10 Best Answering Machines 2025 in the United States

The Panasonic KX-TGD833M cordless phone with answering machine is a solid choice for anyone looking to manage calls and messages efficiently at home. Its advanced call blocking features help reduce unwanted robocalls and telemarketing calls, which is a big plus if you often get spam calls. The system includes a helpful one-ring scam alert to protect against misleading calls, giving you peace of mind. The answering machine is digital and supports 2-way recording, allowing you to record conversations directly, which is a useful feature not common in all answering machines.

Panasonic's digital system generally offers decent capacity for storing messages. The product supports caller ID with bilingual (English and Spanish) voice announcements, which makes it easier to identify callers without needing to look at the phone. This feature, combined with voice commands and a high-contrast display with an illuminated keypad, makes the phone user-friendly — especially for those who prefer hands-free operation or have vision difficulties.

The phone system comes with three handsets, allowing users to place phones in different rooms, which adds convenience. The phone provides visual and audible message alerts, helping ensure you don’t miss important calls or messages. The compact and wall-mountable design saves space and adds flexibility. If you want a cordless phone system with strong call-blocking features, easy caller ID, and basic answering machine functions for home use, this Panasonic model fits well. However, if you need advanced mailbox management or remote message retrieval, you might want to check those features more closely before buying.

The AT&T BL102 DECT 6.0 Cordless Phone is designed with families and individuals who want a reliable home answering machine in mind. One of its standout features is the digital answering system, which allows for up to 22 minutes of recording time—plenty for most users. The smart call blocker is another highlight, automatically preventing robocalls and allowing you to blacklist numbers effortlessly, which can significantly reduce unwanted interruptions. The voice-guided setup is a user-friendly addition, making it easier for less tech-savvy folks to get started.

This phone also excels in ease of use with its large 2-inch screen that features high-contrast text, making it accessible for those with visual impairments. The lighted keypad is helpful for dialing in low-light settings. Plus, the built-in speakerphone and intercom add convenience for calls within the home.

There are a few considerations to keep in mind. While the range is excellent, some users may find that the sound quality can vary based on the distance from the base unit. Additionally, the 22-minute recording time may not be sufficient for heavy users who anticipate longer messages. The reliance on batteries for the handset, while common, may be a slight inconvenience if they need frequent changing.

The Panasonic Cordless Phone with Call Block and Answering Machine (KX-TGD830M) offers a comprehensive set of features to manage your calls efficiently. Its standout feature is the advanced call blocking system, which pre-blocks robocalls and allows you to block telemarketing calls with a single touch. This is particularly useful for avoiding unwanted interruptions. The one-ring scam alert adds an extra layer of protection by prompting you before returning one-ring calls.

Additionally, the phone offers 2-way recording, ensuring you can capture important call details for later reference. The illuminated keypad with large characters and speed dial function enhances ease of use, even in low light conditions. The bilingual talking caller ID is a thoughtful feature, allowing caller information to be announced in either English or Spanish, which can be convenient for multilingual households.

However, there are some limitations. The recording capacity is relatively modest at 17 minutes, which may not be sufficient for users with high call volume. The product supports only one mailbox, which could be a drawback for households needing multiple mailboxes. While the phone is cordless and lightweight, it does require 2 AAA batteries, which are included but will need periodic replacement. The phone's digital answering system is user-friendly, but it lacks some advanced remote access features that other answering machines might offer. This Panasonic model stands out for its call management features and ease of use, making it an excellent choice for those looking to block unwanted calls and record conversations, albeit with some trade-offs in recording capacity and mailbox options.