Buying Guide for the Best Cordless Home Phone Set
Choosing a cordless home phone set may seem simple, but with a variety of models and features in the market, it’s wise to take a closer look at what you really need. Consider where and how often you’ll use the phone, the size of your household, and any special requirements like call blocking or extra handsets. By understanding the key specs, you can confidently pick a phone set that fits your lifestyle and provides reliable performance.Number of HandsetsThis refers to how many cordless phones are included in the set. For small households or apartments, a single handset might be enough. If you have a larger home or want phones in several rooms, look for sets with two or more handsets. Think about where you’ll need to answer calls—like the kitchen, bedrooms, or office—and choose a set that matches your needs.
RangeRange is the distance you can move from the phone's base station while still making or receiving calls. Smaller homes or apartments won’t need a huge range, but if you have a large house, thick walls, or want to use your phone outside (for example, in the yard or garage), look for models with a longer range. Generally, most cordless phones work well within 150-300 feet indoors, but some extended-range models can do even better.
Battery LifeBattery life tells you how long you can use the phone between charges, both while talking and on standby. For households that make frequent or long calls, prioritize models with longer talk and standby times—often eight hours or more of talk time. If you use the phone less, or keep it docked most of the day, battery life may be less of a concern.
Answering MachineMany cordless phone sets include a built-in answering machine, which lets callers leave messages when you’re not available. If you want to check messages without calling your voicemail or if you want the ability to review messages easily at home, look for a phone with this feature. If you rarely miss calls or use your cell phone’s voicemail, you might not need it.
Call Blocking and Caller IDCall blocking blocks unwanted numbers from reaching you, while Caller ID shows who’s calling before you answer. If you get a lot of unwanted calls or like to filter who you answer, these features are handy. Some phones allow blocking a larger list of numbers and show detailed caller information, making it easier to manage your calls.
Intercom FunctionalitySome cordless phone sets allow you to use the handsets as an intercom system, making it easy to talk to family members in another room. If you have a multi-level home or want a convenient way to call people within your house, consider a set with this feature. Families with kids or elderly members may find intercoms especially useful.
ExpandabilityExpandability is the option to add extra handsets to your set later. If you think you might need more phones in the future, check for models that support extra handsets (beyond those included in the box). This is helpful for growing families or for adding phones to new rooms as needs change.
Ease of Use and DisplayLook for phones with large, easy-to-read displays and simple menus if you want straightforward operation. Backlit screens and large buttons help for nighttime use or for anyone with vision difficulties. If you or a family member prefer simple gadgets, pay attention to how user-friendly the phone appears.