AED Comparison in New Zealand
If you are choosing an AED for a workplace, school, club, or public venue in New Zealand, this comparison breaks down the practical differences that matter, then it explains why the ZOLL AED Plus is our recommended option.
AEDs are designed to be used by everyday people under pressure, so the best device is the one that helps a rescuer do the right thing quickly.
The best choice comes down to which device will help in 100% of rescues, comes from a market leading manufacturer with a proven safe and clinically succesful device, and one that meets important medical guidelines, such as FDA approval.
What matters most when choosing an AED in New Zealand
In a cardiac arrest, the AED must be simple, loud, and clear. Features like real-time CPR feedback help rescuers maintain the right compression depth and rate, significantly increasing the chance of patient survival.
Ongoing ownership costs are also important. Pads and batteries expire, so comparing replacement frequency and consumables pricing gives a clearer view of 10-year cost of ownership. If you want help choosing the best AED for your site and budget, request a quote and we will recommend an option based on your environment and unique requirements.
Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Comparison
| Model | ZOLL AED Plus | LIFEPAK CR2 | Defibtech Lifeline | HeartSine 500P | St John PowerBeat X3 | AED 7000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Works in 100% of Rescues?* | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | No |
| Manufacturer Location | USA | USA | USA | USA | China | China |
| Shock Type | Biphasic 200J | Biphasic 360J | Biphasic 150J | Biphasic 200J | Biphasic 150J | Biphasic 150J |
| Real Time CPR feedback | Yes. Detects compression depth and rate, and speaks to you with live feedback. |
None. Pre-programmed metronome only. |
None. Pre-programmed metronome only. |
Yes. Detects compression depth and rate, and speaks to you with live feedback. |
None. Pre-programmed metronome only. |
None |
| IP rating | IP55 | IP55 | IP54 | IP56 | IP55 | Not specified |
| FDA Approval status | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| Electrode Pads Expiry | 5 years | 4 years | 2 years | 5 years | 4 years | 2 years |
| Batteries Expiry | 5 years | 4 years | 5 years | 5 years | 4 years | 5 years |
| Consumables Replacement Cost | Pads $199.00 Batteries $125.00 |
Pads $285.00 Batteries $572.00 |
Pads $195.00 Batteries $590.00 |
Pads $232.00 Batteries $232.00 |
Pads $265.00 Batteries $280.00 |
Pads: $129.00 Batteries: $175.00 |
| 10 Year Ownership Replacement Costs Total** |
Pads $199.00 Batteries $125.00 |
Pads $570.00 Batteries $1,144.00 |
Pads $780.00 Batteries $590.00 |
Pads $232.00 Batteries $232.00 |
Pads 530.00 Batteries $560.00 |
Pads $516.00 Batteries $575.00 |
| Total Replacement Actions Taken | 2 | 4 | 5 | 2 | 4 | 5 |
*Did you know, that a shock is only required in approximately 50% of sudden cardiac arrests, but that 100% of the time, CPR must be performed? This means if you buy an AED that only provides a shock, and provides no real time feedback to your CPR - you have purchased an AED that will only help you 50% of the time.
A high quality AED like the ZOLL AED Plus will help you 100% of the time - if the AED detects a shockable rhythm, it will provide a shock. If the AED detects a non-shockable rhythm, it will provide real time feedback to your CPR, measuring every compression you do relative to the patient's individual body, and will audibly tell you to PUSH HARDER if you are not doing compressions correctly.
**Assumes the change is made on day 1 of the year following the expiry date.
Why we recommend the ZOLL AED Plus
In a real emergency, CPR quality is often the difference-maker, which is why we rate the ZOLL AED Plus so highly. The Real CPR Help feedback is clear and immediate, it helps a rescuer correct depth and rate in the moment, which is exactly when it matters.
It is also a practical long-term choice for New Zealand organisations because it is rugged, it has an IP55 rating, and features long life pads and batteries, which reduces maintenance cost and stress across multiple sites.
Request a quoteFAQ: AEDs in New Zealand
How often do AED pads need to be replaced?
It depends on the model. The electrode pads can expire every 2-5 years depending on the make and model, even if they have not been used.
How often do AED batteries need to be replaced?
Battery expiry varies by device. The batteries will expire every 2-5 years depending on the make and model, even if they have not been used.
What's the deal with AEDs made in the USA vs. China?
Products made in China are not built to the same medical testing standards as those made in the USA. FDA Approval is the world's leading approval metric for medical devices - in fact, medical devices cannot be sold in the USA without FDA approval. We've unfortunately heard many sad stories of people who have purchased a Chinese made AED, only to have it fail to work when they need it most. Don't take the risk!
