Cordless phones: How to buy the best Dect cordless phone Cordless phones explained

Digital technology makes digital cordless phones superior to analogue cordless phones, with clearer sound, less radio interference, longer range and a variety of additional features. Digital cordless phones are sometimes referred to as Dect (digital enhanced cordless telecommunications) phones.

Performance is paramount. Dect sound quality on calls is generally good, but Which? also tests how well the speakerphone performs and how clear messages left on the answering machine sound. 

There can be big differences, especially with the speakerphone, which can often be intermittent as it struggles to keep up with conversation.

If you live in a large house or have thick walls, range is crucial. If your phone performs poorly, you’ll struggle when you move further away from the base station.

Our expert lab testing of range is an important part of Which? cordless phone reviews.

An important question is whether you want your cordless phone to have a built-in answering machine. Most phones now come with one, but it does add to the price.

You should also look for a cordless phone that’s easy to use. With basic models that’s usually not a problem, but many phones and their integrated answering machines now include advanced functions and are becoming increasingly complicated. Which? cordless phone reviews give each handset a score for ease of use.

Also decide how many handsets you want, as cordless phones are available to buy in multi-packs, often called single, twin, triple and quad packs. Having more than one handset is handy, especially if you live in a big house as you can leave them in different rooms.

Cordless phones can also have a bewildering list of basic and more advanced features, which are explained later in this guide.