Best cordless phones in Australia 2024

We’ve done the research and found the 7 best cordless phones for your home.

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Ericka Pingol

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The best cordless phones in Australia

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 10-20 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.

Read more detail on our methodology below.

Panasonic KX-TGK220GB Designer Phone with Answering Machine

Best overall cordless phone

Panasonic KX-TGK220GB Designer Phone with Answering Machine
Image: Supplied/Finder

Pros

  • Hands-free mode feature
  • Large white display with illuminated keyboard

Cons

  • Requires 2 AAA batteries
  • Not the most ergonomic

The Panasonic KX-TGK220GB Designer Phone with Answering Machine ranks as the top choice as the best overall cordless phone.

Boasting a 4.3 out of 5 stars rating on Amazon, this modern landline phone stands out for its avant-garde design that effortlessly combines style and functionality. Its white display and illuminated keyboard assure optimal usability, making it easy to navigate even in low-light conditions.

The device's cordless nature and hands-free mode on the handset bring a new level of convenience, allowing you to wander around while conversing. It also has a low-radiation Eco Plus mode, which is user-friendly and environmentally responsible.

The option to block phone numbers is another commendable feature. The caller lock provides an effective barrier against unwanted calls, ensuring the user's privacy remains undisturbed.

However, the phone isn't without its downsides. It requires 2 AAA batteries to function, which are included in the package, but might need frequent replacement depending on usage. Furthermore, while sleek and modern, the black design might not blend seamlessly with every décor.

Gigaset E720HX

Best cordless phone for seniors

Gigaset E720HX
Image: Supplied/Finder

Pros

  • Compatible with headsets and hearing aids
  • User-friendly

Cons

  • Some users find the font size too small
  • User manual is a bit vague

The Gigaset E720HX has undoubtedly earned its stripes as our choice as the top cordless phone for seniors, earning an impressive 4.2 out of 5 stars on Amazon.

Its clear audible feature is particularly noteworthy, announcing each dialled number loudly to avoid mids-keying, even without looking at the large colour display. It's also loaded with other user-friendly features, such as the announcement of caller names or numbers and the ability to integrate headsets and hearing aids, thanks to Bluetooth 4.0. The automatic adjustment of the sound call and handset volume in noisy surroundings just adds to its accessibility prowess.

The phone also offers versatile connection options, easily syncing with standard routers with DECT/CAT-iq functionality like AVM FRITZ, Box or Speedport, or even as an extension of your system with a Gigaset DECT base.

However, the user manual is pretty tricky to decipher. Some users also find the buttons and font sizes on the phone a bit too small for their liking.

Amplicomms BigTel 1500 Cordless Phone

Best cordless phone for people with hearing impairments

Amplicomms BigTel 1500 Cordless Phone
Image: Supplied/Finder

Pros

  • Amplifies sound by +35dB at a simple button touch
  • Won’t break the bank

Cons

  • Can only store up to 100 contacts
  • Caller blocking is a bit tricky to navigate

The Amplicomms BigTel 1500 Cordless Phone is an excellent choice for individuals with hearing impairments.

With a 4-star rating on Amazon, this gadget is well-favoured for its optimised acoustics and audio boost feature, which amplifies sound by +35dB at a simple button touch. Its compatibility with hearing aids is a much-appreciated function for this demographic.

Its large, backlit display and high-contrast keypad with big buttons are user-friendly features that make dialling and menu navigation easy. For convenience, it also has the added feature of three M1 to M3 direct memory keys for frequently used numbers.

Plus, the hands-free function, with adjustable volume, allows for shared calls, listening, and freedom of movement when making calls.

But despite its many pros, like an adjustable ringtone volume reaching up to 90dB and a visual call tone indicator ensuring no missed calls, there are a few minor drawbacks to weigh. Firstly, the phone book can only hold 100 names and numbers, which can be limiting for some individuals. Secondly, the special modes for blocking unwanted numbers and allowing exclusive VIP calls can be tricky for some users.

Uniden Sight and Sound Enhanced Cordless Phone SSE45W

Best cordless phone for people with visual impairments

Uniden Sight and Sound Enhanced Cordless Phone SSE45W
Image: Supplied/Finder

Pros

  • Text-to-speech function
  • Great option for families

Cons

  • Only 3 picture keys
  • Call transfer feature may be useless for some

We picked Uniden's Sight and Sound Enhanced Cordless Phone SSE45W as the best option for people with visual impairments.

With Text-to-speech technology and extra loud audio controls, users are ensured optimal accessibility. This phone can read out and announce the caller's name, enhancing user experience for visually impaired individuals. The 'Ringer Off' option and extra loud earpiece volume control are perfect for those struggling with regular audio levels.

