The 5 Best Multi-line Cordless Phones

When it comes to multi line cordless phones to buy right now, the market is in a stage of transition. Panasonic and Uniden invested heavily in the 5.8 GHz cordless standard and made some great multi line phones for small businesses and busy homes.

After the arrival of DECT 6 technology it is clear that the many advantages of DECT 6 phones have made them a winner with users. At the same time, the larger manufactuers want to get the best returns from 5.8GHz models.

This means that some makers don't offer any multi line phones with DECT 6, as yet. Others, like Panasonic have taken the plunge in single line DECT 6.0 cordless phones but have yet to launch a full range of serious rivals to their successful 5.8GHz phones with multi line capability.

DECT 6.0 versus 5.8 GHz

The DECT 6.0 radio frequency suffers less interference from things like microwaves, PC's and baby monitors compared to the 5.8 GHz standard. Digital technology means clearer sound. The range is far better and battery life is long- up to 17 hours between charges.

Four Line

If you are looking for a 4 line cordless phone system right now, 5.8 GHZ is still the only option. Of the models available the Panasonic KX-TG4500B is considered the top cholice by most office users. The good news is that prices are falling for these units and they are feature rich and well proven.

Panasonic 5.8 Ghz 4-Line (KX-TG4500B)

• 5.8 GHz cordless phone system
• Digital FHSS technology
• 4-line operation
• Caller ID/Call Waiting
• 100-minute digital answering system
• Up to 8 individual voice mailboxes with separate greeting messages
• Remote access
• Auto attendant
• Voice menu/time stamp
• Message transfer
• Expandable up to 8 handsets
• Digital duplex speakerphone
• 3-line backlit LCD display
• Backlit keypad
• 100-station phone directory/dialer
• 50-station Caller ID memory/dialer
• Automatic intercom
• 2-way paging
• Call transfer
• 3-way conferencing
• Hold, pause, redial, flash
• Tone/pulse dialing
• Adjustable ringer, volume control
• 2.5mm headset jack

Panasonic 2-Line DECT 6.0 Cordless

DECT Technology is universally recognized as the future of cordless phones. It not only offers superior performance it is cheaper to produce and therefore more economical to buy.

The Panasonic KX-TG9382T is one of the first multi line cordless systems on the market. It was launched in October 2009 and whilst the reviews are thin on the ground. It hasn’t been recieved with universal praise.

The DECT 6.0 quality sound, hand set range and battery life are appreciated but the features as far as programming address books, using the answerphone service etc are underwhelming. Most people feel they are adequate but not outstanding in comparison to the tried and tested 5.8GHz models.

• 2 Line sustem
• Phone book Transfer from Cell Phone with Bluetooth
• Bluetooth Head set
• 40 Minute digital Answering System
• Can be expanded to 6 handsets

Uniden TRU9496 2-Line Corded/Cordless Digital Answering System

Product Features

• Frequency: 5.8 GHz
• Answering system: Digital
• Maximum 10 handsets
• Caller ID/call waiting
• Handset speaker phone
• Base duplex speaker phone
• Programmable CID or memory locations at handset or base up to 100
• Conferencing: Up to 7 users
• 2-way radio communication
• Mute and hold
• Phone book: 100 names, store up to 2 numbers for each name
• Voicemail waiting indicator
• Intercom and call transfer between handsets
• Ringer options- 10 melodies, 10 tones
• Speed dial locations at base. up to 10
• Menu languages: English, French and Spanish
• Room monitoring
• Battery level display
• Clock display
• Earpiece and ringer volume control

People generally like this model for its sound quality, ease of use and impressive range of features. it is still a popular seller after several years on the market.

Drawbacks:

• No speed dial buttons.
• Not as much storage for messages as some other phones
• No central caller ID data base

AT&T EP5962 - 5.8GHz Expandable 2-Line Corded / Cordless Answering System

Product Features

• 5.8 GHz Digital Spread Spectrum Frequency Hopping Technology
• 2-Line Operation
• Spakerphone In Handset
• 50 Name / Number Directory
• Answering System Access from Cordless Handset
• Intercom
• Speaker phone
• Caller Identification
• ·Multiline Operation or Single-line operation
• ·Handset Locator
• Display: LCD display

Drawbacks

This model has had more than the average number of complaints about the phone breaking down quickly. For other people there are some software features that are short of performance like caller ID not being displayed immediately but needing to be searched for. The reviews at Amazon are definitely worth reading through before you commit to this model, even if the price is attractive.

Less then 5.8GHz

Whilst the 2.4 GHz and 3.4 GHz have disappeared from the single line market, there are still plenty of 2.4 and 3.4 GHz models available for multi line use. Small and medium size open plan offices with desks or cubicles close together offer an environment where these phones still have a role.

They are very affordable (though you need to looking on the right day) and if they suit your needs they will save you money- until DECT multilines become more available, perhaps. Here is a small selection of the best models. You can get detail on features by clicking the ads through to Amazon.