If you’re on the go all day, even a “hands-free” cell phone is not always a hands-free experience. A telephone answering device can pick up your calls even when you’re away from home or out of the office and can alleviate the need to constantly check your voicemail or callers back. They can also be a boon to those who need to set up reminders for themselves.
Read on for our list of the best telephone answering devices.
Our Editor’s Best Telephone Answering Devices Reviews
- Smart call blocker: 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 up to 1,000 numbers with one touch.
- 50dB Audio Assist: Temporarily increases overall volume by up to 50dB and enhances sound frequencies that make speech easier to understand.
- Photo dial: Never forget whose number is whose. Program eight frequently dialed phone numbers and attach a photo to each one for convenient speed dialing.
- Big buttons, large display: Oversized buttons and an easy-to-read display screen make the system super easy and comfortable to use.
- 90dB ringer volume: The extra-loud ringer makes it easy to hear incoming calls throughout your home.
- Analog, Digital Phone Line Compatible: Not only can the rec780 record on analog phone lines, it can also record on digital phones. It is compatible with most desktop phones. It can also be a voice recorder to record surrounding sounds by its internal microphone. The answering machine mode helps caller leave voice messages, you can listen to the message locally or remotely by calling back with password input.
- Automatic/ Manual Call Recording: All incoming and outgoing calls can be set to record automatically. In manual mode, you can choose to record only certain phone calls with a click of a button.
- 3 Working Modes: This telephone recorder supports three working modes: Recording with analog telephone line RJ-11, recording with digital VoIP telephone system RJ-9, recording with internal microphone.
- Time/ Date Stamp: The time/date of each recording is displayed on the screen. Each file on the SD card is organized in chronological order and stamped with the time/date.
- Loop Recording/ Expandable Memory (32GB Included): Recording is never stopped due to a full memory card; when the memory fills up the newest calls are recorded over the oldest calls on the SD card. This landline phone recorder supports class 10 micro SD card. It maximum supports 128GB (not included) SD card, we offer free 32GB SD card in the device, it can record over 360 hours' phone calls, which is enough most of the time.
- Multiple Function Recorder: The device can record analog, digital, IP, VoIP telephone system, it can also be a voice recorder to record surrounding sounds by its internel microphone,answering machine mode to help your caller leave voice message,you can listen to the message locally or remotely by calling back with password input
- Compatible with Analog Digital IP Voip Phone System: The telephone recorder REC780 can record analog phone line through RJ11 port, it can also record digital Voip IP phone system through RJ12 port by connecting the recorder to telephone headset via RJ12 port,for analog RJ11 connection，you need to set the recording menu to "auto" mode, for digital RJ12 connection, you need to set the recording menu to "voice trigger" mode.
- Caller ID & Time/ Date Stamp: The screen displays the caller ID, date & time of each phone call,for the analog connection, the recorded file is named with caller id number and date& time stamp,for the digital, VoIP connection the recorded file is named with date& time stamp only.
- Plug & Play: Simply connect the recorder to the telephone system to recorder phone calls or records sound locally, and playback recorded sounds by its internal speaker, the recorder also supports plugging extend microphone for local voice recording, and plugging earphone for playback the recorded sounds.
- Loop Recording/ Expandable Memory (32GB included): Recording is never stopped due to a full memory card. When the memory fills up the newest calls are recorded and overwrite the oldest calls on the sd card. This landline phone recorder supports class 10 micro SD card, maximum supports 128GB(NOT Included!), we offers free 32GB memory card in the device, it can record over 360 hours phone calls, which is enough most of the time.
- Dect 6. 0 interference-free technology
- Clearly Amplifies incoming sound up to 40Db
- Adjustable Tone control
- Digital Answering machine
- 4 Tone settings to customize listening experience
- ★ 2 years warranty , If you have any questions, PLEASE CONTACT CUSTOMER SERVICE, we will reply within 16 hours and solve the problem for you. ★ Lifetime technical support.
- ★ Blocking the changing number starting with a fixed number, such as 443, 800, 855, 866, 999, 7324, 33626 etc . ★ Blocking International, Private/WITHHELD, VOIP/Out of Area callers.
- ★ Preloaded with 4000+ most complained caller numbers . And 3000+ manual blocking capacity for building your own database . Touch the BLOCK button on the CALL BLOCKER (OR press "#" then "6" on the phone) - BLOCK Scam / spam and all unwanted calls .
- ★ “FAMILY LIST” function --- You can add important contacts to the FAMILY LIST to avoid being blocked by mistakes .
- ★ No main power required, just plug in the phone line to use . ★ NOTE: enf510 only displays the caller's number, not show caller's name AND CALLER ID SERVICE IS REQUIRED from your landline provider for ENF510 to work . Enf510 CALL BLOCKER does NOT support digital phones.
