The 10 Best Cordless Phones for Seniors of 2020 Reviewed
With so much focus on cellphones these days, it can be hard to search for a nice, cordless phone for your home.
While cellphones have plenty of options for those looking to search the web or text with friends, for those looking for a nice, reliable home phone that allows them to make calls without the added costs of a cellular plan, finding the right home phone can seem impossible.
While the internet is a wealth of knowledge, trying to find information on phones can feel like drinking from a water hose. On top of this, it can be hard to figure out if the cordless phone you see online will actually work for you in the long run.
For many seniors, phones are a wonderful way to stay connected with friends and family members, as well as to help them stay in communication with emergency services. The largest problem with many popular home phones is that they do not take certain accessibility concerns into consideration, such as button visibility, text size, volume control, and more. That’s where we come in.
We’ve gone ahead and done the research, pulling together some of the best cordless phones for seniors from across the internet, allowing you to find the right option for you. But what are some of the things you should consider before investing in a new cordless phone? And how can you shop for the right phone for the seniors in your life?
Need to find our favorite phone in a hurry? Check out the Panasonic DECT 6.0 Expandable Cordless Phone. It has a great array of features and would be perfect for anyone looking for an easy to use cordless telephone.
The first thing to keep in mind when looking for a cordless phone is the ease of use. While small buttons and a smaller handset may seem appealing, for those dealing with mobility concerns like advanced arthritis or essential tremors, a small handset may lead to frustration and misdialed calls. Visibility is another concern when looking for a good cordless phone for seniors. Backlit buttons can make a world of difference when it comes time to make a call, and having both written and even braille numbers can make calling friends and family a breeze. While we’re on the topic of general accessibility, a good cordless phone for seniors will have audio options to help make things easier on those with hearing impairments, including volume controls or even TTY-compatibility.
Another thing to consider is the ease of use of the device itself. In many cases, technology is, in all honesty, overly complicated to use. While it’s fun to have a phone with hundreds of features, in many cases it’s best to stick to the basics when choosing a senior-friendly phone. Now, that doesn’t mean that these kinds of phones are strictly off the table, but prioritize phones that have speed dial settings, a good message system, and things like “find my phone” beepers, to make it easier for anyone with memory gaps to find a lost handset.
In many cases, finding the right phone for seniors comes down to paying attention to your or your loved one’s needs, and picking the right phone for your unique situation. With countless accessibility-friendly phones available on the market, it’s easier than ever to stay in contact with your loved ones, so what are you waiting for? It’s time to get connected with the right phone for you.
Best Cordless Phones for Seniors
We’ve gone ahead and rounded up the best cordless phones for seniors, so you don’t have to scour the internet just to find out the phone you like won’t work well for you. We’ve done the research and analyzed the following phones using customer reviews, as well as our metrics for ease of use, convenience, hearing assistance, and button size, so you can rest easy knowing you’re getting the best phone for you needs. So from those criteria, here are our picks for the best cordless phones for seniors:
1. Panasonic DECT 6.0 Expandable Cordless Phone with Answering Machine and Smart Call Block
An ultra-convenient cordless phone designed to simplify the process of calling from either of its two handsets, this DECT powered phone aims to make using the phone as convenient for seniors as possible. Quality is a clear point of investment in the DECT 6.0 cordless phone, as well. It feels sturdy and reliable in your hand, and the high quality of sound from both headsets make sure that you’re not going to be left straining to hear from the receiver.
Some of the best features of this phone include its ability to block unwanted callers with a visible dedicated Call Block button. You can make sure that only those you want to hear from can get through with ease. The Caller ID function ensures that you only pick up to those you want to pick up from, as well, able to speak out in both English and Spanish from both handsets and the base unit. If you prefer, you can also set a range of individual ringtones to each caller ID, so you can recognize and block or answer them by song.
Rather than having to constantly phone to check for voicemails, you can quickly see how many messages have been left on the phone thanks to the quick-read message counter there on the phone’s display. Overall, a highly convenient set that can easily be expanded with more handsets throughout the house, all connected to one central base unit if you like.
