Okay why analog phones? Why not the latest digital cordless phone with DECT technology? And what is “Eco Mode”. Well unless you have been living under a rock for the last decade most people have heard rumors that cell phones might give you brain tumors. Right? We all have heard of the risks associated with the (RF) radio frequency radiation that cell phones give off. But I bet you never heard that cordless phones are actually much more dangerous.
Why? Because cordless phones give off this same radiation that cell phones do, except cordless phones emit it both from the base and the handset, and they emit it 24/7 instead of just when making a call or using the internet like a cell phone does. In fact, your cordless phone acts like a mini cell tower right in your home blasting out this electromagnetic or RF radiation all day long every day. So in this article we are going to discuss 12 Examples Of Eco Mode & Analog Cordless Phones.
But first I would like to show you the below video. In the video I test a cordless phone with a meter so that you can see how much RF Radiation it emits. It is a short video but very eye opening. It is worth watching. I highly recommend it.
To really understand why you need to get rid of that cordless phone and look for an alternative, you need to understand why RF radiation is so bad for your health. RF radiation is also known as radio frequency radiation.
This type of radiation is everywhere and it’s invisible, making it really difficult to know it’s even there. Turns out, this type of radiation, particularly low exposure, over a long period of time can cause cancer, depression, tumors, ADHD, autism, vision problems, headaches and heart disease. Yep.
All that from that convenient cordless phone. The World Health Organization recently classified this type of radiation as a possible carcinogenic in humans. So, this is not just my opinion, this is scientific fact.
And there are hundreds of studies that link RF Radiation with cancer. See “The 7 Worst Radiation Dangers In Your Home” for links to some of these studies. Here in the Untied States, the U.S. Toxicology Program recently revealed the results of a $25 million study focused on the health effects of RF radiation on mice and rats. Do you know what they found? Scientists discovered low exposure or RF radiation from a cell phone is linked to a higher rate of rare tumors in the heart tissue of male mice and rats.
Remember, cordless phone emits higher levels of RF radiation than a cell phone. Can you imagine what the cordless phone would have done to those lab mice? The study isn’t without controversy. It made headlines around the world and cell phone giants were quick to dismiss the findings as inconclusive. But, as far as I’m concerned, the study speaks for itself. So, how does RF radiation affect the human body.
It’s pretty complicated, but I’ll do my best to explain it layman’s terms. I’m not a doctor, just a concerned citizen trying to educate consumers, like you, about why we need to reduce our RD radiation exposure. Okay. So, RF radiation has a thermal effect on the human body. This means RF radiation has the ability to heat up tissue, change our cellular structure and the way our body communicates with our nerves and cells.
Some experts also believe, RF radiation has the ability to break the blood-brain barrier, which is the body’s last line of defense when it comes to toxic chemicals. This is a really big deal. A leak in the blood-brain barrier can create the perfect environment for brain tumors to develop and comprises our immune system, making it more difficult to fight infection. A study in Sweden recently linked a dramatic increase in brain tumors to cell phone use. I know we are talking abut cordless phones, but they emit the same RF radiation.
Bottom line, it’s better to be safe than sorry. There is still a lot of research to be done in the link between serious health issues and RF radiation. But, from what I’ve read so far, you need to make changes now to mitigate your chances of developing cancer, tumors and other health ailments. Good news. Big business is listening. Consumers are demanding safe options and we now have a lot of cordless phones to choose from. Let’s take a look at those phones and how they stack up.
So, is there a safe cordless phone that doesn’t emit this dangerous radiation? Good question! Well the answer is sort of. Analog cordless phones still emit RF radiation but just much, much less. They function from down in the ~50 Mhz or ~90 Mhz frequency all the way up to the newer ones in the 5.8 GHz frequency. The lower frequencies are much less than the ~900Mhz, ~1.7GHz, 1.9GHz, 2.4GHz and also 5.8GHz that digital cordless phones use.
Just to give you some comparisons AM, and FM radios use the 535-1605 kHz and a cell phone functions in the 824-1990 MHz frequency. (A MHz is 1000 times a kHz and a GHz is a thousand times a Mhz.) So, the lower frequency analog cordless phone are a little more powerful than an the AM and FM radios that we all grew up with, but not near as powerful as the cordless phones and cell phones we use today. The higher frequencies are just as powerful as a digital cordless phone or cell phone.
When you test a higher range cordless phone or a cell phone with a HF-35C High Frequency Analyzer, both will totally max out or exceed the measurement capacity of the meter. This analyzer or meter will measure up to 2,000 micro-watts of power per unit squared and the RF radiation output of both a cordless phone and cell phone exceed that significantly. Most western countries set safety limits of 200 micro-watts of power per unit squared.
