Within this review we are looking into the Panasonic KX-DT521 phone. This is a desktop phone of the Panasonic digital handset range. We will look at the features of the handset, the pros and cons and who the ideal customer is for the KX-DT521. There are different handset options within this range, plus a plethora of other handset options on other phone systems worth considering. With all of these options, choosing the handset to fit your needs and your business can be extremely overwhelming. We are here to help you make the right decisions.

Using our 15+ years of experience of working with businesses and communications systems day-in, day-out, we will review phone systems and examine the good and the bad in each handset. We want you to make an informed decision and purchase the most suitable handset for your business, so we have done the legwork for you! Read on to discover what the Panasonic KX-DT521 has to offer, how it compares to other handsets on the market and if it is the right handset for you.

Who Is The Panasonic KX-DT521 For?

As the standard handset within the range, the KX-DT521 offers excellent audio quality, combined with supportive features and functionality. This handset in particular is best suited to standard everyday communications in such businesses as small offices, front desks at small firms and for visitors in waiting rooms.

Main Benefits Of The Panasonic KX-DT521

Ease of Use

With a simplified user interface, everyone who interacts with the handset - whether they are an office worker using it every day or a visitor using it in a hallway or waiting room - will be able to navigate the handset with ease. The user friendly design of the KX-DT521 makes it comfortable for everyone to use.

Value for Money

As the KX-DT521 is the standard handset it contains only the basic, standard features and functions. As such, it is a low-cost option for your everyday telephony needs.

Full Duplex Audio

We have found the KX-DT521 to have excellent audio quality in all components. Our customers love having full duplex audio quality as it makes conversations crystal clear. No more straining to hear the speaker on the other end and no more repeating yourself! Clearer, shorter conversations lead to increased productivity and efficiency.

Alternatives To The Panasonic KX-DT521?

There are plenty of telecommunications systems on the market that are suited to everyday users, so it is important that you research and find the system best suited to your needs. Of course, this is time confusing and often confusing so this is why we have done the research for you! At first you find the phone system you want, then the handset to use in conjunction with it. The difference between the phone system and the handsets is that although the handsets are of course an important factor, they are essentially keyboards for the phone system itself. The phone system is where a lot of the features and functionality stem from. Therefore, it is important that you first choose a phone system that suits your needs, and then choose the handset that you want to work with that system.

The Panasonic KX series is a portfolio of desktop phones, with the features and functionality based on the intended user of the handset.

Staying with Panasonic as your phone system, but looking at different handsets, there are a couple that you should be considering. The other handsets within the range are the KX-DT543 and KX-DT546. Both contain the same features and functionality as the KX-DT521, yet with additional features based on a more executive user.

Looking at other systems…. iPECS eMG80

The iPECS eMG80 is a phone system from LG Ericsson. This system is a good alternative to the Panasonic series. The system itself, and the handsets that pair with it, are the best alternative to the Panasonic. We have found the eMG80 to be an incredible top quality product for a very low price. The system offers all of the basic features such as voicemail, DND, day and night greetings etc, and also showcases the more advanced features like voicemail to email, auto-attendant and multi-party video conferencing. Our customers love that this system offers an outstanding range of features at a low price.

One option to consider from the iPECS eMG80 range is the LIP-9002. With the 4 programmable feature keys and 10 fixed features, the LIP-9002 is well-organised and logical in design, which then translates into the straightforwardness of use offered by this handset. Users have reported that the LIP-9002 has the perfect number of features and benefits required by smaller organisations, such as receptions at medical centres, lobbies at offices and manufacturing and retail stores. The reduced functionality compared to other models in the series not only contributes to the affordability of the LIP-9002, but also the convenience and accessibility of the handset.

Panasonic KX-DT521 Pro's

Large Display

The large, clear LCD display assists you to use the handset intuitively, with fast access to phone books and features.

Full Duplex Audio

We have found the KX-DT521 to have excellent audio quality in all components. Our customers love having full duplex audio quality as it makes conversations crystal clear. No more straining to hear the speaker on the other end and no more repeating yourself! Clearer, shorter conversations lead to increased productivity and efficiency.

Sleek Design

The sleek, modern handset is available in both black and white colour options. This variety gives you a choice in colour that can work well with any office decor.

Ease of Use

With a simplified user interface, everyone who interacts with the handset - whether they are an office worker using it every day or a visitor using it in a hallway or waiting room - will be able to navigate the handset with ease. The user friendly design of the KX-DT521 makes it comfortable for everyone to use.

Panasonic KX-DT521 Con's

Limited Functionality

Although an economical choice, the limited functionality of the KX-DT521 could be its downfall. Technology is developing at such a rapid rate, and for a little more money you could invest in a handset that has enhanced capability to streamline communications and change the way your business works.

No Bluetooth

Without Bluetooth functionality or an EHSA port, conversations cannot be conducted on wireless headsets. However, if you do not need to have this functionality then it will not be an issue for you.

No desk tilt

Although seemingly a small matter, without the ability to tilt when desk-mounted the telephone could be awkward to use for some workers.

Conclusion

With our experience, combined with our customers’ experiences, we find that the Panasonic KX-DT521 is a good handset for small business environments. The outstanding audio, combined with a limited feature and functionality set makes this a cost-effective solution. If you are looking for a basic handset for entry-level functionality then this is good option for you. However, if you believe that your business will grow and in turn outgrow the functionality of this standard handset, then consider a more advanced, technologically improved handset.