TextNow: Call + Text Unlimited
“Talk & text free with a second phone number plus unlimited 5G data, no fees.”
Quick Info
Screenshots
“The interface that ate your evening, lovingly photographed.”
Rating Comparison
“How hard it grabbed, broken down by how hard they fell.”
The Pitch & The Reality
Talk & text free with a second phone number plus unlimited 5G data, no fees.
“A free phone number that comes with a banner ad mid-conversation.”
Warning: the free number expires the moment you've given it to everyone who matters.
“We gave you a number for nothing, then sold every second between your words to an advertiser.”
AI Review Summary
Based on analysis of 2475658 reviews
TextNow is a popular communication app providing free calling and texting, heavily supported by ads but offering flexible premium options. Users appreciate it as a lifeline during financial difficulties or for creating secondary phone numbers. The SIM card option receives praise, offering cellular service without Wi-Fi dependency. However, recurring issues with call quality, dropped calls, and difficulty logging in, alongside aggressive advertising, are significant pain points for many.
- Provides free calling and texting over Wi-Fi, saving users money.
- Offers a legitimate second phone number for personal or business use.
- The SIM card extends functionality beyond Wi-Fi, enabling mobile use.
- Serves as a reliable backup when primary phone service is interrupted.
- Allows for international calling to over 230 countries at low rates.
- Simple setup process lets users start texting quickly on Apple products.
- A great solution to contact friends & family with no cell service.
- Frequent ads can be intrusive and disrupt usage, especially typing.
- Call quality can be unreliable, featuring delays, static, and dropped calls.
- Login issues and account recovery problems frustrate a lot of users.
- Receiving verification codes requires a paid subscription.
- Number can be reassigned due to inactivity, even with paid subscription.
TextNow provides a valuable free communication option, particularly for those needing a secondary number or facing financial constraints. However, users should be prepared for frequent advertisements and potential technical hiccups; those requiring consistently high call quality may want to consider other options.
What People Say
“Lifeline During Hard Times: Users repeatedly mention TextNow as a savior during financial difficulties or when unable to afford regular phone service.”
“Second Phone Number: Many use TextNow to create a second phone number for business, privacy, or separating personal and professional contacts.”
“SIM Card Functionality: The TextNow SIM card receives praise for enabling mobile calling and texting without relying on Wi-Fi connections.”
“Intrusive Ads: Frequent and disruptive advertisements after every action frustrate many users, especially on the free version.”
“Call Quality Issues: Call quality problems like delays, static, dropped calls, and one-way audio are consistently reported by users.”
“Login Problems: Users encounter login loops, verification failures, and difficulty recovering accounts, leading to frustration.”
About This App
TextNow is a communication app that allows users to call and text for free using a Wi-Fi connection or, through a purchased SIM card, via cellular data. It provides a unique phone number, functioning as a second line for various purposes like separating personal and business contacts. The app aims to bridge the accessibility gap in communication, offering those with limited financial resources a way to stay connected with friends, family, and essential services without the burden of traditional phone bills.
What sets TextNow apart is its freemium model. The core calling and texting features are available at no cost, supported by advertisements. Users can opt for paid subscriptions to remove ads, lock in their number, and gain access to additional features like voicemail transcription and data plans. This flexibility makes it a versatile option for a wide range of users, from those seeking a temporary solution during phone service disruption to individuals needing a permanent second line.
