Cordless Phones: Reviews

This inexpensive phone with two handsets scores well thanks to its clear voice quality and a long range. At this price, you won't get an answering machine, but the otherwise identical AT&T EL52209 (*Est. $50) adds one for… $10 more. Even though it's cheap, this phone uses the latest DECT technology (for minimal interference) and offers the features most people want (such as a voicemail indicator and caller ID memory). However, unlike the top-rated Panasonic KX-TG1032S (*Est. $55), it lacks a headset jack and it can accommodate only three handsets.

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The Panasonic KX-TG1032S gets the best ratings from both experts and owners. The Panasonic KX-TG1032S uses the latest DECT technology (which means no interference from your Wi-Fi network or other home electronics) and its… voice quality and long range are impressive. Features include a headphone jack, single-mailbox answering machine and two handsets, but other versions come with three or four handsets. Additional handsets (*Est. $35 each) can be added up to a total of six. Panasonic also offers similar, slightly higher-priced models with more advanced features like talking caller ID, and those get very good ratings, too.

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Cordless phones won't work during blackouts, when there's no power to the base. But the corded phone on the base of the AT&T CL84109 will work during a power outage. This model is also just a really good phone, according… to experts and owners; it has an exceptionally long range, and it can accept 12 cordless handsets -- more than any other Best Reviewed phone (one cordless handset is included). Use of DECT technology again keeps away interference from other electronic devices.

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This Radio Shack phone is the best cordless phone for those with hearing or vision difficulties. Most owners say they can hear loud and clear on the Radio Shack phone, and the flashing ringer, big lighted buttons and… talking caller ID all make things easy for those who can't see or hear well. It includes a corded phone on the base and one cordless handset. One downside is that the Radio Shack 43-140 cordless phone can't accept any more handsets. Another is that it does not use DECT technology. Instead, it operates on the older 5.8 GHz frequency. Despite that, we did not see much in the way of owner complaints about interference from other equipment.

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