If you’re on the go all day, even a “hands-free” cell phone is not always a hands-free experience. A telephone answering device can pick up your calls even when you’re away from home or out of the office and can alleviate the need to constantly check your voicemail or callers back. They can also be a boon to those who need to set up reminders for themselves.
Read on for our list of the best telephone answering devices.
Our Editor’s Best Telephone Answering Devices Reviews
- Simple, corded operation- Reliable, corded operation eliminates the search for a misplaced cordless handset, while sturdy construction ensures long-lasting performance.
- Digital answering system- Digitally record up to 25 minutes of incoming messages, outgoing announcements and memos. Also allows for instant playback, selective save or delete, and skipping or repeating messages from the handset and base.
- Caller ID/call waiting-- Allows you to view the name, number, time and date of incoming calls at a glance, even those on call waiting.
- Extra-large tilt display for easy viewing- Extra-large, easy-to-read LCD on the base tilts for best viewing angle. This feature provides a clear view of the incoming Caller ID or call history.
- [Unsurpassed range with DECT 6.0] - Experience the best in long-range coverage and clarity, provided by a unique antenna design and advances in noise-filtering technology.
- [Smart Call Blocker] - Say goodbye to unwanted calls. Store up to 1,000 names and numbers to your block list. Robocalls on your landline are automatically blocked from ever ringing through—even the first time. You can also blacklist any caller on the spot with the dedicated key on the handset.
- [Digital Answering System with Voice Guide] - With up to 22 minutes of recording time for incoming messages and memos, the digital answering system grabs calls when you can't. The voice-guided setup feature helps you easily navigate the digital answering system setup options and let you retrieve and listen to messages with ease.
- [Caller ID Announce] - Screening calls has never been easier. The handset announces the name of the caller, so you don't have to scramble for the handset to see who's calling.
- [2" white backlit dislpay] - High-contrast text on the extra-large 2" screen makes it easy to read incoming caller ID or call history records. Plus, the white back lighted handset keypad allows for easy dialing in low-light conditions.
![[New] VTech VG134-11 DECT 6.0 Cordless Home Phone with Bluetooth Connection, Digital Answering Machine, Backlit Display,Full Duplex Speakerphone, Caller ID/Call Waiting,1000 ft Range (Black)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41rs70meDpL._SL160_.jpg)
- [NEW - Value-Added Bluetooth Connection] - Want a hands-free call without losing privacy or interrupting your sweeties? Our innovative add-on Bluetooth feature can help! Pair and connect your Bluetooth headset or earbuds with our phone base unit. The Bluetooth feature supports seamless integration, allowing a single audio device that enables you to answer calls freely, all with the convenience of hands-free communication and privacy. Enjoy crystal-clear conversations with the freedom to move around unaffected by wires
- [Superior Range & Clarity with DECT 6.0 Technology] - Trusted by families worldwide for decades, VTech' s cordless telephone transmits secure signals via DECT 6.0 channel, ensuring crystal clear sounds, interference-free, and stable operation range up to 1000 ft outdoor. It provides enhanced security, making eavesdropping concerns a thing of the past. With DECT 6.0, you'll enjoy a significant improvement in voice and sound integrity over previous generations, such as 2.4GHz and 5.8GHz systems, for peace of mind in every conversation.
- [Get Messages on Answering Machine when not around] - Integrated digital answering device with lighted message counter is easily accessible from the base unit, cordless handset and remotely. Records up to 14 minutes of incoming messages, outgoing announcements and memos.
- [Speak & Hear simultaneously with Full-Duplex Speakerphone] – The full-duplex handset speakerphone elevates your call experiences by enabling simultaneous two-way communication. Increase participation by allowing both parties to speak and be listened at the same time for conversations that are more true to life.
- [Enhanced Visibility with Backlit Display & Keypad] - Enjoy greater ease of use in dark conditions with our handset's vibrant LED blue-white backlit display and soft green illuminated keypad. These features ensure effortless viewing and dialing in dim lighting. The handset conveniently displays the caller's name, number, time and date of incoming calls, for optimal clarity and convenience.
- [UNSURPASSED RANGE] Experience the best in long-range coverage and clarity, provided by a unique antenna design and advances in noise-filtering technology.
- [ANSWERING SYSTEM] This reliable cordless system includes a digital answering machine that can record up to 22 minutes of incoming messages, outgoing announcements and memos, and a voice-guide for easier set up.
