Top 10 Best Phones for the Elderly

Top 10 Best Phones for the Elderly

We test every handset on the market to find the very best models.

For many elderly people, their home phone represents a lifeline to the outside world. From keeping in touch with friends and family to having something to use in an emergency, these devices are so important. While mobiles can be fiddly and complicated to get to grips with, landline phones are simple and easy to use.

However, not all home phones are ideally suited to older users. Some have buttons which might be too small to work properly, while others can be a little on the quiet side. Thankfully, there are a number of models on the market which have been specially designed with the elderly in mind. These often come with larger buttons, along with a volume booster mode for the hard-of-hearing.

To help you find your next home phone, our team of experts have put together the following list of the top ten best models for the elderly. They all offer excellent sound quality, and many of them include special features. Most importantly, they are all extremely easy to use and take just a few minutes to set up. So, read on to discover our top picks!

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Gigaset Premium E390A Cordless Phone, Single Handset with Big Buttons Landline Phones Gigaset
Gigaset Premium E390A Cordless Phone, Single Handset with Big Buttons Landline Phones Gigaset
Gigaset Premium E390A Cordless Phone, Single Handset with Big Buttons Landline Phones Gigaset
Gigaset E390A Big Button Phone Review YouTube Thumbnail
Gigaset Premium E390A Cordless Phone, Single Handset with Big Buttons Landline Phones Gigaset
Gigaset Premium E390A Cordless Phone, Single Handset with Big Buttons Landline Phones Gigaset
Gigaset Premium E390A Cordless Phone, Single Handset with Big Buttons Landline Phones Gigaset
Gigaset Premium E390A Cordless Phone, Single Handset with Big Buttons Landline Phones Gigaset
Gigaset Premium E390A Cordless Phone, Single Handset with Big Buttons Landline Phones Gigaset
Gigaset Premium E390A Cordless Phone, Single Handset with Big Buttons Landline Phones Gigaset
Gigaset E390A Big Button Phone Review YouTube Thumbnail
Gigaset Premium E390A Cordless Phone, Single Handset with Big Buttons Landline Phones Gigaset
Gigaset Premium E390A Cordless Phone, Single Handset with Big Buttons Landline Phones Gigaset
Gigaset Premium E390A Cordless Phone, Single Handset with Big Buttons Landline Phones Gigaset

1. Gigaset Premium E390A Cordless Phone, Single Handset with Big Buttons
£64.99
£74.99 £64.99

Our Verdict: Big buttons and extra-loud volume make this ideal for older users.

  • Best-in-class full duplex loudspeaker with HD sound
  • Extra loud volume boost
  • Large 2.2” TFT colour display with easy to read jumbo font
Who said big button phones can't be stylish? The Gigaset E390A boasts the same design as the No.1 Best Buy but includes some additional features to make it easier for elderly users. From the big button keypad, extra-loud volume booster, larger font size on the 2.2” colour display, and an emergency call button, the E390A is our top choice of cordless phone for elderly and anyone looking for something that scores top marks for ease-of-use. It's even hearing aid-compatible, so everyone can enjoy this sleek, high-end cordless phone. Further benefits include a standalone user-friendly answering machine, call blocking, and large phonebook.

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Panasonic KX-TGM426 Six Handset Big Button Cordless Phones Landline Phones Panasonic
Panasonic KX-TGM426 Six Handset Big Button Cordless Phones Landline Phones Panasonic
Panasonic KX-TGM426 Six Handset Big Button Cordless Phones Landline Phones Panasonic
Panasonic KX-TGM426 Six Handset Big Button Cordless Phones Landline Phones Panasonic
Panasonic KX-TGM426 Six Handset Big Button Cordless Phones Landline Phones Panasonic
Panasonic KX-TGM426 Six Handset Big Button Cordless Phones Landline Phones Panasonic
Panasonic KX-TGM426 Six Handset Big Button Cordless Phones Landline Phones Panasonic
Panasonic KX-TGM426 Six Handset Big Button Cordless Phones Landline Phones Panasonic
Panasonic KX-TGM426 Six Handset Big Button Cordless Phones Landline Phones Panasonic
Panasonic KX-TGM426 Six Handset Big Button Cordless Phones Landline Phones Panasonic

2. Panasonic KX-TGM420EB Big Button Cordless Phone with Answer Machine
£84.99
£99.99 £84.99

Our Verdict: Extra loud volume & big buttons make this an ideal choice for the elderly.

