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| | | While many households in the US now rely solely on cell phones for their communication needs, there is still plenty of demand for home cordless phones. New technology means that cordless phones can be linked to cell phones for improved cell reception at home or in the office, while the low cost of Voice Over Internet Service (VoIP) has also boosted sales of cordless phones. A home phone (and landline) is also still a must-have for reliable access to emergency 9-1-1 services. | | |
| Typical costs: | - The least expensive cordless phones are single handset analog models that operate on the 5.8 GHz frequency band. While voice quality is often better than digital models and the frequency won't interfere with other wireless devices, analog cordless phones offer a shorter range and transmissions are less secure. Anyone with a suitably equipped scanner may be able to listen in to calls. Expect to pay $9 to $30 for a 5.8GHz cordless phone without answering machine. The Vtech CS5111, for example, costs $15 and includes Caller ID and Call Waiting features.
- A single handset with a built-in answering machine costs from about $15 to $60. Expect a 5.8 GHz analog or digital phone or a digital unit that uses the newer DECT 6.0 technology (Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunication). DECT phones use the 1.9GHz frequency reserved for voice-only applications, so are less likely to experience static interference. Digital cordless phones are also more secure, offer a longer range and some can be expanded to support up to 12 handsets from a single base station. The Panasonic KX-TG1031S, for example, is a DECT 6.0 unit costing about $40 and features a 16-minute all-digital answering system. It is also expandable to incorporate up to six handsets at a cost of about $32 each.
- Cordless phones with multiple handsets offer the ability to place a phone in different rooms without the need for multiple phone jacks. They typically cost from $20 to $300, depending on features and the number of handsets included. Some units also offer the ability to communicate between handsets, great for calling from one room to another. The Uniden DECT1580-4 costs about $73 for 4 handsets and includes an integrated answering machine. Additional handsets cost about $20 each.
- Multiple-handset cordless phones which incorporate more than one phone line are ideal for small business use and cost from about $60 to $400, depending on the number of lines and number of handsets. The AT&T TL76108 is a two-line 5.8 GHz digital telephone system and includes a corded phone and one cordless handset for a cost of $130. The system can be expanded to incorporate up to 8 handsets, with each additional handset costing about $45.
- Bluetooth-enabled cordless phones offer the ability to link to a cell phone, making it possible to use the cordless handset to make and receive cell phone calls. Instead of carrying a cell phone around the house or office, place it near the cordless base station and the bluetooth link will transmit calls to the cordless handsets. Cell link cordless phones cost $60 to $150 but check compatibility with specific cell phones before buying. The Panasonic KX-TH1212B uses DECT 6.0 technology and includes two handsets for a cost of $70. Additional handsets cost about $40.
- A Skype-compatible cordless phone can make both standard and Skype/VoIP calls without the need of a nearby PC. Expect to pay $60 to $300. The GE Skype DECT 6.0 cordless phone costs about $130 for a two-handset system and is expandable to 4 handsets, each costing about $30. See How Much Does Voice Over Internet Phone Service Cost for more details on making calls over the Internet.
What should be included: | - All cordless phones have a battery-operated wireless handset that communicates with a base station through the use of radio waves. Cordless phones require electricity to operate so all include a power adapter.
- Some models come with extra handsets and chargers.
Additional costs: | - Additional handsets for expandable cordless phone systems cost about $20 to $80 each.
- For hands-free talking, a headset will cost about $15.
Discounts: | - Sales and specials are common at electronics discount stores. One-generation-old models may be sold at a discount compared to the latest model cordless phones.
- Some retailers offer refurbished cordless phones at a discount.
Shopping for a cordless phone: | - When shopping for a cordless phone, consider analog vs. digital, frequency, number of handsets, compatibility with multiple phone lines, and extra features such as a built-in answering machine, caller ID and call conferencing.
- Consumer Reports offers a buying guide for cordless phones, as does AT&T.
- Compare online prices from sites such as Amazon with those from national retail chains such as Best Buy or Kmart.
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Article updated August 2010 |
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