Despite the proliferation of mobile smartphones which has led to a decline in ownership of the traditional cordless phones, there are many reasons why the landline lives on. From the superior voice quality of cordless phones, affordable and high value features to the accessibility and ergonomic design, we have dialed in to the best cordless phones through a rigid assessment that will help you make the smartest choice. You might also be interested in our articles about the best satellite phones and the best cell phone signal booster.
In this article, the best cordless phones on the market have been assembled on some key characteristics for which they deliver outstanding performance. Over the years manufacturers of cordless phones have invested heavily in research and development to push the boundaries of remote communication in your office and at your home. The result are cutting edge cordless phones equipped with all of the features the market demands. Whether you’re looking for an affordable single unit cordless phone to hang on your kitchen wall, or a multi-phone set to streamline communication at your office all of the best cordless phones today feature vibrant backlit LCD screen to enhance the user experience and convenient battery charging station cradles. Investing in a cordless phone to fire up your landline may be a great choice for people who live in rural areas where cell coverage is weak. Forget the cables and tangled up wires of the retro phone days – the cordless phone has come a long way. Plus, this style of phone adds a bit of privacy to your life in today’s constantly connected world. Simply give out your landline for an easy way to be contacted without having to share your personal mobile number.
While the benefits are plentiful, it really comes down to understanding your needs and finding the perfect match for how you’ll use the cordless phone. Before we dive in to the best options on the market, these are the important characteristics of cordless phones to consider.
1. Range of function
Not to get too techy, but every cordless phone has a base station which will connect to your telephone network through a telephone line. This base station also serves as the charger and the range of function refers to the distance you can travel from the base station and be able to make and receive calls with a clear connection. The range is limited on every cordless phone and the distance varies from model to model. If you like to walk and talk about your living space or have a large office then a cordless phone with a higher range will be more suitable for you.
2. Memory
Storing numbers is the easiest way to set up speed dialing and to have a reference of your calling history. Each phone has a different storage limit and if you’ll be using the phone to store a large database of numbers for professional use, then keep an eye out for this criteria while you shop.
3. Link To Cell
Some of the best cordless phones have the ability to actually sync with your smartphone. Cell phone linking enables you to route incoming calls to your landline directly to your smartphone so there’s no need to carry your mobile around the house. This smart feature will add a lot of convenience and should be considered if you’d like to connect your smartphone to your landline.
4. Expandability
Depending on your office or family size, one phone may not be enough. A great feature on some cordless phone models is the ability to connect multiple handsets to the same line, to enable multiple people to each have their own phone or to keep phones in certain areas. Some cordless phone models can allow you to add up to 5 or more handsets, bringing more connectivity to cover more locations. The four criteria mentioned above are the main things to consider to ensure you buy the cordless phone(s) most suitable for your needs, but as with any technology the feature list can be quite exhaustive. The following 10 cordless phones have received great reviews and each deliver unique functionality and I hope this guide helps you make the best choice.
1. VTech CS6529 with Caller ID/Call Waiting
If you’re on the brink of deciding whether or not to make the upgrade to a cordless, this VTech phone should make it easier to decide. It has a large and bright LCD screen to enhance visibility in all lighting conditions, and the entire keypad illuminates so you’ll never blame dialing the wrong number on the dark. The handset delivers all of the important data about every incoming call with a detailed caller ID and call waiting system that displays the number, name, time and date of the incoming call. 50 calls is the capacity that the phone stores, which is not that many depending on how frequent your phone is ringing. This model is low cost and packed with great features, coming with two handsets at a decent price, it can be expanded to include up to five handsets. It’s said to be nice for multiple people to speak on the phones at the same time and the speakerphone functionality turns it into a hands free device at the push of a button.
The phone has a very easy to hold ergonomic shape that fits nicely in your hand as well as between your shoulder and ear. You can quickly silence the ringer on the handset and even set the period of time for which you would like it to remain silent. The battery life is said to last for long periods of time without being placed on the base and a key feature is the power-conserving technology that manages and preserves the battery.
One of the downsides of this model is that it’s said for the wall mount to be quite ugly, however it does hold a total of 14 minutes of message recording time with an answering system that takes calls when you’re not able. On the flip side, both the silver and shiny red embody a sleek and hi-tech design that blends nicely with many types of home and office environments. All in all, this is a great cordless phone that offers a fair range in coverage, however it does not come with the ability to link it to your mobile device.
