Key Points
- Our choice for the #1 best overall cordless phone is AT&T CL82207.
- Cordless phones come in handy, especially in areas with poor network coverage or during an emergency.
- Also, you might need a cordless phone as a cost-effective option for making long international calls.
- Range, quality of audio, number of handsets, and call-blocking capability are the key features to consider when choosing a cordless phone.
Even though smartphones have become an indispensable part of modern society, old-fashioned desk phones are still growing in popularity, especially the cordless versions. They are more reliable in places where cellular reception is low and can be lifesaving in times of emergencies when cell phones are inaccessible due to password protection or misplaced. Cordless phones are also a cheaper option for a home phone system.
Several cordless phones are available in the market, and the models are changing fast. However, if you are buying one, a key consideration to keep in mind is the features and settings. They include audio quality, range, battery life, connectivity options such as Bluetooth and smartphone mirroring, and the number of handsets it comes with.
To get you started, here are the five best cordless phones you can buy in 2023, reviewed and ranked. Our research focused on range, audio quality, office usage, and pocket friendliness.
- Best Overall: AT&T CL82207 Cordless Phone
- Best for Long Range: VTech IS8151-5
- Best for Amplified Sound: Panasonic’s KX-TGM420W Cordless Phone
- Best for Business: AT&T SynJ® Cordless Business Phone System
- Best for Budgets: Vtech Cs6719-2 Cordless Phone
Best Overall: AT&T CL82207 Cordless Phone
- Records as much as 22 minutes of incoming messages
- Has room to store 50 contacts
- Can save up to 1,000 blocked numbers
- Doubles as a walkie-talkie
AT&T CL82207 is one of the best-equipped cordless phones from the company, and it ticks nearly all the boxes of what you’d want for your home phone system.
Specifications
- Digital answering machine: Yes
- Handsets: 5
- Hearing-aid compatibility: Yes
- Smart call-blocker: Yes
- Type: DECT
It has a crisp sound quality, high contrast LCD screen, and a backlit keypad that makes it possible to use even in the dark.
On performance, the CL82207 is a two-handset home phone system but can be expanded to up to 12 handsets. It also has an answering machine that can record messages totaling 22 minutes. The system comes with a push-to-talk feature and can function as an intercom for communications within the home. The walkie-talkie feature can connect up to 4 handsets.
In case you need to store your contacts, the CL82207 has room for 50 names. It is not as much as a mobile phone, but it is sufficient for the essential contacts for a home system. It also has a robust smart call blocker that can save up to 1,000 blocked numbers. However, you will need a subscription to enjoy this feature.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It has long-range coverage. | The phone requires a subscription to use caller ID service and smart call block feature. |
| The antenna comes with noise filtering. | |
| It comes with a digital answering machine. | |
| It can work as a walkie-talkie. |
Check out AT&T CL82207 Cordless Phone on Amazon.
Best for Long Range: VTech IS8151-5
- Super long range of over 2,000 feet
- Can block up to 1,000 numbers
- Digital answering system can store 22 minutes of messages
- Extra large 2-inch screen
VTech manufactures cordless phones with the best range, and the 2000 feet super range offered by the Vtech IS8151-5 is among the best in the ones we reviewed.
Specifications
- Digital answering machine: Yes
- Handsets: 5
- Hearing-aid compatibility: No
- Smart call-blocker: Yes
- Type: ECO DECT
Its antenna is uniquely designed to improve reception and with advanced noise-filtering technology. The interface has an extra-large screen that makes it easy to read the caller’s ID and history records. It also has a backlit keypad for use in dark spaces.
The Vtech IS8151-5 has five handsets, but the system can be expanded to 12 handsets. It comes with the Connect to Cell technology that allows you to make and receive phone calls through a cellular plan by pairing the headsets with a cell phone. The IS8151-5 home phone system also features a digital answering system with storage for 22 minutes of messages.
On call blocking, the cordless phone can block up to 1,000 numbers, and you do not even have to save them as it comes with a block list of Robocalls.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It offers a super long range of over 2000 feet. | The phone pairs to only one Bluetooth handset. |
| It enjoys good audio quality as the antenna has noise filtering. | |
| The phone announces the caller’s ID. | |
| It has an extra-large 2-inch inch screen. |
Check out VTech IS8151-5 on Amazon.
Best for Amplified Sound: Panasonic’s KX-TGM420W Cordless Phone
- Volume Boost control amplifies the volume of the caller's voice to up to 40dB
- Ring volume can also be increased up to 100dB
- Digital answering machine records 17 minutes of messages
- Red ringer light provides a visual signal of an incoming call
While there may be better ones, we found the Panasonic KX-TGM420W a good investment for those who need a cordless phone with amplified audio.
Specifications
- Digital answering machine: Yes
- Handsets: 1
- Hearing-aid compatibility: Yes
- Smart call-blocker: Yes
- Type: DECT
Panasonic manufactures some of the best cordless phones for those with hearing loss. One of its key features is the volume boost control. With it, you can amplify the volume of the person on the other end to up to 40dB. You can also adjust the tone of your callers through the 6 tone voice settings. You can increase the volume ringer to about 100dB to ensure you do not miss a call. It also has a red ringer light to give a visual signal of an incoming call. In the event you miss a call, there is a digital answering machine with space for 17 minutes of messaging.
