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10 Best Answering Machines 2025 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 Easy to Read High-Contrast Display, Expandable System with 3 Handsets - KX-TGD833M (Metallic Black)

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,361
Caller ID
Ease of Use

Most important from
6109 reviews

Caller ID
The ringtone is loud and the caller name announcement adds convenience and clarity.
Ease of Use
The answering system is straightforward and easy to use, making message management simple.

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.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,361
Caller ID
Ease of Use

Most important from
6109 reviews

Caller ID
The ringtone is loud and the caller name announcement adds convenience and clarity.
Ease of Use
The answering system is straightforward and easy to use, making message management simple.
#2

Panasonic Cordless Phone with Call Block and Answering Machine, Expandable System with 1 Handset - KX-TGD830M (Metallic Black)

Rating
9.8
Ease of Use

Most important from
6109 reviews

Ease of Use
The answering system is user-friendly and delivers clear messages.

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.

Rating
9.8
Ease of Use

Most important from
6109 reviews

Ease of Use
The answering system is user-friendly and delivers clear messages.
#3

Panasonic Cordless Phone with Advanced Call Block, Link2Cell Bluetooth, One-Ring Scam Alert, and 2-Way Recording with Answering Machine, 5 Handsets - KX-TGF975B (Black with Silver Trim)

Rating
9.7
Message Alerts

Most important from
2275 reviews

Message Alerts
One minor annoyance is the lack of an 'erase' option for messages on the handset, which requires a few extra steps.

The Panasonic KX-TGF975B is a versatile cordless phone that stands out in the answering machine category, ideal for anyone looking to enhance their home communication experience. One of its major strengths is the advanced call blocking feature, which effectively prevents unwanted calls, thanks to its pre-installed database of 14,000 numbers. This feature is particularly beneficial for users tired of robocalls and telemarketers. The ability to link two cell phones via Bluetooth is another highlight, allowing you to make and receive calls seamlessly from anywhere in your home.

The answering machine offers digital recording capabilities with a commendable recording time, ensuring you can capture important messages. The two-way recording feature adds even more value, as it lets you record your conversations for future reference—great for keeping track of crucial details. Plus, the device's ease of use is enhanced by clear displays and straightforward navigation, making it accessible for all users.

There are some drawbacks to consider. While the device includes a decent number of mailboxes, it may not provide as many options as some more advanced models, which could be limiting for bigger families or businesses that require numerous account setups. Additionally, the reliance on AAA batteries while including rechargeable options may not appeal to users who prefer devices with built-in rechargeable batteries. The caller ID feature works well, but its performance can vary depending on network conditions. Message alerts are effective, but the level of customization available might not meet every user’s needs.

Rating
9.7
Message Alerts

Most important from
2275 reviews

Message Alerts
One minor annoyance is the lack of an 'erase' option for messages on the handset, which requires a few extra steps.

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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