20 Best Cordless Telephones For Home (Jan 2023 Update)

It was time to order a new phone and I only wanted a VTech phone because I trust the name and have always had good phones with no problems. I liked this phone because it came with Caller ID and Call Waiting, plus it acts as a speaker phone which is really an asset when you are placed on hold. Plus it has the regular mute button and volume control. You can also turn off the ringer if you decide you need a little quiet time. This particular phone comes with a bracket so that it can be hung on a wall. This phone will also store up to 50 names and numbers in its memory, making it easy to place your frequently called numbers. The phone will also hook up to your voicemail system that comes from the provider where you get your phone service. The keypad and screen also light up when the phone is in use to help see the incoming calls and also to make a call in a dimmer lit room. I really, really like the speaker phone feature. I have had the larger wall plug type phones to get the speaker phone function but am really pleased that this phone is small and compact, but still offers that feature. And, as with all of my VTech phones, the ringer is loud enough and I can hear clearly during a phone call. I keep this phone on my computer desk, but when taking a nap in my recliner, I set the phone next to me on a table in case someone calls. These VTech phones hold a charge for a long time and when placing back on its base, will resume charging. For the price and the features, this phone can't be beat in my opinion. Also, the only reason that I gave it four stars for the "meets expectations" is that my other phone came with the answering machine built into the phone and I miss that feature because that is what I was used to using to retrieve my messages.Marilyn

I am going to return this phone as I find it is not a user friendly device for seniors. The screen is extremely difficult to read as the print is way too small. Additionally, on the back where the battery pack goes it is impossible to close the phone if the battery pack is in place. So maybe for young users it would be fine, but for senior citizens it is not a good choice. Other than the above mentioned issues, the phone is fine.VICTORIA

Poor quality was not I expected. I kept the set because I needed the phones. Would not rec. them to anyone. Had cordless phones from AT&T which were better. Both were imports. Would have purchased AT&T but store was out of AT&T. I think they are a little better in clarity.DOUG

The only great thing about this telephone so far is the ability to block 250 numbers. I'm finding out I lost some of the main things I liked about the system when I switched from my old Panasonic e.g., I had to enter 67 numbers one-by-one into the new phone's memory, there was no way to transfer my old phone book to the new phone; there is no longer a blinking light on each handset to alert me that I have a message which was extremely helpful, I have to remember to check the base phone (which is out of the way when I enter the house), to see if there are messages; I now have to press a combination of numbers to Erase messages, before when a message was played, "Erase" appeared on the screen so that you could do it easily. There are less options that I had grown used to…so I basically paid big bucks just to be able to block 250 numbers, not happy about the limited functionality of this Cordless Set.VENUS

This Panasonic telephone is definitely better than the Panasonic phone it is replacing. The range is close to 100 feet from the base, but not the advertised range. Still, I can hear and talk on the phone in my woodshop behind my house. Electrical wiring does cause some interference in the walls at 80 feet away, but stepping over 1-2 feet solves that problem. Definitely an improvement. The other phone did not reach the woodshed past the door at all. It also has an optional range extender for another $50.00 approximately. Might be helpful if interference gets frustrating, but did not buy it yet.Rusty

I love t his product. I already had an earlier model of this type of phone, but it had smaller phonebook and blocked caller list sizes. Now, I have space to spare to add more numbers to my phonebook and can block up to 250 callers. My only concern is that the blocked callers remain in the caller history (marked as blocked), whereas on my previous system they were in a separate list that I could edit. I prefer the separate list, but am adjusting to this new approach. The new base and handsets also each have a CALL BLOCK button to make blocking a caller more efficient 😉Ruth

Changing home phone carriers, forced the upgrade of home phones. From 1951 to 2019 is a huge change. Basic setup was easy for a non technical person. Love the answering machine feature where all handsets play message while base recorders, making it easier to monitor without chasing the message at the one phone on the other side of the home. Being free from the phone cord is liberating and helpful to handicapped people within household. Caller ID came free with new carrier and some numbers require a 1 in front of the area code. Digital readouts of numbers calling have been wonderful. Having a long house, 2 stories, this product is so very necessary for handicap residents. Hope holsters are made for home handsets so handicap people cane have hands free for wheelchair, walkers, canes.Hugs

