10 best answering devices

Answering devices, also known as answering machines or voicemail systems, are hardware devices used in telecommunications and computing technology. They are primarily designed to record and store voice messages left by callers when the recipient of a call cannot answer the phone. Here's what you need to know about answering devices:

Functionality: Answering devices are typically connected to a telephone line or a PBX (Private Branch Exchange) system. When a call is not answered or is forwarded to voicemail, the device records the incoming message from the caller.
Voicemail Systems: In modern telecommunications, answering devices have evolved into voicemail systems that are integrated into telephone networks or provided by service providers. These systems often offer advanced features such as message storage, message retrieval, and personalized greetings.
Hardware DIY: Answering devices used to be standalone hardware units that could be purchased and installed by consumers.Some DIY enthusiasts might still use older answering machines, but they have become less common with the proliferation of digital and mobile communication technologies.
Digital vs. Analog: Older answering machines used analog tape cassettes to record and play back messages. However, most modern voicemail systems are digital and store messages electronically, offering greater reliability and convenience.
Message Storage: Answering devices and voicemail systems typically offer a certain amount of message storage capacity. Messages can be stored for later retrieval by the intended recipient.
Greetings: Users can personalize their voicemail greetings to provide information to callers or to convey a custom message. This can include a standard greeting, an out-of-office message, or other customized announcements.
Message Retrieval: Callers and users can retrieve messages left on answering devices or voicemail systems by entering a PIN or password. Messages can often be accessed remotely, allowing users to check voicemail from any phone.
Voicemail Notifications: Many voicemail systems provide notifications to users when new messages are received. These notifications can be in the form of email alerts, text messages, or indicator lights on the telephone or answering device.
Call Screening: Some answering devices and voicemail systems offer call screening features, allowing users to listen to incoming messages as they are being recorded and decide whether to answer the call or let it go to voicemail.
Integration: Voicemail systems are often integrated with other communication tools and technologies, such as email and mobile apps, to provide seamless access to messages across various devices and platforms.

While the use of traditional standalone answering machines has declined in favor of more advanced digital and mobile solutions, the concept of voicemail remains essential in modern communication for handling missed calls and messages efficiently. The specific features and capabilities of answering devices and voicemail systems can vary depending on the service provider and technology in use.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best answering devices on the market

AT&T (1740WH) Digital AnsweSystem with Time and Day Stamp, White

AT&T

Based on 3 reviews Check latest price

Product description

"Digital Answering System with Time/Day Stamp Digital Answering System with Time/Day Stamp Reliable digital answering system with Message Guard memory. View larger This stand-alone answering system records outgoing announcements and incoming messages on a microchip, so there are no tricky tapes or moving parts to manage. Digital operation ensures reliable performance, instant access to messages, and the ability to selectively save and delete on command. Stay organized with the time/day stamp, which announces the time and day each message was recorded before playback. With remote access, it's possible to listen to mail or even change your outgoing greeting by calling in from any touchtone phone. User-friendly push-button controls and an easy-to-read display. View larger Message Guard memory ensures your inbox is available even in the event of a power failure, and 60 minutes of digital recording time allow you to save or receive messages without worry they'll be cut off. Plus, the unit features variable speed playback, so you can choose how quickly to hear your messages. Highlights Digital Answering System Message Guard Memory Message Counter Digital Answering System Features 1740 AT&T Digital Answering System Brand Specifics Feature 1 Digital Operation Feature 2 Time/Day Stamp Feature 3 Remote Access General Number of Incoming Lines 1 Answering Device • Time and Date Stamp on Recorded Messages • Speakerphone Caller ID Base Wall Mount Keypad on Base Call Waiting Number of Mailboxes 1 Compatible with Backlit Keypads Intercom Color White Speed Dial What's in the Box 1 digital answering system, 1 power adapter, line cord, quick start guide, owner's manual "

From the Manufacturer

Digital operation: Records outgoing announcements and incoming messages on a microchip. Tapeless operation ensures reliable performance, instant access to messages and the ability to selectively save and delete messages.
60 minutes of digital recording time: Records up to 60 minutes of incoming messages, outgoing announcements and memos.
Message Guard memory: protects against the loss of messages in the event of a power failure, so you can listen to your messages after the power returns. No batteries required.
Time and date stamp: Announces the time and day of each message before playback. Digital answering system features : Audible message alert, Voice prompts
English/Spanish/French setup menu

