TextNow has seen tremendous growth in recent years, and as a result of WhatsApp’s current scandal, an increasing number of consumers are migrating to TextNow for all of their messaging and calling needs. If the app isn’t for you, here are several excellent TextNow alternatives.
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What is TextNow?
TextNow began in 2009 as a VoIP service that provided you with a US phone number that you could call from anywhere in the world using Wi-Fi. TextNow has developed into a full Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) that largely relies on other cellular networks to give wireless coverage for your smartphone.
The app is one of the most popular messaging programs because it allows users to call and text real numbers using a unique internet-based number. You don’t need an active cell plan to use TextNow. All you have to do is join up with your email address or Facebook account, and you’ll be given your own phone number.
The majority of TextNow’s calling and messaging services are free of charge, however, they are exclusively available to TextNow users. To use this service for free, both you and the person you’re contacting must have this app installed on their phones or tablets.
This app may also be used to make calls to landlines and mobile phones, although there are some fees associated with it. To utilize this service, you must first purchase credits, which may then be used to make phone calls and send texts to other landline and mobile phone numbers.
All You may call and text any mobile phone number at any time of day or night. Your text will appear on the other person’s phone as a typical text message.
Other than iOS and Android apps, TextNow has created a web application for PC/Mac that you can send, receive, and manage all of your messages from the convenience of your laptop or PC. You don’t have to worry about losing anything because all text messages are automatically synced.
TextNow, however, is not without problems. One of its inconveniences, for example, is that if you don’t use it for a particular period of time, they will take your phone number away from you and assign it to someone else.
In addition, TextNow contains some advertisements. If you don’t want ads and don’t want the paid plan, there are TextNow alternatives that do not include as many adverts.
Best TextNow Alternatives You Should Try
1. Google Voice
Website Download on Google Play Download on the App Store
If you require a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) phone number for personal or corporate usage, Google Voice is without a doubt a great choice. VoIP is a fancy way of expressing that the phone number is based on the internet and that calls and texts are sent over the internet.
The Google Voice number will be linked to your Gmail account and is entirely free. You can receive a new Google Voice number for each Google account you create.
The best thing about Google Voice is that it isn’t simply an app, but also a website. This You can make and receive calls on your phone with the app, but you can also do it on your computer by going to https://voice.google.com/.
You can not only make outgoing calls but also receive calls and texts through the desktop site or app. Voicemails are also automatically transcribed, so you can read them instead of listening to them.
When it comes to choosing your area code, Google Voice, like TextNow, gives you options. Domestic calls are also free. Domestic calls are also free. However, you may need to top up your account balance if you wish to make an international call to a number abroad.
Unlike TextNow, the Google Voice app is free of advertisements. While you can pay to eliminate adverts from TextNow, Google Voice doesn’t have any in the first place. Another amazing feature of Google Voice is that you may link your real phone number to your Google Voice number.
While Google Voice is free, you can upgrade to a Business plan for a price. You may add more users and combine Google Meet and Google Calendar with your business tools.
2. AbTalk Call
For you, the Android users who want to make a phone call, AbTalk Call is one of the TextNow competitors. To get an AbTalk number, as the other apps, you don’t need any SIM card.
AbTalk has a built-in VPN, which is one of the benefits of using it instead of TextNow. When making a phone call or surfing on the internet, using a VPN will keep you safe while transferring your data.
You don’t need to use a VPN, however, it is an option that is available. You will also gain points for using the VPN.
You’ll get points if you can invite new users as well. Each referral will earn you 200 points, with additional credits provided after a certain number of friends that have been registered.
With these points, you have the ability to make international calls. You also can buy points for a small fee.
3. Hushed
Website Download on Google Play Download on the App Store
Hushed is a TextNow substitute that prioritizes privacy. The objective here isn’t to keep your number forever, but to use it for various temporary uses while still being able to dispose of it later.
This app lets you choose from more than hundreds of area codes in Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States, and. Prepaid plans ranging from seven to 365 days are available.
UK numbers can only contact the same area code number (UK). So do US and Canada numbers. However, for international calling and messaging, you can buy a worldwide option.
One more reason to go with Hushed is its Dropbox and Slack integrations. Even if you delete the Hushed app, you may save your message history and voicemails to your Dropbox account so you can access them later. You may also send and receive messages with Slack.
4. Numero eSIM
Website Download on Google Play Download on the App Store
With Numero eSIM, you can receive a phone number in over 70 countries. If you’ve tried getting a number in a given country but have been unable to do so, Numero eSIM could be an alternative to TextNow.
You may not receive free numbers, but you can earn free credits. You can also receive an international toll-free number with Numero eSIM for commercial needs.