- One Touch Telephone Call Block: Register up to 150 numbers with one touch call block on the cordless phone base unit & cordless handsets; Compatible with hearing aid T coil (TIA 1083 compliant). Number of Phone Lines: 1
- BI Lingual Caller ID: Talking caller ID audibly announces caller information in either English or Spanish from the telephone’s base unit and cordless handsets when you can't view the screen
- Quick Read Message Counter: Instantly know how many phone messages you have received with a large, easy to read message counter on the phone system's elegant cordless base unit
- High Contrasts Displays & Keypads: Large 1.6 inch backlit LCD cordless handset screens clearly show call functions in any light; Soft touch amber backlit keypads Enhance readability; Talk time up to 10 hours; Standby time up to 5 days (120 hours); Charge time about 7 hours
- Telephone Ringer IDs: Assigned pre-programmed ringtones will sound on the phone’s base unit and cordless handsets when corresponding caller ID numbers are received from incoming telephone calls
2. AT&T DECT 6.0 Expandable Cordless Phone with Answering System
While some might prefer a cordless phone that has a wide range of features, for others, simplicity might be the best way forward. Many seniors don’t want to spend all day fiddling with their phones and, for those people, an AT&T DECT might be the best solution. While a little light of features, the simplicity and quality of design make this one of the best DECT offerings on the market. You can easily expand the initial offering with additional handsets to be placed throughout the house, as well, so you can answer no matter where you happen to be.
For one, the AT&T DECT 6.0 offers some of the very best sound quality on the market. Both live conversations and recorded messages sound super clear and legible, with no background buzzing, crackling, and static in most environments thanks to HD Audio with Equalizer features that can be customized to fit the user’s listening profile.
While not packed to the gills with features, the AT&T DECT does have some useful additional functions. The digital answering system can take messages easily, with the display alerting you when you have new messages in the inbox. The Caller ID can record 50 names and numbers, and a number blocker can ensure you don’t have to hear from telemarketers, robo-callers, or any other pesky undesired numbers for a second longer than you want.
- LONG RANGE & ANSWERING SYSTEM Experience the best in long-range coverage and clarity, provided by a unique antenna design and advances in noise-filtering technology. This reliable cordless system includes a digital answering machine that can record up to 22 minutes of incoming messages, outgoing announcements and memos, and a voice-guide for easier set up.
- SMART CALL BLOCKER & CALLER ID ANNOUNCE Say goodbye to unwanted calls. Robocalls on your landline are automatically blocked from ever ringing through - even the first time. You can also permanently blacklist any number you want with one touch on the delicated key on the handset. The call block directory can store up to 1,000 name and number entries. Plus, the handset announces the name of the caller, so you can decide on answer the call or block it - screening call is never easier.
- LARGE 2-INCH SCREEN, BIG TEXT, LIGHTED KEY PAD High-contrast text on the extra-large 2 inch screen makes it easy to read incoming caller ID or call history records. Plus, the enlarged font and extra-large and lighted handset keypad allows for easy dialing in low-light conditions. This feature is especially helpful for those who are visually impaired.
- HANDSET SPEAKERPHONE & INTERCOM This cordless system has built-in a simulated full-duplex speakerphone on handset allowing both ends to speak - and be heard - at the same time for conversations that are more true to life. Also designed with useful features like handset intercom to help your daily communications enjoyable.
- EXPANDABLE TO 12 HANDSET Easily add accessory handsets (use CL80107 or CL80067 models) up to 12 total, with just one phone jack.
3. VTech CS6114 DECT 6.0 Cordless Phone with Caller ID/Call Waiting
One of the most popular cordless phones on the market right now. Like many of the other highly lauded cordless phones, this one is supported by the DECT 6.0 technology, that allows voice to be carried over multiple channels, offering an HD quality to the phone while also doubling as a wiretap-blocking security feature. Like many DECT models, this product can be expanded with additional handsets placed throughout the home.
One of the central features of the VTech DECT powered cordless phone is the phonebook directory, which allows you to store up to 30 names and numbers digitally. These names are then displayed by the Called ID and Call Waiting functions, so you only have to answer to those you can identify and trust. The large backlit display and keypad make it easy to read what’s happening at any time and to make sure you don’t accidentally respond in the wrong way to any calls coming through. Meanwhile, the answering machine makes sure that any messages you receive are stored and clearly displayed on the phone’s screen panel.
Convenience and easy access are clear driving points of the VTech CS6114. As such, it can be kept on a desk, or mounted on a wall with ease. The speed dial function makes things more convenient still, allowing the user to press a button to dial a number without having to input it fully.
- Caller ID/Call waiting—stores 30 calls: know who's calling with Caller ID/Call Waiting. Handset displays the name, number, time and date of incoming calls.