This is the second KC-TGE645M DECT 6.0 system that we have purchased at Best Buy. We returned the first one because of similar problems. The issue is that very often the auxiliary phone units do not connect with the phone base. The phone does not ring, and you must try to put it back in the cradle several times before it finally makes contact with the system. I do not know what the issue is, but the base simply does not always allow for the connection of the phone in order to work properly. It is very frustrating to hear the phone ring someplace else in the house and not be able to hear it at the one nearest you, nor have it work when you pick it up. I constantly have to put it back in the base in order for it to work. And then it will not ring there when a call comes in later. ??? I would appreciate some assistance from Panasonic re this matter.JimF

Basically, so far, so good. I haven’t had time to set up many of the options that are available, but its doing what I want a phone to do. Eliminating Scam calls is very easy. If I had a knock against the system, it would be volume is a problem. At times (frequently) it is hard to hear callers, even with the volume controls at their highest point.Phone

I am really enjoying my new VTech phone that I purchased to replace my Panasonic phone. Pros: Wireless over the head headset, the call block feature, the connect to cell phone feature, ability to use the answering machine included and/or the paid answering service provided by the phone company. The only con to this feature is that there is no indicator light to let you know there is a message waiting if you use the telephone company service. If you use the answering machine that is supplied with the phone, there is an annoying beep that that lets you know there is a message waiting. I believe this feature can be turned off. I like the ability to screen an incoming call when you use the included answering machine feature. Very sleek and modern looking. I would have given five stars except for the cons: Buttons above the number pad and below the incoming call screen (see photo) on the handsets are not backlit, the wireless earpiece provided is difficult to put on and is uncomfortable, the base for the second phone is very lightweight and is easily knocked over when replacing the phone. I wish there was a way to block an incoming call as it is coming. Otherwise, this is a great phone and I would recommend it to others.Mamatiff

This phone is amazing! It was a gift for my parents. They had the same one from Best Buy. The headset lasted about 8 – 10 years. The phones were still working just fine. I bought them other headsets, and they were not happy with them. My Mom held out for this exact phone set! So, I had to buy it for her!JKC0710

After 6 months of use, the over-ear wireless headset would suddenly cut out in the middle of calls. After a bit of troubleshooting, it was quite clear that the headset simply wasn't holding a charge. I purchased a brand new replacement battery, but this did not fix the issue. It turns out that in order for the headset to charge, I have to apply a significant amount of pressure to get it to seat properly in the molded headset rest. Neither the headset nor the base was ever dropped, so I deduce that perhaps the magnet that holds the over-ear headset to the charging pins on the base has lost some of its strength. One of the attached shows the amount of pressure that I need to apply just to get it to take a charge. As soon as I take my thumb away it stops charging. Wasted > $100 for a piece of technology that will ultimately go to the trash.TallOne

I bought the set without answering machine. I am old fashion. I like my stand alone answering machine. I needed a phone with a good caller ID display. This phone is pretty good for that. Rather thick letters makes it easy to glance over at it and see who is calling. Sound quality is nice. Mine is connected using Spectrum's internet phone service. No issues so far.RD435

Great price and very easy to use. I keep one in my bedroom with the volume all the way down and the other in my living room. I love that I am able to hear the living room phone ring from anywhere in my house. I also like the size of the letters, easy for me to see and I don’t need to squint my eyes. The handsets are pretty sturdy and easy to keep clean. I also bought a set for my 81 year old mother. It is easy for her to read the name of the person or company calling. Mom loves hers too because the phones have features that are familiar to her.Affordableandneasytouse

