{"menuItems":[{"label":"The best cordless phones in Australia","anchorName":"#the-best-cordless-phones-in-australia"},{"label":"Save on phones with these deals and discounts:","anchorName":"#deals"},{"label":"Methodology","anchorName":"#method"},{"label":"Pros and cons of cordless phones","anchorName":"#mark1"},{"label":"What types are available?","anchorName":"#mark2"},{"label":"How to compare cordless phones","anchorName":"#mark3"},{"label":"Bundling your home phone and internet","anchorName":"#bundling-your-home-phone-and-internet"},{"label":"Frequently asked questions","anchorName":"#frequently-asked-questions"}]}
A cordless phone is a type of telephone that utilises radio waves instead of physical cables to transmit sound between the base station and a handset. This type of telephone operates in much the same way as a standard landline but offers several advantages such as greater portability and flexibility due to its lack of wires.
When shopping for a cordless phone, it is important to consider several key features that will suit your lifestyle.
First and foremost, look for phones with long battery life. Most cordless phones come with rechargeable batteries that can provide anywhere from 10 to 20 hours of talk time on a single charge. Additionally, some models have power-saving modes that can extend the battery life even further. Other useful features include speakerphone capabilities, caller ID with call waiting, intercom functionality between handsets or base stations, advanced noise cancellation technology for clearer calls, multiple-line support and voicemail options.
To help you find the best cordless phone for your needs, our team examined models found on Amazon from brands like Panasonic, Vtech, Motorola and more. We picked models based on customer reviews and ratings. We also chose the units for each category based on key product features, such as value for money, range, ease of use and build.
We picked the Panasonic KX-TG6822ALB as the best overall cordless phone you can get online. This model has gained plenty of positive reviews and a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
The Panasonic KX-TG6822ALB cordless phone is a great choice for those looking for an advanced phone with multiple features. It has excellent noise reduction capabilities that make it easier to hear the other party, even when there is a lot of background noise.
The incoming call block and night mode functions are also very convenient, allowing you to customise your phone so that it only rings when certain people call or stays silent at preset times. This feature can be beneficial if you have frequent calls from telemarketers or other unwanted numbers.
For added convenience, the Panasonic KX-TG6822ALB also includes an advanced answering system. With this feature, you can catch answering machine calls at home or away. This is especially useful if you need to respond quickly to an important call but don't want to miss out on other important messages left by family and friends.
If your hearing isn't what it used to be, there are plenty of good reasons why you should check out the Panasonic KX-TGM422AZB. On Amazon, it has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
The Panasonic KX-TGM422AZB is a top-of-the-line cordless phone system specifically designed to accommodate the needs of people with hearing impairments. Boasting an impressive list of features, it offers unparalleled clarity and convenience for those with mild to moderate hearing loss.
The most notable feature is the Volume Boost, which allows users to amplify incoming calls up to 40dB for improved audibility. Additionally, the handset also employs a speech booster feature that adjusts the volume and tone depending on the user's individual hearing capability.
The Panasonic KX-TGM422AZB also includes advanced call-blocking capabilities, allowing you to block up to 250 numbers from ever reaching your phone. This ensures unwanted or harassing calls won't interrupt your day or cause any anxiety or stress. Additionally, it has a talking caller ID feature which announces who is calling in easy-to-understand language prior to answering the call.
We recommend the AT&T BL102-4 as the best cordless phone available online for people with visual impairments. It has a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
With its innovative range and answering system, the BL102-4 provides users with long-range coverage and crystal-clear sound quality. The digital answering machine allows users to record up to 22 minutes of incoming messages, outgoing announcements and memos. This makes it a great choice for those who need to receive information from others or make their own recordings without having to strain their eyes.
Another key feature of the AT&T BL102-4 is its smart call blocker and caller ID announce technology. This helps ensure that no unwanted calls go through and any suspicious numbers can be blocked in a matter of seconds. For those who have difficulty differentiating between numbers on their phone's display, this feature is invaluable as it gives them peace of mind knowing they won't ever be disturbed by robocalls or other suspicious calls again.
When it comes to the best option with an answering machine, we picked the Gigaset CL390A, which has a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
The Gigaset CL390A DECT phone is a stylish and efficient cordless phone that comes with an answering machine for added convenience. This device looks great in any home, as it comes in different colours to fit any decor.
