Our Expert Opinion
TextNow is a viable option for free calling and texting within the U.S. and Canada on VoIP or 5G networks, but the app interface is cluttered with ads on desktop and mobile—which can be distracting. It offers a good variety of virtual phone numbers, making TextNow’s free plans a strong choice for a secondary or throwaway phone number.
However, TextNow does not suffice as a business phone system due to its lack of features beyond voicemail. The ads and data limitations on TextNow’s free plan also make it too cluttered and minimal to work as a primary mobile carrier. At $39.99 per month, TextNow’s paid unlimited data plan removes the ads, but it’s overpriced; alternative carriers offer better value as a primary mobile service.
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What Sets TextNow Apart?
TextNow stands out mainly because it’s free—most alternative VoIP services and mobile carriers charge at least $10 monthly per line. The TextNow app also offers an impressive selection of area codes for virtual phone numbers. I could choose from dozens of phone numbers based in my city, while several other providers I’ve tried had no local offerings.
Finally, TextNow is easy to set up and requires little commitment. Some budget phone services require you to order a SIM chip online or provide credit information, but with TextNow, you can sign up from any internet-connected device and get started. I was able to begin making calls within two minutes of downloading the app.
TextNow Key Features
TextNow is a simple, free service for calling and texting in the U.S. and Canada—without many other features. The desktop and mobile apps provide a user dashboard where you can make calls, send messages, check your voicemail and access some data-based apps.
Here’s a closer look at TextNow’s features:
Free Unlimited VoIP and 5G Calling
TextNow offers free, unlimited calling by VoIP or 5G/4G cell service. Once you download the TextNow app and choose a phone number, you can begin making and receiving calls over VoIP immediately, as long as you have an internet connection.
You can call any number in the U.S. or Canada—mobile, landline or virtual. I was impressed by how instantly I got up and running on my TextNow number. If you need a second phone number immediately—for example, to disguise your personal number—TextNow meets the need.
The app’s 5G phone service requires you to purchase a $4.99 SIM chip, which TextNow ships to you in a few days. Once you buy the SIM chip, you can make unlimited free calls anywhere within TextNow’s network. The SIM chip includes 1GB of free monthly data to access mobile apps, but if you need more data, TextNow also offers paid plans for more data or an ad-free experience. TextNow runs on the T-Mobile network, providing reliable coverage across the U.S. and Canada.
TextNow’s desktop app lets you make calls and send texts from one dashboard.
DID Phone Numbers
When you sign up on the TextNow app, the service lets you choose a local DID phone number from an area code within the U.S. or Canada. When I signed up, I looked through several area codes across the U.S.—including some remote locations—to see TextNow’s selection. Each area code I searched had several numbers available.
This wide selection of numbers enables you to establish a local and familiar presence with contacts in a different part of the country. TextNow’s variety also works well if you want to add a throwaway or second phone number in your local area code.
If you want to switch to TextNow as your primary mobile provider, you can transfer your current number to your TextNow account. Before signing up, you can use the service’s “Device Checker” functionality to ensure it supports your current number.
The TextNow mobile app lets you choose phone numbers, place calls and manage contacts and other settings.
Mobile, Browser and Desktop Apps
You can access the TextNow app on your mobile device, desktop or web browser. I downloaded the mobile and desktop apps and found both of them user-friendly. However, my main critique of TextNow’s apps is the annoying ads and pop-up banners, which get in the way when scrolling through conversation logs.
The mobile display feels familiar—with conversation logs and contact directories that resemble my phone’s. With notifications turned on, my phone notified me of inbound calls and voicemails just like it does with my regular cell service.
I found the desktop app’s display intuitive to use and more spacious than the mobile app—even though I don’t frequently make calls from my computer. While the mobile app felt too cluttered with ads, they didn’t take up as much space on the desktop and just created a minor nuisance. If you handle calls through your computer—whether using Bluetooth, headphones or a VoIP phone—TextNow’s app can do the job.
Textnow mobile view of SMS conversation, conversation log and voicemail recording.
SMS Texting
TextNow plans include unlimited SMS and MMS texting on Wi-Fi and the 5G networks, using the desktop, web or mobile apps. The app’s texting interface feels familiar and straightforward—similar to texting platforms you’re used to.
You can send text, emojis, images and GIFs.
TextNow lets you text GIFs, emojis and images.
Voicemail
TextNow’s service includes voicemail capabilities with audio transcription, so you can read your voicemail messages. You can choose from an automated greeting that includes your number or record a custom audio greeting.
