Although selecting a cordless phone is less complex than purchasing some home electronics devices there are still a number of options to consider before you buy. Shoppers should look at the manufacturer's information as to the range at which the phone will operate while keeping in mind that conditions will influence range as well. Another bit of manufacturer data that is important to compare is the battery stand by time or the "life" between recharges. Obviously, the longer time between charges, the more convenient for the user. Beyond the basic statistics here are some additional things to consider before you buy:
First, there are three types of cordless phone models on the market: analog, digital, and digital spread spectrum.
- Analog phones are the most affordable. They can offer a good signal and reasonable range of use. However, they tend to have more static as the user moves away from the base station than a digital phone and are less secure as scanners can pick up the signal which allows others to listen in.
- A digital cordless phone has a stronger signal and better security than an analog phone. Interference is less of a problem for these phones also as they switch channels when interference is detected. A digital phone generally is more expensive than an analog phone.
- A digital spread spectrum cordless phone digitizes the voice and spreads the signal across several frequencies. These cordless phones are more expensive but offer the greatest range, clarity, and security.
A second consideration is which frequency the cordless phone will use. If you buy a cordless phone that operates at higher frequencies, you will get better signal clarity and and a device that can operate at a greater distance from the base station.
- 900MHz models are increasingly rare as phones using other frequencies have become more popular. A 900MHz cordless phone however is often the most affordable and is adequate in many homes.
- 2.4 GHz models are very common and offer good sound quality. Buyers should check to see what other frequencies other electronics devices in their home use as sharing the same frequency can cause interference.
- 5.8 GHz models offer good quality sound also and seldom experience interference. These models tend to be the most expensive off the three.
Thirdly, buyers will need to consider which cordless phone features are important to them. A few examples are listed below.
- Built-in Answering System: A cordless phone with a built-in answering system obviously decreases the need for a separate device to record messages in lieu of voice mail. Most record messages on a microchip to eliminate the need for tape; making them reliable. Just a few of the other related features include multiple mailboxes, remote access to messages, and the ability to record conversations.
- Caller ID and Call Waiting with an LCD display
- Single Handset, Dual or Expandable Multi-Handset systems: A cordless phone comes with a single base until that is plugged into a phone jack and wall outlet. Some systems offer only a single handset; others offer two handsets, while larger systems offer up to 6 or 8 handsets that operate with the single base station. Additional handsets simply plug into a wall outlet and allow users more flexibility in where they locate phones at any given time. Multi-handset cordless phone systems allow users to transfer calls from 1 handset to another, use the phone like an intercom system, and usually provide an indicator to show when a line is busy.
- Speaker Phone functions: Some cordless phones offer speaker phone functions. Shoppers with a hearing impairment may want to buy a cordless phone with features such as volume control and T-coil compatibility with hearing aids.
- Convenience features: a handset locator function to help find misplaced handsets, a hold function, a lighted keypad, a mute function, speed dialing and redial are common features requested by buyers as well.
- Multi-line operation: a feature for those with multiple lines in their home.
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