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
- Cell Phone Pairing with Link2 Cell: Bluetooth-pair with up to 2 cell phones to make and receive mobile calls anywhere in the home; place your cell where signal is optimum and call through the handset
- Advanced Call Blocking: Automated Call Block pre-blocks robocalls; Telemarketing Call Block lets you to block announced callers; block 1,000 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. The announcement of “Start Recording” effectively deters suspicious callers
- Easy to Find and Use: Illuminated keypad with large characters is findable even in the dark; speed dial gives you 1-touch access to your most-dialed numbers; Bilingual Talking Caller ID audibly announces calls in English or Spanish
- Easy to Use Cordless Phone System with Three Cordless Handsets: With a large 2.1”display, big buttons, and many other features, KX-TGU4 is designed to make it easy to stay in touch with your loved ones
- Contact your Loved Ones with the Push of a Button: Favorites Key flashes to notify you of incoming and missed calls, so you can quickly and easily contact your loved ones by just pressing the key; register up to 3 contacts
- Built-in Flashlight for Help in the Dark or in an Emergency: Flashlight function comes in handy during nighttime trips to the bathroom, and is easily findable if help is needed
- Advanced Call Blocking: Automated Call Block pre-blocks robocalls; Telemarketing Call Block lets you to block announced callers; block up to 1,000 with 1-touch Call Block Button on the handset
- Understand Every Word with Volume Boost: No more asking people to repeat themselves -- every word will be loud and clear with Volume Boost, which amplifies up to +12 dB
- [Robust Digital Answering System] - With up to 14 minutes of recording time, the digital answering system ensures you never miss important messages, allowing you to stay connected even when you can't immediately take a call.
- [Caller ID/Call Waiting—Stores 55 calls] - Know who's calling with caller ID/call waiting. The cordless handset displays the name, number, time and date of incoming calls, so you can decide which conversations to prioritize.
- [Full Duplex Speakerphone] - Enjoy a speakerphone that can keep up with your calls. The full duplex feature allows both ends to speak and be heard at the same time, for conversations that are more true to life.
- [Backlit Keypad and Display] - The entire keypad illuminates along with the LCD screen, allowing for easier viewing in dim light, so you can stay connected no matter the lighting conditions.
- [Quiet Mode] - Silence the ringer on the handset and base unit momentarily or for an extended period of time, providing you with the peace and quiet you need when you need it most.
- 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.
- Cell Phone Pairing with Link2 Cell: Bluetooth-pair with up to 2 cell phones to make and receive mobile calls anywhere in the home; place your cell where signal is optimum and call through the handset.
- 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
- Manufacturer: Att
- Digital Operation
- Voice Prompts
- Remote Access With Toll Saver
- Note: The buttons are white color not orange as the image represents the orange color due to the visual ringers that light up when receiving a phone call.Caller ID/call waiting—stores 50 calls | DECT 6.0 digital technology | 50 name and number phonebook directory | Last 10 number redial
- 50Db audio assist: temporarily increases overall volume by up to 50Db and enhances Sound frequencies that make speech easier to understand.1, 000 Name and number smart call Block directory
- Photo dial: never forget whose number is whose. Program four frequently dialed Phone numbers and attach a photo to each one for convenient speed dialing.
- Big buttons, large display: oversized buttons and an easy-to-read display screen make the system Super easy and comfortable to use.
- 90Db ringer volume: The extra-loud ringer makes it easy to hear incoming calls throughout your home.
- People with hearing loss can easily connect over the phone with family, friends, businesses and professionals - without missing a word. A Hamilton CapTel captioned phone works just like a standard phone - when it rings, you answer it. lf you need to make a call, you simply dial the number - and with this phone, you see captions of what's being said in large, easy-to-read print on an integrated screen. The captioning service is provided at no-cost to people with hearing loss and is available ONLY in the U.S. 24/7/365.
- Users can choose their preferred captioning method – Auto Captions (Captions are entirely computer-generated – there is no operator on the call) vs. Assisted Captions (An operator facilitates captioning, making corrections and providing call details).
- With a contemporary design in every respect, the Hamilton CapTel 2400iSPNBT includes large buttons, easy-to-read backlit touch-screen display for people with low vision, a speakerphone and an integrated answering machine that captions messages.
- The phone supports Caller lD and includes a built-in personal directory, allowing you to easily store and dial more than 95 names and phone numbers; Dial-By-Photo capable.people with low vision, a speakerphone and an integrated answering machine that captions messages.
- Adjustable volume control (up to 40dB gain) ensures comfortable listening levels.
- [8 PHOTO SPEED DIAL Keys] - Program eight frequently dialed phone numbers and attach a photo to each one for convenient speed dialing. Includes a dedicated emergency speed dial key.
- [ENHANCED SOUND with 90dB Ringer Volume & 40dB Audio Booster] - The extra-loud ringer makes it easy to hear incoming calls. Temporarily increases overall call volume by up to 40dB.
- [Digital Answering System with Slow Message Playback] - With up to 22 minutes of recording time, the digital answering system grabs calls when you can't. The digital answering system voice guide helps you easily navigate the menu. Reduce the speed of message by Slow Message PlayBack feature.
- [Big Buttons & High Contrast Button Colors] - Oversized buttons in a high contrast color make it easy-to-read and locate each key.
- [Visual Ringer] - Bright light on the base unit blinks during an incoming call making it easy to see a call to answer.
- 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.
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.