Cordless Phones

Cordless phone frequencies

With some variations, most phones fall into three main classes: 2.4 GHz, 5.8 GHz and a new 1.9 GHz frequency also called DECT.

900 MHz cordless phones, which were first on the market many years ago, are no longer manufactured. With so many electronics operating on the same frequency, these suffered from interference and static. The 900 MHz frequency is still sometimes used in combination with 5.8 GHz or 2.4 GHz phones that use digital-spread-spectrum (DSS) or “frequency hopping” technology.

Now the 2.4 GHz bandwidth is also crowded, especially since home wireless networks (Wi-Fi) use this frequency. Some wireless stereo headphones and wireless game controllers also operate on the same 2.4 GHz bandwidth, so 2.4 GHz phones can get interference from those devices as well. However, a few Wi-Fi friendly models are now on the market. These phones, like the basic AT&T E2801 (*est. $25), aim to use a different part of the 2.4 GHz bandwidth to avoid conflict with Wi-Fi networks. For the most part, experts say this scheme works pretty well and these phones often cost less than DECT phones.

In addition to frequency, the other big defining factor in cordless phones is whether you’re looking at an analog or digital phone. Analog cordless phones are cheap, but their downside is that it’s easy for anyone with a channel scanner to intercept your calls. People with baby monitors report that they can sometimes hear their neighbors’ phone conversations – analog technology is the culprit. Unless you live in a remote area and aren’t concerned at all about someone accidentally or intentionally listening in, consider upgrading to a digital phone.

Digital phones are much more secure because they scramble the signal from the phone to the receiver unit so calls can’t be intercepted. Digital spread spectrum (DSS) cordless phones digitize your voice over a slightly longer range and offer added security with a "cipher key" that scrambles conversations across frequencies. In spread spectrum, the phone transmits and receives signals on several channels at once; if a signal is poor on one frequency, the clear signal on another frequency will compensate. Most 5.8 GHz cordless phones are DSS phones, as well as a few 2.4 GHz models. DECT phones have their own scheme to prevent eavesdropping, using encryption and authentication from the handset to the receiver.

Best cordless phones

Cordless phone/answering machine combos usually come with two or more cordless handsets, plus the ability to buy additional handsets that can be linked to the system (extra handsets cost $30 to $50). Most DSS and all DECT models let you use the handsets as walkie-talkies, transfer calls from one handset to another and hold handset conferencing. Some cordless phone/answerers also include a second corded phone on the base unit. This is especially handy for power outages. Since cordless phones need to plug into an outlet, they won't work if the power fails. Systems with an included corded phone on the base unit, however, will still operate even in a blackout (provided your phone service is up and running, of course). A corded handset also offers a greater measure of security.

We find the best reviews overall for the Panasonic KX-TG1032S (*est. $80) DECT phone. This model, which comes with two cordless handsets, does well in professional testing, but also is a success in owner reviews. Nearly 50 owners contribute to the Panasonic cordless phone’s high average rating at Amazon.com. With excellent voice and message quality, as well as battery life and range, this system was placed on top in two extensive comparative reviews. The Panasonic KX-TG1032S comes with two handsets, while the KX-TG1033S (*est. $90) offers three and the KX-TG1034S (*est. $115) comes with four. The phone can accept up to six handsets total. Calls can be transferred between handsets and up to 3-way handset conferencing is possible. One convenient feature of this model is phonebook sharing between handsets. However, it is not free from faults; the most common complaint is the lack of a backlit keypad. The answering machine can hold 15 minutes of messages, but it has just one mailbox. We read no complaints of interference with this cordless phone system.

If you only need a single handset, the VTech 6032 (*est. $50) is less expensive than the Panasonic KX-TG1032S and is ranked as one of the two best cordless phones in a major roundup at Good Housekeeping magazine. Although this DECT phone can handle up to six handsets, the Panasonic discussed above is a better choice if you prefer multiple handsets. Since the VTech uses the 1.9 GHz frequency, it shouldn’t interfere with home networks and it has received very good reviews in that respect. We did find a few complaints, but none were for reception. One owner complains that the VTech cordless phone doesn’t hold a battery charge very long; another wishes there were a few more features, such as a speakerphone in the base unit. This basic inexpensive phone does not include a headphone jack.

