VTech 2-Line Cordless Phone for Small Business or Home with Answering System and Mailbox on Each Line, Caller ID/Call Waiting, Intercom, Hearing Aid Compatible | DS6151 (Black/Silver)

I am running a business with 2 phone lines for many years now and phones have always been a problem for me. I found that all cordless phones degrade or stop working after a couple of years, so I went through several different brands and models which I can repport here for you. My comment on the VTech is the last paragraph. Starting 1999 I had a 2.4 GHz Siemes Gigaset and that was the best phone I had, it was stylish, very well organized and functioning. Unfortunately, wireless computer networking exploded shortly after and swamped this frequency band that no cordless phone at 2.4 GHz worked well any longer. Features included phone book copy amongst the different hand sets. I had two sets of different Panasonic 5.8 GHz phones, and all were really bad. Voice quality was horrible and something stopped working in a short time. One is tempted to buy Panasonic because they have the largest selection of models. But don't be fooled by that! I could not buy Siemens because they retracted from the 2-line analog phone market, they only offer VoIP stuff, but I am not ready for that yet. I had a Motorola 5.8 GHz for a couple of days and let me tell you, this was the worst phone I ever had, it was even much worse than all Panasonics. There would be not enough space on the Amazon server to write down all the details :-) Then I had a 5.8 GHz AT&T phone and I really liked voice quality and workmanship. But all hand sets had different numbers in their phone book because you cannot transfer the phone book between them; I just could not keep up with this. Also, the functionality was not very intuitive. Finally I got his VTech phone, and I must say that I am impressed. I wanted to have a DECT 6.0 phone because I believe this is the best frequency band for cordless phones. This phone looks great, has excellent voice quality, has an intuitive menu setup, and it has a very competative price. And what I like most which no other phone ever had: You program a number into your phone book and it is available instantaneouly in all hand sets. Only thing, they should have memory for more than 50 numbers. I have this phone and 4 hand sets since Dec 2009, and the only thing I hope is that it will be reliable. As soon as I have an issue I will update this review, so if you don't see an update, that is more points for this phone.

This is a GREAT 2-line phone. It just works, and works well. I wanted to like one of the Panasonic 2-line current models, but both had issues. One had a smaller number of extensions that could be used, the other didn't have a cordless phone at the base. The way extensions work on the Panasonic has some limitations as well, though both Panasonic models had battery backup. The V-Tech is lacking a few features (battery backup is the one I most wanted) but the phone system itself is phenomenal. Sound quality is EXCELLENT -- better than the Panasonic and better than my old V-Tech. The cost is far lower both for the base system and the extensions (extensions are a relative bargain for the V-Tech) and the system can accommodate 12 - TWELVE -- extensions, using as many as four at any one time. The answering machine is superb, though I use my phone provider's voicemail instead. Guess what? This even has a phone company voicemail detector and indicator! Buttons are responsive; the speakerphone is superb, and the controls are generally intuitive. Range is the best of any I have ever used. If you need a two-line phone and don't mind not having a battery backup, this IS the one to get. I recommend it highly.