- Backlit keypad and display: the keypad and LCD screen illuminate so you can easily make and view calls, even in dim light.
- Interference Free Interference free for crystal-clear conversations—won’t interfere with wireless networks and other devices.
- 30 name and number phonebook Directory
- English/Spanish/French setup menu
4. Panasonic Bluetooth Cordless Phone KX-TG7875S Link2Cell
If you’re like the many users who find that traditional household phones have such a bad clarity of audio that it can be difficult to hear what’s being said on the other end of the line, then this phone can help make things a lot clear and a lot sharper. This Panasonic Link2Cell cordless phone uses not only the DECT technology to offer HD audio, but also improved noise reduction features that mean that background noises like static are cut out of the conversation.
For those who are a little more tech-savvy, the Bluetooth feature of this phone means that you can connect it to your smartphone, tablet, laptop, and a range of digital devices. While the phone itself comes with up to 5 handsets, you may not even need these if you connect it your smartphone or laptop. With the right headset or handset, you can answer calls from anywhere in the home, so long as your device of choice is connected via Bluetooth to the cordless phone system. The Bluetooth even allows you to get notifications of texts, caller IDs, and messages left on the cordless phone from your digital devices, as well.
Like many cordless cells, this one runs on a battery that has to be charged when depleted. However, the Link2Cell features that allow you to use a smartphone instead of one of the handsets that come with the phone can help you save battery life, as can the eco-mode that can be enabled very easily.
- Ideal for Home or Small Business Use: Single line phone with five cordless handsets can link up to two smartphones via bluetooth to make and receive cell calls anywhere in the house, no landline required
- Answering Machine with Message Forwarding: Digital answering machine feature allows you to get voice messages from the base unit at home or from your registered cell on the road
- USB Charge and Power Back up Feature: Panasonic's cordless Home phone system keeps your Smartphone charged with convenient USB input and stay connected even when the power goes out
- Talking Caller ID: With Panasonic home phone system, you can hear who’s calling from across the room; Talking caller ID feature uses text to speech technology, announcing the caller’s information in between rings
- Noise Reduction Technology: Panasonic Link2Cell's Enhanced noise reduction not only suppresses background noise but also enhances your voice at the same time; Charge Time: About 7 Hours; Frequency:1.9 GHz
5. VTech CS6719-2 2-Handset Expandable Cordless Phone
Some seniors may not be comfortable going with a design that is too “digitized” and might instead prefer a phone that has a familiar analog feel. To those people, the clear keypad, sturdy design, and simplified screen of this VTech phone might be precisely what they are after. An interference-free phone, it allows for high-quality audio without background noise, while also keeping calls safer thanks to anti-tapping technology.
For households with multiple people who might want to jump in on a conversation, you can make use of two handsets and an accessory handset at the same time thanks to the duplex speakerphone option. By picking up another phone, another person in the house can get in on the conversation with approval. However, you can keep anyone out of your conversations if you want, thanks to the caller ID and call-waiting function. Users can easily see who is calling and decide whether to allow or block the call based on the name and number that appear.
If you don’t want to hear from anyone at all, such as when you want to sleep or otherwise have a distraction-free day, then the Quiet mode can make sure there are no interruptions, and take messages for you to pick up after. While it doesn’t have the best battery life, normally, the Eco mode can help improve that to some degree, too.
- Full Duplex Handset Speakerphone- Enjoy a speakerphone that can keep up with your calls. Increase participation by allowing both ends to speak—and be heard—at the same time for conversations that are more true to life.
- Caller ID/Call Waiting- Know who’s calling with Caller ID/Call Waiting. Handset displays the name, number, time and date of incoming calls.
- Backlit Keypad and Display- The entire keypad illuminates along with the LCD screen, allowing for easier viewing in dim light.
6. AT&T EL52313 3-Handset Expandable Cordless Phone with Answering System
Worried about calling the wrong number or seeing the wrong thing on the display, leading to confusing calls? The extra-large backlit keys and lit display of this 3-handset phone can make that an issue of the past by making things as visible and easy-to-control as possible. Even in low light conditions, you can easily dial the number you need or see who is calling. Perfect for those who don’t want to have to turn on the bedside light to know whether or not they should be answering a call.
