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Cordless phones are still very useful in some situations, especially when one fits your needs, budget, and offers useful features, like expansion capabilities.
Here are the best cordless phones that check those boxes to help you stay connected.
Note: Prices are subject to change.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
AT&T DL72210 Two Handset Cordless Phone
TL; DR: A modest cordless phone system with slightly more than modest features, but it's likely the one you're looking for.
Why We Recommend It
The DL72210 works as a landline phone, with the usual features, including an answering machine, robocall filtering, and caller ID.
But it also pairs with your cellphone, so you can take calls without having to fiddle with your cellphone or try to find it.
This system comes with two handsets and can expand to include two cellphones or a Bluetooth headset and one cellphone for landline calls.
Connects to your smartphone
Automatic call blocking
Assistant access
Get notifications from your smartphone
Extra handsets not wall mountable
Only 22 minutes of voicemail
Another useful feature is Smart Call Blocking, which allows you to prevent repeat calls from spammers with a touch of a button.
You can even use the DL72210 to interact with your digital assistant.
While you can't mount the headsets and voicemail time is limited to 22 minutes, this modest system with great features is probably precisely what you're looking for in a cordless phone.
Amazon purchasers give this product 4.2 out of 5 stars.
Budget Buy
VTech CS6719-2 Cordless Phone
TL;DR: A frugal multi-handset system with a few nice extras.
Why We Recommend It
If you're looking for a bare-bones cordless phone, this two-handset system from VTech costs around $40 and comes with all the basics, including caller ID, call waiting, and speakerphone.
One significant omission, depending on your preferences, is that this model lacks an answering machine. It's up to you to decide if that is a plus or a minus.
Great price
DECT 6.0 compatible
Expandable up to five handsets
No answering machine
Both handsets have large, backlit screens that are easy to read. The phone system is expandable to up to five total handsets.
The VTech system has the technology to keep your calls loud and clear, so if you want a simple cordless phone for your landline, this is a worthy pick with a low price tag.
Over 38,000 purchasers have reviewed this product on Amazon and give it an average 4.4-star rating.
Long Range
AT&T CL82407 Handset Cordless Phone
TL;DR: Equipped with an antenna that promotes enough range to cover spaces bigger than 2,000 square feet.
Why We Recommend It
If you have a big home or office (over 2,000 square feet), consider the AT&T CL82407.
Its antenna design aims to have the best range around. The system has four handsets, but you can expand it as needed to have up to 12.
Four handsets included
Answering machine
Caller ID announce
Expandable up to 12 handsets
No wall mount for additional handsets
Handset chargers easily tip
It also has an answering machine and caller ID, so you know who's calling before you pick up the phone.
Other features, like automatic robocall blocking, work well, and the high-contrast screen is easily read, even from a distance.
Nearly 30,000 purchasers have weighed in on Amazon, giving this product an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars.
Best System for Two Phone Lines
VTech DS6151 2-Line Cordless Phone
TL;DR: This system includes two answering machines for two different phone lines.
Why We Recommend It
Like many cordless phones, the VTech DS6151 comes with an answering machine.
But the VTech DS6151 includes two answering machines for two different phone lines making it a great option for small businesses or families that want separate lines.
Two lines
Expandable up to 12 handsets
Pricey
The handsets encrypt the calls, so you can feel comfortable that folks won’t be listening to your calls as the signal is sent back to the base unit.
In summary: Two lines, two answering machines, and one handset. Wait, it only comes with one handset?! Yes, but you can add 11 more if you want.
Amazon purchasers give this product 4.2 out of 5 stars.
Best Motorola
Motorola CD5011 DECT 6.0 Cordless Phone
TL;DR: If you want a Motorola cordless phone, the CD5011 is for you.
Why We Recommend It
If you must have a Motorola cordless phone, the CD5011 ticks all the boxes.
This three-handset system comes with answering machine and a spam button to tell the phone not to accept a call from the number that just called.
The CD5011 also has volume boost for those hard of hearing, and it’ll announce who’s calling before you answer it.
Volume boost
30 min answering machine
Spam button for unwanted calls
No backlight on the keys
Expensive
The handset keys are not backlit, so dialing at night can be difficult. But you'll get 30 minutes of voicemail recording and an ergonomic shape for more comfortable handling during conversations.
Amazon purchasers give this product 4.2 out of 5 stars.
What to Look For
While most cordless phone systems can be expanded, that's not always a given. Always consider how expandable you want your system to be and choose accordingly.
In addition to expandability, look for models that comply with Digital Enhanced Cordless Technology (DECT), a cordless phone standard that ensures a phone has good range and call clarity.
DECT phones can intercom with each other and use VOIP, or internet telephony, services like Vonage or Ooma that will send your calls over the internet rather than via the traditional phone network.
A final consideration is the layout of your home and calling habits to determine where a charging cradle would be convenient, whether wall-mounted or on designated surfaces.