Top Rated Cordless Phones 2012
A Short Cut to Cordless Phone Comparison

The top rated cordless phones fall into several categories. Consumers have different requirements and the manufacturers have responded with varying degrees of success. While Panasonic scores the best cordless phone ratings in many categories there are several niches in which Vtech, Plantronics and Uniden phones are the ones to beat.

Category	Brand & Model
High-end cordless home phones	Panasonic KX-TG6600 series
Corded cordless phones	Panasonic KX-TG1062M
Cordless wall phones	Panasonic KX-TG6600 series
Long range cordless phones	Panasonic KX-TG4000 series
Bluetooth cordless phones	Panasonic KX-TG7645M
Waterproof phones	Uniden WX12077
Cheap cordless phones	Vtech CS6219-2 & CS6229-2
Two line cordless phones	Panasonic KX-TG9392T
4 Line cordless phones	ATT SB67118
Cordless Headset Phones	Plantronics CT14

Top Rated Cordless Home Phones

The top selling phone from amongst the latest models is the Panasonic KX-TG7645M.

Panasonic cordless phones have no serious competition at the premium end of the cordless home phone market. The latest KX-TG7600, KX-TG6600 and KX-TG4000 models employ an enhanced version of DECT 6.0 technology that delivers excellent voice clarity and impressive cordless phone range. They also have the Panasonic proprietary features that distinguish them from all other cordless phones: talking caller ID, call blocking, silent mode, shared phone books, visual voice mail, eco-mode ...

Corded Cordless Phones

If the ability to make a phone call during a power outage is a critical consideration the top rated cordless phone is the KX-TG1062M. It's one of Panasonic's top sellers and scores impressive cordless telephone reviews.

Cordless Wall Phones

Until recently it was impossible to find a genuine wall mount cordless phone. Despite enormous demand the niche was ignored by manufacturers. In response Panasonic came up with a smart wall mount on it's KX-TG6600 range. It features a low profile mount that can be reversed. The base can either sit on a desk, counter ... or attach to a wall. It's the neatest solution we have seen and is a key reason for the popularity of the KX-TG6545B and related models.

Best Long Range Cordless Phone

In the past 900 MHz phones were the top rated cordless phones. Unfortunately they have issues including interference and poor security. While regular DECT 6.0 phones are usually adequate, they are challenged by large multi-level homes and steel-concrete constructions. The symptoms include dead spots where cordless phone reception is poor to non-existent.

The latest Panasonic cordless phones address these issues in two ways. DECT 6.0 Plus includes technology that increases cordless phone range. Secondly users can add one or more Panasonic cordless phone extenders to any of the latest TG7500, KX-TG6500 and KX-TG4000 models. The KX-TG4053B comes with an included a range extender.

Bluetooth Cordless Phones

While Vtech's Bluetooth phones are excellent value for money they don't compare with those from Panasonic. The main reason is that Panasonic's DECT 6.0 Plus technology is years ahead of Vtech's generic DECT 6.0 phones. Panasonic has significantly enhanced its DECT 6.0 technology with proprietary features such as: power backup, extended range, talking caller ID, silent mode ...

In addition to adding more features and functionality to its phones, Panasonic has also reduced its prices, especially on systems with four and more handsets. For example if you can usefully employ five handsets the Panasonic KX-TG7645M Link-to-Cell phone is a bargain.

Waterproof Cordless Phones

Uniden has no competition in the rugged or waterproof cordless phone segment. Not only can they survive total immersion in a backyard pool, but also the rough and tumble existence of shed or workshop phone. The Uniden WXI3077 is the top rated model that outsells the rest.

Cheap Cordless Phones

Vtech makes the best cheap bare bones cordless phones. They are sought out by consumers requiring a reliable but basic phone with few bells and whistles (not even a cordless headset jack). The only difference between the CS6219-2 and CS6229-2 is that the former doesn't have an answering machine. They are excellent trouble free phones and are ideal for consumers who see no point in paying for features that will not be used.

2 Line Cordless Phones

The Uniden DECT4000 series consists of three models that logically address the requirements of most users: cordless, corded cordless and even a model designed for users of Internet phone services who don't require an answering machine. It's a niche that Uniden phones have dominated for years and these latest models continue the tradition.

Does Uniden have the two line cordless phone to itself? No it's an intensely competitive niche and as always the one to beat is Panasonic.

4 Line Cordless Phones

It appears that Panasonic may have decided to leave the 4 line phone segment to others. The Panasonic KX-TG4500B is a reliable work horse, but it's well and truly over the hill and there is no indication that a successor is on the way.

In the meantime the ATT SB67118 has filled the void to become the top rated cordless phone in this niche. It has a few more features than the KX-TG4500B, but the main differences are (1) it's DECT 6.0 phone (2) Optional range extenders that significantly increase coverage.

Cordless Headset Phones

When a cordless phone headset doesn't cut the mustard the answer is a Plantronics cordless headset telephone. The Plantronics CT14 and Calisto Pro are the top rated cordless phones for multi-taskers who demand a hands free phone that can be attached to a belt or shirt pocket.

Summary

The top rated cordless phones have many features in common. When comparing the options we use a best cordless phone check list. It includes the features that we consider essential or at least highly desireable.