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PdaNet is one of the first real tethering apps that appeared for Android, and in our opinon it's still the best. PDA shuts the screen off after 3 minutes and disconnect. PdaNet could not run with the phone lock password set: On Treo 300/270, Press the phone button, tap on menu-Options-Security Preferences, clear all the locks. On Treo 600, tap on the security app in the launcher and clear the auto lock.
The traditional office/home phone is on the decline in the U.S., appearing in less than half of all American households. However, there’s still a case to be made for the office/home phone: studies show that landlines have a superior voice quality than even the best cell phones. And if you decide to add, or keep, a landline connection, a cordless phone is often preferable for providing the same freedom of movement as a cell phone, but with the security and quality of a landline.
When choosing a cordless phone, there are many factors to consider, including whether you want a voice mail feature, multi line support, battery backup, ability to sync with Microsoft Outlook (great for office environments) and more. To help make your buying decision easier, we’ve put together a list of the seven of the best cordless systems available today.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall: Panasonic KX-TG7875S
4.9
This intelligent five-handset system features class 1 Bluetooth, talking caller ID, a 3,000-number phonebook and seamless cell phone integration. A built-in USB port in the base unit allows you to conveniently charge your cell phone. The Link2Cell features allows you to make and answer cell phone calls on your Panasonic handset, saving your cell phone battery. A feature notifies you via the cordless handset when you have received a cell phone text message. DECT 6.0 Plus Technology provides superb sound quality and a long range, allowing for crystal clear transmissions even when you are a significant distance from the base, such as the backyard or basement. Working on a 1.9GHz frequency, this cordless phone system will not be affected by wireless devices such as routers, wireless keyboards or microwaves.
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Best Value: Panasonic KX-TGE474S
This Panasonic cordless phone system is chock full of great features, including Bluetooth, a 13-hour battery backup and four cordless handsets. You can also integrate two cell phones into this system via Bluetooth. Contacts can be stored in the system and accessed via any of the handsets, and you can receive vocal alerts when a call or text message is received. There’s a cellular locate mode to help you locate misplaced devices, an extra-large keypad and amplified volume.
The Panasonic Link2Cell Bluetooth KX-TGE474S is one of the most functional and reliable systems available. The Advanced Telephone Answering Device function alerts users to recorded messages whether you are at home or away. When away from home, you will receive a message to your registered cell device or office phone. At home, the unit emits an audible beep to alert you that there is a message. Enhanced noise reduction suppresses background noise around the caller, while simultaneously enhancing the caller’s voice to improve call quality.
Best for Hearing/Visually Impaired: AT&T CRL82312
The AT&T CRL82312 includes several features perfect for seniors or those with hearing or visual impairment. Answering calls, retrieving messages and storing information is easy with this system. It includes three handsets, but is expandable up to 12. You can store 50 names and numbers in the internal memory, and retrieve up to 10 of your latest calls with the redial features.
This cordless phone system includes great long-range coverage and includes DECT 6.0 technology for call quality 45 percent better than phones without it. There’s an extra-large display with high contrast black text, an illuminated handset keypad and extra-large buttons on the keypad. A visual indicator lets you know when the phone is ringing, which is great for those who may have trouble hearing lower ringtones. Caller ID Announce lets you know who’s calling, rather than requiring you to read it on the LCD display. And, the AT&T CRL82312 is compatible with hearing aids.
Best for Wireless Mobility: VTech DS6671-3
The VTech DS6671-3 cordless phone system includes two cordless handsets and one cordless headset. It features DECT 6.0 technology for interference-free communications, excellent voice quality and range. You can pair the VTech system up with a cell phone, and there’s an option to play your iPhone ringtone to indicate incoming calls from your iPhone. You can also download up to 2,000 cell phone contacts.
Other features include caller ID that stores up to 50 calls, speakerphone, backlit keypad and display, remote access, voicemail with message indicator and 14 minutes of recording time, any key answer, the option to expand to up to 12 devices, mobile notifications, intercom between handsets and headset, and conferencing between an outside line and up to four handsets.
The wireless headset included with this device is volume adjustable allowing you to hear and be heard comfortably while keeping your hands free. This is a great addition for when you’re working while talking, making notes or preparing dinner. For those with conditions that make holding onto a handset for any period, it allows you to be comfortable while talking on the phone.