November 2017 I purchased the Panasonic Panasonic KX-TGD512, and this model appears to be almost identical. All of these Panasonic models appear to "operate" identically. I'm always looking online to get quick easy directions on "how to" block a "range of numbers" or free up more space to block new numbers, as I quickly used up the 150 numbers I was able to block using the phone. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the ability to block numbers! After you add a number to be blocked (simple easy steps,) it rings one time then cuts them off! Today, for the third time, I added a "range" of numbers to block–I've been getting a lot of caller ID numbers that start with 011, I decided that because nobody I know or care to speak with has a telephone number starting with ZERO, that I would simply add that to the list, now anytime that "fake number" is put into that spammers calling system, they will be cut off–BAM! After about two years, because I tend to hit the off button multiple times when I hang up the phone (I don't know why, I'm weird) the red writing on the off button is about 85% worn off, and the green talk button is about 40% worn off. Maybe that is why they came up with a new model that looks almost identical to mine, maybe they've upgraded the imprinting of the answer on/off buttons. Regardless, I would recommend this phone to EVERYONE. Stop unwanted calls in their tracks! There are companies out there you can pay a few bucks a month to that will block unwanted calls for you–and their system works just the same, your telephone WILL ring one time, then disconnect them. When you fill up the block feature, just go in to the first 25 numbers you blocked and delete them, those people gave up a year ago! I went through my block list and noticed a specific area code coming up in my spam calls and went in and deleted all of THOSE numbers, then simply added that area code to the block list, thereby freeing up about 25 new slots for blocking. So if you notice a lot of your spam calls are coming from a specific area code and you don't know anyone with that area code, just block the entire range of numbers! Anyway, after enjoying the feature today once again, I thought, you really ought to let others know how great this phone is! So there you have it! Oh, I also love the ability to call my son who is located too far away on the other side of the house to just "yell out to" I simply use the intercom on the phone and buzz him. ONE CON about that is: the intercom that buzzes the other phones inside the house so you can call a family member on the phone who is in another room–is ALSO the phone locator, meaning, if you can't find your phone and you push the locate button to help you find the phone you laid down somewhere–it is going to buzz ALL the phones, therefore, if my son is taking a nap in his room and I buzz the phone, I will wake him up. And that locator button STILL beeps even if you have the ringer turned off. I finally learned to stop doing that when he is napping–when he is napping if I can't find the phone, I just call the phone with my cell to locate it. (his ringer is ALWAYS off, it is in his room simply to allow me to page him rather than get a little exercise by walking to the other end of the house. (heaven forbid!)Sherry56666

I had one of these for 10 years but now everything has changed on it. Led lightning is terrible so dark. Numbers and buttons on it so small. I should of bought the phone back but I guess I didn’t feel like going through the aggravation. I probably should of paid more. This was 65.00.Joyce

I first missed the talking caller ID, but realized I don't really need it. This phone has the option to automatically block unidentified callers. That used to be most of my calls. Good phone.nonameatall

Name brand and good quality. Way too many "Bells and Whistles" for my needs. I just needed a cordless phone with two handsets and an answering machine. It fills my needs but has way too many extra features that I will never use.silverstacker.223

I still have to have a house phone because I live in a rural area with no internet. Crazy, right? I was concerned when I realized that they were not readily available for purchase in most stores so I began my search online. During my research, I determined that the AT&T CRL32102 was a viable choice for my needs. The best price point was at Best buy plus I received free shipping! This is a great, compact, cordless answering machine. It was very easy to set-up. The handset is slimline and has large print so it's easy to see what number you are dialing. I was concerned more about the answering machine as I had purchased a different brand that had a sound distortion when playing back messages. This machine has none of those problems. The playback is crisp and clear! I can also turn the ringer off too. I like the contrast of the silver handset and black, shiny surface of the answering machine. It does not show prints and is easy to wipe down if needed. I'm very happy with this AT&T cordless answering machine and have been using it for three months now and love it more than ever.Bonnie