I chose this phone because it was the cheapest 2-Line phone (at least pretty cheap and with the cheapest extra handsets). I wanted the two lines so that I could distinguish my calls (for work) from any calls to my wife. Thankfully it had the ability to chose different ringtones for each line (though I didn't like that you had to change them for each handset, but do like that you can change the volume for each line separately on each handset). Combined with the Obi202 the quality is much better than calling over the computer or phone apps (even with the quality issue(s) in the Cons section below). Below are some pros and cons. Most of the Cons are little things that could have been convenient, but I'm still overall satisfied with my purchase. Some of them also might be industry standard, but I haven't had a phone system in a long time to know what the standard is. I wouldn't pay double (at least) to get the next best 2-line phone system even if they got rid of all the cons (unless I was just itching to spend money). Pros: Cheap Directory (1) See notes below for numbered items. Distinct ringers / volume (2) Multiple Redials (3) Dial / Talk from Base Easily enable or disable answering machine (per line - the "on/off' buttons by each line on the base) Cons: Either (minimal) static, or lower quality earpiece. (4) Cannot rename handsets (5) Handsets must be removed from charger to do anything (except for ring incoming calls). Ringtones on the base and the handset start at different times (I haven't paid attention between individual handsets) NOTES: 1) All phones use the same stored directory, if you add it on one handset, it gets added on all other handsets and the base. 2) Ringer / Volume options are changed separately on each phone for each line (or you can change both lines together if you want). I would have preferred to change the ringtone for each line once and it go to all phones, but others might like it how it is. I do like that I can turn Line 1's volume down (or mute it) on one phone, and Line 2's volume down on the other handset. 3) Stores at least 20 distinct redial numbers. Prior numbers are accessed by using the up and down / scroll keys. Redial numbers exclude buttons pressed after the initial dial. Notes for Cons: (4) I'm getting either minimal static, or the earpiece speaker isn't the best quality. I haven't tried moving the base away from my refrigerator (which could be the cause if it's static). Note: The sound quality is still better than using VOIP on the computer or Android apps. 5) Handset names are "HANDSET 1", "HANDSET 2" etc. I couldn't find a way to rename the constantly showing identifier. If anyone else has seen how to change that let me know.

I bought this phone 6 months ago as I needed a speakerphone in the office and also wanted Caller ID and answering system. Good directions helped me set up everything the way I wanted. The speaker quality is excellent. The phone is to my right and callers hear me easily even when I have turned to my computer to reference information. The handsets also work well and I have had no problem on calls anywhere in the house including the back porch. I purchased a couple additional handsets. The phone system does indeed have a jack for a headset, but not in the base unit. Instead, each of the handsets has a jack and is readily available as a handset is sitting on the base unit. Liked the system well enough that I bought a second base unit to use in the den while watching tv so we both can be on calls we want to take via speakerphone. Set up the answering system on this unit as we can more readily see if there are any messages when first coming into the house. Well pleased as everything works great.

I bought this system a month ago, to replace my existing Vtech system. I love the larger buttons on this system, as they're easier to see and push (weak eyes, fat fingers). Speaker phone feature on each handset is great and gets lots of use. Works great with my landline on line 1, and my VOIP line on line 2. Installation and set-up was a breeze, and the system has performed flawlessly from day one. Audio quality is great, I hear others very well and they hear me very well. Calls across town, and across the Pacific, have been loud and clear. Love the large, backlit screen (those weak eyes again). Range and signal strength are great, although I haven't tried to use the phone from outside my own property, yet. Wonder how far I can get? I would recommend this 2-line system for use in any home or small office, as it's expandable to 12 handsets.

The Vtech DECT 6 we purchased (Base and 7 handsets), are a replacement for a 5 year old Uniden 5.8 GHz system which worked well, but the batteries were on their way out and we were looking for a bit of range improvement. We've had these DECT phones for about 3 weeks now and they definitely do have better range--at least 2X. They lack some of our old Uniden's features like a carry clip, earphone jack and nice ring tones. The Uniden's had a wide selection of good sounding ring tones ranging from classical to modern music snippets as well as many ring variations. Not so with the Vtech's. They offer a minimal number of harsh and mostly unpleasant choices. You will be hearing the phone ring a lot during their lifetime and if you care about the sound they make while ringing, check out the current Uniden DECT4066 series. I am assuming that this newer model still has the nice ring tones our old one had, but do check. Another missing item on the Vtech's is the ability to label the handsets by location (Kitchen, TV Room, Bedroom, etc) instead of "Handset 3". This makes the intercom feature more difficult to use. The voice quality is OK, the speaker phone is loud enough, the blue LED keyboard backlighting is nice when calling at night. It's also nice to have a centralized phone directory that shows up on every handset. We have phone company voice mail and don't use the answering machine. The Uniden's had a handy blinking red light on each handset to let you know that you had messages waiting. This Vtech sports only an obscure icon on the normally dark display to let you know that you have voicemail. The lightweight charging base only has two very small rubber feet to keep it from sliding and the front 2 feet are part of the hard plastic shell and can scratch wood finishes. Battery life seems fine so far. Unfortunately, as an industry it seems that cordless phones still use the cheaper, NiMH battery technology rather than switching to the higher capacity Li-ion type. So why didn't we buy another Uniden? In retrospect, The Uniden DECT4066 would probably have been a better choice, but we did save about USD one-hundred and ninety on the Vtech DECT 6 with seven handsets. There are not very many choices if you need a two line cordless phone and as other reviews have stated, paying more doesn't necessarily mean getting a better phone system. That said, even though we have not had a chance to evaluate it, I'd recommend that you check out the Uniden DECT 4066 as a more expensive, but better featured alternative before settling on the Vtech.

