Signal vs TextNow

Signal is a private messaging app for Android, iOS, Linux, macOS and Windows. Users can send text, voice messages, photos, videos, GIFs and files, and make voice or video calls, including group calls. Group chats provide administrators, permissions and @mentions. Signal says messages and calls are always end-to-end encrypted and inaccessible to Signal, and that it does not sell, rent or monetize personal data or content. Users may connect through a unique username without sharing their phone number with contacts, although registration still requires a phone number. Desktop use requires Signal to be installed on a phone first, and an account can have up to five linked devices. The free plan includes messaging and calling. Signal identifies itself as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit supported by grants and donations. Its terms require users to be at least 13, with potentially higher local minimums. The Support Center covers getting started, features, security, troubleshooting and general topics. Signal also supports disappearing messages and encrypted backups.

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.