Despite the ubiquity of mobile phones, sales for regular telephones are still quite strong. The reasons for this are pretty straightforward: Many homes do not get good cellular reception, high cellular traffic inhibits getting a decent signal, and let’s face it, with the frequency of dropped packets, spotty coverage and fading signals, the quality of mobile calls isn’t much to brag about. As such, landline phones are definitely here to stay for the time being.

In response to this steady market and to the need for wireless freedom, a lot of innovation still takes place in the cordless telephone market. Low-priced systems are being introduced that offer up to 8 extensions. Digital answering machines and built-in speakerphones are becoming standard. And features more common to mobile phones, such as large phonebooks and sizeable caller ID logs, are being incorporated into the handsets. So whatever your reason is for sticking with your landline, there are many options out there that can improve home communications. Below are a few of the better products on the market, reviewed by Consumer Guide.

Panasonic KX-TG5776S 5.8GHz Expandable Cordless System

This is one of the best cordless phones out there. Expandable up to eight handsets, the KX-TG5776 offers great performance with one unique and flashy feature: a color LCD. After uploading pictures through the handset's USB port, callers can be shown visually. Or, if you don’t feel like bothering with uploading or running to your handset, caller ID information can be announced out loud. Furthermore, you can customize certain callers by uploading songs as ring tones. Aside from these features, the phone offers a digital answering machine, excellent range and clarity, and a handset speakerphone. Though a little pricey, the KX-TG5776S delivers both style and quality.

Panasonic KX-TG5776S 5.8GHz Expandable Cordless System
Panasonic KX-TG5776S 5.8GHz Expandable Cordless System

Panasonic KX-TG5623B 5.8 GHz System with 3 Handsets

Yet another quality product from Panasonic, the KX-TG5623B offers three handsets for a surprisingly low price. Also included in the system is access to a few handy features such as built-in handset speakerphones and last-5-number redial buttons (which is a simple and highly underrated idea). One fairly unique addition for this system is the antenna indicator light that visually signals you of incoming calls or of messages waiting. Otherwise, this model keeps the price low by focusing on performance rather than features.

Uniden DCT758-4 2.4GHz Cordless Phone System with 4 Handsets

This cordless system from Uniden provides a lot of versatility right out of the box. Four handsets are included, so you can position phones around the house and avoid having to run about. You can also page the handsets or transfer calls between them. The DCT758-4 is priced quite low (around $100 MSRP), but you still receive such features as handset speakerphones, a digital answering machine, and 4-way conferencing. Unfortunately, the phone will interfere with Wi-Fi networks because it uses 2.4GHz transmissions.

Panasonic KX-TG2632B 2.4GHz Cordless Phone System with 2 Handsets

The KX-TG2632B is another multi-handset option with a low price tag. Two handsets are included, both of which have built-in speakerphones and indicator lights on their antennae to signal incoming calls and messages waiting. The digital answering machine stores 15 minutes of messages and will not erase messages during a power outage. This system is best for people without Wi-Fi networks or neighbors, as 2.4GHz transmissions will cause interference.

AT&T E2126 2.4GHz Cordless Phone

Similar to the above model, the AT&T E2126 is also a great budget buy. It has comparable features (handset speakerphone, caller ID, phonebook) and similar faults (NiCd battery, 2.4GHz transmissions). But for the extra $15 layout, you get a built-in digital answering machine that can store up to 15 minutes of messages. So, if you opt for an AT&T E2126, you save on the price of your phone and you can also rid of that overpriced monthly fee for voicemail service.