TextNow

Overview

TextNow is a North American calling and texting service with optional SIM-based wireless coverage. It works best for people who want a second number or a way to stay in touch mostly over Wi-Fi; its free calls and texts come with ads, restricted cellular data, and uneven support for verification codes.

The app provides 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 calls require purchased credits, so it is a focused choice for North American communication rather than an all-in-one international calling plan. An active TextNow SIM adds coverage away from Wi-Fi, but free data applies only to selected apps.

Key features

Calling and texting across devices

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

Free data for selected apps

With an active SIM, the Free data plan covers listed essentials such as email, maps, banking, and rideshare apps. Those apps must be downloaded over Wi-Fi before use away from Wi-Fi. This can help with routine tasks when disconnected from a hotspot, but it does not provide general-purpose mobile data.

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. Verification is a notable limitation: most codes require an active SIM or a recurring Lock In Number or Ad-Free+ subscription, and some services do not accept TextNow numbers for verification or two-factor authentication. If dependable access to codes is essential, this is a reason to choose another number provider.

Safety and support

In the United States and Canada, a 911 call connects to local emergency dispatch; on mobile devices, TextNow 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 is contractually required to be stored encrypted. Support agents are available daily from 10 AM to 5:30 PM Eastern through Help Center chat.

Pricing

TextNow uses a freemium model, with a free plan and a 14-day trial. The free calling and texting service is ad-supported, while cellular data requires an active TextNow SIM and is limited to selected apps.

The Free Plan is the fit for people who mainly call and text over Wi-Fi and can work within the selected-app data allowance. The Unlimited Plan is better for users who need broader data access, but its high-speed allowance is capped at 10GB before speeds drop to 2G; it is not unlimited high-speed data.

Platforms

TextNow is available on Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows, and the web. U.S.-based wireless lines include Mexico roaming on every plan, while Canada roaming is included on Plus and Unlimited. The app service itself is limited to North America.

Who it's for

TextNow suits people who want a North American number with no-cost, ad-supported calling and texting, particularly when Wi-Fi is their main connection. It is also useful for people who want messages and call history on both mobile and desktop. Look elsewhere if you need unrestricted free data, broad acceptance for verification codes, or service outside North America.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Unlimited North American calls and texts on the ad-supported free service make it practical for routine communication without a monthly calling charge.
• Pro: Messages and call history work across Android, iOS, and the web, with desktop apps and browser calling for computer use.
• Pro: An active SIM provides free data for selected essential apps, helping with tasks such as maps and email away from Wi-Fi.
• Con: Free data is limited to selected apps, which must be downloaded over Wi-Fi first; it is not a replacement for unrestricted mobile data.
• Con: Most verification codes require a SIM or recurring subscription, and some services reject TextNow numbers altogether.
• Con: International long-distance calls use purchased credits, and the service can be used only in North America.

Alternatives

For peer-to-peer texting software, see Peer-to-Peer Texting Software.

• CallHub is worth considering for organized outreach: it has a free plan and free trial, and its Essential plan is shown at $0.05 a month with standard rates and free starting credits.
• Impactive may suit campaign organizers who need tools such as forms and phone banking; its Standard plan has a 0.00 USD licensing fee with pay-as-you-go costs, including SMS as low as 1.5¢ per segment.
• Empower App is an option for approved 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and labor organizations seeking organizer and activist smartphone apps.
• OutreachCircle offers a free Supporter Action Hub for people seeking that kind of supporter tool.
• text+ is another freemium option for mobile users; its free tier supports texting and receiving calls, while outbound calling and premium features are paid.
• FreeMessaging.ai is a web-based alternative with no monthly software subscription for its standard service; carrier, number, and compliance costs still apply.
• Peerly is a paid, message-based option with a free trial and charges for successfully delivered messages.
• UpVote Campaigns uses quote-based pricing.

Verdict

Choose TextNow if you want a North American number and mostly Wi-Fi-based calls and texts, with optional SIM service for selected apps. Its free core is compelling for that narrow use, but restricted data and inconsistent verification-code acceptance make it a poor fit for anyone relying on broad cellular access or a number that must work for every account check.