If these features are mandatory for you, but you aren’t worried about interference with a Wi-Fi network or other electronics, the AT&T E2913B (*est. $90) is a good choice, say reviews, but it’s not a DECT phone. The expandable, 2.4 GHz digital-spread-spectrum cordless phone with answering machine comes with three handsets, which is the maximum number it can support. Like other systems, you can transfer calls between handsets, use handsets like an intercom and hold handset conferencing. The answering machine has 14 minutes of recording time. This AT&T cordless phone gets good marks in voice and message quality and has key features such as a backlit keypad, wall mounting, handset speakerphone and base ringer. We haven’t yet seen many user reviews, though the AT&T cordless phone and answering machine earns good professional reviews.

The less expensive 5.8 GHz Uniden CXAI5198 (*est. $60) receives good professional and owner reviews. It gets some of the highest ratings among cordless phones at Amazon.com (though we still saw some complaints about interference and voice quality). This model has a single cordless handset, plus a corded phone on the base unit, which also houses the answering machine. Although the Uniden cordless phone is analog (meaning it is not as secure as a digital phone), the corded handset provides a secure way to transmit sensitive information. Corded phone calls cannot be intercepted with a scanner. In addition, the corded phone will work during a power outage. It's possible to find similar phones that are all-digital, but they cost twice as much. This model gets better owner reviews than the similar Uniden CXAI5698 (*est. $65) , which performs well in professional reviews.

Supporting up to ten handsets, the Uniden TRU 9485-2 (*est. $90) gets a very good review in tests at Wired magazine. This system is easy to use, has a crystal-clear speakerphone and features two handsets. The Uniden cordless phone is a 5.8 GHz digital-spread-spectrum phone for the best security. You can use the handsets like walkie-talkies or even as a baby monitor, and you can transfer calls between the handsets. The digital answering machine has 15 minutes of recording time, but only one mailbox. The Uniden TRU 9485-2 gets terrific reviews at Amazon.com with an average rating of four stars from over 100 owners.

All of the phones above work with a single phone line. If you need a two-line phone, the Uniden TRU 9496 (*est. $150) is a full-featured, expandable corded/cordless combination system with digital answering system, plus a corded handset on the base unit. Be aware that this phone doesn’t actually come with a cordless handset, though you can add up to ten handsets. This phone is another 5.8 GHz DSS phone for better security. It has a 100-name phonebook with two phone numbers per name and up to 100-number caller-ID memory, seven-way call-conferencing and a two-way radio feature for using the handsets as walkie-talkies. Reviewers at Amazon.com say the task of programming is fairly straightforward and love that five people can talk on the wireless handsets simultaneously. The answering machine has a single mailbox with 15 minutes of recording time. We find good reviews for this two-line cordless phone at Amazon.com, but we didn't see it included in any professional reviews.

Most people still want a phone with an answering machine, but if you have voicemail through your phone company (or don’t need message recording at all), you can save money by skipping the answering machine. The majority of these phones are 5.8 GHz and 2.4 GHz DSS or analog. We haven’t yet seen any phone-only DECT models.

According to reviews, a good basic analog model is the 5.8 GHz VTech ia5824 (*est. $30) .This cordless phone has a 45-number caller-ID memory and 20-number phone book, plus a voicemail indicator light and backlit keypad. Most user reviews are good, but we read a couple of complaints about voice quality.

If you don’t want to risk eavesdropping with an analog cordless phone, the Panasonic TG6021M (*est. $40) has DSS technology and operates on the 5.8 GHz frequency. Although this model comes with one handset, you can add up to three more (*est. $40 each). You can use the handsets like walkie-talkies and you can transfer calls. It has a 50-number phone book that is sharable between the handsets. The KX-TG6021M and its sibling, the KX-TG6022B (includes added handset), receive an average rating of 4.5 stars based on almost 40 reviews posted at Amazon.com with the only complaint being the lack of a belt clip on the handsets.