Product highlights:
- Expandable with up to 5 handsets
- 14 minutes recording time
- Bright and large LCD screen
- Trilingual prompts – choose between English, Spanish or French
2. Panasonic KX-TGE233B Expandable Cordless Digital Phone
This is a great option if you need a cordless phone that provides a long range and amplified volume for easier listening. Panasonic has built in a tone equalizer into the audio module to bring you crisp and clear consistency when you are both speaking and talking on the line to make it easier for the other person to hear even when you are in noisy places. This particular model includes three handsets at a fantastic price, and you’re able to add a total of 6 handsets making it a perfect choice for large families and offices. The extra-large keypad buttons and dedicated volume control are easier to operate on this cordless phone compared to other models so it’s ideal if you don’t have perfect vision or have a hard time hearing. A major benefit offered by cordless phones that you won’t find in smartphones is the ability to precisely adjust the audio to maximize clarity. Thanks to the tone equalizer, you are able to adjust the treble, mid-tone and even the bass of the callers tone to achieve the most optimised audio experience.
If you’ve ever received those dreaded cold calls from anonymous dialers who rarely ever comply with your request to be removed from their calling list, this phone has you covered. The call block feature enables you to block a long list of up to 250 numbers from robocalls and telemarketers. You may not receive bothersome calls from such a huge amount of companies, but this cordless phones gives you the peace of mind of being able to simply flag a number to instantly block it. As you use this phone over time, the Call Block features ensures that you will only receive calls from people you want to speak to.
The large speaker on the earpiece fits comfortably on your ear and is designed for maximum voice clarity. Below the earpiece sits a nice 1.8 inch backlit LCD screen that displays black text on a simple white background making the phone easy to read and operate in any light conditions. Even though this phone isn’t equipped with the high tech link to cell phone feature for syncing your mobile to the landline, it can perform a different cool trick. You are able to attach an optional key detector to any set of keys and then activate the cordless phones’ beeping alarm to track down your keys by simply tapping a button the handset. This function works all the way up to 200 yards away so no matter where your missing keys are, you can count on the key detector to track them down.
From speaker phone, a digital messaging system and a secure phone number blocker to the audio equalizer this Panasonic cordless phone delivers great functionality at an even better price making it an all around top notch product.
Product highlights:
- Block up to 250 numbers for security
- Digital voice messaging system
- Audio equalizer for precise voice clarity
- Expandable up to 6 handsets
3. Panasonic KX-TG7743S Link2Cell Bluetooth Cordless Phone
A solid feature of this Panasonic cordless phone is right in the name – a robust and easy to set up Link2Cell system that is enabled by Bluetooth. If you’re an ‘on the go’ profesional constantly on your mobile device throughout the day, then cell phone linking will not only add a lot of convenience to your life, but you can break away from the cell phone after a long day of work and still receive calls from people who have only your mobile number. If this capability is a main criteria for making a decision on which cordless phone to buy, then consider it the perfect match. You are able to link two cell phones to the cordless phone, which is great because other link to cell models usually only allow just one link.
For a fair price, this model comes with 3 cordless handsets that each have a 13 hour battery life of talk time and an incredible 11 days of battery life on standby. The handset locator is a great feature for tracking down any of the connected handsets – just tap the button on the charging base and listen for the beep. It’s easy to misplace a phone around the house or office and this feature is highly convenient if you plan to use more handsets. It can be expanded all the way up to 6.
It has a hefty memory capacity and can store up to 3050 names and numbers in the phone book, and each handset can be used in any lighting conditions thanks to the backlit LCD screen and number keypad. You have the choice to display the LCD content in both the English and Spanish language, and can choose from 9 different ringer styles and store a total of 19 minutes in voice messages. The great part of this cordless phone is that it can store up to 50 names and numbers in the caller ID library so you can retrieve numbers from past missed calls or conversations in just a few taps. Set up and assembly is a cinch and each handset comes with a belt buckle harness to carry the phone by your side, however, this perk is not mandatory and you can add or remove the clip.
