Landline & Home Phones Worth Picking Up
Do you really need a landline phone anymore?
In a world of mobiles, it's easy to write off the humble landline phone – but don't be so quick to hang up! A trusty home phone still rings true, delivering crystal-clear calls, no dropped connections and peace of mind for households everywhere.
Why they're still talking the talk:
- Clear Call Quality – Crisp, uninterrupted conversations with no background noise – perfect for long catchups that deserve your full attention.
- NBN Compatibility – Modern home phone handsets plug straight into Australia's digital network.
- Consistent Connectivity – No patchy reception, dropped calls or low battery anxiety – just a dependable line every time it rings.
- Emergency Ready – Kids can call 000 without hunting for a mobile, and a corded phone stays on the line even when power goes out.
- Senior Friendly – Amplified sound, large backlit buttons and easy-to-read displays make home phones the clear choice for older Aussies.
- Added Features – Caller ID, call waiting, voicemail and call diversion – the little extras that keep every household running smoothly.
What's the best home phone?
The best home phone is the one that meets your needs and budget – whether you're looking for a simple household handset for the kitchen bench, a multi-room setup for a busy household, or a senior-friendly phone with big buttons and clear sound.
Ready to answer the call? Here are the brands worth picking up at Harvey Norman:
- Uniden – Innovative and easy to use, Uniden home phones are packed with practical features that make every call a breeze.
- Panasonic – Offer cordless phones with answering machines, combining clear sound, easy-to-use buttons and noise reduction.
- Oricom – Purpose-built for seniors, with large buttons, adjustable volume and easy-to-read displays.
- VTech – Delivers long-range performance and advanced features like smart call blocking.
Can I have a home phone without NBN?
NBN rollout still hasn't reached your street, or maybe you'd rather not make the switch? Either way, you've still got plenty of home phone options to keep the line open:
- A standard copper line still works well for many Aussie households
- VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) turns your broadband connection into a phone line
- Mobile network-based home phones are a smart solution for those off the beaten track
What should I look for when choosing a home phone?
With so many features on offer, it's easy to get your wires crossed when shopping for a new house phone. From answering machines to long-range cordless handsets, keep these essentials in mind before you buy:
- Cordless Design – Cut the cord and roam freely around the house, taking calls from the kitchen to the couch and beyond.
- DECT Technology – The gold standard for cordless phones in Australia, delivering clear call quality and a secure, interference-free connection.
- Range – Look for long-range performance that keeps you connected, whether you're in a compact apartment or a sprawling two-storey home.
- Number of Handsets – One by the front door, another in the kitchen and then by the bed. Multi-handset packs ensure there's always a phone nearby.
- Answering Machine – Prepping dinner or mid-shower when the phone rings? This makes sure every message gets through, even when you can't pick up.
How do I set up a home phone?
Whether you're on NBN, VoIP or a traditional copper line, getting connected to a new home phone is easier than you think! Most handsets are ready to go straight out of the box – just plug it in, charge up and wait for the dial tone.
Not sure which setup is right for you? Our in-store experts are always on call to help you find the right landline phone for your needs and budget, from simple corded phones to multi-handset packs.