How to Buy an Answering Machine

Standard answering machines are still useful

Because there are few answering machines still in production, your choices are limited. Still, you'll want to make sure that you spend your money on a product that meets your needs. Here are some tips  to consider before making a purchase:

• Insist on a battery backup. If your machine does not have a battery backup or message-protection system, you may lose your messages if your electricity goes out.

• Don't let your callers get cut-off. Most digital units hold 30 to 40 minutes of messages -- the more minutes, the better. If you receive many messages or travel for long periods without checking messages and deleting them, look for a machine that allows you to limit the time for each incoming message.

• Remote access is key. Most machines will let you change your greeting and turn the unit on and off from a remote location -- a feature that can come in handy.

• Save the toll. A toll-saver feature will set the machine to pick up on the first or second ring if you have messages, but on the fourth ring if you don't. The number of rings will tell you whether you have any messages -- and if not, you can hang up before you're charged for the call (if you're trying to save minutes on your cell phone, for example).

• Opt for auto disconnect. Have you ever had the annoying experience of answering a call only to hear the answering-machine message playing at the same time? An auto-disconnect function will stop your message as soon as you lift the receiver. Be aware, however, that some machines will stop operating only while the outgoing message is playing, but not once the recording has begun. (This means your phone call will be broadcast on the machine and recorded.) Also, some models disconnect only when the attached phone is picked up, meaning this feature won't work with an extension.

• Take it slow. If your machine has variable-speed playback, you can electronically enhance your messages by speeding them up or -- more likely -- slowing them down. Slower speeds can be helpful if you need to take down a number or you have a friend who talks quickly.

• Pay attention to extra features. There are multiple features available, so be sure your model has the ones that you prefer. These may include message preview, which plays the first five seconds of each new message; a date/time stamp, so you'll know when messages were received; short burst/cellular compatibility, which ensures that the machine continues to record despite any fragmented transmission; a room monitor, for listening to sounds in a room while you're away; priority calling, to alert you to important callers; message transfer, so you can forward calls when you need to; and a new message option, which lets you choose to hear only new messages and skip over old ones.

Answering-machine alternatives

The best alternative to a standalone answering machine is a corded/cordless phone and answering machine combo. These devices offer many of the features included with answering machines. The downside is that they also involve the purchase of a telephone and possibly an extension, which can add to the price. Another option is a voicemail service, which your telephone service can provide. These involve a monthly fee, however, and they don't offer the most enjoyable aspect of having a standalone unit: call screening. See our related report on cordless phones for more information.

You can also choose to replace your landline with VoIP, or Internet-based telephone service. Most of these services offer free voicemail. Alternatively, you can sign up for Google Voice, which offers a number of features including free voicemail and transcription. Neither of these options requires you to change your home phone number. For more information, see our report on VoIP.