TextNow is a simple, free service for calling and texting in the U.S. and Canada—without many other features. The desktop and mobile apps provide a user dashboard where you can make calls, send messages, check your voicemail and access some data-based apps.
Here’s a closer look at TextNow’s features:
Free Unlimited VoIP and 5G Calling
TextNow offers free, unlimited calling by VoIP or 5G/4G cell service. Once you download the TextNow app and choose a phone number, you can begin making and receiving calls over VoIP immediately, as long as you have an internet connection.
You can call any number in the U.S. or Canada—mobile, landline or virtual. I was impressed by how instantly I got up and running on my TextNow number. If you need a second phone number immediately—for example, to disguise your personal number—TextNow meets the need.
The app’s 5G phone service requires you to purchase a $4.99 SIM chip, which TextNow ships to you in a few days. Once you buy the SIM chip, you can make unlimited free calls anywhere within TextNow’s network. The SIM chip includes 1GB of free monthly data to access mobile apps, but if you need more data, TextNow also offers paid plans for more data or an ad-free experience. TextNow runs on the T-Mobile network, providing reliable coverage across the U.S. and Canada.
TextNow’s desktop app lets you make calls and send texts from one dashboard.
DID Phone Numbers
When you sign up on the TextNow app, the service lets you choose a local DID phone number from an area code within the U.S. or Canada. When I signed up, I looked through several area codes across the U.S.—including some remote locations—to see TextNow’s selection. Each area code I searched had several numbers available.
This wide selection of numbers enables you to establish a local and familiar presence with contacts in a different part of the country. TextNow’s variety also works well if you want to add a throwaway or second phone number in your local area code.
If you want to switch to TextNow as your primary mobile provider, you can transfer your current number to your TextNow account. Before signing up, you can use the service’s “Device Checker” functionality to ensure it supports your current number.
The TextNow mobile app lets you choose phone numbers, place calls and manage contacts and other settings.
Mobile, Browser and Desktop Apps
You can access the TextNow app on your mobile device, desktop or web browser. I downloaded the mobile and desktop apps and found both of them user-friendly. However, my main critique of TextNow’s apps is the annoying ads and pop-up banners, which get in the way when scrolling through conversation logs.
The mobile display feels familiar—with conversation logs and contact directories that resemble my phone’s. With notifications turned on, my phone notified me of inbound calls and voicemails just like it does with my regular cell service.
I found the desktop app’s display intuitive to use and more spacious than the mobile app—even though I don’t frequently make calls from my computer. While the mobile app felt too cluttered with ads, they didn’t take up as much space on the desktop and just created a minor nuisance. If you handle calls through your computer—whether using Bluetooth, headphones or a VoIP phone—TextNow’s app can do the job.
Textnow mobile view of SMS conversation, conversation log and voicemail recording.
SMS Texting
TextNow plans include unlimited SMS and MMS texting on Wi-Fi and the 5G networks, using the desktop, web or mobile apps. The app’s texting interface feels familiar and straightforward—similar to texting platforms you’re used to.
You can send text, emojis, images and GIFs.
TextNow lets you text GIFs, emojis and images.
Voicemail
TextNow’s service includes voicemail capabilities with audio transcription, so you can read your voicemail messages. You can choose from an automated greeting that includes your number or record a custom audio greeting.
Data
TextNow includes 1GB of free data per month—with the first 350MB at high speeds and subsequent data usage at a slower 128 Kbps. This data lets you access essential apps, including maps, email and rideshare platforms such as Uber. You can’t use TextNow data to access nonessential apps, including games, social media, etc.
If you want unlimited data—which lets you access any app—TextNow offers plans by the hour, day or month. A one-hour pass costs 99 cents, a day pass costs $4.99 and the monthly unlimited data plan costs $39.99. Each plan includes an allotment of high-speed data, then unlimited 2G-speed data once you surpass the limit.