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 is free 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 USD per 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.

	Hustle	TextNow
Free plan	No	Yes
Paid from	$250/mo	$35.99/mo
Platforms	Android, api, iOS, Web	Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, Web, Windows
Free plan	No	Yes
Shared team inbox	Yes
SMS/MMS support	sms and mms	sms and mms
Automated opt-in tools	Yes
CRM integrations	native

Hustle vs TextNow

Hustle

TextNow