While smartphones have become incredibly popular, landlines are still helpful for many homes. Especially in rural areas with spotty cell coverage, they offer the reliability that cell phones can’t provide. Additionally, many home phone models include features like Bluetooth interfacing and call blocking that can be helpful when it comes to keeping your family and yourself safe from nuisance calls. But how do you choose the best landline phone for your needs?
Convenience
The best landline phones offer several additional features that can enhance your experience. For example, many have options for blocking robocalls, a considerable nuisance in the modern world. Others also include trilingual prompts that allow you to navigate the phone using English, Spanish, or French. Another helpful feature that some landline providers offer is a satisfaction guarantee. This can help you feel confident that the service is reliable, especially if you live in an area with many power outages. Other convenient features available with landline phone models include a headset jack, a backlit display, and a talking caller ID. Some models even have oversized buttons to make them easier to use. They’re also designed to be compatible with most cordless home telephone systems. This makes them easy to integrate with your home office or other rooms around the house. Some models are even expandable, allowing you to add more handsets.
Call Quality
Modern landline phones typically use VoIP to communicate over the internet. This means they can offer a variety of advanced features that were once only available on more expensive PBX systems. For example, some can be set up for intercom messaging or call screening. Modern features include an amplified ring, picture dialing, cell phone integration, and voice assistants. Some also come with a built-in answering machine. Many can also connect to other devices like medical alert systems, allowing them to act as intercoms or security systems. If you want to avoid robocalls, look for a phone with a feature that blocks them. You can activate this by pressing a button on the handset or adding numbers to your block list manually. In addition, some phone providers provide a satisfaction guarantee to help you decide which one to choose. Consider the guarantee length to gauge a company’s confidence in its product.
Safety
In addition to saving money by eliminating the need for a mobile contract, a landline can also help prevent phone scams and improve safety in some cases. If you are worried about robocalls or unwanted sales calls, many models have a call-blocking feature to prevent those calls from coming through your home phone. Consider a cordless model if you need to roam around the house with your calling capability, or choose one that has multiple handsets to distribute throughout the home. Some models offer a call-waiting function that will play two beeps when you receive another incoming call, allowing you to take it or ignore it. If you travel or make many international calls, look for models that can use Wi-Fi to reduce your call costs. You can also compare the satisfaction guarantees different landline providers offer. A more extended guarantee is usually a sign of greater confidence in the service.
Cost
Depending on the model you choose, landline phones can be expensive. They can also be bundled with other services like internet or television. However, this is okay, as you may get better rates on the phone or more features for your money. Some models come with additional features, such as intercom functionality that allows the phone to communicate with other handsets or rotary dial input for those looking for a retro experience. Others offer amplified rings or a display screen that announces who is calling, which is handy for people with hearing loss. The monthly service fee is one of the most considerable costs associated with landline phones. This can vary between providers, the type of equipment they use, and whether you must pay an upfront fee or sign a contract. Some companies will even offer month-to-month plans, which can be helpful if you want to keep your landline but avoid committing to a long-term agreement.
