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TextNow

textnow.com

From $35.99/mo Free plan WebWindowsmacOSLinuxiOSAndroid
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Spec score 8.8 #4 of 26 in Peer-to-Peer Texting Software

What it is

TextNow is a VoIP service for calls and texts to U.S. and Canadian numbers, with international long-distance calling available through purchased credits. Its ad-supported free service provides a phone number and unlimited North American calling and texting over Wi-Fi or a carrier data plan. The Free Plan costs nothing and includes unlimited talk and text plus 5G data for select apps; it requires an active TextNow SIM. With an active SIM, users can also get wireless coverage and free data for listed essential apps away from Wi-Fi. Those apps must first be downloaded over Wi-Fi. The service works on Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, web, and Windows, and account details, messages, and call history are accessible across Android, iOS, and web. The Unlimited Plan costs $35.99 a month, with unlimited data and up to 10GB at up to 5G speeds before speeds drop to 2G. Ad-Free+ removes ads and adds features including number locking, call forwarding, voicemail transcription, and unlimited photo and video history.

Spec sheet

What it does
TextNow provides a free phone number with calling, texting and wireless data options.Read 15 Oct 2026 · help.textnow.com
Support
TextNow offers support bot and live chat every day from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Eastern time.Read 15 Oct 2026 · help.textnow.com
Ad-Free+
Ad-Free+ removes ads and includes number locking, verification codes, unlimited photo and video history, caller information when available, call forwarding, and voicemail transcription.Read 4 Oct 2026 · help.textnow.com
Ad-Free+ features
The Ad-Free+ upgrade removes advertisements and adds number locking, verification-code support, call forwarding, voicemail transcription and unlimited media history.Read 15 Oct 2026 · help.textnow.com
Availability
TextNow says its service can be downloaded and used only within North America; U.S.-based wireless lines include Mexico roaming on every plan and Canada roaming on Plus and Unlimited.Read 4 Oct 2026 · help.textnow.com
Caller ID
Basic Caller ID is available to all users, while enhanced name or business identification is an Ad-Free+ feature.Read 15 Oct 2026 · help.textnow.com
Company headquarters and founding
LinkedIn lists TextNow as founded in 2009 and headquartered in Waterloo, Ontario.Read 15 Oct 2026 · linkedin.com
Company history
TextNow’s culture manual says the company began in Waterloo in 2009.Read 4 Oct 2026 · static.textnow.com
Company legal name
The Google Play listing identifies the developer as TextNow, Inc.Read 15 Oct 2026 · play.google.com
Company size
LinkedIn lists TextNow's company size as 51–200 employees.Read 15 Oct 2026 · linkedin.com
Cross-platform access
Users can access messages and call history from Android, iOS and the TextNow website.Read 15 Oct 2026 · help.textnow.com
Desktop apps
TextNow offers Windows and Mac desktop applications, as well as calling and texting through a browser.Read 4 Oct 2026 · help.textnow.com
Developer repositories
TextNow's public GitHub organization includes Kotlin, Swift and Go repositories such as Vessel, Analytics-iOS and gosms.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
Emergency calls
In the United States and Canada, a 911 call from TextNow connects to local emergency dispatch; on mobile devices the app opens the phone’s native dialer.Read 4 Oct 2026 · help.textnow.com
Essential data
An active TextNow SIM provides free data for selected essential applications such as email, maps and rideshare services.Read 15 Oct 2026 · play.google.com
Free app
The ad-supported free service includes a phone number and unlimited calling and texting across North America over Wi-Fi or a carrier data plan.Read 4 Oct 2026 · help.textnow.com
Free calling and texting
The free service includes unlimited calling and texting across North America.Read 15 Oct 2026 · help.textnow.com
Free data app limits
The Free data plan covers listed email, maps, banking, rideshare, and other apps; apps must be downloaded over Wi-Fi before using them away from Wi-Fi.Read 4 Oct 2026 · help.textnow.com
Funding and revenue claim
TextNow's LinkedIn profile says it raised $1.5 million in early seed funding, has had no outside capital since 2011 and generated more than $100 million in annual revenue for four consecutive years.Read 15 Oct 2026 · linkedin.com
Geographic availability
TextNow registration and use are limited to North America.Read 15 Oct 2026 · help.textnow.com
Identity verification
TextNow may request identity verification through Persona to help prevent account compromise and misuse; the page says uploaded verification data is contractually required to be stored encrypted.Read 4 Oct 2026 · help.textnow.com
International calling
The app offers low-cost international calling to more than 230 countries, with rates starting below one cent per minute.Read 15 Oct 2026 · play.google.com
Limit: advertising and business features
Forbes says the interface is ad-cluttered and lacks business-phone capabilities such as advanced routing and linking multiple numbers.Read 15 Oct 2026 · tollbit.forbes.com
Limit: call quality
Trustpilot reviewers report choppy calls, unstable connections, calls going to voicemail and speakerphone sound problems.Read 15 Oct 2026 · trustpilot.com
Limit: data pricing
Forbes says the $35.99 monthly unlimited-data option is expensive compared with alternatives and the free tier restricts data to selected apps.Read 15 Oct 2026 · tollbit.forbes.com
Limit: verification codes
Trustpilot reviewers repeatedly report difficulty receiving verification codes.Read 15 Oct 2026 · trustpilot.com
Messaging features
The service supports SMS, picture and video messaging, GIFs, signatures, quick replies and customizable tones.Read 15 Oct 2026 · apps.apple.com
Multiple devices
Users can access their account, messages, and call history across Android, iOS, and the web.Read 4 Oct 2026 · help.textnow.com
Network change
TextNow ended its previous network on July 31, 2026 and required older-SIM users to upgrade at no charge.Read 15 Oct 2026 · help.textnow.com
Open-source license example
TextNow's public Vessel and Analytics-iOS repositories are marked MIT licensed.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
Praise: affordability and convenience
Trustpilot reviewers repeatedly praise the free phone and text service, simple app navigation and usefulness as a backup line.Read 15 Oct 2026 · trustpilot.com
Rating on Apple App Store
4.8 out of 5 from 924K ratingsRead 15 Oct 2026 · apps.apple.com
Rating on Google Play
4.6 out of 5 from 1.65 million reviewsRead 15 Oct 2026 · play.google.com
Rating on Trustpilot
4.3 out of 5 from 2,166 reviewsRead 15 Oct 2026 · trustpilot.com
SDK documentation
The public Vessel repository documents a Kotlin runtime dependency, initialization, caching, observers and accessor APIs.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
Security verification
TextNow may use Persona identity verification to reduce account fraud and regain control of compromised accounts.Read 15 Oct 2026 · help.textnow.com
Service
TextNow is a VoIP service for calling and texting U.S. and Canadian numbers, with international long-distance calls available using purchased credits.Read 4 Oct 2026 · help.textnow.com
System requirements
For the upgraded network, phones must be unlocked; iPhones need iOS 17.4 or later and Android 13 or later is recommended.Read 15 Oct 2026 · help.textnow.com
Verification codes
Most verification codes require an active TextNow SIM or a recurring Lock In Number or Ad-Free+ subscription, and some services do not support TextNow numbers for verification or two-factor authentication.Read 4 Oct 2026 · help.textnow.com
Verification-code limitation
Most verification codes require an activated SIM or a Lock In Number or Ad-Free+ subscription, and Canadian codes are largely unsupported.Read 15 Oct 2026 · help.textnow.com
Voicemail
TextNow provides voicemail with audio-to-text transcription and custom greetings.Read 15 Oct 2026 · tollbit.forbes.com
Wireless service
With an active TextNow SIM, users can get wireless coverage and Free data for listed essential apps when away from Wi-Fi.Read 4 Oct 2026 · help.textnow.com