User questions & answers

Question:	Can you set number of rings before outgoing mssg
Answer:	Dear, the back of the instrument is flat and could be mounted on a wall. A jack of any size or shape would work. The phone jack is on the back of the phone, and the handset jack is on the left side of the phone. Hope can help you. Have a nice day!
Question:	Does it give an audible sound when there is a message waiting or only a light
Answer:	Yes, it dose.
Question:	Can you hear the voice of the person while s/he is leaving a message so you can pick up if want to
Answer:	Yes, dear, you can adjust the SP-PHONE VOLUME to H/M/L and RECEIVER VOLUME to HI/LO. Hope can help you. Have a nice day!
Question:	no room on phone to plug in answering machine do I need a new phone
Answer:	Dear, thanks for your question. This big button phone not only can sit on a desk or table, but also allows to be mounted on the wall. Hope can help you. Have nice day! Jena

ClearSounds ANS3000 Amplified Answering Machine for Analog Telephones Landline with Up to 30dB Amplification

ClearSounds

Based on 137 reviews Check latest price

Product description

ClearSounds ANS3000 Amplified Answering Machine

The ClearSounds ANS3000 delivers loud, crystal-clear messages to you. This digital answering machine amplifies sounds up to 30dB and can be adjusted to 10 levels. It even has three speech playback speed level you can select. This means you can slow down the saved memo to hear the message better.

The ANS3000 Amplified Answering Machine is an excellent tool for screening calls. You don't need to answer messages pronto. You can listen to incoming calls first. The answering machine can record up to 3 minutes of auto-memo and supports English, Spanish, French languages. The device even has a time/day stamp, so you know when the message was made.

TECHNICAL SPECS:

Amplification: Up to 30dB (Adjustable 10 Levels)
Speech Speed Levels: 3 Selectable Slow Speech Playback
Length of Recording: Up to 30 Minutes
Supported Languages: English, French, Spanish
Power: Input: 100~240V 50/60Hz 150mA | Output: 9V DC 300mA
Power Source: AC Power Adapter
Connector Jacks: AC Adapter, Phone Line, Telephone Unit
Mounting Options: Desk or Wall Convertible

Enhances the volume of playback messages - The ClearSounds ANS3000 Amplified Answering Machine amplifies the volume of the message you play back up to 30dB with 10 adjustable levels
Enables you to filter out messages - Comfortably listen to incoming calls without answering them. The Call Screening feature allows you to intercept important messages from spams
Provides 3 levels of message playback speed - The Slow-Speech operations lets you adjust the speed of message playback from normal to the slowest speed
Records up to 2 outgoing messages - Record a 3-minute outgoing message (OGM) for business hours and a different memo for non-business hours
Supports 3 languages - You can set the ANS3000's voice prompt into English, French, or Spanish

User questions & answers

Question:	Can the announcements be recorded remotely? How does the machine behave if the incoming message box is full? What is the announce voice quality
Answer:	you may need a filter if you have dsl
Question:	How long can the outgoing message be? Amazon product details says "3 minute memo", but it isn't clear if 'memo' refers to the out-going announcement
Answer:	Yes mine is loud
Question:	Can you check messages remotely with your cell phone
Answer:	Yes
Question:	does it work with magic jack
Answer:	Hi, they are actually silver. Thanks

Ooma Telo Free Home Phone Service. Works with Amazon Echo and Smart Devices (Renewed)

Ooma

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Revolutionary device that gives you free calls within U.S. and low rates for international calls. Pay only applicable taxes and fees Works with any corded or cordless phone; easy installation with no computer required. Not compatible with Ooma Scout. Includes caller-ID, call-waiting, 911, and many other calling features Includes 60-day free trial of Ooma Premier a suite of enhanced calling services features Includes an Ooma Wireless Adapter - The Wireless Adapter plugs into the USB port of your Ooma Telo so you can place it anywhere in range of your wireless network. Like your kitchen, den, bedroom or anywhere, you decide.