I had to finally write a review because this phone is so annoying. I normally buy Panasonic but the Panasonic seems harder to clean due to the rubberized plastic. I thought this phone would be good because of the big, flat numbers and more of a hard plastic, which it is. That is what I like about it. The features are nice, numbers are a good size for convenience and it stays clean looking. However I had ask for the first one to be replaced within a few weeks, the speaker sound on the handset was crackling and the dialing numbers were sticking. I always put it on speakerphone on the handset when I know I will have a long wait until someone answers or I am doing something else. AT&T provided fantastic customer service and immediately sent me a new phone without even asking for a receipt which I repeatedly offered to provide. The new phone, same model, after again, only a few weeks or so–when I push the handset speaker button to dial, the numbers you press will stick, most of the time. However when it is not on speaker, the numbers do not stick. There are other peculiar defects to it, for example I dial a number and it doesn't connect. I have to hang up, wait a short bit and dial again. No idea why it is doing this. There are other small things that functionally (not feature related) don't work from time to time. I use this phone constantly due to work and need a landline. I wouldn't buy an AT&T cordless phone again. The value is good if it worked and the ease of use is good (features) if it wasn't defective. I'll either try another brand or go back to Panasonic.linmi

I was looking for a replacement cordless phone/answering system at a reasonable price and, decided to try the AT&T CRL 32102 having a positive experience with two other AT&T corded phones, and this unit was just under $50.00. I ended up with more than I bargained for. First, like other current model cordless phones, it makes use of DECT 6.0 wireless technology which means a dedicated frequency for cordless phones that gives extended range, is not bothered by interference from such devices as microwave ovens, and does not interfere with home wireless computer networks. This AT&T phone system (manufactured by V-Tech) has quite a few useful options, especially for people with hearing or vision issues. It has an extremely large viewing screen with large, black text on bright, white backlighting. A large keypad with orange backlighting with the option of a key press to be announced by the digital voice function. You can also activate talking Caller ID to hear who is calling as well as call-screening to hear answering machine incoming messages. Audio has also not been forgotten: The phone offers a feature called HD Audio – circuitry to add clarity to calls. On the front, there is an audio assist button to add a little more volume boost than the volume control alone. On the right side, there is an EQ button that alters, bass, treble, natural response, again for call clarity. In the short time I've used the unit, it has performed flawlessly, and I have been especially impressed with the quality of the digital voice functions. Per the enclosed abbreviated instructions ( a full 90 page manual is available on the AT&T website as a .pdf file), make sure to charge a fresh battery for 16 hours before setting up and customizing the phone options to eliminate issues. If you need expansion handsets, this system can support up to 12. I didn't know how well I would like it initially, so I only purchased the base unit configuration. Now that I am completely satisfied, I purchased an extension handset that has all the features of the base unit. Registration of additional handsets is easy, quick, and automatic. A few little cons (but nothing that detracts from the value here): First, these are small, lightweight handsets that are somewhat smooth and slippery. Perhaps in future versions, they might add a rubberized coating to the sides, making it easier to hold on to. Second, when you are away from the base unit and using only the handset to play back messages, even with maximum volume, you need to hold the unit close to your ear to hear clearly. Finally, the handsets use a special battery and plug-in connector. I hope this gives you an informed buying decision and I highly recommend this product!AandJ091108

I bought this to relace the similar system of the same brand that I had purchased in 2003. I decided to upgrade to a newer system when I realized that 3 replacement batteries for the old one cost almost as much as a new system. I charged the phones overnight and skimmed though the manual to see if anything was vastly different than what I was used to. It all works pretty much the same. The nexy day, I plugged the new system into the phone line, recorded a message, set the date and time and was up and running in less than 10 minutes. I'm pleased with the price, ease of set up, convenience of use and overall ooeration.Retired

Sound quality on this phone is terrible. All incoming and outgoing voices sound like people have speech impediments or their dentures are slipping. Bought this as a replacement for another similarly priced Panasonic phone system that lasted 5 years before batteries would no longer recharge and numbers were wearing off – wish I'd kept the old set! This is NOT worth the money.JABS

Decent basic cordless phones – does the job! Wish the range for the docking stations was better as the one in our basement won’t connect. Also has an annoying (or helpful depending how you look at it) feature of loudly announcing “low battery” repeatedly when down to one bar if it’s not on charger. NOT fun in the middle of the night but good that the phone doesn’t go totally dead and then you can’t find it! Maybe this can be disconnected – haven’t checked…Rafterkitty

