VTech ip5825 5.8 GHz DSS Cordless Speakerphone with Dual Handsets and Caller ID (Pewter)

Amazon Customer Reviews

(4 out of 5)

5.8? You judge

Note the 5825 does not have an answering machine (the 5850 does).
To start, I want to point out that this is actually a hybrid 2.4/5.8 system. The handset transmits @ 2.4GHz and the base @ 5.8 GHz. (I remember Panasonic did a similar thing with their first 2.4 phones which actually used 2.4 and 900MHz.) So if you think this phone will be 100% interference free from 2.4 GHz sources you may be disappointed (though I have not had any problems yet with our other 2.4G phone). Now leaving that, I find that this phone works quite well. The sound is good with normal use, speakerphone and headset. I especially like that there is only one phonebook that either handset can access. I also like that it uses regular AAA NiMH batteries (included).
I took off one star because of the extremely limited way you can edit names/numbers in the phone book. For example, you cannot add a "1" in front of a number. You have to delete the whole number and re-enter it. Same with names.

(5 out of 5)

Best 5.8 GHz Phone We've Found

We've been looking to replace our Panasonic 900 MHz phone which just died. We tried numerous Panasonic phones (2.4 and 5.8 GHz), and were unhappy with most of them. Brought home the Vtech i5867 5.8 Ghz with the built-in digital answering machine to try out. The phone had great sound quality, but the answering machine sounded terrible. In fact, most of the built-in answering machines we tried were awful. I know, digital will never be as clear as tape. But you should at least be able to understand part of the message a caller leaves. We finally found the ip5825 and decided to purchase a separate digital answering machine (AT&T). We're very happy with our choice. What can you say? The price is reasonable, the phone has excellent sound quality and range, and it uses the standard AAA rechargeable batteries. So you can go to your local Wal-Mart for replacements. I've been a panasonic fan for along time, so it was hard at first switching to Vtech. But the Panasonic 5.8 GHz phones were all pretty expensive compared to the Vtech. And to be honest, didn't sound as good.

The only negative I would mention is the on/off buttons on the handset could be a little larger and easier to locate. But the ip 5825 has the "any key answer" feature, which kind of makes that complaint mute. You can't go wrong for the price.

(1 out of 5)

Third time is not a charm. Defects and lousy support.

I've given this phone more than a fair trial. I've purchased this and 5850 phones three times. (The 5850 has an answering machine but identical handsets.) All of their identical handsets have malfunctioned immediately or eventually. The first time one of the screens lost contrast and became unreadable. The last two times the handset became inoperable after being left off of the cradle for several hours. None of the buttons would respond until the phone was recradled for a moment. (This would happen even after the batteries were fully charged.)

I returned the first two for refunds, but the third time I sent a message to VTech's online "support." Their email response was: "Due to the nature of your inquiry, your request would have to be handled by a representative who will provide you with the more detailed information." But when I called the "tech support" number provided I infuriatingly discovered that they only have automated tech support when you select the support phone menu option. So, I called the sales number and the rep said they are trying out this new automated approach to "tech support." That is, they have decided to ditch genuine support.

I asked to speak to a sales supervisor and he said that they have had other complaints about the inoperable handsets. He offered to send me replacement handsets, saying that he thought they have fixed the issue. Which brings up the obvious question: why are they still permitting retailers to sell units that VTech knows have defects? I've only had this one for a week. Shouldn't those defective phones be recalled? The supervisor's only response was to chuckle nervously.

So, while these phones have good talk time and audio quality, and respectable features, I can't recommend them since they are highly prone to defects and the company has such a laughable excuse for support.

Update: VTech has now replaced the phone for a fourth time as it once again stopped functioning. Unreliable junk.

(5 out of 5)

Great product - well designed

These phones are an excellent choice. Read the above features for all the normal stuff.

The phones work great. Unusual items of interest:
1) The phones SHARE a phone book. This is very cool. If you are using the second handset, and you have typed all the numbers into the first handset, they will all be there.

2) The phones use standard size NimH batteries. This should make it very easy to replace them when they wear out (a common cordless phone problem).

Downsides: Only supports the 2 handsets it comes with.

I am very happy with my purchase.

(5 out of 5)

Great phones for the money.

I had purchased the 2.4 GHz VTech single phone, but returned it partly because of the good reviews here and I wanted 2 handsets. I'm glad I did these phones are much better. Some of the features I like:

- When you press 'On' to make a call a timer starts in the display window, and tells you how long you've been on the phone. Very handy, especially when on hold. Then, if you like, set the phone down (stand it up) and press the Intercom button. Now you're in speaker phone mode and can do other things while waiting.

- It feels good in the hand, has a solid feel. One handed dialing with thumb is easy. Volume control on the side is OK.

- The msg waiting light on the base unit is very noticeable - much more than the previous Vtech I just returned.

- Backlit keypad and display is handy at night. The Display window is very informative with various array of messages.

- The intercom-walkie talkie feature is kind of neat. The handsets can call each other. Nice around the house when you don't want to use cell phones. While talking to each other, either phone can make an external call, and have a 3-way conversation.

- I like the default ringer tone. It's softer, warmer. I turned the ringers off other phones in the house.

- Shared phone book between handsets is smart and time saving. Changes, updates to the phone book on handset 1 are seen on handset 2, and vice versa.

- You can give each handset a unique name. The default is 'Vtech' on both. That can be changed.

People must like this phone - Amazon can't keep it in stock!

I've always been happy with Vtech phones and think the features, quality and price can't be matched by comparable brands.