Another highly convenient feature, and one that isn’t included in as many cordless phones for seniors as you would thin, is the speaker function. This means that you can answer a call and take it without holding the phone in your hand, great for those who have trouble hearing video calls or for those who multitask when they’re on the phone. The improved audio of the DECT technology powering this cordless phone can make phones a lot clearer in general, as well.
If you want to be able to answer from any part of the home, then the 3-handsets that come with this phone as standard can make that a lot easier. You can even expand the setup with additional phones, making sure that you can answer no matter where you happen to be in the home at the time.
- Enjoy a speakerphone that can keep up with your calls. Increase participation by allowing both ends to speak—and be heard—at the same time for conversations that are more true to life.
- Easy-to-read LCD on the cordless handset. High-contrast black text on a white background provides for an easy-to-read screen to view incoming Caller ID or review call history. The lighted keypad also allows for easy dialing in low-light conditions.
- Enlarged font and extra-large, backlit keys make the keypad easy to use. This feature is especially helpful for those who are visually impaired.
- Handset displays the name, number, time and date of incoming calls.
7. Panasonic DECT 6.0 Expandable Cordless Phone System
Another expandable headset that can be set up with multiple handsets in each room, so you can easily answer and make calls from any part of the home. Like the other DECT phones reviewed here, not only does this phone benefit from improved audio quality that makes your calls a lot clearer, but it’s also safer thanks to being protected against wiretaps.
Operating and interacting with the handsets is also made a lot easier by the lighted display and large buttons. While the menu can be a little clunky and at first, in use of some simplification, perhaps, it soon becomes easy to navigate once you get used to it. If you want to configure settings such as ringtones, times, dates, and caller ID functions, then you only have to configure them on one handset, as well. The settings you save on one phone carry over to the rest of them once saved.
It has many of the same features as others, such as caller ID and call block. However, this Panasonic set has a few features that make it extra-convenient for a busy household. One such feature is the voice paging function that lets you quickly message people across the house from one handset to another. If your household is often subject to high noise levels, then the Noise Reduction makes it a lot easier for you to be heard without having to worry about background sound, as well.
- BI Lingual Caller ID: Talking caller ID audibly announces caller information in either English or Spanish from the telephone’s base unit and cordless handsets when you can't view the screen
- One Touch Telephone Call Block: Register up to 250 numbers with one touch call block on the cordless phone base unit & cordless handsets; Compatible with hearing Aid T Coil (TIA 1083 compliant)
- Panasonic Voice Paging: More than a traditional intercom, voice paging sends clear simultaneous announcements to all cordless handsets at once; Talk Time: 12 hours max
- Enhanced cordless phone sound quality noise reduction automatically suppresses background interference while enhancing voice tones for clearer conversation on the base unit & cordless handsets
- Secure Long Range phone Signal Dect 6.0 wireless technology offers a long range cordless phone and is ideal for homes and apartments with thick walls
8. Panasonic Expandable Cordless Phone System with Amber Backlit Display
Another cordless phone set that is designed to be minimalist, easy to see, and easy to use. The amber backlit design makes sure that the display is super easy to see, that names can be read at a glance, and that you can even see in nighttime environments. The warm glow of the screen makes it legible, but without making it so bright as to cause discomfort to the person trying to interact with the phone.
This phone carries all of the extra features that can make it every bit as convenient as a modern smartphone. Caller ID lets you quickly see who’s trying to get in touch before you pick up, and when you have a caller saved, you can use the speed dialing feature to reach them with ease. You don’t have to remember which number you have saved to which key, either, as the display will allow you to browse through speed dialing options with ease. Unlike other cordless phones, there’s no need to buy an additional answering machine as that feature is built in.
Unlike many handsets in a similar price range, this phone has noise reduction settings built-in as standard. If you have had a bad experience of having a hard time being understood on the phone when trying to call others, this phone can eliminate any crackling and static, allowing for a much more convenient call experience.