You can set up call forwarding to answer calls even if you don’t have access to the internet, and you can even hide your phone number. Your Numero eSIM phone number will not appear on the screen when you make phone calls.
One disadvantage of Numero eSIM is that in order to sign up, you must already have a phone number. You can’t merely log in with your email address or a Facebook account.
5. GoDaddy SmartLine
Website Download on Google Play Download on the App Store
While GoDaddy is most known for its domain names and hosting options, the company also offers a SmartLine service. It is an app similar to TextNow aimed at website and business owners.
If you own a tiny blog or e-commerce company, you are able to provide a way for your audience to contact you without giving out your real phone number. SmartLine is a suitable choice in this case.
SmartLine employs call forwarding to route calls to your personal number. However, you will be able to see that the call is coming from SmartLine, so you won’t have to answer a business call if you don’t want to.
You can also get your toll-free number with SmartLine. Because TextNow and other phone applications are built for regular users rather than entrepreneurs, they do not provide this function.
A toll-free number will be more expensive. It will, however, allow people to phone you for free without having to pay for the calls themselves. You will also appear more professional and authoritative if you use a toll-free number.
Other great features are automatic filters for spam and transcriptions of voicemail. Overall, if you need an alternative number for business needs, GoDaddy SmartLine is a great option to TextNow.
6. TextFree
Website Download on Google Play Download on the App Store
When you register yourself on TextFree, you’ll be asked to pick an area code. If it is not on the app’s database, it will provide you with numbers from adjacent areas. To create an account in TextFree, all you need is an email address.
While TextFree numbers are free for as long as you want them, you must use them at least once every 30 days to keep them. Otherwise, after 30 days of inactivity, your phone number will be automatically reassigned.
However, if you sign up for a premium subscription, you can keep your phone number indefinitely. You will never lose your phone number if you do this, even if you don’t use it for a long period.
There are a few other nice settings to choose from. You can, for example, manage your greetings, alter your ringtone, choose to forward all of the calls to voicemail and respond to calls automatically.
When you sign up, though, you will get just 60 minutes of free calling. After that, you still are able to send texts, but you’ll be required to buy more minutes for calling. However, by watching ads videos and completing offers, you will get free minutes.
7. textPlus
Website Download on Google Play Download on the App Store
This substitute for TextNow is a free SMS, text, and call-making tool that provides you with a free phone number to call the people you choose. You can easily make calls and send SMS to other textPlus customers after acquiring a new number for your cell phone.
This number can be used to make calls to landlines and mobile phones, but you will have to pay a little fee for this service. It assesses appropriate costs for all calls made on both landlines and cell phones.
Another best feature of textPlus is that you don’t have to register an account or provide any personal information. When you first open the program, it assigns you a random number that you may use to make free phone calls and send SMS.
Users should keep in mind that they can only utilize the app’s free service by phoning other smartphone users who are also using it. TextPlus’s free service is currently only available to residents of the United States and Canada.
8. Freetone
Website Download on Google Play Download on the App Store
Freetone is a free messaging and calling program that allows you to build faultless connections with your friends, family, coworkers, and other contacts. It differs from traditional phone and messaging apps in that it combines a variety of unique functions into a single platform.
This TextNow alternative is the simplest way to convert your smartphone into a full-fledged mobile phone number. Thus, you can make free calls and send limitless text messages.
9. 2ndLine
Website Download on Google Play
2ndLine differs from other TextNow alternatives in that it allows you to record your phone calls. For example, you may want to retain a phone conversation recording for future reference, or you may want to record a phone call with your tutor so that you can review the lesson later.
Regardless of your motivation, being able to record your phone calls is a major benefit. However, make sure that you are not breaking any laws.
It is lawful in some jurisdictions and countries to record a phone conversation without the other person being aware of what is being recorded. However, you may not be able to do so in some areas.
10. Wire Personal
Website Download on Google Play Download on the App Store
While Wire provides messaging, audio/video conferencing, file sharing, and external collaboration for corporations, Wire Personal is a free, limited-time version of the complete Wire software.
Wire was designed to be a personal product at first, but that altered in 2017. The company’s focus changed from consumers to businesses, with the goal of providing businesses with secure collaboration software.
Thus, all versions of Wire’s development activity are heavily geared towards the enterprise. This appears to imply that message security is paramount, but user privacy comes in second. The company gathers a great deal of information about its users.
Putting these drawbacks aside, Wire Personal boasts a robust feature set. All of the normal messaging features are available, including text and voice messages, phone and video calls, and file sharing.
Conclusion
All of the apps listed above are excellent TextNow alternatives. Nevertheless, the decision is based on what you value the most. While some of the apps offer more functionalities than others, they do have some disadvantages, such as ads and cost. Google Voice is the greatest free alternative with a lot of features.
