There's no contest here. AT&T makes the best home phone answering machines. If you're seeking an answer machine that stands on its own, with no phone included, prepare for top message-taking service. It's simple, easy, and the most powerful home answering machine around. Time/day stamp Remote access Toll saver Call screening/intercept Number announce (requires caller ID service) Variable speed playback Memory monitor Memo Volume control Maximum 3 minute outgoing message announcement Audible message alert - When you come home the machine beeps to advise a message has come in while you were gone Color - White (closer to Ivory) One Year Limited Warranty

Electronics:  Excellent Sound Quality, Message Counter, 40 Minutes of Digital Recording Time, Remote Access with Toll Saver, Message Guard Memory For Power Failure
Company: AT&T 
List Price: $17.95
Amazon Price: $15.19

The Uniden DECT2080-3 DECT 6.0 Cordless Digital Answering System includes a base station, two charging cradles, and three handsets. Because the phone uses DECT technology, which uses the 1.9 GHz frequency range, there is no interference with wireless networks, microwave ovens, cordless phones, and other household items. The result is less interference, more range, and better security. The built-in digital answering machine has a recording time of 14 minutes.

Each handset can hold up to 100 phonebook entries, displayed on the three-line backlit LCD. Caller ID is supported, and with call waiting caller ID you can see who's calling even when you are already on the line. The DECT2080-3 comes with three handsets and can be expanded to a total of six handsets working with the single base. A conference feature lets you hold a three-way conversation between your handset, an external caller, and another handset user. A speakerphone is built into the handset, rather than the base, so you can bring the speakerphone with you wherever you go. The handset features up to 16 hours of talk time and a 10-day standby. The Uniden DECT2080-3 DECT 6.0 Cordless Digital Answering System is backed by a 1-year warranty.

Electronics:  Cordless system includes digital answering machine and 3 handsets for extra convenience, DECT technology for outstanding range and clarity, Built-in answering machine with 14 minutes recording time, Up to 16 hours talk time and 10-day standby, Backed by 1-year warranty
Company: Uniden 
List Price: $99.99
Amazon Price: Too low to display
Used Price: $59.99

The KX-TG9344T DECT 6.0 Expandable Digital Cordless Phone with All-Digital Answering System lets you move freely around your home with long range and amazingly clear sound. It also assures greater protection against eavesdropping for all your calls. Operating in the 1.9GHz frequency range, your phone will not conflict with other wireless devices such as computer routers, wireless keyboards, microwave ovens and other common household devices. Now you can program each handset to ring at your discretion. Before going to sleep, simply set the bedside handset to Night Mode so that it won't ring in your bedroom. In the meantime, the handset in the den will still ring when that important call comes in, without disturbing the person who's sleeping. Now you don't have to be holding the phone to see who's calling. Using text-to-speech technology, the Caller ID information is announced between rings. The KX-TG9344T also boasts a talking alarm clock that will tell you when it's time for lunch, and a talking battery alert that politely tells you when your battery is low, with a "please charge phone" reminder. The Light-Up Indicator with Ringer Alert at the base of the antenna will flash quickly to show that you have an incoming call, and it will flash slowly to let you know you have a new message. So turn off the ringer and never miss a call. Booster - Auto Battery Life - 5-hours talk time, 11 days standby time Charge Time - 7 hours Charge Indication - 4 Levels Indicator - HS White LCD Backlit/Ringer LED VM/Message Alert (Indicator/LED) Backlit Keypad Interrupt Tone Temporary Ringer Off Night Mode Light-Up Indicator/Ringer Color LED Locator/Intercom Key (Base) Temporary Tone Dialing Talking Caller ID Menu Operation Wall Mountable Caller ID Memory - 50 items Phonebook Memory (Name and Number) - 50 items (16char/32 digits) Phonebook Search - Alphabetic/Category Alphabetic Recording

Electronics:  Talking Caller ID/Talking Alarm Clock/Talking Battery Alert, All digital answering machine, Call Block, Night Mode, Keypad & Speakerphone on both the base & Handsets, Expandable up to 6 handsets
Company: Panasonic 
List Price: $139.95
Amazon Price: Too low to display
Used Price: $98.82

The Panasonic KX-TG8232B DECT 6.0 Expandable Digital Cordless Phone System with Two Handsets uses the latest DECT 6.0 (Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications) technology for outstanding range and clarity. It operates on the 1.9 GHz frequency for less interference from household items such as wireless networks, keyboards, and microwaves, and is less susceptible to eavesdropping. Two handsets are included and up to four additional handsets can be used with the base unit without any need for wires or setup.

An all-digital answering system is built into the base and features flash memory that holds 16 minutes of recording time. The phonebook can hold 50 entries and the Caller ID can be linked to the phonebook so that a certain color gets flashed depending on who is calling. Call-waiting Caller ID shows you the name and number of an incoming call even while you are already on a call. Digital duplex speakerphones are built into the back of both handsets for clear hands-free conversations.