The SSE45W isn't exclusive to one user either; it supports up to 6 handsets using just one phone socket. The intercom and announce call transfer capabilities make this phone fantastic for large families or shared living situations.

The phone also has 3 large picture keys. These allow for easy recognition and quick dialling of important numbers. That said, not everything about the SSE45W is perfect. Its main drawback is the absence of more picture keys, as three may not be enough for some users.

Another con is that the announce call transfer feature may not be useful for users who live alone. Nevertheless, this model is a great option worth considering.

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Panasonic KX-TGK220GB Designer Phone with Answering Machine

Best cordless phone with an answering machine

Panasonic KX-TGK220GB Designer Phone with Answering Machine
Image: Supplied/Finder

Pros

  • Hands-free mode feature
  • Large white display with illuminated keyboard

Cons

  • Requires 2 AAA batteries
  • Not the most ergonomic

The Panasonic KX-TGK220GB Designer Phone with Answering Machine boasts a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars on Amazon, also making it our pick for the best option with an answering machine.
Embracing an avant-garde style, its design is simple yet sophisticated, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of any space it occupies. Its white display and illuminated keyboard are perfect for optimal usability, ensuring that even in dim conditions, operation remains uncomplicated.

The hands-free mode on the handset also elevates the phone, allowing for multitasking during calls. Then, the Eco Plus mode ensures low radiation, aligning with health and environmental considerations. Moreover, the caller lock feature protects unwanted calls, ensuring peace and privacy.

However, some users may find the phone not the most ergonomic due to its minimalist design. Some may have concerns about the short battery life of the two included AAA batteries.

VTech IS8121-2

Best long-range cordless phone

VTech IS8121-2
Image: Supplied/Finder

Pros

  • Up to 2,300-feet range
  • Bluetooth connectivity

Cons

  • Not the most user-friendly
  • Poor battery life

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.

Its range extends up to a remarkable 2,300 feet, ensuring coverage and crystal-clear audio quality even in the farthest reaches of your property. This clear communication is made possible through a unique antenna design and advanced noise-filtering technology, which guarantees clarity in every conversation.

Another great feature is the Smart Call Blocker. This feature allows for the swift and permanent blocking of any number at the simple touch of a button, allowing users to manage unwanted calls easily. The device's call block directory can store up to 1,000 names.

However, its setup process can be slightly complex and challenging for users unfamiliar with tech devices. Additionally, there have been reports of poor battery life, so keep that in mind when considering this product.

Uniden Cordless Phone DECT1715

Best cheap cordless phone

Uniden Cordless Phone DECT1715
Image: Supplied/Finder

Pros

  • Up to 7 days on standbys
  • Large display with bright backlighting

Cons

  • Alphabetical search and dial function is cumbersome
  • Ringtone selection could be better

The Uniden Cordless Phone DECT1715 stands out as an affordable option without compromising features. That's why it's our pick for the best cheap cordless phone available online.

Designed and engineered in Japan, this cordless phone system incorporates DECT digital technology, ensuring clear, interference-free communication. Its orange backlit LCD provides excellent visibility, while the Maxi Sound option offers extra loud volume control for those who might appreciate a boost.

The phone has an integrated digital answering machine that can record up to 14 minutes of messages - a handy feature for busy households or small businesses. It also boasts a digital duplex speakerphone, advanced alpha display caller ID, and 70 phonebook memories, ensuring you never miss an important call.

Furthermore, its POP ID feature helps identify the caller by name. Functionality aside, the phone also offers a generous talk time of up to 10 hours and a standby time of up to 7 days.
However, it's worth noting that the phone could use a wider range of ring tones, and the alphabetical search and dial function could be more user-friendly.

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Methodology

12
Brands considered
78
Products compared
7
Best products chosen

Why you can trust our picks

All efforts have been made to find what we believe are the seven best cordless phones you can get right now in Australia. Our team evaluated models listed on Amazon from brands such as:

  • Amplicomms
  • AT&T
  • BT
  • Clarity
  • Gigaset
  • Motorola
  • Panasonic
  • Philips
  • Telstra
  • Uniden
  • VTech
  • Yealink

We narrowed down our choices based on customer ratings and reviews (as of January 2024). 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 $70 and under.

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.

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What types are available?

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.

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Ericka Pingol is a writer for Finder specialising in reviews. She has previously written articles about property investment, finances, and health. She’s a huge fan of Tina Fey, bubble teas and dogs. Ericka has a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of the East, Manila and is currently writing her thesis for a Master’s degree in Communication See full bio

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