User questions & answers

Question:	Can I connect the Ooma to a tel wall jack and pick up the signal at a different tel jack where base phone is located, and eliminate the Linx box
Answer:	Not sure what you mean by the Linx box. But you'll attach the Ooma box to your modem via ethernet. Use a phone cord to connect the Ooma box to any telephone jack in your house. Then, any jack in the house can have a phone or answering machine connected to it. Make sure your old phone line connection outside the house is disconnected. That's the way I use it and it works fine.
Question:	How does this compare to OBi
Answer:	I have used the OBI series with Google Voice for a number of years, and I purchased an Ooma for my mother. The details of the Ooma service and features is a little hazy since it's been a few years since I set her Ooma up. The OBI200 can be used with Google Voice to make incoming and outgoing calls for free and you can also use other VOIP service providers if you want to. All you can do with GV is make and receive calls. You can't call 911 from Google Voice. To get around this problem, I got a very inexpensive VOIP service with a limited number of minutes and I have my Obi set up to use that service for emergency calls. The Ooma is a separate phone service. You sign up with the Ooma service and you get a new phone number (or you can port an existing telephone number to the Ooma service for a fee, $20 I think, but it may be more). With the Oooma you pay the taxes and fees like you would a landline phone. This means that you can use the Ooma to make 911 calls. If you already have a Google Voice number, and you want to use Ooma, the Ooma service has a feature that will let you change the caller ID for your outgoing calls to match your Google Voice number, or any other number that you own. That way callers will only see your Google Voice number. You can set up your Ooma telephone number as a forwarding number in Google Voice, so that your Ooma will ring any time you get a call to your Google Voice number.
Question:	Can i get calls from my cell number over ooma while im at home. Because of poor call quality at my house
Answer:	What Matthew said, assuming you have call forwarding available on your cell, simply forward the calls to your Ooma number. Switching back and forth might be a pain. Maybe it's time to find a different cell provider that works better at your house(?) EDIT: With my cell provider it's as easy as dialing 72 followed by the ten digit phone (Ooma) number you want the calls to go to, three short tones means it's done, hang up. To stop forwarding simple dial (from the cell) 720, again, three rapid tones means it's undone. Works great. The hard part is remembering to switch, not the actual switching. Your provider's instructions may vary.... Oh, and thanks for bringing it up, I never considered it before but it may come in handy, sometimes my cell signal gets weak at home. ;)
Question:	I don't have a landline now but do have internet service .will this work for me My cell phone reception sucks in the house and I'm looking for alter
Answer:	It depends on what internet service you have. If it's cable and there is sufficient bandwidth (speed) then you should be all set. I have had no issues at all with streaming two devices and using the phone. Average downstream speed for me is 15-18 Mb/s and I am sure less would be fine.

Alexa: 1001 Tips and Tricks How To Use Your Amazon Alexa devices (Amazon Echo, Second Generation Echo, Echo Show, Amazon Echo Look, Echo Plus, Echo Spot, ... app,alexa dot,alexa tips,internet)

Based on 623 reviews Check latest price

Power Gear Telephone Triplex Adapter, 2 Pack, 4-Wire Design, Home or Office, Compatible with Answering Machines, Modems, Fax Machines, All Brands, RJ14, RJ11, White, 46062

Based on 45 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Open the lines of communication with the Power Gear 4-wire triplex adapter. The adapter supports a phone and up to two additional devices With a single Jack to expand your home or office phone system. Answering machines, modems and fax machines can be linked using the simple, plug-in adapter to create an organized, professional appearance. To build your network, connect the triplex adapter to any modular jack. The adapter’s ports have four contacts to support RJ14 and RJ11 connectors. In only a few steps, you’ll enhance the efficiency of your communication equipment. Get more from your phone line with the Power Gear 4-wire triplex adapter.

2 Pack - Connect 3 devices using a modular jack
4-wire design accommodates common connectors, including RJ14 and RJ11
Compatible with all brands of phones, fax machines, answering machines and modems
Simple installation sets up your phone network in minutes
White finish seamlessly integrates into any setting

User questions & answers

Question:	This is compatible with ethernet cable cat
Answer:	It remembers the last sound chosen
Question:	Does this adapter work if you have a two-line phone and want to connect a fax machine to one of them
Answer:	I like this better than a real fan because: You have 10 different fan "frequencies" to choose from. Can experiment to see what masks the annoying sound you are trying to cover up....Also has 10 different "white noise" frequencies too...Can adjust volume quite a bit more than with a fan...and is also good if you need big wooshing fan sound to cover up a noise, but don't always want a fan blowing air around. I hope this helps! I use it in an office environment- it has been great. (Before I was using fan - sometimes had to use 2...got very windy.)

