Cordless Phone Ratings


Choosing a cordless phone gets confusing with all the talk of gigahertz, digital, analog and DETC. To help sort out the confusion, here are the top cordless phone ratings. The winners are AT&T’s EL51209, VTech’s LS6215-2, and Uniden’s DECT 2060-2.

All of these phones are “DECT 6.0”. This is the latest in technology in the US although it’s been available oversees for at least a decade.

What’s appealing about DECT 6.0 is that it provides an extended range for cordless units. It also alleviates a common complaint that previous cordless phone technology introduced:  frequency interference. The ‘older phones’ had a habit of creating havoc with wi-fi networks. DECT 6.0 operates on a totally different frequency so those types of problems are a thing of the past.

Eavesdropping was also a big concern with cordless phones. DECT 6.0 makes listening in on your conversation very difficult.

These newer phones also have improved battery life.  Newer models are capable of 15-21 hours of talk time which is good news for us talkers!

So if you’re looking to buy a new phone, these cordless phone ratings will help you decide which model is right for you. They’ve all bee thoroughly tested and are listed by there rankings, the first being the best-rated.

AT&T EL51209

This cordless phone rating is #1. It’s 1.9 GHz DECT 6.0 technology and can accommodate multiple cordless handsets. (It’s packaged 2 )

The EL51209 was rated “very good” for voice quality (talking and listening). It’s easy to use and provides plenty of conversation power with 17-hours of talk time in addition to being Energy Star compliant

The handsets can be conferenced with an ‘outside’ call. This phone has many options to include:

  • any-key answer
  • lighted keypad
  • voice-mail indicator
  • multilingual menus
  • auto talk
  • conferencing capable

Unfortunately for those who prefer a headset while talking, this unit does not have a headset jack. But overall, it’s a great little phone and tops the ratings chart.

VTech LS6215-2

Our second-rated phone is the LS6215-2 by VTech. This phone has the same technology as the AT&T model: 1.9 GHz DECT 6.0.

It can handle up to 12 cordless handsets if needed and comes with 2. If extra handsets are needed, they cost around $25 apiece and come with a charging cradle.

DECT 6.0 technology is once again stealing the show for it’s interference resistance qualities which is almost a necessity if you have a wireless network.

This phone sounds very good when talking and also when listening. It’s easy to use and will give you a good 13-hours of talk time. Like most other models, the VTech LS6215-2 is capable of conferencing handsets with an outside call. And it’s comforting (and penny-saving) to know that this model is Energy Star compliant

Some of this VTech features include:

  • a lighted keypad
  • chain dialing
  • voice-mail indicator
  • multilingual menus
  • any-key answer

Like the previous phone mentioned, this unit does not have a headset jack. (Which may or may not be a deal breaker for you).

Overall, this cordless phone rating is very high and a recommend buy.

Uniden DECT 2060-2

Rounding out our top-3 picks is the Uniden DECT 2060-2. By now it’s no secret that the 1.9 GHz DECT 6.0 technology is the clear winner for cordless phone power. This unit is no exception.

It too can handle numerous cordless handsets, up to six. The Uniden DECT 2060-2 comes out of the box with 2 handsets. If you need additional ones, they run about $30 bucks each.

A very good phone to have if eavesdropping is a concern, and its interference-resistant DECT 6.0 technology comes in handy if you have a wireless network. Comes with 2 cordless handsets.

A unique feature of this phone is a privacy button. Once depressed, your conversation can not be listened by someone on another handset. Other handsets will display “UNAVAILABLE” and no one can eavesdrop in on your conversation. If phone privacy is important to you, this Uniden model is ideal.

But when you DO want to have more than one other person on the line, handsets do permit conferencing in with an outside call.

Another feature is the one-touch voice mail access. The Uniden DECT 2060-2 provides 15-hours of talk time. Other features include:

  • lighted keypad
  • intercom page
  • voice-mail indicator
  • auto talk
  • any-key answer
  • multilingual menus
  • chain dialing

This phone is designed for privacy. If you’re concerned about others ‘accidentally’ picking up the handset while your on the phone, this model allows you to talk with complete security.

With these cordless phone ratings, choosing your next cordless unit should now be a little bit easier.