Best Budget: VTech CS6719-2 DECT 6.0 Phone with Caller ID/Call Waiting
The VTech CS6719-2 won’t take selfies or remind you about your in-law's birthday, but when it comes to budget cordless phones, it checks almost every other box. As one of Amazon’s best-selling items, it enlists DECT 6.0 digital technology to improve range without needing to boost power. It’s exclusively for cordless phones, so DECT 6.0 models have premium sound quality and eliminate interference from wireless networks.
It’s a familiar design that includes necessary features such as caller ID, voicemail, speed dial, phonebook directory, redial, mute and intercom between handsets. But it also adds on some valuable features that you don’t expect from a budget device, including expandability up to five headsets and a power-conserving eco mode. It doesn’t include a built-in answering machine, but it does give you the option to set up a direct dial to your digital voicemail and it notifies you when someone has left a message.
Best for the Office: Gigaset-S820A-DUO
The Gigaset cordless phone system offers a lot of great features, including 55 minutes of recording time for voicemail, a large user-friendly 2.4” touchscreen, call management functions such as call silencing, blocking and message forwarding, as well as 20 hours of talk time and 250 hours of standby per battery charge. You can store up to 500 names in the phone’s address book and easily access the last 20 callers for easy callback. The sound is loud and clear, with five levels of adjustment for a comfortable volume.
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This phone includes some awesome and unique customization features, including the ability to connect this phone to your computer, sync with Microsoft Outlook, download wallpapers and assign pictures to contacts. It is easily synced with a cell phone, and it can perform text message forwarding. And, the keypad is illuminated in red for easy reading, even in the dark.
Most cordless phone systems store 20 minutes or less of messages, so there’s ongoing pressure to get messages erased quickly. With 55 minutes of recording time available, you’re never pressed to review and clear messages on a daily basis.
Best Cell Phone Integration: Panasonic KX-TG9541B
Using Link2Cell Bluetooth technology, the Panasonic KX-TG9541B cordless phone system pairs your cellular devices to the home phone’s network — no landline connection required. You can sync up to four devices within a 330-foot radius and automatically route cellular calls to the cordless handset. It also allows you to transfer up to 3,000 contacts from your cell phone to the handheld’s directory. Additional features include call-blocking for up to 250 phone numbers and speed dial for up to 22 contacts.
Built with DECT 6.0 Plus technology, the Panasonic boasts a secure, long-range signal that won’t interfere with other electronics such as internet routers, wireless keyboards, etc. It’s well suited for office work, offering three-way conferencing with high-quality speakers, hold music, and a sound reduction feature to tune out distracting noises. Additionally, the Panasonic is reliable during power outages, with a backup battery that holds roughly 75 minutes of call time.
Tested by
How We Tested
Our reviewers spent 13 hours testing one of the top-rated cordless phones on the market. They set it up in their own homes and experimented with talking, voice mail, and other perks like cell phone integration. We asked our testers to consider the most important features when using this cordless phone — from design to battery life — and we've outlined them here so that you, too, know what to look for when shopping.
What to Look for in a Cordless Phone
Expandability - Some cordless phone systems are expandable, which means you can buy a single handset and base station and then add additional handsets. This saves the expense — and space — of using a separate base station for every handset you need.
Battery life - Unlike corded phones, which require no external power source, any conversation on a cordless phone is over the moment the battery dies. If you need to use your phone for work — or if you just spend a lot of time on the phone over the course of any given day — look for one that has a long battery life.
Battery backup - Most cordless phones use batteries in the handset and a wall plug for the base station. That means you can’t make calls when the power goes out, even if the phone lines are still up and running. To prevent a potentially life-threatening situation, look for a cordless phone that has a base station with a battery backup feature.
Test Results: Panasonic KX-TG7875S (Best Overall)
4.9
What We Like
- Attractive design
- Clear sound quality
- Talking caller ID feature
What We Don't Like
- Difficult to link your cell phone
For one tester, this cordless phone outperformed other models she’d used in the past. “The design is attractive and sleek,” she gushed, “and the quality of my phone calls was consistently fantastic.” Our reviewers were also fans of the phone’s talking caller ID feature: “I like that it reads the caller ID out loud so I don't have to stop what I'm doing or rush to the phone to see who’s calling me,” one said. However, one tester found the process of linking your cell phone to be difficult at first.