The handset also has a large graphic display and intuitive menu navigation so anyone can easily use it. With a jumbo mode, the numbers show up extra large when selecting them, which makes them easy to read. Additionally, the acoustic profiles can be adjusted to ensure that everything is heard clearly even in noisy environments.
When it comes to using the answering machine, the Gigaset CL390A really stands out from other devices. It has a recording time of up to 20 minutes and you can listen back to your missed calls either via the handset or remotely with another phone.
With a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon, we selected the VTech IS8121-2 as the best long-range cordless phone.
With a range of up to 2,300 feet, this advanced device offers superior coverage and clarity even in the farthest corners of your home or yard. Thanks to its unique antenna design and advanced noise-filtering technology, you can be sure that you will get crystal-clear audio quality during every call no matter where you are.
In addition to its impressive range, the VTech IS8121-2 also features a Smart Call Blocker. With it, you can permanently blacklist any number with just one touch on the dedicated key on the handset. The call block directory can also store up to 1,000 names, making it convenient and easy to manage your contacts list.
If you're looking for the best cheap cordless phone, check out the VTech 20850. This model has a rating of 5 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
The VTech 20850 cordless phone is an excellent choice if you are looking for a reliable and affordable home phone. Its key features make it a great buy, providing users with hands-free speakerphone capability, a backlit display and keypad for easy visibility, an SOS help button to summon assistance in case of an emergency, and a long-lasting battery with up to 10 hours of talk time and 100 hours of standby time.
At under $50, it's easy on the wallet without sacrificing quality or function. The handset itself has a nice design with large, clearly labelled buttons that are perfect for seniors who may have difficulty seeing small prints or using tiny buttons. The speakerphone also provides good sound quality so that conversations can be easily heard without having to hold up the handset.
Enjoy up to 57% discount on select Amazon devices, including Fire TV Cube, Kindle Fire, Echo Dot, Fire TV Stick and more. Limited time offer and while stocks last. T&Cs apply.
Score great savings on top products from big brands like Dyson, Bonds, Philips, Tefal and so much more at Big W. Valid for a limited time only. T&Cs apply.
Save when you purchase a participating Galaxy S23 Series and receive a FREE Samsung Galaxy Watch5 (LTE), 44mm, Graphite as a gift. Limited time offer. T&Cs, exclusions apply.
Amazon prices last updated on 8 December, 2023 at 01:00 ameBay prices last updated on 7 December, 2023 at 11:08 am
Methodology
12 Brands considered
89 Products compared
7 Best products chosen
Why you can trust our picks
All efforts have been made to find what we believe are the 7 best cordless phones you can get right now in Australia. Our team evaluated models listed on Amazon from brands such as:
AT&T
BT
Clarity
Gigaset
Motorola
Panasonic
Telstra
Uniden
VTech
Yealink
We narrowed down our choices based on customer ratings and reviews (as of January 2023). We also considered each model's key product features, including user-friendliness, value for money, range and other features. For the best cheap category, we examined cordless phones priced at $50 and under.
We value our editorial independence, basing our comparison results, content and reviews on objective analysis without bias. However, Finder may receive compensation when you click some links on our site. Learn more about how we make money from our partners and why you can trust our guides.
Pros and cons of cordless phones
Better sound quality. Landlines typically produce better sound quality than mobile phones, which can be an especially important feature if you're hard of hearing.
Reliable coverage. If your home is a mobile black spot or you have problems with patchy mobile coverage, cordless phones combine the reliability of a fixed line with the freedom of movement provided by a mobile.
Alternative to a mobile phone. If you don't have any desire to get a mobile phone, a cordless system is a practical and affordable alternative.
Save money. If you're already paying for a phone line for your internet connection, getting a cordless phone can make good sense. By bundling your home phone together with your broadband internet costs, you could potentially get good value for money.
Unnecessary. If the vast majority of the calls you make are on your mobile, it might be time to consider doing away with your landline altogether.
Added expense. With most mobile phone providers offering plans with unlimited calls and text at prices similar to (or sometimes less than) landline rental fees, a cordless phone may simply be an unnecessary expense. In fact, finder.com.au research has shown that home phones may become extinct by 2037.
NBN. Another reason to consider ditching your landline may be if you're switching over to the NBN. Once you've completed the switch, your home phone will become a VoIP (voice over internet protocol) service, which means your phone will go down whenever there's an internet outage. Despite this, our research shows that 64% of NBN users decide to keep their landlines.
Apps offer overseas calls. And if you've been holding onto your landline to contact friends or relatives overseas, smartphone apps like Skype and WhatsApp make this even cheaper and easier.
