The Best Cordless Phones

Modern cordless phone technology has allowed for better signal security, sound quality, and extended ranges, with some cordless phones on today’s market equipped with features comparable to smartphones.

While many households are forgoing traditional landlines, having a landline phone is a wise choice for safety reasons and for areas with weak cellular service. You’re more likely to have landline service during a power outage or natural disaster, and the address associated with the line can help emergency services find you quicker.

Before deciding on the best cordless phone for a landline, shoppers will want to take a minute to learn about the features and functions that set these apart from others in each category. Each of our top picks was chosen based on in-depth research into the market and thorough product vetting.

1. BEST OVERALL: AT&T CL82207 Handset Cordless Phone
2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: VTech CS6719 Cordless Phone With Caller ID
3. UPGRADE PICK: AT&T CL82407 4-Handset Cordless Phone
4. BEST FOR SENIORS: VTech SN5147 Amplified Corded/Cordless Senior Phone
5. BEST FOR PROFESSIONALS: Panasonic KX-TGF575S 5-Handset Cordless Phone
6. BEST LONG-RANGE: VTech IS8151-5 Super Long Range Cordless Phone

How We Chose the Best Cordless Phones

Compared to smartphones, cordless phones may look like a relic of the past, but they’re still relatively widespread and very useful for many households. The best cordless phone systems nowadays are sold by a handful of companies, many with similar features.

To narrow down our top picks, we considered the main reasons to keep a cordless landline phone (for example, for use in an office space or for senior users looking for an accessible phone) and chose the best cordless phone system for each respective category.

We researched product specifications and consumer reviews to gauge phone performance for each respective category—for example, we looked for audio and visual accessibility in the best cordless phone for seniors and sleek desktop design for our top pick for professionals. Across the board, we looked for reliable, feature-filled cordless phones with useful everyday functions, good range, clear audio quality, ease of cleaning and maintenance, and decent battery life.

Our Top Picks

Choosing the best cordless phone for a landline doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Our top picks list consists of several top standard and Bluetooth-enabled telephones across a variety of categories.

Best Overall

AT&T CL82207 Handset Cordless Phone

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The AT&T CL82207 is a simple cordless phone with several convenient features that will suit the average household. Its basic features include crisp and clear sound quality, a large backlit keypad, high-contrast LCD screen, and 50-name caller ID record. Quite simply, it gets the job done as a reliable and pleasant-to-use household phone.

One standout feature of this landline phone is the robust smart call-blocker feature, which automatically blocks robocalls and can save up to 1,000 blocked numbers, giving you more choice over who you keep in touch with. In case you miss a call, a digital answering system can record up to 22 minutes of messages.

This AT&T home phone system includes two handsets, but it’s expandable to up to 12 handsets, making it a good size for homes big or small. The system can also double as an intercom (connecting up to four handsets at once) for communicating within the home.

Product Specs

• Type: DECT
• Handsets: 2
• Talk time: 7 hours (handset mode)
• Hearing-aid compatible: Yes

Pros

• Clear audio quality; antenna design has advanced long-range coverage and noise-filtering technology
• Automatically blocks robocalls; call-blocking capabilities warn user against nuanced and unknown callers
• Includes digital answering system; records up to 22 minutes of incoming messages
• Push-to-talk feature acts as walkie-talkie, instantly communicating with up to 4 handsets at once

Cons

• Smart call blocker feature requires a subscription to caller ID service
• Caller ID feature requires subscription from a telephone service provider
• Some users have reported poor or malfunctioning battery power on these cordless phones

Get the AT&T CL82207 cordless phone at Amazon or AT&T.

Best Bang for the Buck

VTech CS6719 Cordless Phone With Caller ID

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The VTech CS6719-2 is an affordable cordless phone that makes it even more accessible to add a phone line at home. This system has standard features like caller ID, call waiting, and speakerphone, and it can be linked with up to five handsets.