Data
TextNow includes 1GB of free data per month—with the first 350MB at high speeds and subsequent data usage at a slower 128 Kbps. This data lets you access essential apps, including maps, email and rideshare platforms such as Uber. You can’t use TextNow data to access nonessential apps, including games, social media, etc.
If you want unlimited data—which lets you access any app—TextNow offers plans by the hour, day or month. A one-hour pass costs 99 cents, a day pass costs $4.99 and the monthly unlimited data plan costs $39.99. Each plan includes an allotment of high-speed data, then unlimited 2G-speed data once you surpass the limit.
TextNow Pricing
| VoIP Calling | 5G/4G Cellular Service | Data Pass | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost | Free | Free with a one-time $4.99 cost for SIM chip | $39.99 |
| Unlimited Calling in the U.S. and Canada | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Unlimited SMS in the U.S. and Canada | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Desktop and Mobile Apps | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Data Limit | 1GB for essential apps | 1GB for essential apps | Unlimited for any app |
| High-Speed Data | 300MB | 2GB | 10GB |
| Ads | Yes | Yes | No |
| Voicemail | Yes | Yes | Yes |
TextNow includes free unlimited calling and texting within the U.S. and Canada, whether you opt for Wi-Fi-based VoIP or 5G cell service. However, the 5G option requires that you purchase a SIM chip for $4.99 upfront. These options include desktop and mobile access, plus voicemail, but they limit you to 1GB of monthly data, which you can only use for essential apps.
A significant downside of TextNow’s free plans is their ads, which I found distracting on desktop and mobile. If you don’t mind the ads, TextNow’s free service is a good value because there are few free unlimited calling and SMS platforms. The only other free option I’ve found is Google Voice’s Personal account—not Business.
The $39.99 Month Pass removes the in-app ads and offers unlimited data for any app. However, I consider TextNow’s paid plan a poor value compared to other VoIP and mobile carriers. VoIP alternatives such as OpenPhone and Zoom Phone offer unlimited calling and SMS for under half the cost. Similarly, mobile providers such as Mint Mobile and Tello provide unlimited data plans for $15 and $25 monthly, respectively.
Is TextNow Right for Your Business?
With its unlimited calling and texting in the U.S., TextNow works well as an alternative phone number for personal use or a business number for occasional interactions. However, its ad-cluttered interface and lack of data make TextNow ineffective as a primary business phone system or personal mobile number. Further, TextNow lacks the business phone features that most VoIP alternatives offer.
We recommend TextNow for:
- An alternative phone number. Since TextNow lets you choose a VoIP number from area codes across the U.S., it works well as a backup or alternative to your main mobile number.
- Unlimited calling and texting. While TextNow lacks advanced call routing features, it makes a reliable option for unlimited calling and 1:1 texting within the U.S.
- Personal use. Due to its limited features but reliable coverage, TextNow is a good option for personal use but has limited utility as a business phone number.
We do not recommend TextNow for:
- A business phone system. TextNow lacks many business phone system features such as call routing and the ability to link numbers within an account. VoIP platforms such as Zoom Phone and RingCentral offer more robust business phone systems.
- A pleasant user experience. TextNow’s dashboard is cluttered with ads, negatively impacting my experience. Google Voice and Grasshopper offer much cleaner and more spacious user interfaces.
- Mobile data. TextNow’s free phone service works well, using VoIP and 5G/4G. However, these plans only let you use data in select use cases. For unlimited data, TextNow’s $39.99 monthly cost is much higher than alternative mobile providers such as Mint Mobile or Visible Wireless.
Featured Partners
1
Zoom
$10 per user per month, $15 unlimited calling
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Unlimited in the U.S. and Canada
2
Intermedia Unite
$27.99 per user
Voice, SMS, Team chat, Video meetings
33 countries, including the U.S., Canada, U.K., Hong Kong, Italy and India
3
Vonage
$19.95 per user, per month
Yes
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why would someone use TextNow?
Someone would use TextNow as a free secondary phone number or primary phone service, for unlimited calling and texting in the U.S. and Canada.
Can I tell if someone is using TextNow?
No. TextNow virtual phone numbers appear to your contacts as regular phone numbers from your chosen area code.
Is a TextNow number a real phone number?
Yes. TextNow’s virtual and mobile phone numbers are legitimate, real numbers.
Does TextNow work without Wi-Fi?
TextNow’s 5G service works without Wi-Fi but requires a SIM chip for $4.99. However, TextNow’s VoIP service requires Wi-Fi.
Is TextNow safe?
Yes. As a legitimate mobile service, TextNow is safe and secure.
