10 Best Answering Machines 2025 in the United States

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.

The AT&T DLP73590 cordless phone system comes with a built-in digital answering machine that offers up to 40 minutes of recording time, which should be sufficient for most home or small office users. It has a single mailbox for messages, making it simple but less flexible if you want separate mailboxes for different users or departments. Caller ID is clearly shown on a large, easy-to-read 5-inch color display, which also includes one-touch shortcuts for quick access to common functions like contacts and call history. You can easily block unwanted calls with the smart call blocker that can store up to 1000 blocked numbers, which helps reduce robocalls. Remote access to listen to messages is possible, giving some flexibility when you are away from the phone. The handset speakerphone supports simulated full-duplex, allowing both sides to speak and hear simultaneously, making conversations feel more natural. The system also supports conference calls through up to four handsets and intercom between handsets, which is useful for small businesses or busy households. Pairing with cell phones and Bluetooth devices expands its versatility beyond a typical landline.

On the downside, the phone requires five AAA batteries for the handsets, which may need replacement over time. The answering system is digital but basic, lacking multiple user mailboxes or advanced message management found in some higher-end models. Also, the phone system is relatively large and might take up more space.

This AT&T phone is a user-friendly choice for those who want a cordless system with strong call blocking, easy message management, and decent recording time, although it may not be ideal for users needing advanced mailbox features or a more compact design.

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.