Best Telephone Answering Devices of 2026

Rebecca Cantu Avatar
Rebecca Cantu
Last Updated: Jan 9, 2026

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Telephone answering devices are a useful tool for those who cannot always answer their phone calls. These devices can record incoming messages and play them back to the user at a later time. Some models also offer additional features such as call forwarding, caller ID, and the ability to screen calls. Telephone answering devices come in various types and sizes, ranging from simple standalone units to sophisticated systems that integrate with a business's phone network. They are ideal for individuals who want to stay connected but cannot always be available to answer calls.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

AT&T 1740 Answering Machine Cover #TOP 1
AT&T 1740 Answering Machine
ftb score rating icon 9.9
AT&T ML17939 Two-Line Speakerphone Cover #TOP 2
AT&T ML17939 Two-Line Speakerphone
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Aiphone CCS-1A ChimeCom2 Single-Door Answering System Cover #TOP 3
Aiphone CCS-1A ChimeCom2 Single-Door Answering System
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Telephone Answering Devices

#TOP 1

AT&T 1740 Answering Machine

AMZ: 1740
White
2.4x7.3X5.5
AT&T 1740 Answering Machine Cover
AT&T 1740 1740 Digital Answering System

The AT&T 1740 Machine offers a range of features designed to enhance your communication experience. With 60 minutes of recording time, you can capture all your important messages without missing a beat. The message guard memory ensures that your recordings are safe, even during power outages, providing peace of mind. You can also enjoy variable-speed playback, allowing you to listen to messages at your preferred speed, making it easier to catch every detail. Lastly, the setup menu in English, French, or Spanish ensures that you can configure the device in the language you are most comfortable with.

What We Like
Long recording time
Power failure protection
Adjustable playback speed
Multilingual setup options
#TOP 2

AT&T ML17939 Two-Line Speakerphone

ML17939
Black
AT&T ML17939 Two-Line Speakerphone Cover
VTech AT&T ML17939 ML17939 Two-Line Speakerphone with Caller ID and Digital Answering System

The AT&T Two-Line Speakerphone offers a convenient way to manage your calls with its ability to handle two phone lines at once, perfect for busy households or small offices. It includes a built-in answering machine, so you never miss important messages even when you’re away. The clear speakerphone lets you hear conversations loudly and clearly, making hands-free calls easy and comfortable. Plus, it’s compatible with headsets and hearing aids, ensuring everyone can use it with ease and comfort. This phone is designed to keep you connected and in control of your communication needs.

What We Like
Two-line operation
Built-in answering machine
Clear speakerphone
Headset compatibility
Hearing aid friendly
#TOP 3

Aiphone CCS-1A ChimeCom2 Single-Door Answering System

CCS-1A
Aiphone CCS-1A ChimeCom2 Single-Door Answering System Cover
Aiphone CCS-1A ChimeCom2 Single-Door Answering System

The Aiphone CCS-1A ChimeCom2 Single-Door Answering System is a telephone answering device that enables communication with visitors before authorizing access. It features a backlit call button for visibility, adjustable audio, and chime volumes, and a listening feature that allows the master intercom operator to receive audio transmission from the door intercom at any time. This expandable system accepts a second master intercom (sold separately) for large areas or multiple rooms.

What We Like
Backlit call button for visibility
Adjustable audio and chime volumes
Listening feature for audio transmission from the door intercom at any time
#TOP 4

Panasonic Expandable Cordless 2 Phone Answering System with Call Blocker

KX-TGL432B_K1
black
Panasonic Expandable Cordless 2 Phone Answering System with Call Blocker Cover
Panasonic Expandable Cordless 2 Phone Answering System with Talking Caller ID Bundle with Call Blocker for Landline Phones

The Panasonic Cordless Phone Bundle offers a complete solution for managing your home phone calls. It comes with a cordless answering system and a call blocker, which helps you avoid unwanted calls by blocking up to 16,000 numbers, including many known robocallers. You can easily stop spam calls with just one press of the large red block button, saving you time and hassle. The system also lets you save up to 100 trusted contacts, so you’ll see a green light when someone important calls. Plus, the talking caller ID announces the caller’s name or number out loud, making it easy to know who’s calling even if you’re across the room.

What We Like
Large call block button
Blocks 16,000 numbers
Trusted call indicator
Talking caller ID
#TOP 5

Power Gear Phone Line Dsl Filter

GE
76246999
White
1 Pack
Power Gear Phone Line Dsl Filter Cover
Power Gear Phone Line Dsl Filter, One Device, Male to Female, 1 Line Noise Filter, for Answering Machines, Telephones or Fax Machine, White, 76246

The Power Gear Phone Line Dsl Filter is a male to female device that filters phone signal by interrupting dsl interference. It provides clear sound and prevents dropouts for improved communication. You can connect it directly to standard phone jacks and use it with phones, fax machines, answering machines, or other devices. It is compatible with all brands that support connection to phone jacks.