There is plenty of choice available when shopping for a cordless phone, with models from Panasonic, Telstra, Uniden, AT&T, VTech and a host of other brands.
Apart from their price points, one key way to distinguish between different models is to check whether they feature a built-in digital answering machine. Models with answering machines tend to boast a wide range of features and sit towards the top end of the price range.
Another factor to consider is whether the cordless system has a corded base unit, or whether all handsets provided are cordless.
How to compare cordless phones
When choosing a cordless phone, you'll need to consider the features you want in your landline, such as the number of handsets and the size of its phonebook as well as the amount of money you want to spend. Use the following items as a checklist when comparing cordless phones and their features:
Sound quality and volume
Check the quality of the sound that each model puts out. If you're hearing-impaired, you may want to check how much volume adjustment is available or even consider a model with amplified sound that is specially designed for those that are hard of hearing.
Number of handsets
Think about how many handsets you need around your home. Check how many handsets come included as standard and, if applicable, whether there's scope to expand the number of handsets even further. Some models allow you to use up to 12 handsets.
Range
Range is a key factor as it determines how far you can wander from the base unit and still be within reception range. Compare the claimed ranges of any model you're considering and if you want greater reach, take note that some manufacturers offer cordless phones that use a repeater to substantially increase coverage from the main base station.
Phonebook size
How many numbers can you store in the unit's phonebook? While 50 is a common limit, some models can store hundreds or even thousands of numbers.
Answering machine
If you want a cordless phone with a built-in digital answering machine, check what the machine's capacity is and what time limit applies to voicemail recordings. Also check the sound quality of messages.
LCD screen
Cordless phones typically feature an LCD screen that can display your phonebook, caller ID, battery strength, length of call and other useful information.
Call block
If you want to stop a specific number calling you, many models offer a call-blocking feature.
Call waiting
This feature alerts you if someone is trying to phone you while you're already on a call. However, check with your phone network to find out whether this will incur an additional fee.
Text to speech
This voice feature announces numbers as you dial them and reads out the names of incoming callers.
Sleep mode
Sleep mode allows you to set the phone not to ring during a specified period. This is a very useful inclusion if you don't want to be interrupted during dinner or woken up in the middle of the night.
Conference calls
The conferencing feature allows other members of the household to pick up a separate handset and participate in a conversation.
2-line support
Some higher-spec models allow you to receive calls for 2 separate lines on the one phone. This may be a useful feature if you run a home business, and you can set separate ringtones so you immediately know which line has an incoming call.
Controls
Are the keys large and easy to read? Is the keypad backlit so the numbers can be easily seen in low light?
Ease of set-up and use
Entry-level models are typically easy to plug in and use straight out of the box, but those with more advanced features may have a complicated set-up process. Look for a cordless phone that is simple to set up and has an easy-to-navigate menu system.
Battery life and charging time
Talk times on cordless handsets usually range from around 5 to 10 hours. A low-battery warning should tell you when the phone needs charging. It's also worth investigating how long a full charge will take.
Wi-Fi compatibility
Older cordless phones were susceptible to interference from microwaves, while models operating in the 2.4GHz or 5.8GHz band may also experience interference from your home Wi-Fi network. To avoid this problem, look for a cordless phone labelled DSS or DECT (or DECT 6.0, XDECT, WDECT, ECO DECT etc) – this essentially means that it operates in the 1.8–1.9 GHz band and won't suffer interference from other devices.
Bluetooth support
Some phones use Bluetooth technology to allow mobile phone calls to be made using a cordless handset. This means you can make and receive calls from your mobile and landline on the same phone.
Hands-free
The inclusion of a speakerphone lets you chat hands-free and allows other people in the room to join in a conversation. Many models also feature a headset jack if required.
Bundling your home phone and internet
If you've decided that a cordless phone is right for you, you may also want to consider your home phone plan options. Those that don't have an internet connection will need to look for a standalone home phone plan, but if you want both internet and a home phone, then you should consider bundling your 2 plans together.
If you keep your internet and home phone plans separate, you may end up paying more than you need to. With this in mind, it's worth shopping around to find a home phone and internet bundle that offers good value for money.
While a smartphone may be all that some people need, cordless phones do offer some important benefits.
Frequently asked questions
We picked the Panasonic KX-TG6822ALB as the best cordless phone you can get online.
