Even if everyone in your family has a smartphone, you could still benefit from a cordless phone in your home. Many Internet and cable providers now offer phone service, but you need to know how to pick the right one.
Getting Started with Cordless Phones
Despite the growing popularity of smartphones today, many people still need land lines. They might have poor cell reception, forget to charge their cell phones or want to give people a dedicated way to reach them. You can use a cordless phone when you don't have access to your cell phone, but you should keep in mind that the sound quality of cordless phones varies.
Types of Cordless Phones
When you venture into an electronics store, you probably won't find as wide of a selection as you once did. The number of homes with land lines dropped dramatically in recent years, but there are still millions of people who have and use a land line every day. The most common phones available today use a new form of technology that ensures other sound waves and radio frequencies do not interfere with the sound that you hear. You'll also find that some of the newer models feature a built-in answering machine.
Cordless Phone Features
Cordless phones let you make and receive phone calls when you don't have a cell phone nearby. The features you might find vary based on the model of phone and the manufacturer, but there are a few good features you'll likely come across.
- Caller ID. Many cordless phones available today feature a caller ID display right on the handset, which lets you know the name and phone number associated with the person calling. You may need to pay a small monthly fee for this service through your provider.
- Voicemail. Some cordless phones come with built-in voicemail that functions as an answering machine. You may even find models that let you create boxes for each member of your family and a main box for general phone calls.
- Colored display screens. The newest cordless phones feature colored display screens that look exactly like the screens found on a cell phone. You can access the phone's menu, scroll through your caller ID records and access other information.
- Hands-free calling. With some phones, you can use a jack on the side to attach a headset when on longer calls. Other models let you push a button to access a speaker phone function, and some models will also work with your Bluetooth.
- Backup handsets. Some newer systems come with one main phone and charger that you plug into the wall, but the systems also come with one or more separate phones and smaller handsets that you can use around your home.
Brand Names of Cordless Phones
VTech is one of the biggest names in the electronics world, and the company made a name for itself with its cordless phones. These phones now come in a wide range of colors and some more basic designs. Though well-known for its smartphones, Motorola continued manufacturing home phones, and it now offers a large range of cordless phones. Other manufacturers of cordless phones include:
- AT&T
- Panasonic
- Clarity
Cordless Phone Shopping Tips
- Look at range. The range of a cordless phone refers to how far you can remove the phone from its base and still use it. If you frequently talk on your phone outside or have a home with more than one story, you'll want a phone with a longer range.
- Check the battery indicator. Some cordless phones feature a battery indicator warning that functions like the ones found on smartphones. The phone might emit a beeping noise or another sound to warn you that the battery is low, or it might use a series of flashing lights that let you know you need to charge it.
- Multiple handsets. A phone system that includes two or more handsets and bases gives you more flexibility. As the phones are interchangeable, you can plug any of the phones into any of the bases for charging.
- Comfort is important. While you can't always check the sound quality before you buy, you can check the comfort level. Try holding the phone in your hand and against your ear to ensure that you can talk on it without feeling uncomfortable.
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