I've tried so many phones and VTech seems to be the best option for wireless. I recently needed a 2 line option, so purchased this based on awesome reviews. Unlike other VTech models, when you set the time and date either on the handsets or base, it is updated on all units. Sound is crystal clear. I especially like that the handset DOES have a jack (3.5) for headset. Speaker is loud and clear with no distortion. Range exceeds expections -- I can take my phone with me to the post office, which is nearly 1/4 of a mile away -- my home is on top of a hill, so this may be atypical for most users, but the point is, it does very well so far as range. Menu is intuitive. I didn't need to read the instructions. While I don't use it, the ansering machine is well though out, allowing separate mailboxes for each line. I tried the remote access, and it works great. I wish there was an option to use the base's microphone to remotely listen in, but that's not possible so far as I know... you can only listen to your messages. Extra handsets are only $20 a pop, and the base supports up to 12. Best phone I've had in a long while -- I plan on buying a spare I like it so much.

Please note that I am reviewing this as a complete system, with some comments directed to the base and others to the handset portion of the equipment. This phone system just isn’t cutting the mustard for small business use. As the cons far outweigh the pros, I’ll start with them. Cons: Distortion. This is my number one complaint. Every handset’s earpiece distorts pretty badly once you speak over a certain level. I’m not sure if the caller also hears the distortion, or it’s just present locally. But it is extremely annoying and totally unacceptable for a business phone. Reliability Issues. One of the three handsets I purchased still rings, but it refuses to answer the line, and you can’t draw dial tone to make a call, either. All you get is the infamous “Unable to call at this time. Please try again later.” I used to be able to cycle power to the base and/or remove the battery temporarily and it would come back for a while, but now the failure seems to be permanent. Again, it's simply unacceptable to be constantly rebooting when the phone helps you earn your livelihood. Poor range. Less than fifty feet away, with only a single intervening inside wall (and no foil backed insulation), the handset started breaking up. My antiquated 900 MHz cordless functions all the way to the corner mailbox, which is about 500 feet! Inconvenient mute function. The aforementioned 900 MHz phone has a dedicated “mute” button, conveniently located at the bottom corner of the handset. With the V-Tech, the mute is a “soft” function, so it’s kind of in the middle of the phone.. There’s no way to definitively access it without moving the phone away from your ear. It’s very easy to press the speakerphone button accidentally instead. I wish they’d made the “hold” button a “mute” button instead, and made “hold” a soft function. Annoying light timeout (base). The backlight on the base’s LCD screen stays on for a whopping 10 seconds after the last button is pressed. With the very low consumption of these LEDs, why isn’t there a menu option to simply leave the base’s backlight on all the time…or perhaps just leave it lit when you have new calls or unheard voice mail? Poor LCD labeling (base). The LCD labels such as “REDIAL” and “MENU” take up more physical space than the buttons they are referring to. They actually overlap TWO buttons. It’s pretty counterintuitive. I have to wonder why they didn’t use the nice, big four-way button to handle most of these chores as well. No auto answer. If a line is ringing and you remove a handset from its base, it should answer whichever line is ringing, right? Wrong. You have to pick up the handset and push Line1 or Line 2. This should have been an option under “Settings.” Weird line selection. If you accidentally press the wrong line, then realize your mistake and press the correct one, the other line is put on hold and left off the hook indefinitely unless you press “Off” first, THEN choose the other line. In my opinion the second line should merely be terminated, or, again, give us an option. No transfer button. If you want to transfer a call from the handset to the base, or vice versa, unless you push “mute” first, you (and your caller) will be greeted with squealing