Plans and prices

Free Plan Free Unlimited talk and text · 5G data for select apps · Requires an active TextNow SIM Read 4 Oct 2026 · help.textnow.com
Free Plan Free $0/mo Unlimited talk and text · Free number · Essential data for selected apps · Ads Read 15 Oct 2026 · play.google.com
Unlimited Data Day Pass $2.99, paid once $2.99 per day Unlimited data for 24 hours · 2GB high speed then unlimited 2G Read 15 Oct 2026 · tollbit.forbes.com
Unlimited Data Monthly Pass $35.99 a month $35.99 per month Unlimited data for one month · 20GB high speed then unlimited 2G · No ads Read 15 Oct 2026 · tollbit.forbes.com
Unlimited Plan $35.99 a month Monthly; renews automatically Unlimited data · Up to 10GB at up to 5G speeds, then 2G speed Read 4 Oct 2026 · help.textnow.com

Every TextNow plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free Plan includes unlimited talk and text.
  • Available on Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, web, and Windows.
  • Account, messages, and call history span Android, iOS, and web.
  • International long-distance calls use purchased credits.

Limits

  • Free data for select apps requires an active SIM.
  • Some services do not accept TextNow numbers for verification.
  • Service is available only within North America.

Who it suits

TextNow suits people who want a North American calling and texting service with a free plan and access across mobile, desktop, and web. Its SIM-dependent wireless and select-app data options may suit users who also need service away from Wi-Fi.

TextNow in depth

Read the full write-up

TextNow is a calling and texting service with an optional SIM-based wireless plan, best for people who need a North American number and can rely mainly on Wi-Fi. Its free calling and texting are a strong fit for that use; restricted cellular data and inconsistent verification support make it a weaker choice as a primary mobile line.

Overview

The ad-supported app includes a phone number and unlimited calls and texts to U.S. and Canadian numbers over Wi-Fi or a carrier data plan. International long-distance calling uses purchased credits, so the free service is a North American communications option, not an all-included international plan. An active TextNow SIM adds wireless coverage and free data for select apps away from Wi-Fi, but does not provide unrestricted mobile data.

