Best Telephone Answering Devices
Manage desk phone calls up to 350 feet Wideband audio and noise-canceling microphone provide clearer conversations Three different wearing styles: over the ear, over the head, or behind the head One-touch call answer/end, mute, and volume adjust for simple call management Up to seven hours of battery life on one charge; adaptive power system helps conserve battery life. Charging Base with Adaptive Power System A sleek magnetic charging base is included with the CS540. An adaptive power system optimizes for range and talk time by automatically downshifting to low power when the headset is close to the base to save battery life. What's in the Box Headset, over-the-head headband, charging base, base power supply, fit kit instruction card with extra ear loops and ear tips, telephone interface cable, HL10 handset lifter, and quick start guide. LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN: Sleek design for the most comfortable and lightest DECT headset on the market and includes one touch controls to answer or end calls.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"The device is a bit on the high end price wise compared to some of the other companies' products I saw on Amazon but I've used Plantronics with good results for many, many years so decided to give this a try."
"We get very little incoming calls, but I need to be able to answer the phone away from my desk. The headset does not notify me when there is an incoming call until the second ring. I always like to answer on the first ring. A few other phones in the office ring when there is an incoming call, so I can usually still answer on the first ring. The dock then relays to the headset and the headset beeps to let you know the phone is ringing. I still put the headset on the dock while I'm at lunch and over night to make sure it is charged."
"I work in an underground warehouse environment and I was wanting a headset that would allow me to leave my desk, free up both of my hands and have the signal strength to reach long distances. PROS: I'm able to traverse the entire dock area outside of the office; the signal strength even allows me be outside to a certain degree. Until then, I was afraid the headset may fall off, but once I found the proper adjustment, I've never been worried again. I work 8-9 hr days and I've never had a problem with the headset losing charge."
"I use it with a Panasonic phone (Panasonic KX-TGF383M DECT 3-Handset Landline Telephone)."
"It was purchased for my boss."
"I was skeptic of the price of this one, yet the quality of sound is so good for being a wireless device, the range is retardedly good--and it's just so convenient for a fast paced work environment."
"I guess people have gotten use to using lousy products and thinking they are good, as evidenced by the high reviews that are so easily given."
Digital Answering System with Time/Day Stamp Reliable digital answering system with Message Guard memory. Highlights Digital Answering System. Message Guard Memory. Message Counter. Digital Answering System Features. 1740. AT&T Digital Answering System Brand Specifics. Feature 1 Digital Operation Feature 2 Time/Day Stamp Feature 3 Remote Access General. Number of Incoming Lines 1 Answering Device • Time and Date Stamp on Recorded Messages • Speakerphone. Caller ID. Base. Wall Mount. Keypad on Base. Call Waiting. Number of Mailboxes 1 Compatible with. Backlit Keypads. Intercom. Color White Speed Dial. What's in the Box 1 digital answering system, 1 power adapter, line cord, quick start guide, owner's manual. 60 minutes of digital recording time: Records up to 60 minutes of incoming messages, outgoing announcements and memos.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I simply need it to answer the phone and take a message. Another thing that I like is that when I have listened to a message it is kept on the machine until I tell it specifically to delete. What this means is that after I have listened to all of the messages and a new message comes in, the new message will be played back without all of the old messages playing also."
"It day and time stamps every message (i.e "Wednesday at 3:12 pm"); - but no date stamp is available, which is not a deal breaker for me; since I don't need date stamped messages anyway."
"There are 2 main differences from the earlier unit, both of which are biggies for me: *As another reviewer mentioned, this unit automatically turns up the volume to Level 2 when a message comes in. The old model was visible across a room; with the new model, I have to walk all the way up to it and look down into it to see if there are any messages. I hate voicemail, and I'm not fond of the answering machines which come built into phones; we find the answerer dies first, and then you have to replace the entire phone, including any extra handsets if you can't find that model anymore (which is usually the case.)."
"The button to hit to listen to messages doesn't look like a button at all, which is confusing. Grandma messed it up after less than a day (she hit a button to record a greeting, then walked away so the greeting was so long no one ever left a message again)."
Atamp;T 1740 Digital Answering Machine. Enter your model number to make sure this fits.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"This unit replaced my 15 year old At&T Answering Machine that was ruined by an electrical power surge. Advanced design allows this machine to save messages without needing batteries in the event of a power outage."
"CLEAR EASY TO SET WORKING VERY GOOD."
"It was a great price, it came quickly and I love it!!"
"This machine works well."
"seems to do what I want it to do,but still learning thanks."
