Cordless phone buying guide

In our tests, we found some differences in the quality of the greeting and the recorded messages left by callers. Phones that let you record your greeting through the handset (using the remote handset access) usually sounded better. Some let you listen to your greeting through the handset, as opposed to listening through the base speaker; that gives you a better indication of how the greeting will sound to the calling party.

Answerers usually have standard features and capabilities such as a selectable number of rings and a toll-saver, answerer on/off control, call screening, remote access, speaker-volume control, and a variety of ways to navigate through your messages. Most have one mailbox, a message day/time stamp, a message-counter display that indicates the number of messages received, and a visual indicator that lets you know when you have new messages. During a momentary power outage, most will retain messages ad the greeting. Other, less-universal features you may want to consider are described in Features.

Analog phones are quickly disappearing from the market. The few that are left are older models. These are the least expensive type and tend to have better voice quality than digital models, though their range is somewhat shorter. Using the 5.8 GHz frequency band, they are unlikely to interfere with other wireless products. But analog transmission isn't very secure; anyone with an RF scanner or comparable wireless device might be able to listen in. Analog phones are also more likely than digital phones to suffer occasional static and RF interference from other wireless products since many also use the congested 2.4 GHz frequency band with the 5.8 GHz band. Also, multiple-handset-capable phones can't conference handsets with an outside party, and the number of handsets that can be supported by the base unit is typically limited to two.

DECT (Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunication) phones address the interference problem by using the 1.9-GHz frequency band reserved by the FCC for voice-only applications. DECT phones also tend to have relatively long talk times. Some digital models support up to 12 handsets from one base and allow conferencing of handsets. You often see a "6.0" after DECT. That number is there for no apparent reason other than to convince buyers they're getting something "better" than a 5.8GHz phone.

Found on many handsets and on some bases, this can display a personal phone directory and useful information such as the name and/or number dialed, caller ID, battery strength, or how long you've been connected. Caller ID displays the name and number of a caller and the date and time of the call if you use your phone company's caller ID service. If you have caller ID with call waiting, the phone will display data on a second caller when you're already on the phone.

These can receive calls for two phone numbers, a plus if you have a chatty family or run a small business from home. Some of the phones have two ringers, each with a distinctive pitch to let you know which line is ringing. The two-line feature also facilitates conferencing two callers in three-way connections.

This cordless phone feature offers a hands-free way to converse or wait on hold and lets others chime in as well. A base speakerphone lets you answer a call without the handset; a handset speakerphone lets you chat hands-free anywhere in the house.

This supplements the keypad on the handset. It's handy for navigating menu-driven systems because you don't have to take the phone away from your ear to punch the keys. Some phones have a lighted keypad that either glows in the dark or lights up when you press a key, or when the phone rings. That makes the phone easier to use in low-light conditions. All phones have a handset ringer, and many phones have a base ringer. Some let you turn them on or off, adjust the volume, or change the ring tone.

Many cordless phones have a headset jack on the handset and include a belt clip for carrying the phone, useful if you want to chat while doing chores or walking about the house. Some phones have a headset jack on the base, which allows hands-free conversation without any drain on the handset battery. Headsets are usually sold separately for about $20.

Other convenient cordless phone features include auto-talk, which lets you lift the handset off the base for an incoming call and start talking without having to press a button, and any-key answer. Some phones have a side volume control on the handset convenient for adjusting volume while you're on a call.

Some phones provide a battery holder for battery backup--a compartment in the base to charge a spare handset battery pack or to hold alkaline batteries for base-power backup, either of which can enable the phone to work on a traditional landline service if you lose household AC power. Still, it's wise to keep a corded phone somewhere in your home.

Some multiple-handset-capable phones allow conversation between handsets in an intercom mode and facilitate conferencing handsets with an outside party. In intercom mode, the handsets have to be within range of the base for handset-to-handset use. Others lack this handset-conferencing capability; they allow you to transfer calls to another handset, but they don't allow more than one handset to take part in a call. Still other phones allow direct communication between handsets, so you can take them with you to use like walkie-talkies. Some phones can register up to 12 handsets, for example, but that doesn't mean you can use all 12 at once. You might be able to use two for handset-to-handset intercom, while two others conference with an outside party. With some models, it's possible to buy a replacement handset and charging cradle in case one breaks. With others, you'll have to purchase an entirely new system to keep that extension.

Some phones have Caller ID alerts. A phone with distinctive ring capability allows you to hear who is calling by associating the calling number with a specific ring tone. Some are visual, so you can tell who's calling by the handset display or the antenna flashing a particular color. Phones with talking Caller ID, also referred to as Caller ID announce, speak the name of the caller, which is useful because you don't have to view the display to know who's calling.