Still Bill

Based on 206 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Still bill is an intimate portrait of soul legend bill withers; best known for his classics "ain't no sunshine;" "lean on me;" "lovely day;" "grandma's hands;" and "just the two of us." with his soulful delivery and warm; heartfelt sincerity; withers has written the songs that continue to resonate deeply within the fabric of our times. Filmmakers damani baker and alex vlack follow withers and offer a unique and rare look inside the world of this fascinating man. Through concert footage; journeys to his birthplace and interviews with music and sports legends; his family and closest friends; still bill presents the story of an artist who has written some of the most beloved songs in our time and who truly understands the heart and soul of a man.

By pop music standards, singer-songwriter Bill Withers started his career late (he was in his early 30s), retired relatively early (in his mid-40s), and was never exactly prolific even during his active years. But as Still Bill, a 2008 documentary, reminds us, Withers managed to turn out a catalogue that included several bona fide classics ("Ain't No Sunshine," "Lean on Me," "Just the Two of Us") and a handful of others that aren't far behind ("Lovely Day," "Use Me," "Grandma's Hands")--and he did it all on his own terms. Born in tiny Slab Fork, West Virginia, Withers had served in the navy and was working for an aircraft manufacturer, building toilets for 747s, when he decided to try his hand at music in the early '70s. Despite having never played an instrument, written a tune, or sung in public, he did all right, to say the least; his first single was "Ain't No Sunshine," which won a Grammy and put him on TV with Johnny Carson, Dinah Shore, and many others. His style was distinctive from the get-go; his songs, featuring funky beats and his own acoustic guitar and smart, simple lyrics delivered in a voice that was both gruff and sensitive, were blues-drenched but not R&B, soulful but not Soul, per se. More hits followed, but Withers hasn't released anything since 1985 (although we do see him collaborating with Cuban musician Raúl Midón and puttering around in a home studio filled with fancy high-tech equipment that he confesses he barely knows how to operate). Part of that is due to his unwillingness to let anyone, especially the meddling white record company execs he refers to as "blaxperts," tell him what to do. But mostly, Withers simply wasn't driven to keep working and performing; music didn't define him, and as we see him today (he turned 70 during production of the documentary), he seems completely relaxed and at ease with his decision. Various friends and admirers, from Sting and Angelique Kidjo to Tavis Smiley, philosopher-author-activist Cornel West, and sports legends Jim Brown, Bill Russell, and Bernie Casey (the latter are seen in one of the bonus features), talk to and about Withers; we also hear from daughter Kori, herself a musician. But in the end it's all about the music, and the best bits are the generous live performances, many from TV appearances back in the day, in which Withers performs his songs. It's a safe bet that anyone who doesn't already own this music will be hitting the nearest download button after watching this delightful film. --Sam Graham

What If?: Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Based on 13 reviews Check latest price

Panasonic KX-TG9541B Link2Cell Bluetooth Enabled 2-Line Phone with Answering Machine & 1 Cordless Handset (Renewed)

Panasonic

Based on 70 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Panasonic KX-TG9541B DECT 6.0 Plus 2-Line Link2Cell Bluetooth Enabled Answering System with base keypad and 1 cordless handset, allows you to link up to 4 cell phones. With 2-line operation, this expandable unit supports 3 simultaneous conversations, 2 on the landlines and 1 on the cell. The Text Message Alert feature notifies you of received text message on your cell phone through an alert on your cordless handset when your cell phone is synced to the base unit. Enjoy two answering systems so you can separate your work life from your home life. Now you can be alerted to recorded messages whether you're at home or on the road. When a caller records a message, the base unit will beep, alerting those in the house. Not at home? The phone will automatically send a message to a registered cell or office phone along with playback options.

This Certified Refurbished product is tested & certified by Panasonic to look and work like-new. The product includes all original accessories, and is backed by a 90 Day Warranty.
High Quality, New BLUETOOTH,2 TAD,2 ANS MAC
Sleek Design
Energy Star Certified
Link2Cell Bluetooth Enabled

User questions & answers

Question:	Does it work with at&t service
Answer:	I get telephone service through Xfinity cable
Question:	Can the base unit or other handsets be used to locate handsets? Only answer if you can verify
Answer:	Yes.
Question:	Will the device work connected to two cell phones at the same time and both lines
Answer:	The phone can handle 4 cell phones. The real question is can your router handle 4 lines.
Question:	Does it need to be linked to a cell phone? Or does it work fine with just a landline
Answer:	It works with or without the cell phone linked. I don’t link a cell anymore to mine since I did not find it beneficial.

