Best Home Phones for Seniors in Australia: Simple Buying Guide
A good home phone is still one of the most useful things in an older person’s home. It is simple, reliable, and easy to answer, with no apps or charging to worry about. For many older Australians, a home phone sits comfortably alongside a mobile, not instead of it. If a mobile might suit as well, see our guide to the best smartphone for seniors in Australia.
This guide explains the main types of home phone, what matters most when choosing one, and how home phones now connect in Australia since the old copper lines began to be replaced.
Quick answer
For most older Australians, a big-button phone with an amplified earpiece and a loud ringer is the best choice. Choose a corded model if the person forgets to charge things, or a cordless one if they like to carry the phone around the house. If there is no landline, a wireless home phone that uses the mobile network is a simple option.
How the main options compare
The right phone depends on hearing, eyesight, memory and whether the person likes to move around. This table is a quick guide.
| If you mainly want | A good fit to look at |
|---|---|
| Help hearing the call and the ring | An amplified phone with a loud ringer and a flashing light |
| A phone that never needs charging | A corded phone that plugs into the wall or router |
| To carry the phone around the house | A cordless phone, ideally with two handsets |
| Easy dialling for someone who forgets numbers | A photo memory phone with one-touch picture buttons |
| A home phone without a landline or fibre | A wireless home phone that uses the mobile network |
What matters most
Loud enough to hear
For many older people this is the single most important feature. Look for an amplified earpiece, an adjustable volume, and a loud ringer. A phone with a flashing light when it rings helps if hearing is a real difficulty.
Big, clear buttons
Large, well-spaced buttons with clear numbers make dialling easier and reduce mistakes. A backlit display helps in lower light.
Memory and photo buttons
Memory buttons let you call a saved number with one press. Some phones have picture buttons, where you put a photo of a family member on the button. These suit someone who finds numbers hard to remember.
Call blocking
Many newer home phones can block nuisance and scam calls. This is a useful feature given how common scam calls are. See our guide on phone call scams in Australia.
How it connects
This has changed in Australia. As the old copper lines are retired in areas with fibre, a home phone now usually plugs into the internet router rather than a wall socket. If there is no fibre or landline, a wireless home phone uses the mobile network instead, which can suit rural homes. Your provider can tell you what applies at your address.
The main types of home phone
Amplified corded phone
This is the one for someone who has trouble hearing, wants a phone that always works, and would rather not charge a handset. Look for strong amplification, a loud ringer, big buttons and hearing-aid compatibility if it is needed; brands like Panasonic and Uniden are widely sold in Australia. It is the most reliable choice for anyone hard of hearing, always charged and ready, and it stays put by the chair or bed.
Cordless phone
A cordless phone suits someone who likes to carry the handset from room to room, or wants one in more than one place. Choose a model with amplified volume and large buttons, and a set with two or three handsets if the home is larger, just remember the handset needs charging on its base. It is convenient and flexible, and best for someone steady on their feet who likes the phone nearby wherever they are.
Photo memory phone
A photo memory phone suits someone who finds numbers hard to remember, or is living with early memory loss. Look for large one-touch buttons where you can add a photo of each person, which specialist Australian retailers such as Eldertech and Deaf Quip stock. It is a thoughtful choice that makes calling family as simple as pressing a familiar face.
Buying checklist
- Is the earpiece amplified and the ringer loud enough?
- Are the buttons large and clearly numbered?
- Does it have memory or photo buttons for key people?
- Does it block nuisance and scam calls?
- How will it connect at this address, by fibre router or mobile network?
- Corded for reliability, or cordless to carry around?
Before you finish
Download the free Family Tech Safety Checklist to help check phone safety, passwords, scam messages, emergency contacts and medical alarm details.
Our overall pick
For most older Australians, a big-button amplified phone is the best starting point. Choose corded for total reliability, or cordless if carrying the phone around matters more. Add photo buttons if memory is a concern, and a wireless home phone if there is no landline.
Final recommendation
Start with a big-button amplified phone from a trusted brand like Panasonic or Uniden, sold at Officeworks, Harvey Norman or JB Hi-Fi. For amplified or photo-button models, the specialist retailers Eldertech and Deaf Quip are worth a look. Check how the phone will connect at the address before you buy, and consider a model with built-in call blocking.
Next steps
If a mobile phone might also help, see our guide on best simple phones for seniors. And remember the Seniors Card Card can offer savings on some phones and services.
FAQ: Home phones for seniors
Do landlines still work in Australia?
Yes. As the old copper network is retired in fibre areas, the home phone now usually plugs into the internet router instead of a wall socket. Your provider can set this up.
Can I have a home phone without the internet?
Yes. A wireless home phone uses the mobile network instead of a fixed line, which suits homes without fibre or a landline.
Corded or cordless, which is better?
Corded never needs charging and is very reliable. Cordless lets you carry the phone around. Many people choose a set with one corded and one cordless handset.
Will a home phone work in a power cut?
A phone connected through the internet router will not work if the power is out, unlike older copper phones. This is a good reason to keep a charged mobile as a backup.
Where can I buy one in Australia?
General retailers like Officeworks, Harvey Norman and JB Hi-Fi stock Panasonic and Uniden phones. For amplified and photo-button models, try specialists such as Eldertech and Deaf Quip.