feedback until one of the devices is hung up. Poor VMWI. The only voicemail “message waiting” indicator is a small envelope icon on the LCD screens. There’s no flashing light or anything else that’s readily visible. I can’t imagine why they didn’t let the prominent “charging” light in the handsets double as a VMWI indicator by flashing it. No headset jack (on base). Ok, I knew about this one before my purchase, but the one system phone that needs this jack the most doesn’t have it! All ringers sound alike. Yes, you can choose between multiple ring tones, but they are all quite similar and are very hard to tell apart. Funky answering machine. The first time you press the “mailbox” button, you only get the new messages. If there are any old messages, they won’t play until you’ve listened to all the new ones and pressed the “mailbox” button a second time. Some people might prefer it this way; I don’t. Funky call holding operation (handset). You would think that pressing the speakerphone button when a call is on hold would return you to that call. It doesn’t…instead, you get fresh dial tone on the unused line. Now the pros: Speakerphone. Speakerphone is nice and loud. Address book sync. It’s nice to have address book changes propagate through to all handsets automatically. Good call timer. On the V-Tech, the call time displays for about five seconds after you’ve hung up. I’ve seen too many phones where the timer disappears as soon as you hang up. On/off for answering machine on each line. It’s amazing how many two line phones don’t have this simple feature. In summary, I am less than impressed. Many single line cordless phones have much nicer features and more reliable, more intuitive operation. It’s a shame that more manufacturers don’t see the market for a really good SOHO system. Update 6/2017: I'm ready to toss this phone in the trash, if I could only find a better one with the features I need. It regularly loses sync with the base...you hear the phone ringing, pick up the handset, press the appropriate line button, and absolutely nothing happens - the phone in the other room just keeps ringing. So you make the mad dash to a working phone, take your call, and reboot the handset by removing/replacing its battery - after which it goes back to working, but only heaven knows for how long. Infuriating garbage, DO NOT BUY! Update 7/2023: The base unit for my system completely died. Unfortunately, with some decent cash invested in extra handsets, and being unable to find anything better, I replaced it with an identical DS6151. My extra handsets refused to register with the new base without "de-registering" them from the old one! This is terrible coding, what happens if the old base won't power up at all, or was discarded? Thankfully, mine was still available. After some "switch the handset" gymnastics and a near loss of sanctification, all handsets are now working. However...the stupid thing is showing one call missed on Line 2, even though THE CALL LOG IS EMPTY. VTech strikes again! As is typical, rebooting fixed the issue, of course. They might as well just install a "reset" button on the back of the base...and for that matter, on each handset as well! Arrgh!

Hace lo que promete, se escucha perfecto y gracias a ello mi novia que me acusa de no hacerle caso, me ama nuevamente. Llegó en tiempo y forma. Lo recomiendo si nadamas utilizas dos líneas.

As I expected it`s perfect for my need, good quality, good shipment but.....the power source is on 110V, US plug (not mentioned in description) ! So...another search, another order.... Not a pleasant surprise. Cheers!

I have used the phone for over a month now. I am happy with the performance of the phone. At the given price, I will recommend the phone. Pros- (1)Elegant look, different from usually seen black sets. (2)Blue back-light LCD (3)Good speakerphone on handset (4) Handset and base buttons are good. (5)Menu is simple-easy to use. Cons-(1)Does not show caller ID with DTMF system used in India. You need a DTMF-FSK converter worth Rs.1000/. (2)Original power adapter is 110V rated and you need to buy 6V dapter to work on 220V, or a 220/110 VAC converter. (3)Set time and date is gone on power failure.(4)Facility to block numbers is not provided.

Very good phone. Hands-free feature works very well. Good sound quality for the price.

Excelente producto. Muy buena calidad de audio y alcance.