The large rubber buttons on each handset and charging base are soft to the touch and seem very durable, and you can make and receive calls ‘handsfree’ because the base has a built in keypad and a speakerphone button. This is perfect for when you’re cooking in the kitchen, ironing clothes or find yourself sitting in a position where holding a phone is not the most comfortable option. For those who work at home and would like to connect a mobile to their landline and embrace a high tech, but simple to use cordless phone at a great price this Panasonic model has your name on it. The sleek silver color and amber toned backlit keypad pair nicely with every environment.
Product highlights:
- Links via Bluetooth to smart phones
- 11 day standby battery life
- Large phonebook library holds 3050 contacts
- Expandable up to 6 handsets
4. AT&T EL52313 DECT 6.0 Phone Answering System
Like Panasonic, At&t have become market leaders in developing communication technology and the functionality and voice clarity of this At&t EL52313 model is premium and high value for quite an affordable price. It falls short on the digital messaging system storage and can only hold 4 minutes of recording time, but it’s expandable up to 5 devices on one landline and features many other bells and whistles. This is a great cordless phone ideal for your busy home or small office.
The easy-to-read LCD panel features a high contrast black text on a white background that is visible in all lighting conditions. It does pretty well at reflecting sun glare too, which can be a problem if you live in a large environment that is naturally lit. The LCD screen displays a phone book that can store 50 names and numbers and the language can be switched between English, Spanish and French. The lighted keypad boasts large and easy to press buttons with an amber colored background.
Everything you’ll ever need in a digital answering system is sufficiently provided by this cordless phone and the charging base is minimalistic and easy to operate. Some cordless phone base stations contain way too many buttons and it can get confusing, but form truly follows function on this model. You can set it up to receive incoming messages, outgoing announcement and even memos.
This model is TIA-1083 compliant which is a step above the normal hearing aid compatibility, and can be used with the hearing aid T-coil. This feature makes it a perfect choice when purchasing a cordless phone for seniors or anyone who wears hearing aids.
Product highlights:
- Expandable up to 5 handsets
- Hearing aid compliant and compatible
- Caller ID/Waiting with 50 number storage
- Digital answering machine system
5. Panasonic KX-TGE433B Cordless Phone with Answering Machine
Many of the best cordless phones today are equipped with features that extend the functionality of the product far beyond the basic ‘calling and talking’ scenario. This Panasonic handset exemplifies this multi-function by integrating a unique voice pager feature that allows you to broadcast announcements throughout your entire home or office. And because it can support up to 6 handsets, you can let everyone know it’s time for dinner or time to wake up for the school day. The full duplex speakerphone emits a clear, crisp and loud signal that can be activated with a push of a button. This feature is available from the charging base as well as on each of the handsets.
There are more audio functions of this cordless phone that add incredible convenience to your connected world. Fancy a smart feature such as talk back? With the talking caller ID, there’s no need to get up off the couch or bed to check who is calling if the phone isn’t nearby. This cordless phone will actually announce the caller data through a talking system so you’ll know who is calling without having to look at the phone. This feature alone gives the product an advantageous edge over hundreds of cordless phones on the market and is available in both English and Spanish. You can set the talking caller ID announcements to come out of the charging base, one set and even the entire handset collection. Most of the functionality of the cordless phone can all be controlled from the handset. For example, you can simply block up to 250 numbers with a touch of a button using the dedicated ‘call block’ button. All numbers from the annoying telemarketers and robots calling your home can can be blocked at anytime, even though it’s most common to press the call block button the moment you end a call with someone you never want to hear from again.
The phone offers a large range of function and can even help you track down your lost car or house keys with a special key detector. The key detector is not included with the cordless phone but they are affordable little life savers. You will most likely want to get a few key detectors to work alongside this cordless phone. In the long run, all of the time you save by instantly tracking down your keys will definitely offset the small price. It’s quick to assemble and when you click the button on the handset, the LCD monitor displays a proximity aid, plus a beeping sound that gets faster and faster the closer you are to your keys. As said earlier, cordless phones do so much more than take phone calls today. This is a fantastic choice for families with babies in the house as it also comes with a built in baby monitor feature that sends an immediate alert to the charging base unit and any phone or cellphone number you store in the handset.
Taking into account the large backlit keypad, easy call blocking of up to 250 phone numbers, full duplex speakerphone and jet black and bold design, this cordless is guaranteed to deliver all of your home or office ‘telephone needs’ at a great value.
