Best Answering Machines

Fewer choices, but some standouts from AT&T and GE

Most digital answering machines can record about 30 minutes of messages, far less than older tape models, which could often hold 60 minutes of messages on a cassette. The best reviewed AT&T 1739 (*Est. $20), offers 40 minutes of recording time, while the GE 29875GE2 (*Est. $30) has a recording limit of 30 minutes. Both models allow you to limit the duration of incoming messages in order to maximize space.

If you need a basic, inexpensive answering machine, the AT&T 1739 (*Est. $20) is a good choice. This digital answering machine is also the only model that AT&T manufactures. It has a feature that protects messages in the event of a power failure without the need for battery backup. Other features include a time/day stamp, remote access, toll saver and call screening. You have the option to set up an audible message signal that tells you when you have a new message. You can also have the machine announce incoming calls, though some users say it's too loud. Voice prompts in English or French guide you through the setup of the machine. You can also listen to messages at different speeds. This machine gets above average user reviews on Amazon.com and other retail sites where consumers say they find it durable and easy to use. A few complain about the cord, finding it too short to use without an extension. This device comes with a one-year warranty.

The GE 29875GE2 (*Est. $30) has a voice menu bundled into its remote access feature, which makes it easier to retrieve messages while away from home.  It also offers standard features, including call screening, time/day stamp, digital message counter, toll saver (rings more than four times if there are no messages so you can hang up before the machine picks up) and a lighted message counter but, like all other currently available answerers, it offers only one mailbox. This answering machine has voice prompts available in English and Spanish and, though it lacks battery backup, it has message protection in case of a power failure. This model gets good reviews from owners at Amazon.com. People say they think it is decent for the price and easy to set up. Some say the sound quality could be better, although messages can be understood. The answering machine has a one-year warranty.

The GE 29871GE3 (*Est. $20) has most of the same features as the GE 29875GE2, including a one-year warranty. It lacks the voice menu on its remote function, though. The machine comes with a mount, allowing you to position it upright or at an angle, in addition to placing it flat. This answering machine gets fewer positive reviews than the GE 29875GE2, mostly because of its inferior sound quality. However, for those consumers who like the ability to adjust the viewing angle, the sound issue was not a deal-breaker.