"I like that it s announces the number that is calling and find the constantly repeating message waiting reminder beep highly annoying."
"Easy to set up."
Best Telephone Answering Devices
Manage desk phone calls up to 350 feet Wideband audio and noise-canceling microphone provide clearer conversations Three different wearing styles: over the ear, over the head, or behind the head One-touch call answer/end, mute, and volume adjust for simple call management Up to seven hours of battery life on one charge; adaptive power system helps conserve battery life. Charging Base with Adaptive Power System A sleek magnetic charging base is included with the CS540. An adaptive power system optimizes for range and talk time by automatically downshifting to low power when the headset is close to the base to save battery life. What's in the Box Headset, over-the-head headband, charging base, base power supply, fit kit instruction card with extra ear loops and ear tips, telephone interface cable, HL10 handset lifter, and quick start guide. LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN: Sleek design for the most comfortable and lightest DECT headset on the market and includes one touch controls to answer or end calls.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"We get very little incoming calls, but I need to be able to answer the phone away from my desk. The headset does not notify me when there is an incoming call until the second ring. I always like to answer on the first ring. A few other phones in the office ring when there is an incoming call, so I can usually still answer on the first ring. The dock then relays to the headset and the headset beeps to let you know the phone is ringing. I still put the headset on the dock while I'm at lunch and over night to make sure it is charged."
"I work in an underground warehouse environment and I was wanting a headset that would allow me to leave my desk, free up both of my hands and have the signal strength to reach long distances. PROS: I'm able to traverse the entire dock area outside of the office; the signal strength even allows me be outside to a certain degree. Until then, I was afraid the headset may fall off, but once I found the proper adjustment, I've never been worried again. I work 8-9 hr days and I've never had a problem with the headset losing charge."
"The headset is great."
"I use it with a Panasonic phone (Panasonic KX-TGF383M DECT 3-Handset Landline Telephone)."
"It was purchased for my boss."
"I was skeptic of the price of this one, yet the quality of sound is so good for being a wireless device, the range is retardedly good--and it's just so convenient for a fast paced work environment."
"I am very happy with these headsets and so are the rest of my front desk staff."
"I would make sure you don't actually need the Lifter before purchasing the Headset / Lifter deal."
Best Telephone Accessories
This helps provides a dramatic reduction in robocalls, scam calls, political calls, election calls and general nuisance calls as soon as the Call Blocker is connected. "0" Type Calls Blocking Function. This will reject all calls shown as multiple 0s or variations of fake numbers. Unknown Blocking Function: This will reject all calls shown as UNAVAILABLE / OUT OF AREA.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"With this puppy the phone doesn't "ring once" like it does with other blockers or the "block" from my phone/cable company (not VOIP - we use Cox). We were to the point we were going to get rid of our home phone due to the blind dial calls ("hello, this is Windows support"), the Out of Area calls and the Political "can I have three minutes of your time" and then you spend 30 minutes listening to someone read asinine questions about a bunch of clowns running for office."
"I really wanted to like the CPR V5000 based on good reviews and advertised functionality, but in the end I have concluded that while it is a quality product, it does not work well for the US phone system. Here’s why: When the device is connected in SERIES (using the recommended procedure shown for US setup) the call blocker itself works ok except it did NOT pass along the caller ID to my Uniden DECT cordless phone system. This may be true, but my 4 year-old Digitone call blocker had no problem passing through the caller-ID info (Digitone has its own power source, which may be a factor), so I concluded it is NOT the phone line voltage that is the problem."
"I was able to easily view all the blocked numbers simply by pressing an up arrow button marked “Block List” and then using the up or down arrow buttons as desired to scroll through the list of numbers. Once again, I appreciated the capability of being able to scroll through the call list of recent call numbers (press the down arrow marked “Call List”) and quickly select any junk number to block by pressing the red “Block” button while the desired junk number is displayed. I did not see any evidence of strange numbers being blocked so I don’t know if the blocker displays any information when (if) it blocks one of the 5000 pre-programmed junk numbers. However, I don’t think this capability is necessary for us because of being able to recall the caller’s phone number to the blocker’s display and then simply pressing the red “Block” button any time after the call has disconnected while the recalled number is displayed."