The United States is the most lenient, setting limits at 1,000 micro-watts of power per unit squared. Higher range cordless phones and cell phones are at least double the US safety standard. I have not tested an analog cordless phone with my high frequency analyzer personally, but logic and everything I have read says that they will read much, much less. However, if you buy a analog cordless phone I would still recommend getting the HF-35C High Frequency Analyzer yourself so you can test it and all the other WiFi devices in your home.
So, by far the best solution is a corded phone. You know that yellow phone, with the long cord that always got twisted and tangled while you tried to talk to your best friend? Yep, that one. Guess what? They still make them. A phone with a cord does not emit any of this harmful radiation. This is by far to reduce your RF radiation. But, let’s be honest, is a corded landline phone realistic for your family? I don’t know about you, but I love being able to multi-task on the phone.
With a cordless phone, I can be outside watering the lawn and talking to grandpa Lon in Minnesota. Don’tcha know? Okay, that was a little Minnesota humor for you. I digress. So, if the thought of throwing out your cordless phone makes your head spin or if you need a cordless phone for your business, you have options. In fact, you have two options when it comes to purchasing a cordless phone that will reduce your RF radiation exposure. Let’s take a look:
- A lower frequency analog cordless phone. The lower the safer.
- A digital cordless phone with an Eco Mode or Eco Mode Plus setting
The best of option 2 is a phone with an Eco Mode Plus setting because it turns off the RF radiation emission until a call is made. So, these phones do not emit any of the harmful RF radiation when no call is being made, even if the handset is away from the base. These phones blast the full fury of radiation regular cordless phones blast when making a call, they just are not blasting it 24/7 even when the phone is not in use. A low frequency analog phone is the safest option of all the cordless phones. A corded phone is the safest.
The purpose of this article is to recommend the 10 current cordless phones that I have found that have the most features and that will emit the lowest levels of harmful radio frequency radiation. But first a warning. I have had people who have commented to me that they purchased cordless phones that were listed on Amazon as “Eco-Mode”, but could not find any Eco-Mode setting. Be sure and read reviews and do your research. Okay now let’s get started!
Also remember you can click on any image or link to check the current price on Amazon.
1. AT&T 5 Handset DECT 6.0 Cordless Phone
The main benefit to this phone is its eco mode which reduces the radiation from the base and the handsets by 80%. If you click on any of these links to check out any of the phones remember that any digital cordless phone that you get, even if it is not one of the ones that I am recommending, be sure it says “eco mode” or “eco mode plus” somewhere in the product description before you order it. This phone will fit most budgets ringing in at about $30 or so depending on the day. Like most cordless phones, this model features speakerphone, caller ID with a 50 name/number history. At night, the phone lights up with an orange type glow, making it easy to see the numbers and digital screen at all hour of the day. Getting a phone call at 3 a.m. has never been easier with this phone.
2. Uniden EXP7901 900 MHz Analog Cordless Telephone
First of all, I like this look of this phone. I know this article isn’t about which phone would look best with your modern day-décor. But, if this was that type of article, I’d give this phone two thumbs up. It’s intuitive, compact and affordable. This phone rings in (pun intended) at about $75. Let’s take a look at the specs. This phone operates at 900 MHz, which is right about the low range of cell phone RF radiation. So, while it may look stylish, it’s still on the higher range of an analog phone, as far as energy used. While, this phone emits less than the typical cordless phone, I’m still uncomfortable with this level. If you’re serious about reducing your RF radiation, keep reading. I think we can find a good fit for you. But, if you like the style, this phone is a step in the right direction. And it’s better than your traditional cordless phone. If it fits the budget, this could be a good fit!
3. VTech CS6719-2 DECT 6.0 Phone
If you’re looking for a cordless phone that will reduce your RF radiation exposure, this is the one. You can have your cordless phone and your good health with this purchase. First of all, it’s made by VTech, a well known, reputable company with a knack for making quality products at an affordable price. This phone rings in at about $35.
Here’s the highlight reel with this phone: It’s simple to use, simple design and overall pretty straight forward. The phone has a speakerphone option, allowing you to make a phone call without holding the phone directly up to your ear. So, what does the DECT stand for? Great question. It’s technology that allows the signal to boost without using more power. Less power= less RF radiation.
This is a good thing, but only when the phone is in eco-mode. Yes! Set this phone to eco-mode and your phone is no longer transmitting radiation 24/7. Eco-mode only uses power and emits RF radiation when you are making or receiving a phone call.
4. Motorola DECT 6.0 Corded Base Phone with Cordless Handset
Motorola has been making phones since the beginning of well, cordless phones. With an track record of making great products, I was really hoping this phone would score a homerun. But, after taking a closer look, it’s clear you want to stay clear of this one. Here’s why.
The sound is mumbled, the corded base and cordless set is a mix of two different products. It’s equipped with DECT technology. Remember, this technology allows the phone to boost its signal. Alone, DECT can be hazardous to our health because its constantly using bursts of energy to operate. But, when you combine this technology with ECO mode, you’re good to go.
