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Best Cordless Phones of 2016: Plenty of Features and Great Sound Quality

The latest models sound better than your smartphone, might be better in an emergency, and make life easier overall

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Although the smartphone has conquered the telephone world, millions of people still buy cordless phones for their homes each year.

In general, the best cordless phones have at least two advantages over smartphones. First, voice quality tends to be better. Second, because home phones are connected to your address, 911 operators know where to send help in an emergency. Smartphones transmit some location data, though with less precision and reliability than a cordless phone.

The following are some of the best cordless phones Consumer Reports has tested recently. They come with a range of appealing features. For instance, one model offers large, easy-to-read buttons and alerts as well as louder speakers. Another syncs with a smartphone to help you get cell service in the basement.

Check our cordless phone buying guide and ratings of more than 100 models (with and without a built-in answerer) from all the leading brands.

Still undecided?
CR's expert guidance and unbiased reviews can help you purchase with confidence.