Best Telephone Audio Conferencing Products
Full duplex for natural simultaneous 2-way conversationRemarkable voice quality and clarity from up to 10' away Noise reduction technology provides maximum microphone sensitivity while reducing distracting room and background noise360-degree microphone coverage with intelligent mixing- so only the microphone closest to the speaker is on for crystal clear conferencingFamiliar and easy to use with redial mute transfer and hold functionsPhone Lines: 1 x Analog Phone Features: Conference call Caller ID Speed Dial - Up to 25 entries Phone Book - Up to 25 entriesLarge backlit display Password protected configuration settings for administratorsInterfaces/Ports: 2-pin RJ-11Buttons & Keys: 12 x Alphanumeric - Telephone Keypad Volume Control - Up/Down Mute Button On/Off Programmable Button Redial Hold Button 1-year warrantyColor: black12 1/4" W x 2 1/2" H x 14 1/2" D consoleIncludes 21' cord to console and 7' telco cable to RJ-11 telephone jack. Delivering remarkable voice quality equal to the SoundStation Premier and a 50% increase in microphone sensitivity over the award-winning SoundStation, users can speak in a normal voice and be heard clearly up to ten feet away -- making every call a more productive call. More productive calls Ð Polycom's patented Acoustic Clarity Technology allows simultaneous, natural, free-flowing conversation Hear and be heard clearly Ð Twice the loudness and microphone sensitivity of the original SoundStation -- eliminates ear strain and repetition Backlit display provides important information Ð Displays console phone number, number called, duration/progress of call and supports worldwide Caller ID Ability to increase coverage Ð Optional extension microphones expand coverage for larger conference rooms Easy to use and install Ð Connects into any analog phone jack and can be connected to a PBX with an analog extension. Polycom acoustic clarity full duplex 3 cardiod microphones 10 foot microphone pickup range Intelligent microphone mixing Dynamic Noise Reduction Volume (adjustable up to 94 dBA at 0.5 meters) User selectable ring tones 12-key telephone keypad Mute, volume up/down keys Mute, conference keys Graphical backlit LCD Configurable conference speed dial key 3 context sensitive soft-keys Multi-lingual user interface Caller ID 25 entry phone book RCA auxiliary audio jack Applications port EX microphone jacks. Caller ID, graphical backlit LCD, user selectable ring tones.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"This is the expandable model which means you can plug in two extra microphone pucks for reall long conference room tables."
"We use this product for business calls with 3 - 5 people on our side."
"They are expensive because they are good products."
"However, when using the product during a conference call meeting there were complaints of audio difficulties."
"Clear crisp sound, we love it!"
"We returned the first one which did not power up and now the replacement has died a few months later and was hardly used."
Best VoIP Telephone Products
Connect Ooma Telo to your high-speed Internet and regular home phone and get crystal-clear nationwide calling for free. Includes nationwide calling, voicemail, caller-ID, call - waiting, 911 calling and text alerts. Keep your current number for a one-time fee or choose a new number in any available area code for free.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I switched to Comcast for $33 a month for VOIP service through their HFC network as part of a Triple Play. Since this was no longer a must have, I looked for something that was low cost but would still provide traditional land line service for the FAX, business calls, etc. Vonage was pushing a lot of ads at the time, but to me the cost was still too high at $13 a month. I found that the service offering compared well to Comcast, and when the unit went on sale, I decided to give it a try. Although Ooma considers this the optimal configuration, I did not like the set-up and used the sub-optimal set -up of connecting it to my routers Ethernet port as a stand-alone device. Since cost was my driver, I decided to remain on the normal service with a number I chose from a short list of options. Start-up: This was a little frustrating and the unit took some time to link with the service and download the updated firmware. My children play online games and we stream a lot of movies from various services. In two years, we have never seen a loss in quality of the call and the sound and reception is as good as Verizon or Comcast, maybe even better. In fact, I am on a conference call on the Ooma for work as I am writing this on the web and my teenager is playing an online game on the PS4. 911: Ooma provides for 911 service to your local police, fire, and medical based on the address you say the box is at. Two Year Experience: As of April 2014, the box has performed well and I have had no quality issues or failures. I will update the post if it fails in the future, but my expectation is that I will get several more years of service from the Teleo. Four Year Experience: As of April 2016, we continue to use the Ooma box with no quality issues or failures. Many are worried about the VOIP, but once I explain to them it is the same they are getting from the Cable Companies or Verizon Fios, some of the concern drops away."
"Here's why: 1. Came in secure packaging with easy to follow instructions. The lighted design on the top lets you know at a glance if your service is connected by shining an electric blue color. I've tried several other VoIP's including Vonage (which is good, but costs $10-$25/month while Ooma is ONLY $3/month), and a few other apps on my iPad mini that let me make/receive calls in my iPad when I'm connected to the Internet (Talkatone, Google Voice, Voxofon, and WeTalk)."
