text+

Overview

text+ is best for people who want a separate number for everyday messages or occasional calls, including anyone putting a spare phone or tablet to use. Its strongest case is reach: contacts in the US and Canada can receive ordinary SMS and MMS without installing another app. It is less compelling as a dependable long-term line unless you pay to protect the number from inactivity.

Key features

Text+ supports SMS, MMS, photos and group messages to mobile numbers in the US and Canada. That makes it useful for separating personal and other communications without asking recipients to join a messaging service. Calls work over Wi-Fi or data; inbound calls are free, while outbound calls are low-cost to more than 200 countries.

Premium adds unlimited US calls and unlimited calls to Canada and more than 30 countries, plus a custom voicemail greeting and prioritized support. Its number-protection benefit matters if other people need to keep reaching you: the service advises keeping a number active or upgrading to Premium to protect it during inactivity. Users can block others and report abusive behavior in the app, but text+ says transmitted information cannot be guaranteed fully secure, so it is not a sound choice for sensitive communications.

Pricing

PlanPriceWhat it includesBest suited toFreefreeFree to download, text and receive calls. Outbound calling and Premium features are paid.People who mainly need texting and incoming calls.PremiumCustom pricing; billed starting at less than $5/monthNo ads, unlimited US calls, unlimited calls to Canada and 30+ countries, number protection during inactivity, custom voicemail greeting and prioritized support.People who need regular outbound calling or want their number protected while inactive.The free tier keeps the basic messaging and inbound-call use case available without a subscription; it gives up outbound calling and the protections and calling allowances that make the number more suitable as an ongoing line. Premium pricing is not a single stated rate, so check the offer before committing.

Platforms

text+ runs on Android and iOS. Its spare-device use case is especially relevant if you want a phone or tablet to serve as a second line.

Who it's for

Choose text+ if you want a second number for privacy, US and Canadian messaging, or a spare device that can receive calls. It is a weaker fit if you need a number guaranteed to remain yours without paying for number protection, or if secure handling of sensitive messages is essential. Users must be at least 13 years old.

Pros and cons

Pro: SMS, MMS, photos and group messages reach US and Canadian mobile numbers without requiring recipients to use text+.

Pro: Free inbound calls and texting make it possible to use the basic second-number function without a paid plan.

Pro: Premium combines number protection with unlimited calling in the US, Canada and 30+ other countries.

Con: Outbound calling is paid, limiting the free plan for anyone who expects to place calls regularly.

Con: Number protection during inactivity is a Premium feature, which makes Free a less dependable choice for a number you need to retain.

Con: The company does not guarantee that transmitted information is fully secure.

Alternatives

TextNow is worth considering if you want a broader choice of platforms and a free plan with unlimited talk and text; its free plan requires an active TextNow SIM. For messaging programs built around contacts and outreach, CallHub offers a free plan and free trial across mobile, web and desktop platforms, with a contact-based Essential plan. Impactive is another outreach-oriented option, with a free Standard plan and pay-as-you-go messaging charges.

Peerly suits buyers who prefer per-message pricing and pay only for successfully delivered messages. Empower App is aimed at approved political and labor organizations, while OutreachCircle offers a free Supporter Action Hub. RumbleUp is a paid messaging option with a free trial and per-segment charges. FreeMessaging.ai is a web-only option with no monthly software subscription, though carrier, messaging and phone-number costs still apply. Browse the Peer-to-Peer Texting Software category for more tools in that area.

Verdict

text+ is a practical pick for anyone who wants a separate number for US and Canadian texting and free incoming calls on Android or iOS. Choose Premium if number retention during inactivity or frequent outbound calling matters; look elsewhere if you need guaranteed number continuity without a paid tier or a secure channel for sensitive communication.