Cordless phones for the hearing/vision impaired

Although there are several cordless phones touting features for those with hearing and sight limitations, these phones work well for anyone who wants better volume control and larger buttons. In fact, we find good reviews for some of these phones from people who just liked their ease of use and extra features.

The 900 MHz analog Uniden EZI996 (*est. $35) is marketed to the sight and hearing impaired, but reviews also say it's just a good phone in general. The Uniden EZI996 has bright red lights and a loud ringer to indicate incoming calls. The numbers on the lighted keypad are larger than normal and the text on its LCD caller-ID display is extra large. Reviews say the volume controls for both the earpiece and the ringer work well, making the phone loud enough for many with hearing limitations. The handset unit also has a red light that blinks during incoming calls. This model has just one handset and no answering machine.

If you prefer something with an answering machine, the Uniden CEZAI998 (*est. $85) comes with a cordless handset, plus a corded handset and dial pad on the base unit, which also houses an answering machine. Both dial pads have larger, backlit numbers and both have blinking lights plus a ringer to indicate incoming calls. The volume on the handset is adjustable and talking caller ID is a plus for those who prefer to hear who is calling rather than read the screen. This 5.8 GHz phone has a single 15-minute mailbox. One nice feature is a one-push emergency button that dials 911 for you. There's also an audible message alert on the answering machine -- a feature that's hard to find on any phone. Reviews at Amazon.com are mainly positive, with a couple of complaints about shorter-than-average range.

The Panasonic KX-TG2388B (*est. $200) uses Vibrasound bone conduction technology. According to Panasonic's website, "the handset features a bone conduction earpiece that uses vibrations to transmit sound. Bone conduction technology may help people with conductive hearing loss to hear phone conversations more easily." The phone also has talking caller ID, a talking keypad and a talking phone book. We only find one consumer review for this phone, but that one user likes it.

VoIP dual phones

VoIP is another type of phone service receiving a lot of buzz lately. VoIP allows you to make calls through your broadband Internet connection. See our report on VoIP if you're considering digital phone service with Vonage or your cable company. The VoIP service provider will provide you with an adapter so you can use your regular telephone to make Internet calls. Other than the adapter, you do not need a special phone – you can use any regular phone with VoIP.

The other type of VoIP is software such as Skype. This type of service allows you to make free or low-cost phone calls through your computer. However, unlike VoIP from your cable or ISP, your computer needs to be turned on to make calls through Skype. You can hook up a microphone and speakers, or use a headset to make calls.

A few new cordless phones can double as both a regular cordless phone and a Skype phone. That means you can forgo hooking up a microphone and headset to your computer in order to chat over Skype. The Linksys CIT400 (*est. $130) is the best-reviewed model in both professional and user reviews. The base unit connects to your wireless network using a router and also hooks up to a regular telephone jack. This configuration allows you to use the handset to make both regular landline calls and Skype calls over the Internet. This expandable cordless phone (up to four handsets) uses the new 1.9 GHz bandwidth to cut down on interference. It also features a handset speakerphone and color display and is able to import your Skype buddy list. User reviews are mostly positive and say this phone works well for both applications. The Netgear SPH200D (*est. $170) is essentially the same phone with a sleeker design.

Another example of a dual phone is the GE 18310EEi (*est. $150). This model is also expandable up to four handsets. Neither the Linksys nor the GE offer an answering machine. We found a good professional review for the GE VoIP dual phone, but very little owner feedback. Conversely, we found excellent user reviews for the Philips VOIP8411B/37 (*est. $120) , which is similar. All of these phones are a lot more expensive than a regular cordless phone, so they obviously only make sense if you’re a Skype user. Be aware also that there are some usability issues that have more to do with Skype than with the phones. Skype releases patches about every two weeks, so usability quirks should slowly improve.

