Whenever you buy a cordless phone, you have a choice when it comes to the number of handsets. The most basic cordless phone comes with a single handset. Dual handset models are popular choices. Some systems come packaged with up to five handsets. Theoretically, some expandable systems could handle even more. Where do you draw the line? How many handsets do you really need for your cordless phone system?
When cordless phones first appeared, the simple fact you could walk around without a telephone cord following along made these devices wildly popular. They provided an unaccustomed freedom to the way we talk on the phone. So most early models consisted of nothing more than a base with a handset. You could walk around with the single handset until the batteries ran down, then it had to go back in the base unit for recharging. Many folks just left the handset in the base all of the time. It wasn’t the most convenient way to use it, but it ensured a fully charged battery, not to mention it helped keep track of the handset.
Dual handset phones began to appear after a short while. The original base-plus-handset configuration was still there, but an additional handset with a charger could be placed anywhere else in the home. Assuming an efficient location, this new feature meant you had to walk 50 percent less to answer the phone. It also meant that one handset or the other would probably be charged enough to talk on, so people began leaving a handset in different locations rather than returning it to the base after each call.
Cordless phone systems have continued to add handsets and it’s not unusual to see five-handset cordless phones. Usually there is a base-handset combination, then four additional handsets. This really opens up new ways to use the system. For example, you could place a handset in every room in the house for ultimate convenience. Or perhaps each person living in the house would have a dedicated handset. However you choose to parcel them out, a cordless phone with multiple handsets provides easy access to the telephone for everyone.