This VTech phone has an easy-to-read backlit LCD display and illuminated keypad, and it’s available in silver, blue, and red in a set of one or two handsets. You can store up to 50 names and numbers in the phone’s directory and nine numbers in the speed dial.

Product Specs

• Type: DECT
• Handsets: 1
• Talk time: 7 hours (handset mode); 3 hours (speaker mode)
• Hearing-aid compatible: Yes

Pros

• Several bright and neutral color options available, including blue, red, or silver
• Expandable connectivity; connects to up to 5 handsets at a time
• Lighted keypad, backlit display, phonebook directory, answering machine, and integrated speakerphone for ease of use
• Charging base can be mounted to either a wall or a tabletop

Cons

• Very basic features compared to other cordless home phone options available

Get the VTech CS6719 cordless phone at Amazon (2 handsets) or The Home Depot.

Upgrade Pick

AT&T CL82407 4-Handset Cordless Phone

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When it comes to user-friendliness, the AT&T CL82407 is a top pick. An antenna design gives this cordless phone system excellent sound quality and coverage. Each phone boasts a high-contrast, backlit screen and keypad, both with large text.

Other features include a smart call blocker (with a 1,000 number storage directory and robocall-blocking function), caller ID, and caller announcement feature. If you miss a call from family or friends, they can leave a message on the included answering machine.

With four handsets included, this set is a great choice for large homes. It’s expandable to have up to 12 handsets on one system, making it simple to keep a phone in every room. The intercom function cuts down on yelling to communicate through the house; just use the push-to-talk intercom feature to connect up to four handsets at once.

Product Specs

• Type: DECT
• Handsets: 4
• Talk time: 7 hours (handset mode)
• Hearing-aid compatible: Yes

Pros

• Reliable long-range coverage; unique antenna design has integrated noise-filtering technology for clear audio
• Smart call blocker warns the user about incoming calls that may be nuanced or unwanted
• Digital answering machine can record up to 22 minutes of incoming messages
• Highly expandable; connects to up to 12 handsets at a time

Cons

• Smart call blocker feature requires a subscription to caller ID service
• Caller ID feature requires subscription from a telephone service provider
• Some users report poor battery life and longevity on the handsets

Get the AT&T CL82407 cordless phone at Amazon, Best Buy, or AT&T.

Best For Seniors

VTech SN5147 Amplified Corded/Cordless Senior Phone

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Seniors are more likely to have trouble hearing the phone or seeing its screen and buttons. For older users, an accessible cordless phone like the VTech SN5147 is a smart choice. This phone features some standard functions, like caller ID, call blocking, and an answering machine. A host of accessibility features make this phone more senior-friendly.

By design, this phone has big buttons, a large display, and the option for talking digits, which announce when each digit is pressed. Above all, the photo dial function truly makes this option the best landline phone for seniors. This technology lets seniors quickly dial loved ones by pressing one of eight buttons, each of which has space to add a photo over top.

For the hard of hearing, a 90-decibel max ringer volume plus a blinking ringing indicator makes it hard to miss calls. This house phone features a 50-decibel audio assist function, which temporarily boosts audio at the touch of a button.

Product Specs

• Type: DECT
• Handsets: 1 corded; 1 cordless
• Talk time: 7 hours (handset mode); 3.5 hours (speaker mode)
• Hearing-aid compatible: Yes

Pros

• Large buttons and display; easy to see and suitable for older adults
• 1-touch volume control buttons, call block button, and SOS button for quick adjustability and user-friendliness
• 90-decibel ringer and visual ring indicator for those with hearing issues
• Photo dial option allows user to attach photo to numbers for quick, easy calling

Cons

• Photo dial buttons are small; may not be large enough for some users
• Smart call blocker feature requires a subscription to caller ID service
• Caller ID feature requires subscription from a telephone service provider

Get the VTech SN5147 cordless phone at Amazon, Best Buy, or VTech.

