Is It Time to Cut the Cord on Your Landline?
With rising costs and evolving technology, many are rethinking their home phone service. Here's how to decide if it's time to let go.


With smartphones in nearly every pocket and internet-based alternatives offering budget-friendly call options, many are asking: Do I really need a landline anymore?
The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. For some, a traditional home phone service still plays a practical or emotional role. But for others, it’s just another monthly expense that might be easy to eliminate.
If you’re wondering whether it’s time to get rid of your landline, here’s what to consider.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Be a smarter, better informed investor.

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Why some people still keep their landlines
While many households have moved on from traditional landlines, there are still valid reasons why some choose to keep them. One of the most compelling arguments is reliability.
In areas prone to storms, power outages or weak cell signals, a landline connected through copper wiring can continue to function when other options fail. This reliability can be especially important during emergencies when having access to a working phone could make all the difference.
Call quality is another factor. Although smartphones have improved dramatically, some people still experience dropped calls or poor reception, especially indoors or in rural areas. Landlines, by contrast, tend to offer clear and consistent audio quality without the worry of dropped calls.
Safety is also a key concern for some users. When you dial 911 from a landline, for example, emergency services can immediately identify your exact physical address. This might not be the case with a cell phone, particularly if you're in a large apartment complex or a rural location. So, a landline can provide added peace of mind for families with children, seniors or those with health concerns.
But there’s also a comfort factor for some people who prefer the simplicity and familiarity of a home phone rather than a smartphone.
Wall-mountable landline phone with slim design. No AC power needed. Good for emergencies or simple home use.
Why more people are cutting the cord
Despite these advantages, more and more households are deciding that their landline just isn’t worth the cost or hassle anymore. Traditional landline service can cost anywhere from $30 to $50 per month, even more if it’s part of a bundled package with cable and internet.
In many households, everyone already owns a cell phone with unlimited talk and text as well. That makes a landline feel like a backup to a backup.
Cell phones allow you to make and receive calls from virtually anywhere, whether you're traveling, running errands or relaxing in the backyard. You’re no longer tethered to a cord or forced to screen calls through an answering machine.
Technology has also opened up even more alternatives. Consider that VoIP services like Ooma and Google Voice offer many of the same benefits of a landline, such as a dedicated number and voicemail, and without the high monthly fees.
Speakers with voice-calling capabilities are additionally giving people ways to stay connected without needing a traditional home phone setup.
How to decide what’s right for you
Before you call your provider and cancel your home phone, take a moment to reflect on your actual needs.
Ask yourself:
- Do I actually use my landline, or am I just keeping it out of habit?
- Is it bundled with my internet or cable package and will canceling it raise my overall bill?
- Do I live in an area with spotty cell coverage?
- Are there devices in my home that rely on a landline connection?
If you're still unsure, track your landline usage for a few weeks and compare it to your mobile usage. The answer might become clear pretty quickly.
Alternatives to traditional home phones
If you do decide to make the switch, you won’t be without options.
Cell phones: Most people already have one and they’re increasingly affordable. For older adults looking for low-cost plans, T-Mobile’s 55+ Plans offer great value with unlimited talk, text and data. You might even qualify for a free iPhone when switching to a new plan.
VoIP services: If you still want a “home phone” setup with a base and handset, internet-based options like Ooma or MagicJack can offer that experience often at a much lower price. Many come with free long-distance calling and extra features like voicemail-to-email.
Smart devices: Voice assistants like Alexa and Google Home now allow you to make calls with just a voice command. For tech-savvy users this can be a seamless replacement for a traditional phone.
Amazon Echo Show 5 (Latest Model). Make hands-free video and voice calls with Alexa. Features a smart display and clearer sound in a compact Cloud Blue design.
What to know before you cancel
If you’re ready to cut the cord, keep these steps in mind:
- Check your bundle: If your phone is part of a package deal, canceling could unexpectedly increase your internet bill. Call your provider to confirm.
- Port your number: Want to keep your longtime number? You can often transfer it to a mobile or VoIP provider.
- Update emergency contacts: Be sure your loved ones, doctor’s office and security system provider (if applicable) have your mobile number on file.
- Test drive it: Try relying on your cell phone for a month before canceling your landline to make sure you don’t miss it.
The question isn’t whether everyone should cancel their landline, it’s whether you should. For many, getting rid of a landline can cut costs without cutting communication. For others, especially those in rural areas or with medical needs, keeping a home phone might still make sense.
Either way, evaluating your current usage and exploring alternatives is a smart move.
Related Content:
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.

Choncé is a personal finance freelance writer who enjoys writing about eCommerce, savings, banking, credit cards, and insurance. Having a background in journalism, she decided to dive deep into the world of content writing in 2013 after noticing many publications transitioning to digital formats. She has more than 10 years of experience writing content and graduated from Northern Illinois University.
-
The 'Permission to Spend' Rules of Retirement Spending
Here’s how to spend guilt-free when you are in retirement.
-
Major Insurers Scale Back Medicare Advantage and Part D Plans for 2026. What You Need to Know.
Beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare Advantage and Part D prescription drug plans might be losing their plan as UnitedHealthcare, Humana, and Aetna (CVS Health) scale back offerings for 2026.
-
I Want to Retire, but I Have to Keep Working so My Adult Kids Have Insurance
It's a tricky period when your adult child is under 26 but needs health insurance. We ask financial experts for advice.
-
Don't Let Your Equity Compensation Trip You Up: A Financial Expert's Guide
Stock options, RSUs and other executive perks can come with some serious strings attached. To avoid a nasty tax surprise, you need a plan.
-
I Work From Home, and These Are the Best Home Office Upgrades From October Prime Day and Anti-Prime Day Sales
Spruce up your office for less with these sales. You could also qualify for tax credits with some upgrades.
-
Should You Replace Your Financial Adviser with AI?
Financial Help Many people already ask AI for financial advice. But is it good enough to replace a human financial adviser?
-
Savvy Savings Moves to Make Now – Or You Could Lose Thousands
Despite a rate cut and inflation, these moves can still help you reach your savings goals quickly.
-
Escaping the New Golden Handcuffs: A Financial Expert Has a Plan for Today's Executives
Feeling stuck in your job? It could be your complicated compensation package, but it also could be where you live, your family or even how you view yourself.
-
A Comfortable Retirement is About More Than Money
When it comes to a happy retirement, money can’t buy these things.
-
Four Ways a Massive Emergency Fund Can Hurt You More Than It Helps
Saving too much could mean you're missing opportunities to put your money to work. Redirect some of that money toward paying off debt, building retirement funds, fulfilling a dream or investing in higher-growth options.