"I am opting for basic ooma service, so I had to pay $40 to port my landline number from Comcast, but it was worth it to me versus keeping the free number I selected through the ooma website. Some considerations: -If you want transfer your phone number, don't disconnect your phone service with the current provider until after the transfer occurs. Cost comparison: +$10.00 for cell phone upgrade to security system. +$ 3.85 for monthly ooma taxes and fees. -$ 7.00, no more monthly comcast modem rental charges. -$ 32.00, no more Comcast phone service. Net savings is about $25 per month; I spent $160 on the ooma and $150 on Netgear modem plus $40 on the port ($350), so I will break even in about 14 months. Update- as soon as the phone number ported to Ooma, Comcast automatically raised my monthly subscription rate to internet and cable to $200, so I had to call them and go through the process of getting the monthly rate down. BTW, it took me 6 months to get the $90 Comcast owed me back from them- after three calls and hours on the phone, plus a FAX to their "Consumer Service VP" or whatever their title is, I finally got the check."
Best Landline Phones
Caller ID/call waiting 50 name and number caller ID history Handset displays the name, number, time and date of incoming calls. Features Quiet mode DECT 6.0 digital technology 50 name and number phonebook directory 9 number speed dial Voicemail waiting indicator2 Quick access key for voicemail box Last 10 number redial English/Spanish/French setup menu Wall-mount bracket included Mute Any key answer. Increase participation by allowing both ends to speak—and be heard—at the same time for conversations that are more true to life. By allowing you to add up to 5 handsets using just one jack, the EL51203 is ideal for your busy home or small office (model EL50003 accessory handsets sold separately).
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"In my tests, I found that neither model's battery life was as good as my Panasonic cordless phone, especially if the base unit lacks power or is unplugged. If the base unit doesn't have power you cannot make calls even if your phone line is working. You cannot get a battery backup for the base unit. If you need to be able to listen to your messages in a noisy room, model EL52100 would be a better choice because the base unit has more power."
"I entered the names and numbers of our family/friends into one of the hand sets, and lo and behold, without any further effort on my part, all the other handsets were identically programmed."
"I recently ordered these phones for my elderly Mom as her hearing and sight are not what it used to be."
"The phone uses a battery pack made from 2 NiMH AAA cells rated at 400mAh. But, it may not be for you if you tend to have long phone conversations, unless you replace the battery pack with a higher capacity one. There are higher capacity battery packs available for this phone, just search the model number and add the word battery. EDIT: I did make my own battery pack using two 1000mAh AAA NiMH batteries and the connector from the stock battery. I recently did a 2-hour phone training session using the phone and the battery wasn't even half drained."
"These phones are well made, the sound quality is good, and many nice features."
Best PBX Phones & Systems
Avaya 18D Digital Phone. Provides feature buttons for 16 outside line, or programmable features such as Do Not Disturb and Auto Dial numbers.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"had one of these for 15 years."
"Great telephone that works with our phone system."
"Great phones."
"Was for a customer, just what they wanted."
"Unfortunately in our business, these phones are treated harshly, for what they cost, the value they is very good."
"Will probably buy some more at later date."
"Received 4 Partner 18D sets that work fine, an 1 Partner Endeavor set that does not work at all- no lights, display nor dial tone."
Best Pagers
The TL-5102TP Two Pendant Paging System comes with two nurse Call Buttons and one Caregiver Pager. The TL-5102TP Two Pendant Paging System comes with two nurse Call Buttons and one Caregiver Pager. Allows both caregiver and resident freedom while still calling for help at the touch of a button.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"We stuck one of the buttons to the back of the bed control. There are two sound settings - a "ding dong," like a door bell, and an "alarm," which sounds like a siren. It was nice to have the second button to replace it until we found it."
"She has one of those life line buttons but this was an additional level of security for her."
"After doing some tests I found that if I had the receiver on my belt but IT was not facing the house, it would not always pick up the signal. The bell on the receiver is quite loud, so instead I would place it in a good clear location and I could hear it in a wide ranging area."
"Got this for mom when she needs a little extra help."
"This was purchased to help provide assistance to a family member when needed."
"He will say he has called for my mother 8-9 times and she is sitting around the corner from him and says he never called her name so I ordered this and placed one around his neck and gave her the pager for her pocket and it has been a life saver."
"The wireless sound is loud and clear as I have the wireless alarm setup near a monitoring camera that captures sound."
"One suggestion to help the blind: make the green spot button feel distinctly different from the back side of the button."