Best for Professionals

Panasonic KX-TGF575S 5-Handset Cordless Phone

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With a host of convenient features in a handsome design, the Panasonic KX-TGF575S is suitable for both professional and at-home use. This Bluetooth-enabled phone features both an answering machine and the ability to link to up to two smartphones to ensure no important messages will be missed.

While smartphone connectivity is a major draw, these Panasonic cordless phones don’t sacrifice the basics. They include large backlit displays, caller ID, call blocking, intercom functions, and a 3,000-number phone book, ideal for storing personal or business contacts.

Five handsets are included in this set, and each has up to a 12-hour talk time, so users can ensure the phone won’t lose power when they’re in an important meeting. A voice paging feature allows users to make an announcement to all connected handsets, which is a great way to quickly communicate with staff or coworkers.

Product Specs

• Type: DECT
• Handsets: 5
• Talk time: 12 hours
• Hearing-aid compatible: Yes

Pros

• Sleek and professional design is suitable for commercial and residential use
• Connects to up to 2 smartphones; can route smartphone calls to home headsets
• 12-hour talk time; phones can still be operational even when the power is out
• Voice paging feature allows a given user to send announcements to every headset

Cons

• Only expandable up to 6 handsets; may not be suitable for very large offices

Get the Panasonic cordless phone at Amazon.

Best Long-Range

VTech IS8151-5 Super Long Range Cordless Phone

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A long-range cordless phone is ideal for those with large properties, or those who simply like to wander outside or down the street while on the phone. With the VTech IS8151-5, users can experience clear sound quality up to 2,000 feet. This phone features an antenna design and noise-filtering technology to keep calls clear, even when the phone is over 2,000 feet from the corded phone base. With five handsets included, this phone is a good pick for large homes.

Since this phone is designed with connectivity in mind, it’s no surprise that it also has smartphone connection features. Using the Bluetooth feature, users can connect up to two smartphones to the system.

The long range and Bluetooth connectivity are two extra convenient functions on top of the usual suspects found in many Panasonic cordless phones. This phone also features several more basic functions, like caller ID, smart call blocking, and an answering machine, plus it’s expandable to up to 12 handsets.

Product Specs

• Type: DECT
• Handsets: 5
• Talk time: 15 hours (handset mode)
• Hearing-aid compatible: Yes

Pros

• Antenna design and noise-filtering technology for clear audio even at 2,000-foot range
• Connects up to 2 smartphones; users can forward their calls to their home headsets
• Feature packed at a reasonable price; includes visual ringer, belt clip, headset jack, and push-to-talk key

Cons

• External circumstances can affect range; load-bearing or thick walls may create poor connectivity
• Smart call blocker feature requires a subscription to caller ID service
• Caller ID feature requires subscription from a telephone service provider

Get the VTech IS8151-5 cordless phone at Amazon or Best Buy.

Jump to Our Top Picks

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Cordless Phone

In this section, we look at some basic features that impact a cordless phone’s performance, security, and mobility. We’ll also review other nice-to-have features that might help shoppers choose the best cordless phones for their homes.

Type and Range

Cordless phones come with one of two base types: wired or wireless. Wired systems only work with a base station connected to a standard telephone jack, whereas wireless units require no installation and are easier to set up.

Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT) 6.0 has become the wireless standard in cordless phones because of its quality sound, protection against eavesdropping, and excellent range. Other benefits of DECT 6.0 technology include extended talk time, intercom capabilities, low power consumption, and call encryption.

Cordless phones operate by radio frequency transmission. DECT works at 1.9 GHz, while 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz phones should be avoided with this type of system—these frequencies can interfere with wireless networks. At all three frequencies, cordless phones have almost the same range: 300 feet to 2,000 feet or more. Factors like obstructions, other devices on the frequency, and even weather can affect a cordless phone’s range.

Handsets and Expandability

For those who live in a small dwelling, a single cordless phone handset is probably sufficient. However, in larger dwellings or those with two or more floors, a multiple-handset option helps avoid running for calls. Additional handsets come with their own bases to place in different rooms or on different floors, and they don’t require phone jacks.