Product highlights:
- Built in baby monitor
- Key detector feature to quickly track keys
- Talking calling ID announces the name of the caller
- Full duplex speakerphone
6. Panasonic Link2Cell Bluetooth Cordless Phone with Enhanced Noise Reduction
Another top of the line cordless phone handset is the Panasonic KX-TG7875S Link2Cell model. It’s teched out and designed to deliver everything you need in a cordless phone and a whole lot more. You are able to connect two cell phones to the system allowing you to take and place cell calls with one of the five handsets that comes included. The charging base has two ‘cell’ buttons to set up this incredible Link2Cell feature and it takes less than a minute to sync over Bluetooth. The unique part of this Link2Cell system is SMS alert. By using this feature you’ll reduce the likelihood to miss out on text message because both the handset and base station notify you when you receive text messages.
The left side of the charging base has a convenient USB charging port that’s perfect for charging your mobile, too. If you rely on your mobile throughout the day, this cordless phone is a great addition to your home that combines the convenience and security of a landline with all the perks of your smartphone. You’re able to forward all of the messages you receive to your landline directly to your mobile, enabling you to be more responsive in your communication.
It’s also designed with a call blocking system for you to block a total of 250 numbers and a clear 1.8 inch white backlit handset display with 18 minutes of voicemail storage. Some lower end models of cordless phones usually offer just 4-6 minutes of voicemail storage so this is a great perk.
The Talking Caller ID has become one of the best features of cordless phones of our generation due to the convenience of not having to check the phone to determine the caller. This phone announces the name and the number which is nice if you’re lounging on the couch and don’t want to get up to check the phone before committing to the conversation. All of the features make this model extremely suitable for both home and office use, especially the 3,000 number phonebook storage system.
Whether you talk outside on the patio, in the basement or in the kitchen area at your office, the DECT 6.0 technology ensures a smooth and strong signal. If you’re looking for a cordless phone with a world class sound quality this Panasonic option is a great choice and available at a friendly budget. The eco friendly power consumption prolongs battery life to give you more time to talk without having to constantly keep it on the charger. Considering how this cordless phone encompasses the best smart features with superb audio and high storage capacity, the price is excellent for everything it offers and the design is sharp and hip. Truly worth the money and highly recommended.
Product highlights:
- Link2Cell, connect two smartphones
- SMS alert feature and mobile call forwarding
- Built in USB charger
- Talking caller ID
- DECT 6.0 technology
7. VTech LS6425-3 DECT 6.0 Expandable Cordless Phone
As one of the most expandable cordless phone sets on the market, the Vtech LS6425-3 DECT and include all the way up to 12 handsets, making it the perfect choice if you’re looking for a cordless phone system for a small to medium sized office. This model is also great for family households of anysize and the price is attractive for what it offers. Featuring a caller ID that stores 50 calls, the latest DECT 6.0 digital communication technology and a voice announce caller ID this cordless phone deliver a flawless and crystal clear audio signal that makes the caller sound like their almost inside the same room as you. Screening all of your incoming calls becomes much easier with the Talking Caller ID feature as you won’t have to find the handset to see who is calling. The handset automatically announces the name and number of the caller directly on the large blue backlit LCD panel and speaker. The charging base can be mounted on the wall if you should ever need to and there is a built in mini equalizer on each handset to adjust the bass, treble and midtones. The equaliser can be customized on each handset which makes it convenient so all members of a family can set it according to their listening preferences. You can choose from a variety of different ringtones for each handset, too.
I really like the built in phone finder in each handset so you can track them individually. From a design standpoint, the classic light blue backlight compliments the slick silver and black design to form a high tech and elegant figure that looks very high end. The user manual is extremely easy to follow and set up is a breeze. The sections are nicely divided by each specific function of the phone which makes it simple to learn in minutes, not hours.
A simple touch of the speakerphone button turns the handset into a loud and clear voice box and the voice messaging system picks up calls even when you can’t. This is a high quality product at a fantastic price, but it doesn’t feature a Link2Cell Bluetooth connection. If that’s not one of the main criteria you’re looking for in a cordless phone, but would like a sharp, functional and reliable product then this VTech telly is a good choice.