But, with the corded and cordless combination, from what I can teal, it’s still emitting RF radiation levels that I’m just not comfortable with. I’m going to pass on this one. Don’t worry, there are plenty other options for you.
5. Panasonic KX-TGD532W Expandable Cordless Phone
Phew. We made it through the Motorola review. Thank for sticking with me. Next up: Panasonic KX-TGD532W Expandable Cordless Phone. That’s a mouth full. This phone has all the bells and whistles and the very important eco-mode setting. In fact, Panasonic claims this product has “Intelligent Eco-Mode.” Eco-mode basically means the base of your cordless phone and the phone itself only use power and transmit signals when you make or receive a phone call.
Without eco-mode, the base of the phone acts much like a cell phone tower, except this one is smack-dab in the middle of your living. No thanks. In addition to the crucial eco-mode setting, the phone had all the modern day features consumers demand out of a cordless phone: caller ID, call history, speakerphone setting and answering machine.
It also blocks calls from telemarketers! Sold! No more vacation rental inquiries from Kansas during dinner time. I highly recommend this product if you are searching for a reliable, high quality phone all while minimizing your RF radiation exposure. This phone rings in around $50 and includes two cordless phones and two bases.
6. Uniden EXP 970 900 MHz Analog Cordless Phone
Yay another analog phone! Even most of the analog phones are now getting higher and higher frequencies. This one is still fairly low. This is the most basic of cordless phones and I really like it. Its simplicity is calming in the chaos of all the modern technology we are surrounded by everyday. The analog phone is a good choice when you are trying to significantly reduce your exposure to radio frequency radiation.
The product operates at the 900 MHz band, which is less than the traditional cordless phone. When considering the right phone for your family you have to decide how much radiation you are comfortable with. Experts will tell you there is no safe level of RF radiation. This phone will reduce your exposure, but it will not eliminate it. With that said, it’s an affordable, basic phone, with a no-frills approach to style and design. It appears to be fairly intuitive, making it a great cordless phone option for all ages. This cordless phone rings in around $40.
7. Panasonic KX-TGC362B Dect_6.0 2 Handset Landline Telephone
Panasonic is a great brand and reputable company. If your looking for a cordless phone with eco-mode that will allow you make and receive phone calls for years, this is the one. With the Panasonic KX-TGC362B DECT 6.0 2 Handset Landline Telephone, you can talk for hours a time to your sister in Maine without risking your health. Here’s why: this phone has the eco-mode feature. This means the power setting is much lower when the handset is near the base of the phone. Again, less power used translates into less RF radiation exposure for you and your family.
Now, that’s a phone I can get behind. According to tech experts, eco-mode reduces transmitting power by about 80%. That means your radio frequency radiation exposure is reduce by 80%. How cool is that? Of course, there is still that lingering 20% of power and radio frequency hanging around in your home. But, it’s better than 100%. This phone is well designed and appears be fairly simple to use. I highly recommend this product if you are trying to find a balance between convenience and reducing your radiation exposure. This phone is the best of both worlds and ring in at around $55.
8. Panasonic KX-TGD564M Link2Cell Bluetooth Cordless Phone
Panasonic really making a big dent in the eco-mode cordless phone market. This phone is a combination of smartphone and a cordless phone. With this model you can sync up two or more cordless phones and make a phone call with Bluetooth.
You can also access Google, Siri and other online programs. I imagine this would be a really good option for a busy office, like at a medical clinic or tire repair shop. While it has the eco-mode option which reduce RF radiation, its still using Bluetooth technology to operate. Bluetooth technology requires WIFI and WIFI is a huge source of RF radiation.
So, my review on this particular product is mixed. I love the eco-mode, but I’m not a huge fan of all the bells and whistles. I guess it really comes down to the application. If you need a cordless phone set up for work, this is better than your traditional cordless phone. However, it may be a bit much for use at home. If you have a 10,000 sqft home then maybe this would be a good option. Again always make sure you have a HF-35C High Frequency Analyzer so you can test your Wi-Fi electronic devices for electromagnetic radiation for yourself.
9. AT&T CL81214 DECT 6.0 Expandable Cordless Phone
For the price and the added features, this is probably one of the best eco-mode phones on the market. The design is simple, and the features are pretty straightforward. Like most cordless phones, this particular model features caller ID, large, easy to read buttons and cordless handset, if needed. Perhaps the most important part of the phone: it features ECO mode and DECT 6.0 technology.
ECO mode is the number one thing you want to look for when choosing a cordless phone. Some studies indicate, ECO mode reduces your exposure to RF radiation by about 80%. That’s a significant reduction. The DECT 6.0 technology means Digital Enhanced Cordless Communications. This mean this particular model is operating at 1.9 MHZ. Basically, DECT improves the range of your phone without the extra power. If you order a DECT equipped, make sure it comes with ECO mode too. This phone rings in at around $34.