What We Like
Clear sound and prevented dropouts for improved communication
Works with phones, fax machines, answering machines, and other devices
Compatible with all brands that support connection to phone jacks
#TOP 6

HomeStock Phone Flasher LED Visual Alert

KRN-PF200-265
HomeStock Phone Flasher LED Visual Alert Cover
HomeStock Phone Flasher LED Light, Corded Telephone Alert, Visual Ring Indicator, Loud Environments, Hearing Assistance

The HomeStock Phone Flasher offers a bright LED light that helps you easily notice incoming calls, making it especially helpful if you have hearing difficulties or are in a noisy place. It’s simple to set up—just plug it into your existing corded phone line—so you don’t need batteries or complicated settings. The flashing light is strong enough to catch your attention from across the room, ensuring you won’t miss a call. Plus, it works with most standard corded telephones, so whether you’re at home, in an office, or a care facility, you can stay connected with ease and confidence.

What We Like
Bright LED visual alert
Easy plug-in installation
Works with most corded phones
Ideal for noisy environments
Hearing assistance support
#TOP 7

AT&T 1740 Digital Answering System

1740
White
AT&T 1740 Digital Answering System Cover
AT&T 1740 1740 Digital Answering System

This answering system is manufactured by AT&T and falls under the category of Telephone Answering Devices.

What We Like
Easy to use
Digital answering system
Reliable brand
#TOP 8

ClearSounds ANS3000 Amplified Answering Machine

CSANS3000
Black
ClearSounds ANS3000 Amplified Answering Machine Cover
ClearSounds ANS3000 Amplified Answering Machine for Analog Telephones Landline with Up to 30dB Amplification

The ClearSounds ANS3000 Answering Machine makes it easier for you to manage your calls. With the ability to amplify messages by up to 30dB, you can hear every word clearly, even when the volume is low. You can also screen calls comfortably, allowing you to decide whether to answer or listen to important messages later. The machine offers three playback speeds, letting you choose how fast or slow you want to hear messages. Plus, you can record two outgoing messages for different times of the day, ensuring that your callers always know how to reach you.

What We Like
High volume amplification
Call screening feature
Adjustable playback speed
Dual outgoing message recording
#TOP 9

Virutex RC321S Hand End Trimmer

5245922
Schwarz
Virutex RC321S Hand End Trimmer Cover
Hand End Trimmer RC321S

The Virutex RC321S Trimmer is designed to give you clean and accurate cuts on materials like PVC, ABS, and melamine tape, helping you achieve a smooth finish without harming your panels. It features a double blade system that easily trims tape up to 55 mm wide or thicker tape up to 3 mm, making your work faster and more efficient. You can cut at various angles up to 60°, which adds flexibility for different projects. Plus, it handles both straight and curved panels, so you can tackle a wide range of trimming tasks with confidence and ease.

What We Like
Precise cutting
Double blade system
Adjustable cutting angles
Works on straight and curved panels
#TOP 10

AT&T Digital Answering System

ATT1740
white
AT&T Digital Answering System Cover
AT&T Digital Answering System, w/Min Record Time, White

The AT&T Answering System is designed to enhance your communication experience at home or in the office. With its user-friendly digital answering capabilities, you can easily manage your messages without missing important calls. The system allows for a minimum recording time, ensuring that you capture essential information. Additionally, its sleek white design adds a modern touch to your space. You’ll appreciate the convenience of having a reliable answering solution that helps keep your life organized and efficient.

What We Like
Easy message management
Minimum recording time
Sleek modern design
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the different types of answering machines?

There are several types of answering machines available on the market. Some examples include voice mail machines, telephone answering machines, cordless answering systems, and telephones with built-in answering machines. These devices come in various models and features, offering different functionalities to meet specific needs.

Editor's Notes

During our telephone answering device research, we found 24 telephone answering device products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 9,228 customer reviews through our big data system to write the telephone answering devices list. We found that most customers choose telephone answering devices with an average price of $45.98.

The telephone answering devices are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of telephone answering devices, including AT&T, Aiphone, Panasonic, GE, HomeStock. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 3,436 consumers with an average rating of 4.6.

Written by
Rebecca Cantu Avatar

Rebecca Cantu grew up in a family-owned retail store for home and kitchen products. She worked online and gave assistance to people to buy ideal products for their sweet home after graduating from Northwestern University with a marketing degree. She has been writing content for online shopping guides since 2011 with her professional knowledge and natural sensitivity of appliances.