I got the VTech phones and have been using them for about a week. They were extremely easy to get set up. I just had to take them out of the packaging, plug everything thing in, and charge it. I did look over the instructions, because that’s what I usually do. I would not have had to do that to set them up. I played with the different settings in the menu just to do it. Setting the time and date were easy. The handsets have good sound quality. I haven’t noticed that “echo” sound you sometimes get with cordless phones. Overall, I’m very happy with the VTech phones. Glad I got them!Julie99

The Vtech Cordless Telephone CS6114 with two handsets is fast and easy to setup. The Cordless phone can be wall mounted or desk top mounted. Each handset has a model number and serial number in the battery compartment. The package is complete with everything to get the user up and running fast. Follow the abridged user’s manual with the product. The instructions are easy to read and detailed. A complete user’s manual can be downloaded from the manufactures website. To start installation the batteries for the handsets do need charging, takes about 16 hours. This is a good time to look over and read the abridged user’s manual and to become familiar with it. Each feature is covered and how to use them in the manual. Keep the user’s manual handy for a while until you are familiar with the product. Then place it in a safe place. The phones do not have voice mail. I would recommend this to friends.norris47

I've been using a VTech CS6114 DECT 6.0 Cordless Phone System (without Digital Answering System). I find it to be a basic but capable phone. The positives for me are that I find the he voice is clear and I like the light up at night during use feature. The set up is easy and the cords are long enough for me. It holds enough speed dial numbers for my personal needs. The instruction sheet is simple yet thorough. It's nice looking, it's lightweight plus it's comfortable to use/hold. The negatives for me are that there's no speakerphone feature, no light up or blinking indicator of received voicemail messages, and that the screen looks so pale and faded out that it's a bit hard to read. It DOES show received voicemails on the screen but to just look over at the phone when I come in there's no indication of a voicemail…I have to literally walk over and look at the phone to see if I've received any. And lastly the volume ringer selection doesn't allow it to go higher….it goes up 3 notches like low, medium and high would be but on the highest setting it just isn't loud enough when I'm in other parts of the house, or in the basement or right outside. It IS a really good phone for the price though.Cardinal 53s

No much space on my desk for computer, printer and such so this phone is just perfect for the space provided. Ringer is loud enough but not so much as to scare me out of my seat. There have been previous Vtech phones in the house and this one is just right.63charm

Good : 1. Low priced. 2. New longer range, lower operating frequency (DECT6) 3. Small foodprint. 4. Large display w caller ID and caller memory. Bad ": 1. Difficult to navagate phone operations – not intuative nor logical. Meaning difficult usage or changes, other than just taking a call. 2. Impossible to set up without the poorly worded instruction sheet. Conclusion – Although difficult to use other than ordinary calls, the low price and high tech features compensates the few times I need to interface with the phone.. Hookup – 2 mins – 2 wires at the base rear. The phone is powered from a small plug in AC transformer. The 2nd base wire connects to a 4 wire standard phone jacktitaniah2o

The phone works fine and it is very lightweight. The controls at the start can frustrate you but you will eventually get the hang of it. The ring is very pronounced. The display actually lights up. All in all it is a good choice for and inexpensive phone.kryponian89

No much space on my desk for computer, printer and such so this phone is just perfect for the space provided. Ringer is loud enough but not so much as to scare me out of my seat. There have been previous Vtech phones in the house and this one is just right.63charm

Good : 1. Low priced. 2. New longer range, lower operating frequency (DECT6) 3. Small foodprint. 4. Large display w caller ID and caller memory. Bad ": 1. Difficult to navagate phone operations – not intuative nor logical. Meaning difficult usage or changes, other than just taking a call. 2. Impossible to set up without the poorly worded instruction sheet. Conclusion – Although difficult to use other than ordinary calls, the low price and high tech features compensates the few times I need to interface with the phone.. Hookup – 2 mins – 2 wires at the base rear. The phone is powered from a small plug in AC transformer. The 2nd base wire connects to a 4 wire standard phone jacktitaniah2o

The phone works fine and it is very lightweight. The controls at the start can frustrate you but you will eventually get the hang of it. The ring is very pronounced. The display actually lights up. All in all it is a good choice for and inexpensive phone.kryponian89

These are great cordless phones. Lighted keypads make use in the dark easy. They come with 400 mah Panasonic Nmhi Batteries. Its a good idea to replace them with Energizer Rechargable 800 mah Nmhi Batteries for double talk time. DO NOT USE ANY OTHER BATTERY TYPES. USE ONLY SIZE AA Nickle Metal Hydride 1.2 volt Rechargeable Batteries.Ms Tiffany

This was a mother's day gift. My mother really needed a new phone and it could not wait. I ordered the phone and gave it to her early. She was so happy. Very stylish and clean looking. This phone has functions my old phone did not have. You can turn off the answering machine when you want. It also has a function to help you locate the phone when you misplace it. You press a button and the phone will ring loudly. This is great for my mother who is 74 years old. Instructions for setting up the phone was easy to the land line and outlet. I had a little trouble setting up the time and date on the phone because the instruction manual was very confusing. I went on You-Tube and was able to find a video to help me. My mother is very happy with the phone and so am I.Linda51

I was replacing a Panasonic land line I bought in 2000. I thought this one would be better and have more features, but I was wrong. The handset that goes with the answering system base kept falling out; the ringer was not very loud; the ring tones were irritating and I returned it. (I gave it two stars because it looked good.csrussian53

I was a bit skeptical, especially given the price. This phone system has amazing range (covering my 1/4 acre property from corner to corner) with outstanding audio quality.E.

The EnGenius FREESTYL 2 is a great phone, simple to use and simple to setup. It's reliable! You may need a headset in noisy in environments.Stephen T.

A manual would have been nice instead of going back and forth on Google. Too many pages to print. But I guess I shouldnt complain because the price was good. Thanksmuhmuh67

I got this for my mom, who wears hearing aids. I had read that most phones can only boost the audio 16 decibels, but this phone can go up 50. For my mom, it is set on 22, and she can hear, with or without her hearing aids. I also wanted something with a big display and big numbers, because she does not see well. This one is big enough for her to see, even with macular degeneration. I set up the programming for her, and so far she seems to be using it well enough. The only thing that would make it better would be an answering machine, because she won't use voicemail.gotoguy

I can finally have a decent conversation with my mother-in-law again! So much yelling into the phone on my side and telling her not to yell on her side. It was so difficult to speak to her. With this phone we are able to chat again. I love it! The phone is very technical in how it works but so easy to program and use. They make it easy to get help if you really need it. Mom-in-law is 89 y/o and she loves it. She can hear loved ones again whether the voices are high pitched or low. Or if they speak loud or soft. Buying this phone was such a small gesture but made such a large impact on her life.andyourpointis

Rings loud and flashes red lights with incoming calls. Call quality is good. My hard-of-hearing mother can actually hear with these phones. They are an improvement over the old phones she had.Gail

This phone system is horrible. The wireless range is pretty good (the one star). It covers my house with a phone on each level. But the actual phones are bad. I've had them for a year and a half and we rarely use them because they are so frustrating. When I make calls that require touchtone commands to select an option it never registers that I'm pushing a number. Dialing out always takes me several attempts because it doesn't register that I'm pushing all the numbers that I push. And today I finally got through to a service call after 30 minutes of waiting and the person couldn't hear me and my phone was not on mute. If it was just one of the phones I would think it was damaged but all three phones are like that. I wish I could return them but it's been so long.Alysha46

Clean. Great Condition. Works Perfectly. Clearer calls than cell phones. Great for emergencies. Great for contacting kids when older siblings are left in charge. Great range.ckmilliron

Overall very nice phone only have some minor complaints and that's not with the phone but with the moron who wrote the instruction manual 1. VTech you have a boat load of cash why not spend a little of it and make the instruction manual a book and not a piece paper that has to be unfolded. 2. the number 1 item after the phone is powered up is to set the date and time according to the manual the problem is the instructions don't explain how to get into settings. the instructions don't even tell you to push the menu/select button or that after you push the menu/select button (ON THE BASE) you use the cid and address book buttons to scroll through the menu system. That little tidbit of info not supplied by VTech would have saved me 30 freaking minutes of saying words like *&^%^&&% and *&^%$^& and who wrote this *&^%^^ (*^&^$^&% needs to be fired. But it is a very nice for for the price plus I really like that the base unit uses a corded handset and I would recommend this phone to friendsa1965guy

When your 48 year old technophobe husband complains these phones are slow, they must be slowThe only feature I liked was the ability to enter contact info via Bluetooth from my iPad, but thats not an everyday task so not enough to keep them.My dislikesWeird sound issues really loud like deciding whether handset or loudspeaker for the first few seconds of a call before settlingPoor in call sound quality some sort of lowlevel buzzing.Searching in the phone book for a letter doesnt just jump you to that point in the menu so that you can scroll down it only shows contacts with that letter eg if you want v you cant just hit 8 once for t and scroll down my husbands preferred method, you have to hit that 8 key three times then wait a while for the phone to think about it and provide the results, only those starting with v mind youNot obvious if you have missed calls unless you lift the handset from the charger to wake the screen and look.Doesnt show how many answerphone messages you have, just a green light on a button to tell you theres something there not great when the hubby is colourblind.The handsets dont sit very stable in their chargers very easy to knock over.And back to that speed issue the menus are just sooooo slow. Scrolling, searching, going into recent calls lists, displaying caller number. Everything takes ages while the phone is gathering information.I bought these to replace a Gigaset system which wed had for years but no longer held charge. Id hoped BT phones would have improved in that time after previous models weve had. Nope, still as poor as ever. Currently waiting for courier to collect for return and a new Gigaset system has been purchased.Dont waste your time and money on these. If you do, unpack carefully, retain all the stickers and packaging because youll probably want to return them very soon.Anneridies

Pros: Unfortunetly none, sent them back after trialling them within days. Cons: Where do I start. In comparison to the Panasonic cordless we have had for many years, they are too light and wobble about in the charge stations, easily knocked out. The display is small and the text is also small, it went blank with nothing displayed. It is quite useful to have the date and time displayed during periods of use. The buttons were the same black as the body, so inconvenient rather than intuitive. The only reason we bought them was to get the answer phone facility, but will look to replace our current phones with the same but with the answerphone. 1571 only works if you use the phone to make a call and you hear the tone, hence messages go unanswered for too long.Erik

Previous reviewers have complained about lightweight/plasticky feel to product and some have noted poor sound quality. But I've found sound quality to be fine and this issue may well relate to individual line quality, rather than the phone itself. Yes, the handsets and base stations are lightweight, which has advantages (and disadvantages), depending on how you use them and, they are made mainly from plastics. But long calls on heavy handsets can be a problem! However, the base stations could justifiably be heavier to avoid being knocked over, or to resist sliding around on a worktop and the charging socket geometry could be deeper, to hold and protect the tall and slim handsets. Their designer's use of high gloss finish on frontal surfaces can also be questioned. While it might be easily wiped clean when needed, this finish choice makes scratches, wear and remnants from sticky fingers far more noticeable than if textured. The digital answerphone playback quality is clearer and better than previous generations that I've experienced and the overall recording time is much more useful than those too. There is no fall-back battery power pack to this system, as found on previous generations, to provide line power during a cut-out. As those are quite rare these days in the UK, I've not yet seen if that absence might cause the unit's memory loss. Although the useful 1000 contact list function can be copied over from a mobile, I've not yet found a means to copy over only a selection of contacts from mobiles which have greater than a 1000-long list (which must be common these days with Google Android phones and synched Gmail contacts, as well as for businesses). So that has been one disappointment so far and prevents a 5* rating for me.oksailor

Ok so I’m being a bit mean I guess, but unless you are in a straight line to the base with nothing in between you then it may reach 1 km but for me at home and out in the garden where I spend most of my time it will reach approx 200m at most. It is a good sturdy phone, the answer message is not the easiest to use my husband has given up getting any messages!! I have had mine for 4 months now and it has been ok, but today it broke, went to use it and there is no dial tone, plug in our back up phone and that works fine so no line problem. So overall I’m not very impressed and I think it is way over priced too. I wouldn’t bother buying this product, sorry!Veggiehelen

