VTech DS6621-2 Review

While this phone doesn't have the most expansive set of features, it still has all the most important ones and even a few of the fancier ones, like being able to link to a smartphone. This VTech cordless phone also retails at a very reasonable price, given its top-tier set of results.

Performance Comparison

Sound Quality

First and foremost, we evaluated and scored the sound quality of each product. We compared results by recording messages with each phone and having a panel of judges rate them, as well as by using each of these phones normally and aggregating our opinions. The DS6621-2 did very well.

Conversations transmitted by the DS6621-2 came across loud and clear, though they did seem a bit on the quieter side. You can easily hear what the other person is saying and there isn't any extraneous buzzing or static or significant voice distortion.

Range

Next, we moved on to comparing and ranking the range of each phone, pushing them to their limits to see just how far they would transmit. The transmitting capability of the DS6621-2 is exceptional.

We conducted two different range tests for each cordless phone, looking at their maximum capabilities in a line-of-sight setting and with obstacles and other interference between the base and each handset. The DS6621-2 did very well in the unobstructed test, with the conversation being totally understandable with well over 840' separating the phone from its main base. This was the cut-off for top marks in our test but we kept going and found this VTech phone was still able to function properly with over 1100' between the handset and the base station.

The range did drop significantly in the obstructed version of this test, as expected, but still had a better performance in our tests than the competitors. We were easily able to comprehend conversations even with approximately 390' and multiple walls separating the DS6621-2 from its base station.

Ease of Use

Next, we evaluated and compared how intuitive and user-friendly each cordless phone is. We looked at all the different basic and advanced functions of each product, comparing things like the ease of reading each phone in a dark environment, how easy it is to locate a lost handset, or place/receive a call. The DS6621-2 did fairly well without wowing us in this area of performance.

We found the backlight beneath the keypad on the handsets for this phone to be much less bright than many others. It's still more than enough to dial a number in the dark but we feel that you would need to be very familiar with this phone to operate any of the more advanced functions in a dark place.

The DS6621-2 has a very loud ring when you activate the find my phone feature that chimes frequently. We did like that the number is hyphenated on the screen when you enter it but the text is overall difficult to read and on the smaller side. It's got any key answer and makes it easy enough to call back a missed call but we did miss the lack of a speed dial. The mute button is easy to reach and it isn't a huge hassle to set the initial date and time. The DS6621-2 also has an integrated answering machine with 23 minutes of recording time available.

The menus are easy to navigate, with a self-explanatory layout. You only really need to delve into the second screen of options if you are adjusting some of the more obscure settings. It's also quite easy to save numbers to the phonebook, as well as block calls.

Features

This product is a little light on features but has bulk of the essential ones that we would want.

You can only use up to 5 handsets to expand the DS6621-2. It has a giant phonebook capacity, able to hold up to 1000 entries. It has a backlit keypad and the ability to connect to a smartphone but the main base doesn't have a keypad or speaker. You can link this model to a cell phone.

The buttons are a little on the small side and the handsets lack a headphone jack or belt clip but this system can function as an intercom.

Battery Life

Our last metric focused on the battery life of each product. We looked at both the maximum talk time, the standby time, and the charge time when determining scores, with the DS6621-2 earning poor marks with lackluster battery life.

The DS6621-2 lasted for less than 10 hours in our talk time test, which is hours less than the top models did. VTech claims that this can last for up to 5 days in standby mode and up to 12 hours to recharge, which is about average for these products.

Value

The VTech isn't the best budget call but sells at a very reasonable price for being one of the overall top phones.

Conclusion

Earning one of the best scores overall, we are overall very impressed with this phone. It had an exceptionally long range and great sound quality and we would readily recommend it. Our only hesitation is for users who need a phone that can last longer away from its charger, as the battery life on this product is sub-par. Still, for many users, this is an incredible option and we recommend it thoroughly.