Electronics:  Cordless system includes digital answering machine and 2 handsets for extra convenience, Uses DECT technology for outstanding range and clarity, Digital answering machine with 18 minutes recording time, Phonebook can store 50 entries, Call-waiting caller ID shows who's calling even while you're on call
Company: Panasonic 
List Price: $99.95
Amazon Price: $78.00
Used Price: $60.27

DECT is a cordless phone protocol that has been very popular in Europe for nearly a decade. The FCC recently adopted this technology for use in the USA. It makes sense. Range is nearly doubled, sound is radically improved, and battery power is exponentially more efficient. 2 Digit Message Counter on Base Light Up Indicator w/ Message / Ringer Alert Expandable Up To 6 Handsets Handset Speakerphone 3-Way Conferencing Intercom or Call Transfer Between Handsets 3-Line Backlit LCD on Handset 50 Station Caller ID Memory 50 Station Phone Directory / Dialer Handset Locator Adjustable Ringer / Volume Control 15 Selectable Ring Tones Flash / Redial / Mute Clock & Alarm Bi-Lingual Menu Support (English / Spanish) Belt Clip Headset Jack Wall Mountable Rechargeable NiMH Battery Included

Electronics:  DECT 6.0 technology means less interference, 16-minute all-digital answering system, Wireless network friendly, Light-up indicator with ringer/message alert, Total of two handsets, one base and one chargers included
Company: Panasonic  (2007-04-10)
List Price: $79.95
Amazon Price: Too low to display
Used Price: $53.58

3 Handset Bundle (expandable to 6) / DECT-1.9GHz / 16 Minute TAD / Up to 17 Hours Talk per charge Handset Speakerphone Light Up Indicator w/ Message / Ringer Alert Expandable Up To 6 Handsets Handset Speakerphone 3-Way Conferencing Intercom or Call Transfer Between Handsets 3-Line Backlit LCD on Handset 50 Station Caller ID Memory 50 Station Phone Directory / Dialer Handset Locator Adjustable Ringer / Volume Control 15 Selectable Ring Tones Flash / Redial / Mute Clock & Alarm Bi-Lingual Menu Support (English / Spanish) Belt Clip Headset Jack on each handset (headset is optional - not included) Wall Mountable NiMH Battery Included

Electronics:  Cordless system with digital answering machine includes 3 handsets, 1 base, and 2 chargers, Uses 1.9 GHz frequency band for less interference, Digital answering machine with 16 minutes recording time, Up to 17 hours talk time, 3-way conference calling capability
Company: Panasonic  (2007-04-10)
List Price: $99.95
Amazon Price: $67.60

The AT&T 1856 Corded Speakerphone with Digital Answering System offers the home-user peace of mind thanks to its power failure operation that doesn't require batteries. The Speakerphone features three one-touch memory buttons and a 9-number speed dial. The phone is caller ID and call waiting capable with a 50 name/number caller ID history, and features a visual message waiting and new call indicator. A large, LCD display with adjustable contrast controls allows for easy visibility regardless of the lighting.

A built-in answering system features all-digital operation for utmost reliability and speed. The AT&T 1856 has memory for 19 minutes of digital recording time, and there is a call screening function that lets you intercept only the calls you want. Message Guard technology prevents you from losing any information in the case of a power failure. The AT&T 1856 is desk- and wall-mountable.

Electronics:  Corded speakerphone with built-in digital answering machine, Digital answering machine offers 19 minutes of recording, Three one-touch memory buttons and 9 speed dial numbers, Doesn't require batteries and operates even during power failure, Caller ID/Call Waiting compatible
Company: Vtech 
List Price: $29.95
Amazon Price: Too low to display
Used Price: $21.99

1.9 GHz frequency range * "Speakerphone" and "Mute" on handset * NiMH rechargeable battery * jack for optional headset *

Electronics:  Expandable digital cordless handset works with Panasonic DECT 6.0 systems: KX-TG1032S, KX-TG1033S, KX-TG1034S, Uses DECT technology for outstanding range and clarity, Digital duplex speakerphones built into back of handset, Built-in clock with alarm on handset, Charger included
Company: Panasonic  (2007-04-10)
List Price: $39.95
Amazon Price: $25.85
Used Price: $16.86

The KX-TG6074B is an expandable digital cordless answering system with 4 handsets.When a call comes in, this phone doesn't just let you see who's calling, it actually tells you who's calling with Talking Caller ID. Using text-to-speech technology, the caller's name is announced between rings if name/number Caller ID information is available.With SlowTalk message playback, you'll never miss important information again. You can slow down the playback speed of recorded messages by 30 percent at the touch of a button. And with this system's all-digital answering system, those messages will alreadybe crystal clear and easy to retrieve, with up to 18 minutes of recording time.By simulating a band signal above and below the normal bandwidth limitations, Voice Enhancer Technology helps clarify and improve sound reception creating a natural-sounding voice that is easy to hear and understand.

Electronics:  Advanced digital cordless phone system with 4 handsets and 5.8 GHz frequency-hopping technology, Intercom between handsets, Will not interfere with wireless networks such as 802.11b or 802.11g WiFi, Talking caller ID (service is required for use); built-in 18-minute digital answering machine, Light-up indicator with 3 color options
Company: TeleDynamics  (2007-03-10)
List Price: $159.95
Amazon Price: $115.75
Used Price: $96.95

Since it is digital, DECT 6.0 technology provides long range, clear sound and helps deter eavesdropping as well as offering up to 17 hours of talk time and 7.5 days standby time. Multiple voice paths are used to enable the entire series to provide up to 3-way conferencing, this allows for multiple handsets to be used at the same time and up to 2 handsets can join into a conversation with one outside caller. They also provide for Intercom between handsets and Phonebook Sharing.In addition to advanced DECT technology, all models in the DECT 6.0 line include a base station-integrated digital answering machine with voice menu, digital handset speakerphones, handsets with a clock on the LCD with alarm function, three-line backlit LCD, and incoming call indicator lights.The model KX-TG1034S includes four handsets.

Electronics:  Cordless system with digital answering machine includes 4 handsets, 1 base, and 3 chargers, Uses 1.9 GHz frequency band for less interference, Digital answering machine with 16 minutes recording time, Up to 17 hours talk time, 3-way conference calling capability
Company: Panasonic  (2007-04-10)
List Price: $129.95
Amazon Price: $82.19
Used Price: $54.99