AT&T SL82318

*Est. $90

Reviewed

October 2010

Best cordless phone with answering machine

Pros

Expandable up to 12 handsets
Very good voice quality
Long range
Voice-mail indicator
Abundant handset battery life

Cons

Handset volume control inconveniently placed

Where to Buy

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The AT&T SL82318 cordless phone/answerer combines long range, expandability up to 12 handsets (three are included) and the longest talk time reviewers have seen. Experts and users also praise its voice clarity, which, combined with its other attributes, makes this an excellent choice if you live in a large house or want to use a cordless phone outdoors. The answering machine offers remote access, day/time stamp and 14 minutes of message recording time. Like all DECT phones, interference with household items such as microwaves is nonexistent. Extra handsets cost approximately $25 each.

ConsumerReports.org has conducted a recent test of 46 cordless-phone models and is an excellent source of ratings and recommendations, though a subscription is necessary to read the full report. User reviews at Amazon.com, Staples.com and Target.com can be very helpful for feedback on real-world product use.

Where To Buy

AT&T SL82318 DECT 6.0 Cordless Phone, Silver/Gray, 3 Handsets

(379 reviews)
Buy new: $89.95 $60.49 52 Used from $48.00

In Stock. Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping

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Our Sources

1. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe

The AT&T SL82318 cordless phone/answerer is rigorously tested along with 45 other cordless phones. The phones are rated based on voice quality, range, ease of use and other criteria. This report, like others on the site, is available by subscription only.

Review: Cordless Phone Ratings, Editors of ConsumerReports.org, Oct. 2010

2. Amazon.com

Consumer reviews are very positive for the AT&T SL82318; more than 200 reviewers contribute to its overall 4.5-star rating. Users are very impressed with the overall quality and like the long range. A handful of customers find the location of the handset volume control inconvenient.

Review: AT&T DECT 6.0 Digital Three Handset Answering System (SL82318), Contributors to Amazon.com

3. Target.com

More than two dozen reviews show that users are very satisfied with the AT&T SL82318. Customers praise the phone's voice clarity, as well as the easy setup and the ability to turn the ringer completely off. A few users complain that the volume is too low.

Review: AT&T DECT 6.0 Phone Bundle with 3 Handsets -- Silver (SL82318), Contributors to Target.com

4. Staples.com

More than 125 reviews contribute to the 4.1 rating on Staples.com for the AT&T SL82318. The vast majority of users praise the phone's easy setup, voice clarity and great features; only a few complain about issues such as poor sound quality.

Review: AT&T SL82318, Contributors to Staples.com

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