Product highlights:
- Expandable up to 12 handsets
- Talking caller ID feature
- Speaker phone
- Backlit keypad and display
8. VTech CS6719-15 DECT 6.0 Cordless Phone
The eighth best cordless phone on our list at Fabathome is the blue VTech CS6719-15 DECT. The first thing you’ll love about this phone (if blue is your thing) is the sharp design that gives off a high end feel in a cool blue color. It features a caller ID and call waiting system that display the callers number, name and the time of every incoming call. The built in speakerphone can be triggered with a quick push of a button and the audio clarity is crisp, allowing both people on each end of the line to easily hear each other. It falls short on the expandability aspect, only allowing for you to add two handsets in total, but for this price it’s a perfect cordless phone for a small office of 2-5 people and a great option for family households. The phone book can hold up to 50 names and phone numbers making it easy to quickly search by name and number.
The quiet mode feature can be activated with a touch of a button and set for a period of time. This really comes in hand if you’re feeling under the weather or don’t want to be bothered at certain times throughout the day because when quiet mode is on, the handset and the base ringers are completely disabled and silent. If you’re looking for a compact cordless phone at a price point that delivers true value and significant convenience then you won’t regret this simple-to-use VTech.
Product highlights:
- The DECT 6.0 technology
- Sharp Blue Color
- Eco Friendly mode for long lasting battery
- Caller ID and Call Waiting
- Simple to activate quiet mode
9. AT&T CL80111 DECT 6.0 Cordless Accessory Handset Phone
The At&t CL80111 cordless phone at first seems quite minimalistic due to the compact size and super basic charging station, but a closer look reveals a few cutting edge features that bring a lot of value for the affordable price. One of the most notable features is Push-to-talk. Forget having to shout through the house or run around to get ahold of someone. This cordless phone is also a multiple handset walkie-talkie that enables instant communication between up to 4 units. This feature alone is extremely convenient to have in the house, but also a good fit for working environments like factory floors and small offices.
It can hold a total of 50 names and numbers in the phone book storage. This is not many compared to the other best cordless phones on our list, but there’s no reason to put a lot of emphasis on phone storage if you will only save a few numbers. Most people say that 50 is plenty for general use such as keeping up with the family, friends and neighborhood services. The high definition audio can be customized thanks to the equalizer that allows you to choose from four preset audio profiles and also personalize the bass, treble and mid tones to fit your hearing needs.
Not many cordless phone manufacturers have the experience and skills to create a product at this price like At&t – one that packs in many of the markets favorite features in a phone, combined with a ‘press any key to answer’ function and quick access for voicemail box.
Product highlights:
- The DECT 6.0 technology
- Push to talk walkie-talkie conference feature
- 50 name phone book directory
- Speakerphone on the handset
- Bright LCD screen for easy viewing
10. AT&T DECT 6.0 Phone Answering System with Caller ID/Call Waiting
Last on our list of the best cordless phones is the At&t CRL82312, a remarkable and powerful cordless phone that serves a much greater purpose than simple conversation in a crystal clear audio environment. Featuring an extra-large LCD display with large backlit buttons, the handsets are designed for easy viewing in every lighting condition and the design of the phone is ergonomic and extremely light – just 6.1 ounces. If you are looking for a phone that’s suitable for seniors or others with vision or hearing impairment, this will be a great option. Big buttons, large LCD screen, a visual ringing indicator, caller ID announcing and four equalizer presets for the audio each play a small part in bringing the user maximum value and convenience.
The cordless phone is expandable up to 12 handsets making it ideal for a busy home, small lodge or office. The conference feature allows users to simply converse with each other in walkie-talkie style with up to 4 devices and the ECO friendly battery technology ensures it stays charged for more talk time, even when you’re not using it. Compared to many other cordless phones, this model includes a cool wall bracket so you can place the charging base in the most convenient location of your choice.
The quick start menu is easy to read, but you most likely won’t even need to use it because the product is very intuitive to understand. However, the guide lists out each feature and explains the best way to program them. For example, the equalizer for the audio and the wall bracket installation instructions. Considering this ships out with 3 handsets, a voice messaging system, 60 name and number directory and the lastest DECT 6.0 noise cancellation technology, this cordless phone blends style with function and the price is very solid.
Product highlights:
- The DECT 6.0 technology
- 50 name phone book directory
- Speakerphone on the handset
- Visual ringing indicator
- Expandable up to 12 handsets