Best Cordless Phones Without Answering Machines 2022 – Reviews and Buying Guide

If you’re like most people, you probably use your cell phone for all your calls. Before you hang up your landline phone permanently, there is a strong case to be made for having a dedicated phone system for your residence or workplace.

For one thing, they are connected to your physical address. This is an important feature in case of a security or medical-related emergency. If you dial 911, the operator on the other end of the line will know exactly where to send first-response teams even if you’re not in a position to talk.

There’s also the fact that the technology these seemingly old-school handsets run on has improved dramatically over the years. The latest cordless phones even allow you to connect them to your cell phone, so you never have to miss a call in your home, even when you’re in another area of your home and don’t have your mobile phone next to you.

That said, we tested the top-rated handsets on the market right now to bring you the best cordless phones without answering machines for 2022.

	VTech Cordless Phone	AT&T Cordless Phone	Panasonic Cordless Phone
	Best Overall	Best for Visually Impaired Users	Best DECT Cordless Telephone
Dimensions	4.3 x 6.9 x 3.2 in.	6.3 x 7.26 x 3.96 in.	3.5 x 7.9 x 3.3 in.
Power source	Lithium batteries	Lithium batteries	Lithium batteries
Number of handsets	2 (expandable)	2 (expandable)	4 (expandable)
Multiline operation	Not supported	Supported	Supported
	View on Amazon	View on Amazon	View on Amazon

How We Tested and Compared These Products

When comparing the various cordless phones without an answering machine on the market, there are specific features we were looking for. Right off the bat, we eliminated any device that wasn’t battery-powered.

Phones that rely solely on electricity to function are unreliable and quite frankly outdated. The batteries they came with also needed to provide a minimum of 6-8 hours of talk time. However, this was rather subjective since you can always replace the batteries that come with the device with a different brand altogether.

We were also interested in the number of individual handsets supported by the cordless phone base unit. Regardless of the actual number of handsets in the pack, we only featured expandable units. That way, if you need more of them, you can always purchase them separately.

Finally, we were interested in the features. They needed to have DECT 6.0 wireless technology for better range and superior voice quality. We also gave preference to handsets that were designed for better usability, particularly for visually impaired and hearing-impaired users.

Phones without an answering machine that supported text-to-speech capability, larger keypad fonts, well-lit keypads, and bright displays ranked higher on our list.

Our Pick: VTech Cordless Phone – Best Overall

 

VIEW ON AMAZON

Features:

• Dimensions:3 x 6.9 x 3.2 in.
• Power source: Lithium batteries
• Number of handsets: 2 (expandable)
• Multiline operation: Not supported

The VTech CS67192 Cordless phone offers the perfect balance of versatility and functionality at an affordable price. It is by far the best cordless phone without an answering machine on the market right now. The first thing that stood out to us when we first unboxed it was its compact, minimalist design. It blends in seamlessly with whatever décor you have, so you don’t have to worry about it standing out like a sore thumb.

The handset we got was silver, although you can get it in red or blue. It is battery-powered and has nifty features like call waiting and caller ID. The display is pretty basic and shows you the name and phone number of the caller and the date and time of any incoming call. It also has a handset speakerphone feature and an intercom between the base unit and the handset, which you don’t often find with cordless phones in its class.

We also liked the redial feature, which saves the last 10 numbers you called for added efficiency. The handsets feel pretty light. The backlit display and lighted keypad are a nice touch as well. If you need to speak to multiple people on a phone call, VTech’s conference call feature supports phone calls between external lines and up to two cordless handsets.

All in all, we were quite pleased with its performance. If you’re looking for an affordable digital cordless phone without an answering machine feature, the VTech DECT handset is a great option to consider.

