I didn't find the reception as bad as the sound quality. It has 4 volume settings and if you are speaking to someone with a soft voice, forget trying to hear what they are saying to you. I usually have to switch to my GE 2.4GHz phone in my bedroom and then I can hear fine. I would love the phone if I could hear what the caller was saying. P.S. I do not have any hearing problems though this phone makes me question that!