- [SMART CALL BLOCKER & CALLER ID ANNOUNCE] Say goodbye to unwanted calls. Robocalls on your landline are automatically blocked from ever ringing through - even the first time. You can also permanently blacklist any number you want with one touch on the delicated key on the handset. The call block directory can store up to 1,000 name and number entries. Plus, the handset announces the name of the caller, so you can decide on answer the call or block it - screening call is never easier.
- [LARGE 2-INCH SCREEN, BIG TEXT, LIGHTED KEY PAD] High-contrast text on the extra-large 2 inch screen makes it easy to read incoming caller ID or call history records. Plus, the enlarged font and extra-large and lighted handset keypad allows for easy dialing in low-light conditions. This feature is especially helpful for those who are visually impaired.
- [HANDSET SPEAKERPHONE, AUDIO ASSIST, INTERCOM] This cordless system has built-in a full-duplex speakerphone on handset allowing both ends to speak - and be heard - at the same time for conversations that are more true to life. Also designed with useful features like Audio Assit, handset intercom to help your daily communications enjoyable.
- Calls Are Blocked Before They Happen: 14,000 pre-installed call block numbers are your first line of defense against nuisance calls. Robocall database is supplied from YouMail Inc.
- One-Ring Scam Alert: Protects from one-ring scams by displaying a confirmation screen when returning a one-ring call
- Advanced Call Blocking: Automated Call Block pre-blocks robocalls; Telemarketing Call Block lets you to block announced callers; block 2000 more with 1-touch Call Block Button on the handset
- 2-Way Recording: Never miss important details again--record your telephone conversations to replay later; the announcement of “Start Recording” effectively deters suspicious callers
- Easy to Find and Use: Illuminated keypads on handset and base unit have large characters that are findable and readable, even in the dark; 2.5 inch full dot display on base unit and 1.8 inch on handset
- Advanced Call Blocking: Automated Call Block pre-blocks robocalls; Telemarketing Call Block lets you to block announced callers; block 1K more with 1-touch Call Block Button on the handset
- One-Ring Scam Alert: Protects you from one-ring scams by displaying a confirmation screen when returning a one-ring call
- 2-Way Recording: Never miss important details again--record your telephone conversations to replay later
- Easy to Find and Use: llluminated keypad with large characters is findable, even in the dark; speed dial gives you 1-touch access to your most-dialed numbers; wall-mountable design keeps phone reliably close
- Voice Commands and Bilingual Talking Caller ID: Caller ID displays and announces in English or Spanish so you can know who is calling, even when you’re across the room (add'l phone service); Voice Command lets you answer the phone hands-free
- [DECT 6.0 Cordless Headset] - Enjoy the freedom of private, hands-free landline and/or cellular conversations anywhere in your home or office. This convenient headset gives you the same interference-free, superior-quality voice, sound and range you expect from a traditional DECT 6.0 cordless handset.
- [Make and Receive Landline and Cellular Calls]- Connect to Bluetooth-enabled cellular phones to make and receive cellular calls with the ease and comfort of a home phone system. Avoid the mad dash to catch your cellular call before it goes to voicemail.
- [Download Cell Phone Phonebook Contacts] - Download cell phone contacts to your VTech DS6771 cordless phone via Bluetooth; Enjoy the convenience of having all your contacts in just one DS6771 phone.
- [Voice-Guided Answering System] - Offers a user-friendly digital answering system with voice guidance. Easily manage and retrieve voicemail messages with step-by-step spoken instructions. Stay organized and in control of your messages voice-guided digital answering system
- [2-Handset Cordless Conference Calling] - Allows conference calls between an outside line and up to 2 cordless phones. Enjoy hands-free communication and seamless connectivity. Experience superior voice quality and extended range. Simplify conference calls with VTech.
- Dect 6. 0 interference-free technology
- Clearly Amplifies incoming sound up to 40Db
- Adjustable Tone control
- Digital Answering machine
- 4 Tone settings to customize listening experience
- Know who's calling with caller ID/call waiting. Handset displays the name, number, time and date of incoming calls.
- With the touch of a button, the handset speakerphones makes hands-free conversations easy.
- The entire keypad illuminates along with the LCD screen, allowing for easier viewing in dim light.
- Power-conserving technology manages consumption for optimal battery performance.
