Shopping tips

AT&T, GE, Panasonic, Uniden, and VTech account for most of the market. VTech owns the AT&T Consumer Products Division and now makes phones under the AT&T brand as well as its own name. The current trends include phones that support two or more handsets with one base, less inexpensive 5.8-GHz analog phones, and full-featured 1.9, 2.4 and 5.8-GHz digital phones. Many phones now include an additional handset with a charging cradle, often with an option to add more (digital models only). More than a third of the cordless phones sold include a digital answering machine. Price range: $15 and up for single-handset phones, $50 and up with built-in answering machine; $25 and up for multiple-handset phones, $80 and up with built-in answering machine.

Also consider the following when shopping for a phone:

Decide on number of extensions

A single-handset phone is best suited for smaller homes where you're never far from the phone. If your home is too large for that, give first consideration to multiple-handset phones, which support (and usually include) 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 the handset where you want it. With some models, it's possible to buy a replacement handset and charging cradle. With others, you'll have to purchase an entirely new system to keep that extension. Handset conferencing, available only on digital phones, lets two or more handsets participate on an outside call.

Settle on the features you want

You can expect caller ID, a headset jack, and a base that can be wall-mounted. 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.

Decide which performance nuances matter most to you

Our tests show that most 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. DECT phones averaged more than twice as long. 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. Our Web site www.GreenerChoices.org also has advice on this topic.)

Try out the handset if possible

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.

Don't discard your corded phones

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.

Make sure you can return it

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

See also:

Skype

Wireless carriers

Special Section:
Apple's iPhone

Cell phones