Important Features: Cordless phones

The following is what experts say about purchasing a cordless phone:

• Today's cordless phones are smaller, making them easy to carry around but more difficult to cradle on your shoulder. Remember that smaller phones also have smaller keypad buttons, which can make dialing difficult. Most of the phones in ConsumerSearch Fast Answers have headset jacks for hands-free use, though none are packaged with headsets. Expect to pay another $20 or $30 for a headset.

• Look for a digital phone if you're concerned about security. Calls on analog phones can easily be intercepted by anyone with a scanner -- but most commonly, some parents report being able to hear their neighbors' conversations over their baby monitor. Also, phones with "digital base security" aren't necessarily digital; all cordless phones have digital base security to keep other people from dialing through your phone line. Some manufacturers will advertise a phone as digital even if only its answering machine component is digital, so be careful and read the fine print. Digital phones include both DSS and DECT models.

• Know what you're getting when you purchase a 1.9 GHz or 5.8 GHz system rather than a 2.4 GHz. Many customers think they will get better voice quality or range with a 5.8 GHz phone, but sources such as Consumer Reports say there is no difference. However, 5.8 GHz phones are less prone to interference from other electronics than non-“LAN-friendly” 2.4 GHz phones, so they are a good choice especially if you have a home wireless network. Phones that operate on the 1.9 GHz frequency are the least susceptible to interference but are the most expensive. If you live in an apartment building or other populous area, keep in mind that you may get interference from wireless networks even if you don't have one yourself.

Almost all phones come with caller ID, a headset jack and a wall-mountable base. Most new models are also expandable. Pricier units have speakerphones on the handsets, handset conferencing and intercom capabilities

Experts advise not to place the handset of a cordless phone back on its base after each call because charging the battery too frequently will weaken its power and shorten its life. This may be less of a problem with NiMH (nickel metal hydride) batteries than with NiCAD (nickel cadmium) batteries. However, it is still a good practice to wait until the low-battery light indicates a recharge is needed. Also, using the phone in a high location within your home will increase reception. Positioning the base away from TVs, computers, microwave ovens or other cordless phones will help cut down on interference.

Depending on use, batteries last from one to two years. If your phone came with a NiCAD battery, you may want to consider replacing it with a more efficient (and slightly more expensive) NiMH battery. Bear in mind that phone manufacturers may warn you against doing this, saying their model is not guaranteed to work with both battery types. The best advice is to bring the phone with you to the retail store and replace the battery while in the store, just to see if the phone powers on.

Our Consensus Report shows how many times products are top-ranked by reviewers included in our
All The Reviews Reviewed chart.

# of Picks	Model (with Retailer Links)	Details from Amazon.com
2	Panasonic KX-TG1032S (*est. $80)	details
2	VTech ia5824 (formerly the ia5823) (*est. $30)	details
2	VTech 6032 (*est. $50)	details
1 each	Uniden: CXAI 5698 , TRU 8885, TRU 9460 , TRU 9465-2 , EXI4246 , WIN1200 , TRU 9496 , EZI996 , CXAI5158, TRU 9485-2 , CEZAI998 Panasonic: KX-TG6021M , KX-TG5633B , KX-TG5571M, KX-TG5631S, KX-TG2631W , KX-TG2302B , KX-TG2388B AT&T: E2913B, E5902B, E2801 , E2727B, E2116 , E2718B, EP5995 , 5830 VTech: ia5870 , ia5845, i6765 RTX USB Dualphone Linksys CIT 400

In this case, our consensus chart is a little hard to decipher, mainly because few reviewers seem to recommend the same model twice. That doesn't quite tell the whole story, however, since many of the recommended models are very similar, differing by small features, or perhaps how many handsets are included. We also cross-referenced the top-rated phones in professional reviews with owner-written reviews found at Amazon.com, CNet.com, Epinions and Target.com. The Panasonic KX-TG1032S and VTech 6032 are both DECT phone/answering machines. User ratings for the Panasonic cordless phone are much better than for this particular VTech model. If you aren’t worried about interference, we find good reviews for the basic VTech ia5824, which doesn’t have an answering machine.

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