Most phone-answerers have one mailbox. Some answerers have several mailboxes to which a caller can direct a voice message to an individual family member, or to separate business and personal calls, for example. That allows the convenience of listening to messages meant just for you.

Most answerers can skip to the next message, skip back to a previous message, and repeat a message. But some also have fast playback for listening to messages more quickly, slow playback for deciphering a garbled message, and rewind to replay any message segment. Some models also have an audible message alert, typically a beep, that lets you know you have new messages without having to go look at the answerers' visual new message indicator. Some phones allow you to listen to messages from the handset and might even allow you to access to other answerer functions, such as recording your greeting; that offers more privacy and convenience.

This well-known cordless phone brand is owned by VTech. It offers a wide range of phones, with and without answering machines, for consumers and small business. Form factors include single- and multihandset models, cordless-corded combos, Bluetooth, multiline phones, and models designed with large, easy-to-read buttons/displays, and that amplify incoming sound. AT&T still offers stand-alone corded phones.

Almost exclusively designed for people with visual or hearing impairments, Clarity's models amplify incoming sounds and have buttons that are large and easy-to-read, as are the text and numbers on their LCD displays.

Thompson, the makers of GE cordless phones, has exited the retail telephone business in North America.  It may be possible to still find inventory in select retail outlets, but production has been discontinued.

Motorola's product line, manufactured and distributed by its licensee Binatone Electronics International, has exited the retail telephone business in North America.  It may be possible to still find inventory in select retail outlets, but production has been discontinued.

The company has long focused on mid-to-higher-priced models in every form factor. Some trademark conveniences found on Panasonic phones include Talking Caller ID, Talking Alarm Clock, and Talking Battery Alert. Some models have Bluetooth technology for linking to your cell phone service. Some models claim to be shock resistant and splash resistant, while others have large, easy-to-read buttons/LCD displays, and amplify incoming sounds.  Panasonic still offers stand-alone corded phones.

This market leader in the entry-to-mid-priced category offers a wide range of phones for consumers and business. Its specialized offerings include rugged and waterproof handsets, and models with large, easy-to-read buttons/LCD displays, and that amplify incoming sounds. It also offers Bluetooth models.

This market leader offers consumers a wide range of phones that emphasizes technological innovation and offers models with and without answering machines.  Form factors include single- and multihandset models, cordless and corded combos, Bluetooth models, and multiline phones.

A single-handset phone is best suited for smaller homes where you're never far from the phone. Otherwise you might be happier with a multiple-handset phone, which supports (and usually includes) multiple handsets from one base. Each extra handset sits in its own charging cradle, without the need of a phone jack, making it easier to station a phone where you want it. With some models, it's possible to buy a replacement handset and charging cradle.

Most phones come with caller ID, a headset jack, a speakerphone, and ringer in both the base and handset. See Important Features for others. Also check the phone's packaging or download the instruction manual from the manufacturer's Web site to confirm you're getting the features you want. As a rule, the more feature-laden the phone, the higher its price.

Our tests show that many new cordless phones have very good overall voice quality. Some are excellent, approaching the voice quality of the best corded phones. In our latest tests, most fully charged batteries provided 8 hours or more of continuous conversation before they needed recharging. Most manufacturers claim that a fully charged battery will hold its charge at least a week in standby mode. When the battery can no longer hold a charge, a replacement battery, usually proprietary, costs about $10 to $25. Some phones use less-expensive AA or AAA rechargeable batteries. (To find stores that recycle used cordless phone batteries, call 800-822-8837 or go to the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corp.'s site at www.rbrc.org.

In the store, hold the handset to see whether it fits the contours of your face. The earpiece should have rounded edges and a recessed center that fits nicely over the middle of your ear. Check the buttons and controls to make sure they're reasonably sized and legible.

More new phones have designs to enhance usability. That includes easier-to-read buttons and displays, visual "ringers" that signal an incoming call, talking caller ID, volume boost, and more. If anyone in your household has poor eyesight or hearing, it's worth looking for features like these.

It's a good idea to keep at least one corded phone with traditional landline service in your home, if only for emergencies. Cordless phones-and even corded models connected to VoIP services or fiber-optic networks-might not work if you lose electric power. Neither will a cell phone if you can't get a signal or the circuits are full.

Before buying, check the return policy in case you encounter unexpected problems at home that you can't resolve, such as wireless interference.