Cordless Phones: Reviews

Updated October 2010
A cordless phone may seem like a simple purchase, compared to a cell phone. But as we discovered in our research, cordless phones are more and more prone to interference by other devices in your household, including microwaves and Wi-Fi networks. Experts recommend upgrading to a phone with a frequency of 1.9 GHz, also known as DECT, which nearly eliminates interference.
 

Basic cordless phone

Panasonic KX-TG6512 *Est. $60 Compare Prices

ConsumerReports.org: Experts here test the Panasonic KX-TG6512 and rate its ease of use, range, voice quality and more in a recent comparison test of 46 cordless-phone models.

Amazon.com: There are about two dozen user reviews here, and they are overwhelmingly positive, as are the dozen or so consumer reviews written for the three-handset model, the KX-TG6513.

Walmart.com: The handful of customer reviews on this site praise the Panasonic KX-TG6512 for its long range and excellent sound quality.

Best cordless phone with answering machine

AT&T SL82318 *Est. $90 Compare Prices

ConsumerReports.org: The AT&T SL82318 cordless phone/answerer is rigorously tested along with 45 other cordless phones.

Amazon.com: Consumer reviews are very positive for the AT&T SL82318; more than 200 reviewers contribute to its overall 4.5-star rating.

Target.com: More than two dozen reviews show that users are very satisfied with the AT&T SL82318.

Staples.com: More than 125 reviews contribute to the 4.1 rating on Staples.com for the AT&T SL82318.

Corded/cordless phone with answering machine

AT&T CL84209 *Est. $110 Compare Prices

ConsumerReports.org: The AT&T CL84209 was recently tested along with 45 other cordless phones using Consumer Reports' usual thorough methodology.

BestBuy.com: More than a dozen user reviews are very positive about the AT&T CL84209, praising its features and recommending it to others as a great value for the price.

Amazon.com: There aren't many reviews of the AT&T CL84209 on Amazon, but the few available are very detailed.

Phone/answerer for the hearing and sight impaired

Uniden CEZAi2998 *Est. $75 Compare Prices

ConsumerReports.org: Subscribers may access the latest test of 46 cordless phones at ConsumerReports.org where comparison charts clearly present how each phone stacks up against the rest.

BestBuy.com: Nearly two dozen customers rate the Uniden CEZAi2998 on this retailer's site, many of whom bought the phone for older relatives.

Amazon.com: Two dozen reviewers contribute to the Uniden CEZAi2998's high marks, complimenting its ease of use and features.

Walmart.com: A handful of users contribute to the Uniden CEZAi2998's near-perfect score on this retailer's site.

Cordless Phones Runners Up:

Motorola L402C *Est. $55

4 picks by top review sites.

Panasonic KX-TG1032S *Est. $45

3 picks including: Amazon.com, PC World…

AT&T EL51209 *Est. $40

1 pick including: Amazon.com, BestBuy.com…

AT&T TL86109 *Est. $170

1 pick by top review sites.

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Motorola DECT 6.0 Enhanced Corded Base Phone with Cordless Handset and Digital Answering System L402C
Buy from Amazon.com
from Amazon.com
New: $79.99 $46.09   
In Stock.
Average Customer Review:  
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Panasonic DECT 6.0-Series Dual-Handset Cordless Phone System with Answering System (KX-TG1032S)
Buy from Amazon.com
from Amazon.com
New: $79.95   
Average Customer Review:  
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AT&T EL51209 DECT 6.0 Cordless Phone, White/Grey, 2 Handsets
Buy from Amazon.com
from Amazon.com
New: $39.95   
In Stock.
Average Customer Review:  
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AT&T 86109 DECT 6.0 Corded/Cordless Phone, Silver/Black, 1 Base and 1 Handset
Buy from Amazon.com
from Amazon.com
New: $169.95   
In Stock.
Average Customer Review:  

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