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Answering Machines Buying Guide

With work, school and budding social lives, answering machines and voicemail systems  have become essential to the upkeep of our daily lives.  Whether you're looking for a telephone  that has a built in answering system  or a stand-alone machine,  you should be aware of the unit's features so you can pick the best product for your lifestyle.  Many answering machines allow for separate message boxes for different people in the household, while others can manage exorbitant amounts of names and phone numbers with digital software.  Check out the following shopping tips so you can successfully screen your calls while keeping your wallet  intact.

What to Look For

There are basic features with which every answering machine should come equipped.  These include:

  • Digital recording. This technology decreases machine size, eliminates moving parts that may break and allows for more recording space. Answering machines that utilize casette tapes have become virtually obsolete.
  • Easy Remote Access. Read the manual to see how all the functions are configured and check whether or not voice prompts are used when you try to receive messages.
  • Ample recording time. If you have more than one phone line, a large family and/or a high call frequency, you're going to want more than the 15 minutes of recording time that is often offered by the low end models.

Other Functions

  • Autodisconnect
    • This lets you pick up the telephone and automatically stop the answering machine. On many models, this function will work with any extension in the house.
  • Beeperless Remote
    • This allows you to call in for messages from any push-button phone. All you will need is a personal security code to access the answering machine's memory.
  • Memo
    • This allows you to put a message on your machine for someone who is expected to arrive after you leave.
  • Time/Day Stamp
    • The machine shows the time and day a message was received.
  • VOX
    • This allows incoming calls of any length. The machine records as long as the person speaks and deactivates within a few seconds after the caller hangs up.

Special Tips

  • If you often find yourself trying to decipher incoming messages--you may be hard of hearing or have a lot of background noise--purchase a machine with variable speed playback. Not only can this reduce interference and allow you to more clearly hear the call, it can also be great if you want to speed up lengthy messages.
  • If you are looking to replace your existing answering machine, some manufacturers offer special replacement pricing if you can show proof of ownership. Some even offer refurbished machines for discounted prices. Check local electronic shops and your warranty before buying something brand new and uber expensive.
  • Voicemail services provided by local telephone companies may be a viable alternative to answering machines. Check to see if this may be a more viable option for you--maybe you run a home office and this option would be both more reliable and less expensive.

Major Manufacturers

Related Guides

Cordless Phones 

Office Machines 

Cell Phones 

Home Office Essentials 

External Links