- Silence the ringer on the handset and base unit immediately, or for an extended period of time.
- Telephone Recorder: This versatile device is compatible with analog, digital, and VoIP telephone systems, allowing you to record phone calls effortlessly.
- Multiple Function Recorder: With the ability to record surrounding sounds, act as an answering machine, and support remote access, this recorder offers a range of useful features.
- Caller ID Display: Easily manage your recorded files with caller ID displayed on the screen, along with the date and time for each call.
- Plug & Play: Simple to set up and use, this recorder supports plug-in microphones for local voice recording and earphones for playback.
- Loop Recording: Never miss a call with loop recording that automatically overwrites the oldest files when the memory is full, ensuring continuous recording.
Best Telephone Answering Devices Buying Guide
Before choosing the best telephone answering device you should consider following options:
1. Direct Station Sets: These are the most common types of telephone answering systems. Direct station sets are sets of phones that answer incoming calls and route them to the appropriate person.
They are directly wired to the incoming phone line with no internal switching. The main benefit of direct station sets is that they are the least expensive option for telephone answering systems.
However, there are some disadvantages as well. You will have to be in the office to pick up incoming calls, even if you are on the phone. This can lead to a lot of confusion and frustration if you are trying to have a conversation with someone while they are trying to get a hold of you.
2. Station-Away Set: This is similar to the direct station set, but the main difference is that it has internal switching.
This means that a call can be answered even if the phone is off the hook or if the caller tries to transfer the call to another line. However, station-away sets are a little more expensive than direct station sets.
3. Single Points of Origin: Single points of origin are another type of telephone answering system. They are also sometimes referred to as “all points” sets.
They are similar to direct station sets in that incoming calls route to a single point, but they are different in that the single point can be answered from any phone.
4. Private Line Sets: Private line sets are the most expensive option for a telephone answering system. They are similar to single points of origin, but the main difference is that they use a private line instead of a shared line.
This means that you can have calls directly forwarded to your office while you are on the phone. However, they are usually only used by companies that have multiple locations.
5. Virtual Telephone Answering Services: Virtual telephone answering services are becoming more and more popular as technology advances.
They are similar to private line sets in that they allow incoming calls to ring to multiple locations. However, they differ in that they are usually used by small businesses that have a single location or would rather not have an expense of purchasing their own telephone answering system.
Instead, they just pay a monthly fee for the answering service.
This option is often cheaper than purchasing a private line set and you also don’t have to worry about the maintenance of a telephone answering system.
With this option, you are not limited to a certain number of extensions.
6. Hybrid Systems: Finally, some companies will purchase a hybrid system. This is a combination of a virtual answering service and a traditional telephone answering system.
This option is more common among larger companies that have multiple locations. They will have a virtual answering service for the calls that come in and then have a telephone answering system in place for employees in the office.
7. Key Systems: A key system is an answering machine that is used as a part of a larger security system. They are used in places where security is an important factor such as a business or a home.
These answering machines have a control panel that allows the owner to turn the alarm on and off. They also allow the owner to monitor who has entered their premises and how long they have been inside.
8. Digital Answering Machine: Digital answering machines are another type of answering machine used for a business or a home. They are similar in that they record messages and play back messages.
However, they differ in that they are digital and have a lot of additional features. Some of these features
What else you should know about telephone answering devices
1) What are the most popular telephone answering devices?
Some of the most popular telephone answering devices are voicemail, auto-attendants, and live receptionists.
2) How do telephone answering devices work?
A telephone answering device, also known as an answering machine, is a telephone device that records and plays back messages for the called party. The first answering machines were created in the early 1900s.
3) How can I choose the best telephone answering device for my needs?
There is no one definitive answer to this question as the best telephone answering device for your needs will depend on a number of factors, including the size and nature of your business, the number of calls you receive, and your budget. However, some tips on choosing the best telephone answering device for your needs include considering features such as automated call distribution, call recording, and voicemail, and selecting a device that is compatible with your existing telephone system.
4) What are the features of telephone answering devices?
Some features of telephone answering devices are the ability to screen calls, take messages, and play back messages.
5) How do I use a telephone answering device?
Generally, you would record a greeting on the answering device, and then it would play that greeting to caller when you are unable to answer the phone. The answering device would then record the caller’s message.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best telephone answering devices. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best telephone answering devices will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.