When it comes to cordless phone expandability, not all systems are built the same. Many cordless phones have the option to add phones later on, but this feature is not a guarantee, so it’s an important aspect to consider before you buy.

The number of connectable handsets depends on the phone and can range from two to upward of 10 handsets. Whether you opt for one phone for each floor or one for each room, there’s an expandable cordless phone system that will work for your home.

Ease of Use and Accessibility

Most cordless phones come with a few standard features, such as a ringer in the base and handsets, caller ID, a speakerphone function, and a headset jack. Cordless phones can include a range of accessibility features that make them easier to use, including features catered to seniors and hearing-impaired users.

Features like large backlit buttons and displays can make it easier to see the phone pad and check out who’s calling. Direct-dial memory keys dial out at the press of a button, which is a convenient feature for any user, but especially those who have trouble seeing or pressing the phone keys.

The best cordless phone for hearing-impaired users include features like loud ringers, amplified phone volumes, tone adjustment, and enhanced noise reduction. Additional features like visual aids (for example, captioning services, extra-large displays and buttons, and visual “ringer” lights), hearing-aid compatibility, and the ability to slow speech in real time can make these phones even more user-friendly. Hearing-aid compatible phones ensure clear audio for those who wear assistive listening devices.

Additional Features

For the most reliable service, consider a mixed corded and cordless phone system. These include one corded phone base (which connects to the landline), plus one or more cordless add-ons. Most corded phones don’t require AC power, which means they’ll be able to call even when the power is out.

Some modern cordless phones are made for modern integrations. These cordless phones can connect via Bluetooth to your smartphone, so if your mobile phone rings, you can pick up using the nearest cordless phone handset instead of searching for your cell.

Call-blocking features are a useful addition to block robocalls and other unwanted callers. In case of missed calls, many cordless phones come with answering machines to take an audio message.

One specification to pay attention to when shopping is the phone’s talk time, which refers to how long the handset will work before it needs a charge. Talk time usually ranges from 8 to 12 hours.

The Advantages of Owning a Cordless Phone

Many users gravitate toward cordless phones for their reliability and affordability. Cordless phone systems make it easy to chat on the phone throughout the house without being tethered to a cord. These old-school systems provide stable call capabilities that don’t rely on cell reception, which means they don’t have some of the gripes of mobile phones, like spotty cell connection.

Many of the best landline phones have a battery backup, so they’ll work for a while even during a power outage. This feature makes cordless phones a reliable choice that’s especially helpful in emergency situations. Since landline phones are connected to your address, they can help emergency services find your location, even if you can’t speak.

Cordless phones are useful to have in addition to a smartphone; cordless handsets are a good backup in case your mobile phone dies. Some cordless phones can also connect to your smartphone for even more convenience, which is especially useful if you have spotty mobile connection or a habit of misplacing your cell phone. Plus, cordless phones are more affordable than buying a new smartphone and keeping a monthly cell plan. Some major benefits of cordless phones include:

• Reliability
• Affordability
• Taking calls throughout the house without being tied down by a cord
• They will work in homes with spotty cell reception
• Some units have a battery backup so they’ll work even in a power outage

FAQs

Though using a cordless phone is relatively straightforward, consumers sometimes aren’t sure how to charge and maintain the phone’s battery. To clear up that confusion, read on for answers to three frequently asked questions about cordless phones.

Q. Should a cordless phone be on the charger all the time?

Once a cordless phone is fully charged, there’s no need to leave it on the charger. Simply return the phone to its base to charge once the low-battery indicator illuminates, or when it’s not in use.

Q. How long do cordless phones last?

Cordless phones are fairly durable and should last years before needing replacement. The phone’s battery usually bites the dust before the phone’s body, and that typically happens within 1 to 2 years of purchase. To get the most out of your phone’s battery life, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for charging.

Q. What is the range of a cordless phone?

Cordless phones have a range of 300 feet to 2,000 feet. Factors like obstructions, other devices on the frequency, and even weather can affect a cordless phone’s range.