole household — not locked away. Note the pad and battery expiration dates, glance at the status indicator periodically, and keep a set of spare pads. A basic CPR refresher helps the whole family know what to do.

Protect your household

Compare family-friendly, low-maintenance options in our AEDs for Home collection, or view the latest models in New AEDs.