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10 Best Answering Machines 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Panasonic Cordless Phone with Answering Machine, Advanced Call Block, Bilingual Caller ID and High-Contrast Display, Expandable System with 2 Handset Cordless Telephones - KX-TGD832M (Metallic Black)

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,176
Ease of Use

Most important from
7677 reviews

Ease of Use
Setup is straightforward, especially with the availability of an online instruction booklet that offers great accessibility and ease for users needing magnification.

The Panasonic KX-TGD832M cordless phone system is a solid choice if you want a reliable home phone with an answering machine that’s easy to use. It comes with two handsets and has a digital answering system. It supports only one mailbox, so it’s best for single-family use rather than multiple users.

Caller ID is a strong point here, including a bilingual (English/Spanish) talking caller ID feature, which announces who is calling even when you’re not near the phone, making it convenient for hands-free use. The advanced call blocking features help reduce unwanted calls and scams, which adds extra protection. The system also has message alerts and a high-contrast illuminated keypad, making it easy to operate and find buttons even in low light.

Setup is straightforward, and its lightweight design with wall-mount capability means it fits comfortably in most home environments. This product suits people who want a simple, effective answering machine combined with cordless phones, especially if call blocking and clear caller ID matter to you, but if you need multiple mailboxes or longer message storage, it might not fully meet those needs.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,176
Ease of Use

Most important from
7677 reviews

Ease of Use
Setup is straightforward, especially with the availability of an online instruction booklet that offers great accessibility and ease for users needing magnification.
#2

AT&T BL102-3 DECT 6.0 3-Handset Cordless Phone for Home with Answering Machine, Call Blocking, Caller ID Announcer, Audio Assist, Intercom, and Unsurpassed Range, Silver/Black

Rating
10.0
Number of Mailboxes
Caller ID
Ease of Use

Most important from
31964 reviews

Number of Mailboxes
While lacking advanced features like Bluetooth or multiple mailboxes, the phone excels in core functions important for everyday home use.
Caller ID
The caller ID announce feature, which requires callers to state their name, helps easily identify who is calling before answering.
Ease of Use
Big, well-lit buttons and a bright, easy-to-read display enhance usability, especially for elderly users or those with vision challenges.

The AT&T BL102-3 cordless phone with answering machine is a solid choice for home use, especially if you want reliable call blocking and clear caller ID features. It offers a good recording time of up to 22 minutes for incoming messages, outgoing announcements, and memos, which should be sufficient for most households but may be limited for heavy message users. It supports a single mailbox, making it suitable for a single user or family setting rather than multiple mailboxes.

The phone excels in call screening with a large call block directory that can hold up to 1,000 numbers, auto-blocking robocalls, and allowing easy blacklisting with just one button. Caller ID is clear and enhanced by an announcer that speaks the caller's name, making it easier to decide whether to answer. The handset design is user-friendly, featuring bigger, well-lit buttons and a large, easy-to-read 2-inch screen with high-contrast text, providing comfortable dialing and caller info viewing even in low light or for those with vision challenges.

Additional features like a speakerphone, audio assist, and intercom add convenience for daily use. The phone requires battery power, and while the answering system is digital and straightforward, it does not include advanced remote access or support for multiple mailboxes. For users prioritizing ease of use, strong call blocking, and clear caller ID announcements in a cordless phone with a straightforward answering machine, this model is a good fit.

Rating
10.0
Number of Mailboxes
Caller ID
Ease of Use

Most important from
31964 reviews

Number of Mailboxes
While lacking advanced features like Bluetooth or multiple mailboxes, the phone excels in core functions important for everyday home use.
Caller ID
The caller ID announce feature, which requires callers to state their name, helps easily identify who is calling before answering.
Ease of Use
Big, well-lit buttons and a bright, easy-to-read display enhance usability, especially for elderly users or those with vision challenges.
#3

VTech 3-Handset Cordless Phone with Answering Machine, with Large Display and Big Buttons Caller ID, Full-Duplex Speakerphone, Last 10 Number Redial, Easy to use VG232-3

Rating
9.7
Ease of Use

Most important from
5602 reviews

Ease of Use
The user-friendly interface with large buttons and a clear display makes setup and daily use straightforward and hassle-free.

The VTech 3-Handset Cordless Phone with Answering Machine is a solid choice for anyone looking for a straightforward home phone system with an answering machine. It offers up to 14 minutes of recording time, which is decent for everyday use but might feel limited if you receive many long messages. The system supports caller ID and call waiting, storing up to 50 recent calls, which helps you identify who called and when. The 3-handset setup allows you to answer calls from different rooms easily.

The large, backlit display and big buttons make it very user-friendly, especially for those who prefer clear visuals and easy dialing. Features like full duplex speakerphone mean conversations sound natural, and the quiet mode is handy for silencing the phone when needed. The system is powered by included batteries and connects through a cordless setup, offering flexibility around the house. Users will need to be near the base to check voicemails as remote access to messages is not supported.

Some might find the 14-minute recording limit and lack of remote voicemail access limiting if they rely heavily on their answering machine. This phone and answering system is dependable and easy to use, suited for typical home or small office use, especially if you value simplicity and clear caller information.

Rating
9.7
Ease of Use

Most important from
5602 reviews

Ease of Use
The user-friendly interface with large buttons and a clear display makes setup and daily use straightforward and hassle-free.

Buying Guide for the Best Answering Machines

Choosing the right answering machine can be a bit overwhelming, but with the right knowledge, you can find the perfect fit for your needs. Answering machines are essential for ensuring you never miss an important message, whether for personal or business use. When selecting an answering machine, consider the following key specifications to make an informed decision.
Recording TimeRecording time refers to the total amount of time the answering machine can store messages. This is important because it determines how many messages you can receive before the machine is full. Shorter recording times (10-20 minutes) are suitable for personal use or low call volumes, while longer recording times (30 minutes or more) are better for businesses or households with higher call volumes. Consider your typical call volume and choose a machine with adequate recording time to ensure you don't miss any messages.
Number of MailboxesThe number of mailboxes indicates how many separate message storage areas the answering machine has. This feature is important for households or businesses where multiple people need to receive messages. Single mailbox systems are fine for individual use, while multiple mailboxes (2 or more) are ideal for families or offices where different people need to access their own messages. Think about how many people will be using the machine and choose accordingly.
Remote AccessRemote access allows you to listen to your messages from a different location using a phone. This is important for people who travel frequently or need to check messages while away from home or the office. Some machines offer basic remote access, while others provide more advanced features like message playback control. If you need to stay connected while on the go, look for an answering machine with reliable remote access capabilities.
Caller IDCaller ID displays the phone number of the person calling before you answer the call. This feature is important for screening calls and identifying important messages. Basic models may not include caller ID, while more advanced models will display the caller's number and sometimes even their name. If you want to know who is calling before you listen to the message, choose an answering machine with caller ID functionality.
Ease of UseEase of use refers to how simple and intuitive the answering machine is to operate. This is important because a complicated machine can be frustrating and time-consuming to use. Look for machines with clear instructions, easy-to-read displays, and straightforward controls. If you or someone in your household is not very tech-savvy, prioritize models that are known for their user-friendly design.
Message AlertsMessage alerts notify you when you have a new message, either through a visual indicator, an audible beep, or both. This feature is important for ensuring you don't miss any messages. Some machines offer customizable alert options, while others have a standard alert system. Consider how you prefer to be notified of new messages and choose a machine that offers the alert type that suits your needs.

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