10. VTech CS6929-26 Expandable Series Cordless Phone
If you’re into making a bold statement with your cordless phone, this is the one for you. It’s simple, sleek and bright RED! Who doesn’t love a pop of color in the most unexpected places: your cordless phone. Other than the fun color, this phone packs a punch when it comes to reducing your radio frequency radiation exposure.
This model in the VTech line of cordless phones features the ECO mode setting, which means it uses power only when you are receiving and making a phone call. As I mentioned earlier, cordless phones emit so much RF radiation because the base of the phone and the handset are transmitting information back and forth 24/7.
When you put your phone on ECO mode, it eliminates that back and forth of communication. So, your phone is only using power when it needs to. That sounds pretty smart to me. The ECO mode setting also means that you get more life out of your product and its not draining the batteries on the phone. Which means you’ll be purchasing fewer batteries.
This phone is eco friendly on all fronts! What I love most about this phone is the price. This phone rings in at around $70 for two phones and two bases. That sounds like a good deal to me. In addition to the ECO mode, this phone has an LCD screen, ability to access voicemail from another phone and caller ID.
11. Panasonic KX-TGE232B Cordless Phone, 2 Handsets
Panasonic does it again. The engineers behind this series of cordless phones, really knew what they were doing when they designed this phone. It’s sleek, modern design with big silver buttons and black accents, make this a cordless phone classy enough for a professional office, yet casual for your home office. Here are the specs: it comes standard with DECT 6.0 technology and ECO mode. DECT technology means that you get a clear quality sound no matter where you are in the home. You can make a phone call in the basement, in a bunker or from your toddler’s bunk bed all without using any additional power.
DECT technology allows cell phones to have clear sound and longer range from the base. As I mentioned earlier, less power=less RF radiation exposure. If the power goes out, this phone come standard with rechargeable batteries. The big highlight on this phone is the ECO mode. Are you tired of hearing that phrase yet? I hope not!
ECO mode is the only way to go when it comes to using a cordless phone. Without the ECO mode this product operates at the between 1.92Ghz to 1.93Ghz. Experts say when you use ECO mode it reduces power consumption by about 80%. When in doubt, use a High Frequency Analyzer to determine the difference RF radiation between ECO and regular mode.
12. Panasonic KX-TG6591T DECT 6.0
If a bold red cordless phone is a little too much for your taste, opt for the Panasonic KX-TG6591T DECT 6.0 cordless phone. This phone is simple, sleek and easy to use. This phone is specifically designed for those with hearing and visual impairments. Panasonic integrates its state of the art technology with easy to use features for every age.
This is the kind of phone that would be perfect for kids and elderly. While the phone is sleek, it makes room for larger than life features like a big screen and even bigger numbers. The big features make it easy to see for all ages! In addition to large features, the sound is magnified, making every conversation you have with your aunt Fern crystal clear.
Remember the last night you tried to get that brownie recipe from her and you thought she said, “brown the bacon” when she really said “brown the butter?” Yeah, that will change a recipe real fast. Although bacon and chocolate seem to be a big salty-sweet combination right now. Back to cordless phones. Even with the magnified voice feature, this phone isn’t using any more power to do so.
According to the manufacturer, when in ECO mode the phone power is reduced by 77%. Sounds pretty good to me. If you’re looking for an easy to use and easy on the budget cordless phone, this is the one. The price tag on this phone rings in at around $42.
Phew. We made it through the most popular analog and eco-mode and analog cordless phones on the market. Nice work. It’s clear there are a lot of choices when it comes to deciding what is the best cordless phone for you and your family. It’s a big decision, I get it. When you think about all the sources of RF radiation in your home, it can be overwhelming.
But, taking small steps, like replacing your old cordless phone with an analog phone or an ECO mode digital phone can make a big difference. For under a $100 you can have the convenience of a cordless phone and not have to worry if that 10-minute chat with your best friend from college is going to come back and haunt you. Even though these phones all reduce your RF radiation exposure, they do not eliminate it.
As I mentioned earlier, the only true way to truly reduce your RF radiation exposure is to get rid of a cordless phone all together and opt for a landline phone. You can still purchase this old school phone on Amazon. If you just can’t stand the idea of being locked in one place while making a phone call, you can take extra steps to reduce your cordless phone RF radiation exposure. If you purchase an ECO mode cordless phone, keep your conversations short and sweet.
No need to dive into the real meaning of Peace and War over the phone with your historian brother with a PHD in all things history. Also, unplug the base of your phone at night and keep the phone out of your bedroom. Small changes will add up to big health benefits for you and your family. Let me know which phone you decided to purchase!
For more information on RF radiation emitted from cordless phones please see our article How Safe Are Low Radiation Cordless Phones?
