Answering Machine Information

Many local phone companies offer voicemail service, which works like an answering machine but can also handle incoming calls while you're on the phone. Power outages and mechanical breakdowns are less of an issue with this service, although reviewers say it can sometimes be inconvenient to access. Prices vary from free (when bundling products and services) to a flat-rate charge per month. Voicemail can cost more than an answering machine if you use it for more than a few months.

Telephone/answering machine combinations meld an answering machine with either a regular or cordless telephone. Cordless phone/answering machine combos are now more popular than standalone answering machines, but they are significantly more expensive. See our separate report on cordless phones, which includes information on models with or without an answering machine.

How Stuff Works has an interesting article on digital answering machines.

Business Week has a buyer's guide meant for business phone/answering machine setups.

ABT Electronics has a detailed buying guide for telephones and answering machines.

eHow.com has a short buyer's guide.

Manufacturer websites:

AT&T

GE

RadioShack