  • Volume Boost Control amplifies handset volume up to +40 dB
  • Slow Talk Mode slows speech in real time to make it easier to understand
  • Visual call notification & talking caller ID
Without a doubt, the Panasonic KX-TGM420 is one of the best easy-to-use home phone for older users and just narrowly missed out on the no.1 spot. In terms of features it has our pick for Best Buy beat with a Volume Boost Control, which amplifies the handset volume up to +40 dB. There is also a Slow Talk feature, which actually slows the speech of your caller in real-time to make it easier to follow. Further benefits of the KX-TGM420 is a visual call indicator, large buttons, and backlit user-friendly display. It is very easy to set-up and use and an all-round great home phone.

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BT 4000 Big Button Cordless Phone, Single Handset Landline Phones BT
BT 4000 Big Button Cordless Phone, Single Handset Landline Phones BT
BT 4000 Big Button Cordless Phone, Single Handset Landline Phones BT
BT 4000 Big Button Cordless Phone, Single Handset Landline Phones BT

3. BT 4000 Big Button Cordless Phone, Single Handset
£39.99
£44.95 £39.99

Our Verdict:

  • Large display & buttons
  • Extra loud volume & Hearing Aid friendly
  • Nuisance call blocking
An easy to use home phone with big buttons, extra loud volume, and an inductive coupler, the BT 4000 provides added convenience for older users. The BT 4000 also includes one-touch call blocking and an array of call-blocking features that provide a simple solution to eliminating unwanted and intrusive nuisance calls. Call Guardian can be used effectively to block up to 100% of unwanted calls. This is one of the most dependable phones, and is remarkably easy to use, too. That makes it one of our top choice for elderly customers looking for a new home phone.

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Panasonic KX-TGU130EB Big Button Cordless Phone, Single Handset Landline Phones Panasonic
Panasonic KX-TGU130EB Big Button Cordless Phone, Single Handset Landline Phones Panasonic
Panasonic KX-TGU132EB Big Button Cordless Phones, Twin Handsets Landline Phones Panasonic
Panasonic KX-TGU130EB Big Button Cordless Phone, Single Handset Landline Phones Panasonic
Panasonic KX-TGU130EB Big Button Cordless Phone, Single Handset Landline Phones Panasonic
Panasonic KX-TGU132EB Big Button Cordless Phones, Twin Handsets Landline Phones Panasonic

4. Panasonic KX-TGU130EB Big Button Cordless Phone, Single Handset
£40.29

Our Verdict: Budget friendly big button phone that offers great value for money

  • Extra Loud: maximum receiver volume is around twice as loud as the standard Panasonic DECT phones
  • HAC (Hearing Aid Compatibility) Support
  • Automated Call Block recognises and screens automated calls to stop them from being put through
The Panasonic KX-TGU130 is a user-friendly big button home phone that is packed with features and offers great value for money. The large tactile buttons are easy to read and push and there is an extra-loud ringer that is about twice as loud as standard Panasonic phones. Further benefits include: Hearing Aid Compatibility; Integrated Answering Machine (with 18 minutes recording time); and automated call blocking features. Definitely one of the best value big button phones for elderly on the market!

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VTech ES2051 DECT Cordless Telephone with Answering Machine, Twin Handset Landline Phones VTech
VTech ES2052 DECT Cordless Telephone with Answering Machine, Three Handsets Landline Phones VTech
VTech ES2052 DECT Cordless Telephone with Answering Machine, Three Handsets Landline Phones VTech
VTech ES2052 DECT Cordless Telephone with Answering Machine, Three Handsets Landline Phones VTech
VTech ES2051 DECT Cordless Telephone with Answering Machine, Twin Handset Landline Phones VTech
VTech ES2052 DECT Cordless Telephone with Answering Machine, Three Handsets Landline Phones VTech
VTech ES2052 DECT Cordless Telephone with Answering Machine, Three Handsets Landline Phones VTech
VTech ES2052 DECT Cordless Telephone with Answering Machine, Three Handsets Landline Phones VTech

