I highly recommend this phone. it only takes one phone cord plug for the whole system and that's the main handset with the digital answering machine. The other handsets only need a power source. The answering machine works great. No matter which handset you pick up you can get your messages. It also has a great intercom so you can call room to room if you want to say call the kids who keep their door closed for privacy without yelling thru the house, so it would work well if you are sleeping and say someone in the kitchen wants to ask someone in a different bedroom something about or dinner or whatever without waking you from yelling or having to leave the kitchen while cooking. The system comes with the answering machine handset and 2 additional ones and is expandable. I bought mine from Best Buy for $50. It just can't be beat. The AT&T - DECT Expandable Cordless Phone System with Digital Answering Machine just can't be beat. Oh and the MUTE button you required is on every handset. You will absolutely love this phone. And the speaker phone works better than any other phone I ever had. You just can't go wrong with this phone.