- Easy To Read cordless phone Display: See who's calling at a glance on our wide, 1.6 inch Amber Backlit LCD screen on the phone’s base unit and cordless handset
- Call Block Eliminate unwanted calls with Call Block capability; Register up to 30 numbers by entering caller ID info into the phone's call block memory
- Intelligent Eco Mode: Power conserving technology manages consumption for optimal phone battery performance
- Silent Mode cordless Handsets: Silent mode allows you to select a period of time during which the cordless handset and/or telephone base unit will not ring for outside calls
- Caller ID: This cordless phone system is Caller ID compatible; To use Caller ID features, you must subscribe to a Caller ID service; Contact your phone service provider for Details; Frequency: 1.9 GHz. Base unit standby power consumption: 0.6 W
9. AT&T EL51203 DECT 6.0 Phone with Caller ID/Call Waiting
Another phone that’s designed to be as easy to use as possible. Seniors are kept in mind with this phone that makes use of an extra-large display so that people can easily see called IDs as well as what settings they’re interacting with. The high-contrast backlighting makes it easy to see both the LCD screen and buttons without confusing either, while the big buttons make it a lot easier to interact with the phone without having to worry about a mistaken input.
Aside from having enhanced sound quality thanks to the DECT technology that improves clarity and focus on the sound, it also has a range of volume options that can help improve the calling experience for people of different levels of hearing. As such, if you have had trouble with phones in the past because you found them too loud, this set will allow you to turn the call volume down to a level that is comfortable for you without issues like delays, calls dropping out temporarily, or background noise on your end.
This phone is also a full-duplex simulated speakerphone meaning that both of the handsets that come as standard are equipped with speakerphones that can be used at the same time. As such, you have multiple people in the household taking part in the same call by using different handsets, with speakerphone enabled if it needs to be.
- DECT 6.0 powered Long Range & Clear Sound- This cordless telephone transmits secure signals via DECT 6.0 channel ensures crystal clear sounds, interference-free, and stable operation range up to 1000 ft outdoor.
- Speak & Hear simultaneously with Full-Duplex Speakerphone- The built-in full-duplex speakerphones in handset allows both ends to speak - and be heard - at the same time.
- ECO mode with rechargeable battery- ECO mode manages power consumption so the system uses less energy and you get the best battery life.
- Backlit Screen & Lighted Keypad- High-contrast text on the white backlit screen makes it easy to read incoming caller ID or call history records. Plus, the lighted handset keypad allows for easy dialing in low-light conditions.
- Caller ID / Call Waiting- Know who's calling with caller ID/call waiting. Handset displays the name, number, time and date of incoming calls.(Caller ID subscription Required). Stores up to 50 call records
10. VTech CS6529-4 DECT 6.0 Phone Answering System with Caller ID/Call Waiting
Make sure that you can take or make phone calls from anywhere in the home with four handsets, each of them connected to the same phone system. If you’re in the home and you want to take a call, then you don’t have to miss it ever again by placing these handsets in various places throughout the home. However, if you don’t want to take the call, there’s no need to worry. The caller ID and call waiting functions help you see who is calling ahead of time so you can answer, ignore, or block to your heart’s content. What’s more, the inbuilt answering system will make sure you can take messages even when you’re not available. There’s no need to buy a separate answering machine.
If you’ve had bad quality conversations on your past handsets, then you don’t need to worry. The interference-free mode can make sure that your conversations are crystal clear and don’t suffer the ear-aching feedback issues that can come with a home full of electronic devices and wireless networks. The handset speakerphone can help you make things a lot louder if you want to go hands-free or have trouble hearing with the receiver directly at your ear.
A great feature for seniors is the fact that the screen on each phone is almost double that of the average handset, as are the buttons. They’re also backlit so you can more easily see what you’re doing with the phone.
- Know who's calling with caller ID/call waiting. Handset displays the name, number, time and date of incoming calls..Expandable up to 5 handsets with only one phone jack — accessory handsets (sold separately). Additional handsets can be placed anywhere in your home or office near an outlet, no phone jack necessary. Convenient, flexible and easy to use. DECT 6.0 digital technology - Utilizing the latest-available frequency band, this interference-free technology provides superior voice and sound quality and higher protection against eavesdropping than 2.4GHz and 5.8GHz phone systems. Quiet mode - Silence the ringer on the handset and base unit immediately, or for an extended period of time.
- With the touch of a button, the handset speakerphones makes hands-free conversations easy.
- The entire keypad illuminates along with the LCD screen, allowing for easier viewing in dim light.
- Power-conserving technology manages consumption for optimal battery performance..Silence the ringer on the handset and base unit immediately, or for an extended period of time.
- Hearing Aid Compatible.Use of caller ID feature requires a subscription from your telephone service provider
Installing A Cordless Phone
If you are worried about setting up a cordless phone after you buy one, don’t be. Today’s crop of phones are easy to setup and use. But just in case you need a refresher course, here is a good YouTube video walking you through the process: