Cordless Phones
All along, the family’s been using the corded phone for the calling necessities. Being brought up in a wireless world with the freedom to talk anywhere as in cell phones, you seek mobility in a family phone as well so that you won’t be tied down talking to friends or relatives at the same spot. Let us guide you along as you go in the search for some of the best cordless phones for home use so that talking for hours will not be such a hassle anymore.
Cordless Phone Buying Guide
1) Frequency Band
These are measured in terms of Hertz (Hz). There are currently 4 main types of frequency platforms available on cordless phones namely 900Mhz, 2.4GHz, 5.8GHz and DECT 6.0 (1.9GHz) . The newest and most powerful cordless phone models uses > 1.0GHz platform while older models use the 900MHz platform. The higher the Hz, the shorter the wavelength meaning more efficiency in energy transmission hence exhibiting stronger signal strength as well as longer range capability.
a) 900MHz - Cordless phones operating on this platform are usually cheaper priced older models manufactured several years ago for home use and may somewhat be discontinued from production line in favor of the higher frequency platforms.
b) 2.4GHz - An upgrade to the 900MHz cordless phones, they offer better sound clarity and more features such as integrated speakerphone and support for multiple handsets for 2 or more users than the 900MHz models. Do take note though that this 2.4GHZ frequency platform is also widely used in wireless networking gadgets, microwave ovens etc and hence might cause unnecessary interference.
c) 5.8 GHz - These type of cordless phones offer the best in terms of sound clarity as well as range. A point to take note of is that this frequency band is not yet widely adopted by electronic gadgets and appliances hence interference is unlikely. However, 5.8GHz cordless phones are expensive due to the high cost incurred in manufacturing the chips required to support this platform.
d) DECT 6.0 (1.9GHz) - Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT) 6.0 is a newer 1.9GHz frequency platform set aside solely for cordless phones that offer longer range than the 2.4GHz or 5.8GHz models as well as excellent sound and voice clarity without worrying about interference at all.
2) Analog or Digital?
Analog cordless phones offer limited range but surprisingly excellent sound clarity. They also cost less. The drawback is that these type of cordless phones are not secure which means others may eavesdrop on your calls.
Digital cordless phones are much more secure than the analog version. They offer better range and sound clarity as well as greater security than analog cordless phones.
Digital Spread Spectrum (DSS) cordless phones offer the best in terms of sound and voice clarity, range as well as security. Better sound and voice clarity is achieved through channel hopping which limits the effects of interference. Longer range is achieved as these cordless phones run at higher power level hence increased signal strength. Security is enhanced through digitalization of voice transmission and distortion over several frequencies.
3) Range
Basically this refers to the signal coverage of the phones. By getting one with a longer range, you will have the pleasure of using that cordless phones anywhere within the house clearly, even at the attic! Typical range coverage for some of the best cordless phones are 250 - 350 ft.
4) Important Features To Consider
a) Multiple Handsets - A multi-handset cordless phone system offers greater flexibility for the whole family since each handset can be placed at different locations such as kitchen, living room, bedrooms, garage etc so no need to rush to one point when receiving or making calls.
b) Battery Talk & Standby Time - Just like your normal cell phones, you need to know your cordless phone talk time and standby time. The higher the better, no questions asked.
Cordless Phone Reviews & Ratings
We found the best cordless phone reviews over at CNET and Consumer Reports. Professional testers there reviewed some of the best cordless phone models from established makers such as AT&T, GE, Panasonic, Uniden and Vtech. Cordless phone ratings based on voice quality and phone ease of use determines the best cordless phones in their class.
Best Cordless Phone (Digital)
Cordless Phone Reviews #1: Panasonic KX-TG6022B 5.8 GHz Expandable Digital Cordless Phone with 2 Handsets
Cordless Phone reviews #2: A strong contender is the popular Panasonic KX-TG5632M 5.8 GHz FHSS GigaRange Digital Cordless Phone. Equipped with 5.8 GHz Frequency-Hopping Digital Spread Spectrum (FHSS) technology that offers longer range and excellent clarity as well as non-interference with wireless networks such as Wi-Fi. Great features include digital answering system with 21 minutes recording time on advanced microchip for easier retrieval, caller ID/waiting functions etc.
Best Digital Cordless Phone with Answering System
Cordless Phone Reviews #3: Ringing its way to top position with rave reviews from cordless phone users and expert testers is the best rated Panasonic KX-TG1033S DECT 6.0 Expandable Digital Cordless Phone System with 3 Handsets. If you’ve got to pick one cordless phone system, then it should be these Panasonic cordless phones. Features DECT 6.0 for crisp sound and voice clarity (no interference), long range and improved security (virtually eavesdrop-proof). Features large keypad buttons with ergonomically designed handsets for ease and comfort in using. Includes 3 handsets (expandable to 6) for flexibility among family members with 3-way conferencing capability for added functionality. Provides up to 170 hours talk time with answering system capable of recording 16 minutes of incoming messages. Includes speakerphone for hands-free conversation.
Cordless Phone Reviews #4: Another chart topping model with great reviews from cordless phone users and professional testers is the top rated Panasonic KX-TG6053B 5.8 GHz FHSS Expandable Digital Cordless Phone System with 3 Handsets. If you desire cordless phones big on features yet light on the pocket, then surely this Panasonic cordless phones fit the bill. Equipped with 5.8GHz Frequency Hopping Digital Spread Spectrum (FHSS) technology that offers longer range, excellent clarity (no interference with wireless networks) with enhanced security to prevent eavesdropping. Includes 3 handsets (expandable to 6) to allow for multiple users with conference capability for added versatility. Features Voice Enhancer technology that seeks to enhance sound reception for a clearer and more natural-sound voice. Innovative features include Talking Caller ID, SlowTalk Message, Light-Up & Ringer ID etc.
Best Value Cordless Phone
Cordless Phone Reviews #5: For those on a tight budget, the VTech IA 5823 5.8 GHz Cordless Phone must surely be a bargain. Although less secure since this phone is an analog cordless phone, it makes up with excellent range and clarity due to enhanced 5.8 GHz technology. Common features such as caller ID with 45 name memory, last number redial, voicemail waiting indicator etc are included. Nothing to shout about other than this is a basic cordless phone with no fluffy extras.
Resources: Cordless Telephone (Wikipedia)