5. VTech ES2051 DECT Cordless Telephone with Answering Machine, Twin Handset
£44.99

Our Verdict: Great value home phones with decent volume booster

  • Answering machine: With 30 minutes of recording time, the answering machine answers the call when you can’t.
  • Nuisance and unwanted call blocker*: Avoid nuisance and unwanted calls. VTech’s call blocker feature allows you to block nuisance calls and calls from unknown numbers. Block up to 100 blacklisted numbers.**
  • Volume booster: Volume booster provides and additional volume increase in the earpiece at the touch of a button. Ideal for hearing impaired users or on quiet calls where a simple volume boost helps call clarity.
The VTech ES2051 are an excellent choice if you’re looking for an easy-to-use pair of home phones. Featuring a sleek and modern design, they are an attractive choice and easy to use with well-spaced buttons with large bold numbers. There is a monochrome backlit display that is easy to read and the phone comes packed with value-add features, including: answering machine with 30 minutes recording time, volume booster, handsfree speakerphone, and nuisance call blocking. Available in one handset, two handset, and three handset packs the VTech ES2051are great value!

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Panasonic KX-TGJ320EB Cordless Phone, Single Handset with Nuisance Call Blocker Landline Phones Panasonic
Panasonic KX-TGJ320EB Cordless Phone, Single Handset with Nuisance Call Blocker Landline Phones Panasonic
Panasonic KX-TGJ320EB Cordless Phone, Single Handset with Nuisance Call Blocker Landline Phones Panasonic
Panasonic KX-TGJ320 Phone Review YouTube Thumbnail
Panasonic KX-TGJ320EB Cordless Phone, Single Handset with Nuisance Call Blocker Landline Phones Panasonic
Panasonic KX-TGJ320EB Cordless Phone, Single Handset with Nuisance Call Blocker Landline Phones Panasonic
Panasonic KX-TGJ320EB Cordless Phone, Single Handset with Nuisance Call Blocker Landline Phones Panasonic
Panasonic KX-TGJ320EB Cordless Phone, Single Handset with Nuisance Call Blocker Landline Phones Panasonic
Panasonic KX-TGJ320EB Cordless Phone, Single Handset with Nuisance Call Blocker Landline Phones Panasonic
Panasonic KX-TGJ320EB Cordless Phone, Single Handset with Nuisance Call Blocker Landline Phones Panasonic
Panasonic KX-TGJ320EB Cordless Phone, Single Handset with Nuisance Call Blocker Landline Phones Panasonic
Panasonic KX-TGJ320EB Cordless Phone, Single Handset with Nuisance Call Blocker Landline Phones Panasonic
Panasonic KX-TGJ320EB Cordless Phone, Single Handset with Nuisance Call Blocker Landline Phones Panasonic
Panasonic KX-TGJ320EB Cordless Phone, Single Handset with Nuisance Call Blocker Landline Phones Panasonic
Panasonic KX-TGJ320EB Cordless Phone, Single Handset with Nuisance Call Blocker Landline Phones Panasonic
Panasonic KX-TGJ320 Phone Review YouTube Thumbnail
Panasonic KX-TGJ320EB Cordless Phone, Single Handset with Nuisance Call Blocker Landline Phones Panasonic
Panasonic KX-TGJ320EB Cordless Phone, Single Handset with Nuisance Call Blocker Landline Phones Panasonic
Panasonic KX-TGJ320EB Cordless Phone, Single Handset with Nuisance Call Blocker Landline Phones Panasonic
Panasonic KX-TGJ320EB Cordless Phone, Single Handset with Nuisance Call Blocker Landline Phones Panasonic
Panasonic KX-TGJ320EB Cordless Phone, Single Handset with Nuisance Call Blocker Landline Phones Panasonic
Panasonic KX-TGJ320EB Cordless Phone, Single Handset with Nuisance Call Blocker Landline Phones Panasonic
Panasonic KX-TGJ320EB Cordless Phone, Single Handset with Nuisance Call Blocker Landline Phones Panasonic
Panasonic KX-TGJ320EB Cordless Phone, Single Handset with Nuisance Call Blocker Landline Phones Panasonic

