VTech EV2650 2.4GHz cordless phone system review

Now, about that illogical lack of a handset expansion option: The inclusion of three mailboxes alludes to the possibility of having a three-person household, but the EV2650 supports only the two handsets that come in the box. It would make more sense to allow another handset for that hypothetical third person. As it stands, the system makes the most sense for an individual or a small family who would use the third mailbox for business purposes.

Sound quality is acceptable. The system cranks out plenty of volume from the earpieces, the handset speakerphones, and the answering machine speaker, though there's a hint of scratchiness at the top levels. Although the phone operates in the 2.4GHz bands, its digital-spread-spectrum technology kept away any interference that our Wi-Fi network might normally cause.

While the VTech EV2650 lived up to its rated nickel-metal-hydride-powered eight-hour talk time over several months of moderate usage, its rated 4.5-day standby time dwindled down to just 2 days over the same period. The handset range is average for a 2.4GHz mode, around 100 feet without obstructions before the signal starts to skip.