I'm considering getting a home phone mainly for my kids to use, but I'm unsure what the best option is these days. A traditional landline, an internet-based phone service, or something else? My biggest concern is robocalls and scam calls. I don't just want them rejected after the phone rings—I'd prefer a setup where only approved contacts, such as friends and family, can make the phone ring at all. Is that realistic? My cell phone already gets a lot of spam, so I'd appreciate any practical recommendations.
4 Answers
An internet-based home phone service can work well. For example, some providers use a small adapter connected to your router, allowing you to plug in a regular cordless phone. Look for features such as contact syncing and sending every unknown caller directly to voicemail. With that setup, the handset can remain silent unless the caller is on your approved list, while you still get the familiarity of a normal home phone.
Some cable-company phone services identify suspected spam calls, but that still usually means the phone rings first. Other VoIP providers let you create a whitelist and automatically send everyone else to voicemail, reject them, or hang up. That kind of filtering is probably closer to what you want than a basic traditional landline.
Eventually, almost any phone number attracts some robocalls. You can reduce the problem by keeping the number private, avoiding it on websites and store loyalty programs, and registering it with the national Do Not Call list if you’re in the United States. That may reduce legitimate telemarketing, but it won’t stop scammers completely. A locked-down smartphone with calls restricted to selected contacts is another option if you also want tighter control over texting and other apps.
Traditional landlines can become expensive and may still receive a constant stream of telemarketing and scam calls. Some people deal with that by turning the ringer off, but then legitimate calls can be missed. Before signing up, check whether the provider offers contact-based ringing, anonymous-call blocking, or a whitelist; without one of those features, a basic landline probably won’t solve the problem.
Unfortunately, even a completely unused number may receive spam. A new work number of mine started getting robocalls the same day, before I had given it to anyone.