On the interface, the phone has a backlit LCD screen with a night mode for use in low-light conditions. The battery allows 13 hours of talk time and a standby period of nine days. The phone book can carry 100 entries and block up to 250 numbers. The only caveat with the Panasonic KX-TGM250W is that it only comes with one headset.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It has an enhanced noise amplification feature. | It comes with only one headset. |
| It also has a ringer volume of up to 100dB. | |
| The phone comes with 15 ringtone options. | |
| There are two built-in backup batteries. |
Check out Panasonic’s KX-TGM420W Cordless Phone on Amazon.
Best for Business: AT&T SynJ® Cordless Business Phone System
- Features call transfer, call waiting, chain dialing, and call forwarding to voicemail
- Provides 10 intercom number locations and 3-party conference calls
- Set up to 12 numbers on speed dial
- Group mailbox and customizable voicemail for each extension
The SynJ® cordless business phone system is a solution for businesses looking for a cordless phone system for office communication.
Specifications
- Digital answering machine: Yes
- Handsets: Up to 10
- Hearing-aid compatibility: No
- Smart call-blocker: Yes
- Type: DECT
It comes with a corded base, repeaters, and cordless handsets and offers impressive features. Top of the list is that it provides 10 intercom number locations and 3-party call conferencing.
The phone system allows call transfer, call waiting, chain dialing, and call forwarding to voicemail. It has a redial memory of up to 10 numbers, which makes it ideal for situations when you need to call back unsaved numbers. You also get to set 12 numbers on the one-touch speed dial.
AT&T provides this system number of repeaters to improve the signal reach, especially in large office spaces or walls that interfere with the connection. Furthermore, it offers a group mailbox and customizable voicemail per extension. Even though it comes with several convenient features for a business phone system, the price is relatively high.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It has an extended cordless range of up to half a mile. | The directory can only hold 100 numbers. |
| There is customizable call handling during business hours. | The price is relatively high. |
| It comes with music-on-hold functionality. |
Check out AT&T SynJ® Cordless Business Phone System on Amazon.
Best for Budgets: Vtech Cs6719-2 Cordless Phone
- Easy-to-read backlit display and keypad
- Caller ID feature
- Eco mode to preserve power
- Quiet mode silences the ringer
- Space to save up to 50 phone numbers
We found the Vtech Cs6719-2 to be the best cordless home phone option for those on a budget.
Specifications
- Digital answering machine: No
- Handsets: 2
- Hearing-aid compatibility: No
- Smart call-blocker: Yes
- Type: DECT
The two-handset system is extendable to five handsets. It has all the basics, such as a caller ID, intercom, and customizable features such as ringtones and call volumes.
The phone book has a space for 50 numbers and provides a 10-number redial list. The LCD screens and keypads are backlit. However, for the low price tag, you will have to do without an answering machine.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It is easy to use. | The phone does not come with an answering machine. |
| The phone is affordable. | |
| It has a clear display. |
Check out Vtech Cs6719-2 Cordless Phone on Amazon.
How to Pick the Best Cordless Phone: Step-By-Step
With so many options, choosing a cordless phone can be challenging. Here are six factors to pay attention to when choosing your new phone:
- Range
- Audio quality
- Call blocking features
- Number of handsets
- Backup power
- Features and settings
Range
The range determines how far you can use the cordless handset away from its base. A good phone should provide enough range for roaming within the house or workspace without dropping a call.
Audio Quality
Generally, cordless phones should have better audio quality than cell phones. Unfortunately, this is not always the case, but still, it should offer crisp, clear audio for both speakers. People with hearing loss should consider options with amplified audio.
Call Blocking Features
Robocalls are a nuisance for home phones. A good phone system should come with a call-blocking feature and should be able to block as many numbers as possible. While some phones require adding the numbers, others have an automated blocking list.
Number of Handsets
The number of handsets you will need depends on the number of users in your home or office. As a general rule, two handsets should be the minimum for a home. For a single-room office, however, one handset would do, but check the number of possible extensions.
Backup Power
Cordless phones should be able to help during an emergency, especially when power is out. Check the listed talk time as well as the availability of a backup power source for the unit, especially if you will be using it in a place that experiences lots of power outages that can last for days.
Extra Features
Other features worth having on a cordless phone system are an answering machine, intercom, Bluetooth connectivity, talking caller ID, and a headset jack. While you can do without some of these, having them provides better experiences. Note that the more the features, the higher the price.
What to Know Before Buying a Cordless Phone
Cordless phone makers change and discontinue the models at an alarming rate. Therefore, a phone model you are interested in today (even those on this list) might not be available in the next few months. Thus, it is best to decide when you are ready to buy.
Additionally, certain brands and models are only available through certain retailers. Therefore, what you find on Walmart’s site might not be on Amazon, making it harder to find a perfect choice.
Using a Cordless Phone: What It’s Like
One of the advantages of having a cordless phone is that it stays in the same place, making it easy to find during emergencies. They are not locked with passwords, so even children can use them. Additionally, it is an advantage for those who use cable companies that provide discounts on TV, internet, and phone bundles.
Finally, for those with hearing loss, there are cordless phones with amplified audio designed for different types of hearing loss. Cellular phones do not provide this feature.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©stockfour/Shutterstock.com.