- Enhances the volume of playback messages - The ClearSounds ANS3000 Amplified Answering Machine amplifies the volume of the message you play back up to 30dB with 10 adjustable levels
- Enables you to filter out messages - Comfortably listen to incoming calls without answering them. The Call Screening feature allows you to intercept important messages from spams
- Provides 3 levels of message playback speed - The Slow-Speech operations lets you adjust the speed of message playback from normal (1) to the slowest (3) speed
- Records up to 2 outgoing messages - Record a 3-minute outgoing message (OGM) for business hours and a different memo for non-business hours
- Supports 3 languages - You can set the ANS3000's voice prompt into English, French, or Spanish
- Crystal-clear nationwide calling for free and low International rates. Pay only monthly applicable taxes and fees.
- # 1 rated home phone service for overall satisfaction and value by a leading consumer research publication.
- Pure Voice HD delivers superior voice quality for a consistently great calling experience.
- Includes nationwide calling, voicemail, caller-ID, call-waiting, 911 calling and text alerts.
- More features including the ability to block robocallers available when you upgrade to Ooma Premier phone service.
- 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..Digital Answering system with voice guide records up to 22 minutesHD audio with Equalizer for customized audioBacklit keypad and high-contrast LCD; Expandable up to 12 handsetsCaller ID records past 50 names and numbersSmart call Blocker saves up to 1, 000 names and numbers
- 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.
- UNSURPASSED 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..Rechargeable batteries: This product contains nickel-metal hydride rechargeable batteries
- 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, AUDIO ASSIST, INTERCOM This cordless system has built-in a 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 Audio Assit, handset intercom to help your daily communications enjoyable.
- DECT radio supports up to 4 wireless handsets and over 4000 sensors
- Built in speaker provides the ability to screen calls prior to answering
- Made in China
Best Telephone Answering Devices Buying Guide
Before choosing the best telephone answering device you should consider following options:
1. Direct Station Sets: These are the most common types of telephone answering systems. Direct station sets are sets of phones that answer incoming calls and route them to the appropriate person.
They are directly wired to the incoming phone line with no internal switching. The main benefit of direct station sets is that they are the least expensive option for telephone answering systems.
However, there are some disadvantages as well. You will have to be in the office to pick up incoming calls, even if you are on the phone. This can lead to a lot of confusion and frustration if you are trying to have a conversation with someone while they are trying to get a hold of you.
2. Station-Away Set: This is similar to the direct station set, but the main difference is that it has internal switching.
This means that a call can be answered even if the phone is off the hook or if the caller tries to transfer the call to another line. However, station-away sets are a little more expensive than direct station sets.
3. Single Points of Origin: Single points of origin are another type of telephone answering system. They are also sometimes referred to as “all points” sets.
They are similar to direct station sets in that incoming calls route to a single point, but they are different in that the single point can be answered from any phone.
4. Private Line Sets: Private line sets are the most expensive option for a telephone answering system. They are similar to single points of origin, but the main difference is that they use a private line instead of a shared line.
This means that you can have calls directly forwarded to your office while you are on the phone. However, they are usually only used by companies that have multiple locations.
5. Virtual Telephone Answering Services: Virtual telephone answering services are becoming more and more popular as technology advances.
They are similar to private line sets in that they allow incoming calls to ring to multiple locations. However, they differ in that they are usually used by small businesses that have a single location or would rather not have an expense of purchasing their own telephone answering system.
Instead, they just pay a monthly fee for the answering service.
This option is often cheaper than purchasing a private line set and you also don’t have to worry about the maintenance of a telephone answering system.
With this option, you are not limited to a certain number of extensions.
6. Hybrid Systems: Finally, some companies will purchase a hybrid system. This is a combination of a virtual answering service and a traditional telephone answering system.
This option is more common among larger companies that have multiple locations. They will have a virtual answering service for the calls that come in and then have a telephone answering system in place for employees in the office.
7. Key Systems: A key system is an answering machine that is used as a part of a larger security system. They are used in places where security is an important factor such as a business or a home.
These answering machines have a control panel that allows the owner to turn the alarm on and off. They also allow the owner to monitor who has entered their premises and how long they have been inside.
8. Digital Answering Machine: Digital answering machines are another type of answering machine used for a business or a home. They are similar in that they record messages and play back messages.
However, they differ in that they are digital and have a lot of additional features. Some of these features
What else you should know about telephone answering devices
1) What are the most popular telephone answering devices?
Some of the most popular telephone answering devices are voicemail, auto-attendants, and live receptionists.
2) How do telephone answering devices work?
A telephone answering device, also known as an answering machine, is a telephone device that records and plays back messages for the called party. The first answering machines were created in the early 1900s.
3) How can I choose the best telephone answering device for my needs?
There is no one definitive answer to this question as the best telephone answering device for your needs will depend on a number of factors, including the size and nature of your business, the number of calls you receive, and your budget. However, some tips on choosing the best telephone answering device for your needs include considering features such as automated call distribution, call recording, and voicemail, and selecting a device that is compatible with your existing telephone system.
4) What are the features of telephone answering devices?
Some features of telephone answering devices are the ability to screen calls, take messages, and play back messages.
5) How do I use a telephone answering device?
Generally, you would record a greeting on the answering device, and then it would play that greeting to caller when you are unable to answer the phone. The answering device would then record the caller’s message.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best telephone answering devices. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best telephone answering devices will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.