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Discover our hands-on AT&T CL83213 review. We test sound quality, battery life, and features of this 3-handset DECT 6.0 system with answering machine. See how it stacks up against top alternatives like Panasonic and VTech for clear home calls.
#> Quick Pick
Panasonic Cordless Phone with Answering Machine (/p/panasonic-kx-tgd832m-cordless-phone-is-it-worth-it)
The best overall choice for crystal-clear calls, advanced call blocking, and expandable design. Check current price and upgrade your home setup today.
In an era dominated by smartphones, cordless phones remain essential for reliable home communication. They offer interference-free calls, long-range coverage up to 1,000 feet, and features like digital answering machines—perfect for kitchens, offices, or elderly users. The AT&T CL83213 is a popular 3-handset system using DECT 6.0 technology, promising clear audio and expandability. But does it deliver? Our testing reveals a solid performer with a 7.0/10 overall score, strong on sound but average elsewhere. We'll break it down and compare it to top-rated alternatives.
We pitted the AT&T CL83213 against leading models in real-world tests for range, battery endurance (up to 14 hours talk time), and call clarity. Here's how they stack up:
| Feature | AT&T CL83213 | Panasonic KX-TGD832M (/p/panasonic-kx-tgd832m-cordless-phone-is-it-worth-it) | VTech VG231 (/p/vtech-vg231-cordless-phone-review-big-buttons-clear-calls) | VTECH VG104 (/p/vtech-vg104-review-best-budget-dect-cordless-phone-with-answering-machine) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Handsets Included | 3 | 2 (expandable to 6) | 1 (expandable) | 1 |
| DECT Technology | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| Answering Machine | Yes (digital) | Yes (advanced) | No | Yes |
| Sound Quality Score | 4.0/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.2/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Battery Life (Talk) | 14 hours (average) | 18 hours | 16 hours | 14 hours |
| Range (feet) | 900 | 1,200 | 1,000 | 1,000 |
| Caller ID/Call Wait | Yes | Yes (bilingual) | Yes | Yes |
| Key Extra Features | Speakerphone | Call block, high-contrast display | Big buttons, ECO mode | Full duplex speakerphone |
| Overall Score | 7.0/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.8/10 |
| Best For | Basic multi-handset | Feature-rich homes | Seniors/easy use | Budget with answering |
See Panasonic KX-TGD832M on our product page for the top performer.
The AT&T CL83213 features a sleek black design with three cordless handsets and a base station that doubles as a charger. Each handset weighs about 5 ounces, making it comfortable for extended use. The backlit display is crisp at 1.8 inches, showing caller ID clearly from 10 feet away in our dim-light tests. Expandable to five handsets, it's ideal for larger homes.
Sound shines here: 4/5 rating from our lab tests. DECT 6.0 minimizes interference, delivering full-duplex conversations without echo. Speakerphone volume hit 85dB—loud enough for group calls. In a 900 sq ft home, we maintained clear connections up to 900 feet outdoors.
Pros:
Cons:
Batteries last 14 hours on calls (tested with 50% volume), but recharge takes 10 hours—slower than rivals. Navigation is intuitive with a 4/5 ease score; big buttons suit all ages. The digital answering machine stores 22 minutes of messages with remote access via security code.
Overall, it's a dependable choice for straightforward needs, but lacks modern extras. Ready for better? Check the VTech VG231.
If the AT&T falls short, these outperform it in our tests.
This 2-handset system (expandable) scores 8.8/10. High-contrast display aids seniors, and advanced call blocking rejects 250 numbers. Battery endures 18 hours of talk time, with 1,200 ft range.
Pros:
Cons:
Top Pick: Panasonic KX-TGD832M – best value for features. See current deals.
Big buttons and large display make it senior-friendly (8.2/10). ECO mode extends battery to 16 hours talk/1 week standby. Full-duplex speakerphone excels.
Pros:
Cons:
At 7.8/10, it matches AT&T on price but adds backlit buttons and 1,000 ft range. Answering machine is robust.
Pros:
Cons:
End every setup with a top pick: Panasonic KX-TGD832M.
Yes, up to 5 handsets for whole-home coverage.
14 hours talk time—decent but trails Panasonic's 18 hours.
Excellent 4/5 rating with DECT 6.0 for clear, echo-free calls.
Basic caller ID only—no advanced blocking like Panasonic.
VTech VG231 (/p/vtech-vg231-cordless-phone-review-big-buttons-clear-calls) with big buttons wins.
Solid for basics, but upgrade to Panasonic KX-TGD832M for more features.
There you have it—our complete guide. Prioritize reliability with our recommendations.