Power Gear Phone Line Dsl Filter, One Device, Male to Female, 1 Line Noise Filter, for Answering Machines, Telephones or Fax Machine, White, 76246

Power Gear

Based on 778 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Achieve crystal clear sound from your phone connection with the Power Gear DSL Phone Line Filter. This filter eliminates telephone interference within the DSL band by interrupting the signal. You need one filter for each telephone device (telephone, fax machine, or answering machine) sharing a DSL line. Installation is easy and no wiring is required. Simply connect the phone jack end of the DSL filter to the wall jack and connect the line cord coming from the device to the other end of the DSL filter. A detailed diagram is included on the back of the packaging. Do not place a DSL filter on the phone cord connected from the wall outlet to your DSL modem.

filters phone signal by interrupting dsl interference
provides clear sound and prevents dropouts for improved communication
connects directly to standard phone jacks
use with phones, fax machines, answering machines or other devices
compatible with all brands that support connection to phone jacks

User questions & answers

Question:	What material are the pins
Answer:	Yes. You should set up the SoundStory and volume the way you like and then turn off the LectroFan with the Power button on the upper-right corner of the front panel. This will save the current settings. The next time power is restored (or when you press the Power button), the previously played SoundStory and volume will be played. So, the next time a switched outlet is activated, the LectroFan will come on. This feature of coming on when power is applied can be turned off or on, as described in the user manual. By default, out of the box, this feature is on.
Question:	Do the wires attach with screws or punch down
Answer:	Hello, There are 10 white noise sounds and 10 fan sounds. The fan sounds are a range from exhaust fan/ceiling fan/box fan/etc while the white noise has one that is kinda waves while the rest are different pitches. There is great depth in sound from low pitch to high on fan & white noise. You can crank the volume up pretty high and I had the buttons memorized in 1 night so I could change it in the dark. The sounds are all pretty real, but if you're looking for something that has a lot of waves/waterfall/river sounds, this doesn't really have that, but I don't like those so I feel I have for once in my adult life found the perfect rig! I never checked to see if there was a used one for sale, but as there are no moving parts like fan models, I would think used would be a great way to save some dough. Good luck! Hope this helps.-Rod
Question:	would this filter work for HP 6600 all in one printer
Answer:	Yes. The cord ends in a USB port that is plugged into a two pronged charger that fits into the electrical outlet. everything is included, you don't have to buy anything extra just plug in to outlet in your house. Now if you wish to plug it into the computer you can just disconnect the USB plug from the charger and attach to computer.
Question:	for VOIP phones, will this reduce static noise? please only answer if you know
Answer:	It might help some if you have room on your mattress between you (we don't), and his snoring isn't rafter rattling (my husband's was). Does he stop breathing periodically and then gasp for breath, and fall asleep easily during the day? Considering how loudly my husband snores (I had been sleeping in our guest room most nights for a couple of years), I had no misgivings as to how much relief I would get from just the fan. I was mainly looking for a way to minimize outside noises which it is fabulous at doing. What changed that (and I absolutely recommend this to anyone who is a chronic snorer) is to get your husband to a sleep clinic and get him on a CPAP ASAP! We are in our 60's and my husband has been a snorer since we were married 35 yrs. ago. It went from very mild early on to near earth shattering over the years. I have begged him to get tested. "NO WAY could I sleep with one of those things on my face!". Our doctor had also pushed and pushed him to get tested for years. After the diagnosis, it just confirmed what I already knew: MAJOR sleep apnea. He had a heart attack 6 years ago at age 60, quad bypass surgery, high blood pressure, diabetes, prostate cancer (not related to the apnea, I assume). He's had the cpap for less than a year and partnered with the LectroFan, I've never slept so well in my life. And he can now sleep on his back, his preferred sleep position, without waking me! He has a light weight, nostrils only "mask" that doesn't bother him at all. Considering the costs of going through what we did after his heart attack (fortunately he had health insurance at the time; now on Medicare), the sleep test's costs are just pennies. Don't know your ages, but the damage done by apnea affects much more than just a good night's sleep. The fan is just a band aid over a gaping, festering wound. Buy the fan; it's awesome. But put the sleep test at the top of your priority list. It could add years to his life.