 

Best Alternatives

AT&T Cordless Phone – Best for Visually Impaired Users

 

VIEW ON AMAZON

Features:

• Dimensions:3 x 7.26 x 3.96 in.
• Power source: Lithium batteries
• Number of handsets: 2 (expandable)
• Multiline operation: Supported

As far as 2-handset cordless phone options go, the ATT CL82207 is hard to beat. While it does come with an answering machine, this is a feature that you can easily deactivate if you would rather have your calls go to voicemail.

First impressions: We liked how it looked. The silver, minimalist design is a little reminiscent of old-school cordless phones but with a contemporary twist that’s quite flattering for a wide range of home interiors. AT&T’s beauty isn’t just skin deep, though. It is chock-full of useful features we couldn’t get enough of.

For starters, the Smart Call Blocker feature allows you to restrict any nuisance call and spam callers from flooding your line. You can even customize specific automated calls from credible organizations that you don’t mind getting through. If you’re not close to the handset, you can activate the Caller ID Announce feature so that the base announces the caller’s name, so you don’t have to scramble for the phone just to see who’s calling.

This particular cordless phone uses ATT DECT 6.0 technology to give you the best long-range coverage without compromising on audio clarity. The extra-large display, enlarged keypad fonts, and backlit keys are especially helpful for visually impaired individuals.

All in all, this cordless handset is a solid choice if audio quality and reliability are a top priority for you. The ATT EL51203 is an equally good choice.

 

Panasonic Cordless Phone – Best 4-Handset Option

 

VIEW ON AMAZON

Features:

• Dimensions:5 x 7.9 x 3.3 in.
• Power source: Lithium batteries
• Number of handsets: 4 (expandable)
• Multiline operation: Supported

The 4-handset Panasonic DECT KX-TGE474S Link2Cell cordless phone is another favorite. If you’re looking for a cordless phone that you can link to your smartphone via Bluetooth, the Panasonic would be an excellent option to add to your communication arsenal. T

he Link2Cell feature lets you connect up to two smartphones. That way, you can use your cordless handsets to make and receive phone calls from anywhere in your home without having to physically rely on your cell phone.

Another handy feature that comes with this cordless handset is the talking text sender alert. This is a built-in text-to-speech function that announces the name and phone number of the caller when you get an incoming call to your smartphone or cordless handset.

The sound quality we got from this phone system was nothing short of outstanding. The voice tones were crisp and clear, which can be attributed to the noise reduction feature that suppresses background noise when you’re on a phone call.

The Panasonic expandable cordless phone comes with DECT 6.0 technology to guarantee long-range communications without compromising on voice clarity. It has a powerful battery backup that gives you up to 12 uninterrupted hours of talk time.

All in all, the performance of the Panasonic cordless phone was outstanding in every regard. Although it does come with a built-in answering machine, you can easily deactivate this feature and have all your unanswered calls go to a digital answering system or voicemail instead. The Panasonic KX TGM420W is an equally good option as well.

 

Uniden D1760-2 Cordless Phone – Best DECT Phone

 

VIEW ON AMAZON

Features:

• Dimensions:64 x 5.9 x 8.26 in.
• Power source: Lithium batteries
• Number of handsets: 3 (expandable)
• Multiline operation: Supported

If you’re looking for a cordless phone that supports up to five handsets concurrently, the Uniden D1760 series is an excellent option to consider. The pack we got came with two handsets, but you can purchase additional ones separately if you need more. It is expandable up to 12 handsets which is something you don’t get with most of the other cordless phones on the market.

As far as the features go, Uniden has no shortage of them. It has caller IDcall waiting, speed dial, and can store up to 100 contacts in the phone book. If you don’t want to be disturbed, you can activate silent mode to quiet the ringer on all incoming calls and messages.

One of the features that stood out the most to us was the ECO mode. When activated, it gives you an exceptionally long battery life compared to what you get with conventional cordless phones. It supports an intercom feature between the base unit and handset and even has a call transfer feature if you need to redirect a phone call to another user in your home. While it does have a digital answering machine, you can conveniently deactivate it and direct all unanswered calls to voicemail instead.