A cordless phone and a wireless phone are 2 different types of telecommunication products. A cordless phone connects to a base unit by using radio frequencies, while a wireless phone is connected to a cellular network. Both products enable communication between 2 people without having to use wires but they have some key differences as well.
No, you don't need an internet connection for a cordless phone. Cordless phones operate through analog signals that are transmitted from the base station to the phone handset. The signal is usually sent over a radio frequency and is picked up by the phone itself without the aid of an internet connection.
First, you'll need to purchase a compatible cordless phone system for your home. Before purchasing one, make sure that the type of phone you choose is compatible with your existing landline service provider. Once you've found the right system for you, unpack it from its box and follow all included instructions. If there are any questions about the installation or setup process, contact customer support for help.
Next, plug the main base unit into an electrical outlet near the closest telephone jack in your home. Some models may require additional power outlets because they have multiple handsets; if this is the case then make sure to find an appropriate location close to each handset so that all of them can be charged properly. After connecting the main base unit, follow the instructions provided with your specific model to connect it to the local telephone network through a line cable (or filter).
Ericka Pingol is a writer for Finder specialising in best guides. Using tested methodology, Ericka has been helping Australians choose the right product across hundreds of categories since 2020. Ericka has a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of the East, Manila. As well as being passionate about helping people save money when shopping for their latest purchases, Ericka has a background in writing about property investment, personal finance and health. When not writing best guides, you can find her lost in the pages of a good book or experimenting with watercolour painting.
How likely would you be to recommend finder to a friend or colleague?
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Very UnlikelyExtremely Likely
Required
Thank you for your feedback.
Our goal is to create the best possible product, and your thoughts, ideas and suggestions play a major role in helping us identify opportunities to improve.
Important information about this website
finder.com.au is one of Australia's leading comparison websites. We are committed to our readers and stands by our editorial principles
We try to take an open and transparent approach and provide a broad-based comparison service. However, you should be aware that while we are an independently owned service, our comparison service does not include all providers or all products available in the market.
Some product issuers may provide products or offer services through multiple brands, associated companies or different labeling arrangements. This can make it difficult for consumers to compare alternatives or identify the companies behind the products. However, we aim to provide information to enable consumers to understand these issues.
We make money by featuring products on our site. Compensation received from the providers featured on our site can influence which products we write about as well as where and how products appear on our page, but the order or placement of these products does not influence our assessment or opinions of them, nor is it an endorsement or recommendation for them.
Products marked as 'Top Pick', 'Promoted' or 'Advertisement' are prominently displayed either as a result of a commercial advertising arrangement or to highlight a particular product, provider or feature. Finder may receive remuneration from the Provider if you click on the related link, purchase or enquire about the product. Finder's decision to show a 'promoted' product is neither a recommendation that the product is appropriate for you nor an indication that the product is the best in its category. We encourage you to use the tools and information we provide to compare your options.
Where our site links to particular products or displays 'Go to site' buttons, we may receive a commission, referral fee or payment when you click on those buttons or apply for a product. You can learn more about how we make money.
When products are grouped in a table or list, the order in which they are initially sorted may be influenced by a range of factors including price, fees and discounts; commercial partnerships; product features; and brand popularity. We provide tools so you can sort and filter these lists to highlight features that matter to you.
Please note that the information published on our site should not be construed as personal advice and does not consider your personal needs and circumstances. While our site will provide you with factual information and general advice to help you make better decisions, it isn't a substitute for professional advice. You should consider whether the products or services featured on our site are appropriate for your needs. If you're unsure about anything, seek professional advice before you apply for any product or commit to any plan and read any disclosure documents (such as any Target Market Determination (TMD) and/or Product Disclosure Statement (PDS)) issued by the provider before making a decision.
Providing or obtaining an estimated insurance quote through us does not guarantee you can get the insurance. Acceptance by insurance companies is based on things like occupation, health and lifestyle. By providing you with the ability to apply for a credit card or loan, we are not guaranteeing that your application will be approved. Your application for credit products is subject to the Provider's terms and conditions as well as their application and lending criteria.
Please read our website terms of use and privacy policy for more information about our services and our approach to privacy.
Phonebot
Amazon
Mwave
Kogan
The Good Guys
iiNet Deals
eBay Australia
Apple Store
PTC Shop
Otterbox
Big W
Target Australia
digiDirect
Corecolour
Myer
Temu
Samsung
Cafago
eBay Plus
Belong Mobile deals
Lenovo
12
89
7