TextNow can carry messages and call history across Android, iOS, and the web. Windows and Mac desktop applications, along with browser calling and texting, are useful for people who want to move between phone and computer. The service can be downloaded and used only within North America.

Key features

Calling, texting, and select-app data

Unlimited North American calling and texting over Wi-Fi or carrier data makes the free app appealing as a low-cost second number or a way to stay in touch without a conventional calling plan. The SIM-based Free data plan covers listed email, maps, banking, rideshare, and other apps. Those apps must be downloaded over Wi-Fi before use away from Wi-Fi, so the benefit works best for routine essentials rather than general browsing.

Paid features and verification

Ad-Free+ removes ads and adds number locking, verification codes, unlimited photo and video history, caller information when available, call forwarding, and voicemail transcription. Most verification codes require an active SIM or a recurring Lock In Number or Ad-Free+ subscription, and some services still reject TextNow numbers for verification or two-factor authentication. That makes TextNow a poor sole number for accounts where reliable code delivery is essential.

Safety and support

In the United States and Canada, a 911 call connects to local emergency dispatch; on mobile, the app opens the phone’s native dialer. TextNow may request identity verification through Persona to help prevent account compromise and misuse, and says uploaded verification data must be stored encrypted under contract. Support agents are available daily from 10 AM to 5:30 PM Eastern through Help Center chat.

Pricing

TextNow is freemium, with a Free plan and a 14-day trial. The Free Plan costs nothing and includes unlimited talk and text plus 5G data for select apps, but requires an active TextNow SIM. The app’s calling and texting are ad-supported; its data coverage is limited to eligible apps rather than general use.

The Unlimited Plan costs $35.99 a month, billed monthly and renewing automatically. It includes unlimited data, with up to 10GB at up to 5G speeds before speeds drop to 2G. It suits people who need broader data than the select-app Free plan provides, but the post-cap 2G speed is a meaningful constraint for heavier use. U.S.-based wireless lines include Mexico roaming on every plan and Canada roaming on Plus and Unlimited.

Platforms

TextNow supports Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, web, and Windows. The account, messages, and call history are accessible across Android, iOS, and web; Windows and Mac desktop apps offer calling and texting alongside browser access. SMS and MMS are supported.

Who it's for

TextNow fits people who want a North American number for calls and texts, spend much of their time on Wi-Fi, and value access across phone and desktop. It can also suit SIM users whose mobile needs are mainly the listed essential apps. It is less suitable for anyone who needs dependable verification codes everywhere, unrestricted free data, or service outside North America.

Pros and cons

Pro: Unlimited North American calls and texts over Wi-Fi or carrier data make the free app useful without a monthly calling charge.

Pro: Access across mobile, web, and desktop apps supports switching between devices.

Pro: The SIM-based Free plan adds 5G data for select apps, including everyday categories such as maps and banking.

Con: Select-app data requires an active SIM, applies only to eligible apps, and requires downloading them over Wi-Fi first.

Con: Some services do not accept TextNow numbers for verification or two-factor authentication, even with the paid options that support codes.

Con: Unlimited Plan speeds fall to 2G after 10GB at up to 5G speeds.

Alternatives

For a structured campaign-texting tool rather than a personal calling and texting line, CallHub is a paid option with a free plan and trial, mobile, desktop, web, and API platforms, and an Essential plan described with standard-rate billing and free starter credits. Impactive is a freemium alternative for organizing and outreach: its Standard plan has a free licensing fee, pay-as-you-go messaging, and 1,000 unique form responses per month included.

Peerly is worth considering for campaign messages billed per successfully delivered message, with a free trial but no free plan. Empower App may fit approved organizations seeking organizer and activist smartphone apps, with a free plan for eligible nonprofit and labor groups. OutreachCircle offers a free Supporter Action Hub plan for supporter engagement.

RumbleUp is a paid alternative with a free trial and message-volume pricing, including a 2.5¢ per segment SMS rate in its 10k to 250k messages plan. FreeMessaging.ai is a web-only free messaging option with no monthly software subscription or standard managed-sending fee, though carrier and messaging costs, numbers, and compliance costs remain. Hustle is a paid peer-to-peer texting platform with a $250 monthly platform fee and per-segment billing.

Browse more options in Peer-to-Peer Texting Software.

Verdict

Choose TextNow if you want a North American number for free calling and texting and can live with ads, Wi-Fi dependence, and selective SIM data. Its cross-device access and optional wireless plans add flexibility, but the verification caveats and limited free data are good reasons to look elsewhere if this must be your dependable primary line.

Verdict

TextNow combines free North American calling and texting with optional SIM-based wireless service and paid features. Check the SIM requirements for select-app data and verification codes before relying on them.

Where Specifiction places it

Alternatives to TextNowAll alternatives →