The Uniden D1760 is built with DECT 6.0 wireless technology that supports long-range communication while guaranteeing excellent voice quality and security. All in all, it is, by far, the best expandable cordless handset in its class.

 

How to Choose the Best Cordless Phones Without an Answering Machine – Buying Guide

 

With so many different cordless phone brands on the market, choosing the right one can be a daunting task, especially when you’re not sure what to look for. Below are a few tips to keep in mind when choosing the best cordless phone without an answering machine.

Number of Extensions

You need to think about the intended application of the cordless phone you’re getting. Depending on what you want to use it for and the number of people that will be using it, you can opt for units that come with a single handset or the ones that accommodate multiple handsets.

For the most part, if you have a smaller home, a dual handset cordless phone will suffice. On the other hand, if your home is more expansive or you want one for commercial use, you’re better off getting the multiple handset variety.

It’s always a good idea to get an expandable cordless phone. That way, if later down the line you need to add more handsets, you can simply purchase them separately.

Built-In Features

Next, you need to consider the features you want the cordless handset to have. What are your non-negotiables? Should it have a caller ID function? Do you need individual ringers on the handset and base unit? How important is a speakerphone?

What about a headset jack? Should the keypad be lit? How large do you need the fonts to be? Is a text-to-speech function a must-have to read the caller’s name and number out loud? Does it support multiline operation? Do you need it to?

These are some of the questions you need to have at the back of your mind when shopping for the best cordless phone system without an answering machine.

Performance-Related Factors

Fancy features are one thing; performance is a whole different ball game. The two main factors you need to consider when it comes to performance are the communication range and the voice quality. While most cordless phones have impeccable sound quality, many of them struggle when it comes to the range.

When choosing the best ones, the keyword to keep an eye out for is DECT 6.0 wireless technology. This feature ensures you get the best long-range coverage without compromising on audio clarity. Don’t settle for anything less.

Usability

Modern-day handsets are not what they used to be a decade ago. Many top brands are designed to enhance usability, particularly among visually impaired and hearing-impaired users. Some of the features these handsets come with include easy-to-read buttons, talking caller ID, visual ringers, volume boost, and so forth. If you or someone in your home would benefit from these features, ensure the cordless phone you buy has them.

Power Source

Cordless phones generally don’t work without electricity unless they are battery-powered. Check the packaging to confirm what power source it supports. It’s always a good idea to go with a cordless phone system powered by lithium batteries. Corded phone systems don’t have a battery provision. Top brands like VTech and Panasonic offer up to 12 hours’ worth of uninterrupted talk time.

FAQ

What are the best-rated cordless phones without an answering machine?

The top three cordless phone brands on the market with high consumer ratings as far as performance and reliability go are VTech Cordless Phone, AT&T Cordless Phone, and Uniden D1760-2 Cordless Phone. These units performed exceptionally well in our tests, making them hands down the best cordless phones on the market right now.

What is the lifespan of a cordless phone?

The answer to this ultimately comes down to the type of lithium batteries it comes with. Most battery-powered phones will generally last three years before you need to replace the battery.

Anything beyond that, and you’ll be forced to deal with constant interrupted communication due to shorter talk time. As far as the lifespan of the cordless phone system itself goes, with proper care, a good quality purchase should be able to last you a lifetime or until the technology it runs on becomes obsolete – whichever comes first.

What does DECT 6.0 mean on phones?

DECT 6.0 technology refers to the latest wireless platform that cordless phones use to improve the range of communication without having to boost the handset’s underlying power. That way, you get less radio frequency interference from other wireless networks and better overall sound quality.

Conclusion

There you have it – our top picks for the best cordless phone without an answering machine. Any of the units we’ve reviewed in this guide would be an excellent choice for your home or workplace. If we had to pick one winner, though, it would undoubtedly be the VTech cordless phone. Its performance as a work or home phone was nothing short of impressive.