6. Panasonic KX-TGJ320EB Cordless Phone, Single Handset with Nuisance Call Blocker
£49.99

Our Verdict: Top-class features, design & sound from Panasonic

  • Nuisance Call Blocking for up to 100 numbers
  • Talking Caller ID
  • Phonebook for up to 250 contacts
The Panasonic KX-TGJ320EB is an outstanding cordless telephone, which has been recommended as a Which? Best Buy. We were impressed with the high-class design and impressive features of the TGJ320 including advanced Nuisance Call Blocking, which enables you to block specific numbers (or entire groups of numbers based on the first two to eight digits) as wells as calls from withheld numbers. Panasonic phones typically perform well for sound quality in our tests so it was no surprise that the KX-TGJ320 scored top marks for call clarity. The handset also boasts a duplex loudspeaker so is excellent for hands-free calls. Further benefits include the 1.8” full colour display, integrated answering machine, and shared phonebook (in packs of two handsets or more). Top rated by experts and consumers alike, the Panasonic KX-TGJ320EB is unlikely to disappoint!

More Options Available:

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Panasonic KX-TGF320E Corded & Cordless Phone Combo Landline Phones Panasonic
Panasonic KX-TGF320E Corded & Cordless Phone Combo Landline Phones Panasonic
Panasonic KX-TGF320E Corded & Cordless Phone Combo Landline Phones Panasonic
Panasonic KX-GF320 Review YouTube Thumbnail
Panasonic KX-TGF320E Corded & Cordless Phone Combo Landline Phones Panasonic
Panasonic KX-TGF320E Corded & Cordless Phone Combo Landline Phones Panasonic
Panasonic KX-TGF320E Corded & Cordless Phone Combo Landline Phones Panasonic
Panasonic KX-TGF320E Corded & Cordless Phone Combo Landline Phones Panasonic
Panasonic KX-TGF320E Corded & Cordless Phone Combo Landline Phones Panasonic
Panasonic KX-TGF320E Corded & Cordless Phone Combo Landline Phones Panasonic
Panasonic KX-TGF320E Corded & Cordless Phone Combo Landline Phones Panasonic
Panasonic KX-GF320 Review YouTube Thumbnail
Panasonic KX-TGF320E Corded & Cordless Phone Combo Landline Phones Panasonic
Panasonic KX-TGF320E Corded & Cordless Phone Combo Landline Phones Panasonic
Panasonic KX-TGF320E Corded & Cordless Phone Combo Landline Phones Panasonic
Panasonic KX-TGF320E Corded & Cordless Phone Combo Landline Phones Panasonic

7. Panasonic KX-TGF320E Corded & Cordless Phone Combo
£79.68

Our Verdict: With both corded and cordless handsets, this model has it all!

  • Corded & cordless telephone
  • 3 One-touch dialling buttons
  • Nuisance Call Blocking & Do Not Disturb
Enjoy the best of both worlds with this Corded & Cordless phone combo from Panasonic. For those who like the reliability of a corded telephone and the flexibility of a cordless handset, the KX-TGF320 provides the benefits of both. The corded phone includes an integrated answering machine (also accessible from the cordless handset), which can record up to 30 minutes of messages, a handsfree loudspeaker, and display screen. Expandable up to 6 handsets in total and boasting excellent sound quality and range, the KX-TGF320 is an innovative solution, which won't disappoint!

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BT Elements 1K Long Range Cordless Telephone Landline Phones BT
BT Elements 1K Long Range Cordless Telephone Landline Phones BT
BT Elements 1K Long Range Cordless Telephone Landline Phones BT
BT Elements 1K Long Range Cordless Telephone Landline Phones BT
BT Elements 1K Long Range Cordless Telephone Landline Phones BT
BT Elements 1K Long Range Cordless Telephone Landline Phones BT

8. BT Elements 1K Long Range Cordless Telephone
£69.99
£84.99 £69.99

Our Verdict: With extra-long range and an extremely tough casing, this model is ideal for outdoor use.

  • Up to 1km Outdoor Range
  • 50 Number Calls List
  • Splash and Dust Proof (IP67 rated)
If range is an issue or you like to use your cordless phone outside in all types of weather then the BT Elements 1K Weatherproof Cordless Phone is definitely the top choice. This easy to use long range phone offers so many features, but the one that really sets it apart from the rest on this list is its impressive splash and dust proofing. Rated IP67, it can put up with vrtually anything that life might throw at it. The BT Elements 1K is also GAP compatible, meaning you can register any matching handsets to its base station. You can connect up to five handsets this way, making it a great choice for those with larger properties and lots of rooms. Up to 10 hours of talk time and 250 hours charge on standby make this cordless telephone a great choice for casual users, too. If a reliable cordless telephone is what you need, the BT Elements 1K offers that and so much more. With a backlit screen to make for easy reading, and the possibility to save up to 30 numbers on redial, the BT Elements 1K is the perfect telephone for any busy household.