I fitted the base station 4 metres above my house (total height approx 9m) in an IP56 water-proof plastic casing. Prior I tested it bare, without any protection. Both temporary and permanent installations provided similar results. BT advertises the phone with 1km reach, under ideal conditions. I would say that my installation is close to "ideal conditions". The phone has a reliable reach of 150 metres, and a possible reach of 300m. I would not rely on the phone above 150m, when expecting an important call. I am one of many who criticise this phone's poor performance. Prior to purchase, I gave BT the benefit of doubt, because many people do not understand the physics of radio waves and install their phone downstairs or inside thick walls. My review is based on very close to "ideal conditions". Compared with indoors installation upstairs, mainly non brick walls, I only gained another 30m at good quality but gained 90m with intermittent signal strength. Normal cordless phones, which are usually advertised with 300m range, fail at around 80m. So the BT Elements 1k has approximately twice the range of a standard cordless. The phone is sturdy as advertised and battery power is sufficient. It has plenty of features as well as great hands-free / speaker-phone quality. Unfortunately it loses its clock during a power cut. A minor problem but a nuisance nonetheless. Other settings and address lists remain as programmed. I stated that it is good value. This is based on my purchase price of 39.99 including postage for the version with answer-phone, advertised as "new-other", delivered in its original packaging.chineserose8

Even better than my last standard BT pair of handsets that lasted me about 5 years. The batteries gave up in the end! Don't be under any impression that you will get 1 kilometer range out of them though. The range will nearly definitely be better than what you have already but, obviously, walls and other obstacles will decrease the range drastically. I live on the side of a valley and I just run out of signal behind my garage which is elevated behind the house. The main phone base is situated in my downstairs middle room and through a supporting chimney breast wall, an external wall, an external supporting wall which creates a garden tier so there's earth the other side of it too and then the 2 external concrete block walls. Directly, the distance I get up to there is about 25 meters away, but through all those obstacles I think that kind of range is acceptable. On another note, this has plenty of choice of ring tones so you can choose the one that's LEAST annoying, internal call function, etc, etc. One thing I particularly like is the "sync" feature. Both phones will automatically synchronise to each other, which means you only have to enter the time and date once and, even better, you only have to enter all of your contacts once and they will automatically be synced to the other handset which saves a lot of time. There are other features but nothing to rave about that you don't get on other similar phones. Overall, I'm happy with themmk3cortina-2.8v6

Too complex for older seniors with poor vision AND poor hearing. Volume on the set is very good, however there is occasional, unexplained feedback that screetches when answering a call. Cannot pick up handset and keep volume. Only 4 speed dials allowed. Set up was not too hard, but would not recommend for seniors.Carole

I thought this phone would be great for my eldery, hard of hearing parent. I was wrong!! The only thing nice about this phone is the speed dial capabilities. Everything else is terrible. The menu button which changes all of the important main functions of the phone is dead center on the front of the phone. My father, by pushing the menu button, has managed to block my number, avtivate the answering machine, which we had deactivated so it would ring long enough to give him time to answer. Niw it rings 4 times and goes to voicemail. The volume button is on the side with the amplifier button which accdently gets bumped everytine he activates the amplifier! What a nightmare!! This phone is absolutely not elderly friendly!!Tamela

I had originally been shopping for a Clarity phone for my elderly parents. Because of Covid19, I couldn't find the phone I wanted in stock anywhere. I noticed this phone as a suggested product while I was searching for the Clarity phone. I started looking for reviews and decided to give it a try. Does everything the description says and more. With the volume control and audio boost button on each handset, my parents are able to hear and operate this phone with ease. The audible speaking of each number as you dial it is a big help too. I didn't realize until after I bought the phone that they make a panic button (Help, I've fallen and can't get up) as well as a doorbell that integrates into the system. I immediately added the panic button to my setup. My folks have used the VTech for several days now and are pleased with it's function.KimB