Best Answer Machines of 2025
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Answer machines are electronic devices that are designed to answer phone calls automatically and record messages left by callers. They are commonly used in both residential and business settings to ensure that calls are always answered, even when the recipient is not available. Answer machines typically feature a recording function, allowing users to leave a personalised greeting message for callers. They are a convenient way to keep track of missed calls and are an effective tool for staying connected with friends, family, and colleagues. Answer machines are widely available and can be purchased from most electronics retailers.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
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Top 8 Answer Machines
AT&T Digital Answering Machine with 60-min Recording
The AT&T Answering Machine offers a convenient solution for managing your calls. With a generous 60-minute recording time, you can store important messages without worrying about running out of space. The message guard memory ensures your recordings are safe even during power failures, providing peace of mind. Enjoy variable-speed playback, allowing you to listen to messages at your preferred pace. Additionally, the setup menu offers options in English, French, and Spanish, making it user-friendly for diverse households.
Retell 333 Professional Answer Machine with Caller ID
The Retell 333 Answer Machine is designed for those seeking a professional and user-friendly solution for managing calls. With up to 90 minutes of recording time, you can store multiple messages effortlessly. The innovative flash-memory technology means you won't need batteries, providing a hassle-free experience. You also have the option of two different outgoing messages (OGMs), allowing you to personalise your greetings. Additionally, remote control capabilities give you the convenience of managing your messages from a distance, ensuring you never miss an important call.
Virutex Dual Answering Machine RC321S
The Virutex RC321S Answering Machine is designed for versatility, accommodating both straight and circular panels with edges up to 3 mm. This makes it ideal for various applications, allowing you to work with different materials efficiently. The vocal plate accessories enhance the usability of the machine, providing you with clear communication options. With a reference number of VI-5245922, you can easily identify this model for your projects. The box contains one piece, ensuring you have everything you need to get started right away.
Gigaset E290HX DECT Handset for Seniors
The Gigaset E290HX Handset is designed to make telephoning straightforward, particularly for those with special needs. It features target dial buttons that allow you to quickly access important phone numbers, ensuring you can connect with loved ones effortlessly. The device also offers two acoustic profiles, enhancing listening comprehension, which is especially useful for those who may struggle with hearing. With its extra-large text display and magnification function, reading messages becomes easy, promoting better communication. Additionally, it is compatible with hearing aids, making it a suitable choice for seniors.
ALCATEL F530 Cordless Phone with Answering Machine
The ALCATEL F530 Phone is designed for optimal reliability and convenience. Its large, backlit display makes it easy for you to read names and numbers at a glance. With a built-in 14-minute answering machine, you can effortlessly access messages using simple keys on both the phone and its base. Enjoy hands-free calling with adjustable volume levels, allowing you to talk comfortably while multitasking. Additionally, the large phonebook lets you store up to 100 contacts, ensuring that you can always reach your important connections with ease.
LOGICOM VEGA 155T Cordless Phone with Answering Machine
The LOGICOM VEGA 155T Phone offers a comfortable landline experience, perfect for home use. Its compatibility with your internet box ensures seamless connectivity. Enjoy the freedom of a 50-metre range indoors and up to 300 metres outdoors, making it easy to move around your space. With an impressive battery life, you can engage in conversations for hours, and the power-saving mode allows for extended use away from the base, providing convenience without interruption.
Gigaset S30852-H2921-B101 DECT Phone with Caller ID
The Gigaset DECT Phone offers a reliable communication solution with its advanced features. Firstly, its caller identification allows you to see who is calling before you answer, providing convenience and peace of mind. Additionally, the phone is designed for easy setup, ensuring you can start using it without hassle. Its sleek black design adds a modern touch to any home or office. Finally, as an answer machine, it ensures you never miss important messages, allowing you to manage your communications effortlessly.
BT Response 75 Plus Digital Answer Machine with Recording
The BT Response 75 Plus is an efficient digital answer machine that offers a generous 50 minutes of recording time, allowing you to capture important messages without worry. With speaker volume control, you can adjust the sound to your preference, ensuring you hear every message clearly. The LED message counter provides a quick visual indication of how many messages you have received. Additionally, the personalised recording facility enables you to create a unique greeting, adding a personal touch for callers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do answering machines still exist?
They may seem old school in the age of smartphones, but answering machines are still useful for many. Whether it is for personal or office use, if you have a landline and calls that you can't miss, you're going to need an answering machine of some type to handle them.
2. What's the difference between voicemail and answering machine?
With an answering machine, a message is recorded and stored within the physical device itself. Voicemail, however, provides a service by which a caller is transferred to a separate system in which messages are received and recorded.
3. Did they have answering machines in the 70s?
The 1970s marked the beginning of a new era in answering machine history. AT&T, which had been repeatedly accused of exploiting its monopoly on American telephone service, found itself in the throes of yet another antitrust suit.
4. Did they have answering machines in 1971?
In 1971, PhoneMate introduced one of the first commercially viable answering machines, the Model 400. The unit weighs 10 pounds, screens calls, and holds 20 messages on a reel-to-reel tape.
During our answer machine research, we found 10 answer machine products and shortlisted 8 quality products. We collected and analyzed 47,994 customer reviews through our big data system to write the answer machines list. We found that most customers choose answer machines with an average price of £80.86.
The answer machines are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of answer machines, including AT&T, Retell, Virutex, Gigaset, Alcatel.
Kenneth Collin graduated from Imperial College, London, at 22. He is a UX/UI designer, a web developer, and a writer, amongst others. At age 14, Kenneth programmed his first app. Kenneth's app served as a remote control for censored devices. "When I was 8, I would pick up scraps from electronics and try to rebuild or at least fix them," Kenneth said in one of his recent articles on Home repairs for top gadgets.