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Gigaset Hello Phone Designer Cordless Phone - Black, Single Handset with Answer Machine Landline Phones Gigaset
Gigaset Hello Phone Designer Cordless Phone - Black, Single Handset with Answer Machine Landline Phones Gigaset
Gigaset Hello Phone Designer Cordless Phone - Black, Single Handset with Answer Machine Landline Phones Gigaset
Gigaset Hello Phone Designer Cordless Phone - Black, Single Handset with Answer Machine Landline Phones Gigaset
Gigaset Hello Phone Designer Cordless Phone - Black, Single Handset with Answer Machine Landline Phones Gigaset
Gigaset Hello Phone Designer Cordless Phone - Black, Single Handset with Answer Machine Landline Phones Gigaset
Gigaset Hello Phone Designer Cordless Phone - Black, Single Handset with Answer Machine Landline Phones Gigaset
Gigaset Hello Phone Designer Cordless Phone - Black, Single Handset with Answer Machine Landline Phones Gigaset
Gigaset Hello Phone Designer Cordless Phone - Black, Single Handset with Answer Machine Landline Phones Gigaset
Gigaset Hello Phone Designer Cordless Phone - Black, Single Handset with Answer Machine Landline Phones Gigaset

9. Gigaset Hello Phone Designer Cordless Phone - Black, Single Handset with Answer Machine
£44.99
£54.99 £44.99

Our Verdict: A stylish new model from our top-rated cordless phone brand.

  • HD sound quality
  • Answering machine with 20 minutes recording time
  • Phonebook for up to 150 contacts
The Gigaset CL390A Hello Phone, to give it its full name, is the latest handset from our top-rated cordless phone brand. Combining elegant modern design with their trademark HD sound quality, the Hello Phone is another fine addition to the Gigaset range. It includes all the features you would expect from a thoroughly modern cordless phone, including an integrated answer machine and several nuisance call blocking options. Expandable up to four handsets, and with a standalone base station that allows you to place those handsets anywhere you like in your home, this model is an excellent choice for busy households.

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Gigaset A690A Cordless Phone, Single Handset with Answer Machine Landline Phones Gigaset
Gigaset A690A Cordless Phone, Single Handset with Answer Machine Landline Phones Gigaset
Gigaset A690A Cordless Phone, Single Handset with Answer Machine Landline Phones Gigaset
Gigaset A690A Review YouTube Thumbnail
Gigaset A690A Cordless Phone, Single Handset with Answer Machine Landline Phones Gigaset
Gigaset A690A Cordless Phone, Single Handset with Answer Machine Landline Phones Gigaset
Gigaset A690A Cordless Phone, Single Handset with Answer Machine Landline Phones Gigaset
Gigaset A690A Cordless Phone, Single Handset with Answer Machine Landline Phones Gigaset
Gigaset A690A Cordless Phone, Single Handset with Answer Machine Landline Phones Gigaset
Gigaset A690A Review YouTube Thumbnail
Gigaset A690A Cordless Phone, Single Handset with Answer Machine Landline Phones Gigaset
Gigaset A690A Cordless Phone, Single Handset with Answer Machine Landline Phones Gigaset

10. Gigaset A690A Cordless Phone, Single Handset with Answer Machine
£29.95
£36.95 £29.95

Our Verdict: Reliable budget-friendly home phone!

  • Talk hands-free with superior audio quality
  • Phonebook can store up to 100 names and numbers
  • Perfect voice quality with adjustable sound profiles
The Gigaset A690A is a stylish new budget-friendly landline phone that is top-rated for sound quality, and ease-of-use. Well-equipped with a practical feature set that includes an integrated answering machine, call blocking, and large display, the A690A is an ideal home phone. Further benefits include a generous phonebook memory for up to 100 contacts, excellent handsfree loudspeaker, and unlike most BT phones it is possible to extend the range of these with a DECT repeater (ideal for larger homes or those with thick walls). Excellent value for money!

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