TextNow: Call + Text Unlimited icon
TextNow: Comprehensive Review of Free Phone Service App

by TextNow, Inc.

TextNow provides free nationwide calling and texting with optional data plans, serving users needing secondary numbers, international communicators, and budget-conscious consumers seeking carrier alternatives without contracts.

Detailed Review

TextNow positions itself as a disruptive force in telecommunications by offering completely free voice and messaging services through VoIP technology, bypassing traditional carrier infrastructure. The app provides users with a dedicated phone number—either newly generated or ported—enabling full calling and texting capabilities over Wi-Fi or cellular data connections. The core functionality centers around ad-supported free tier access to unlimited domestic communication, supplemented by flexible data plan options ranging from daily passes to monthly subscriptions. International calling rates remain competitive with major carriers, while features like voicemail, call forwarding, and number customization provide parity with conventional services. The business model relies on advertising revenue and optional paid upgrades for enhanced data access. User experience demonstrates intuitive design with clean interface organization separating dialer, messages, and settings. Real-world usage patterns show particular adoption among international communities maintaining cross-border connections, privacy-conscious users employing secondary numbers, and budget-sensitive individuals replacing traditional phone plans. Performance remains dependent on network stability, with call quality varying based on connection strength. User feedback consistently highlights satisfaction with cost-free accessibility, as exemplified by 'oooojhhha' (September 1, 2025) noting six months of ad-free usage despite the advertised model. 'kanabe66' (September 3, 2025) observes strong international adoption patterns, particularly among African users communicating with overseas contacts. Privacy applications surface in reviews like 'daddyshome67' (September 1, 2025) describing anonymous communication use cases. The service demonstrates strongest utility for temporary number needs, international communication, and budget-conscious users, though limitations include variable call quality compared to cellular networks and advertising presence in free tier. Reliability concerns occasionally surface regarding number retention policies and customer support responsiveness, balancing against the unprecedented value proposition of completely free core service.

Key Features

  • Free dedicated phone number allocation enables complete calling and texting functionality without cellular plan requirements
  • Flexible data pass system offers daily, weekly, or monthly unlimited data access for mobile usage without Wi-Fi
  • International calling capabilities provide cost-effective rates for global communication compared to traditional carriers
  • Number porting support allows users to transfer existing numbers or maintain separate business/personal lines
  • Voicemail and call forwarding features deliver landline-style functionality through purely digital infrastructure
  • Ad-supported free tier maintains zero-cost access while optional subscriptions remove advertisements

Why Users Love It

Zero-cost core functionality
No contract requirements

Perfect for: Budget-conscious users needing secondary numbers or international communication

Screenshots

TextNow: Call + Text Unlimited screenshot 1TextNow: Call + Text Unlimited screenshot 2TextNow: Call + Text Unlimited screenshot 3TextNow: Call + Text Unlimited screenshot 4TextNow: Call + Text Unlimited screenshot 5TextNow: Call + Text Unlimited screenshot 6

Ranking History

Track TextNow: Call + Text Unlimited's performance in Social Networking over the last 30 days

Top 5
Top 10
Top 15
Below 15

Current Rank

#10

Best Rank

#9

All-time high

Average Rank

#10

30-day average

User Reviews

MaxBundy123
Oct 4, 2025

I love this app! Helps me text and call people without having an actual phone number. Thank you Text Now. Review of text now app I love this app! Helps me text and call people without having an actual phone number. Thank you Text Now.

Hausofvogt
Sep 28, 2025

I’ve tried all the Lifeline providers and they were awful- ran out of data and even talk and text which is the worst thing is to run out when it’s promised to be unlimited with Lifeline. I think TextNow is a much better option for anyone that would otherwise qualify for Lifeline. Well worth the $3.99 for the SIM card- I received it in less than 2 days, it may have been overnight but I didn’t check my mail until 2 days after I ordered it, was shocked it arrived SUPER FAST! This SIM card for less than $5, which even the brokest person should be able to come across at some point, it’s a worthwhile investment for 5G service without WiFi, it works for everything essential like they say and I have yet to encounter ads actually - i just use it for my backup phone since my iPhone is eSIM only… It’s exactly what I was looking for and what I needed. A one time payment for the SIM and now I have a dedicated number I can use applying for jobs, for college, for family, for anything. I like that the company saw all the reviews of people not being happy that it didn’t work when not connected to WiFi and came up with a solution that was fair & accessible to their client base (low income). Please consider purchasing the SIM card especially for women who rely on a man for their phone service, or anything like broke college students like myself, It’s unlimited free text calls and GPS email banking apps - that’s really all you neeed if you’re away from WiFi anyways. $3.99 SIM CARD- Please purchase if you can’t afford a regular plan - Lifesaver & better than Lifelin I’ve tried all the Lifeline providers and they were awful- ran out of data and even talk and text which is the worst thing is to run out when it’s promised to be unlimited with Lifeline. I think TextNow is a much better option for anyone that would otherwise qualify for Lifeline. Well worth the $3.99 for the SIM card- I received it in less than 2 days, it may have been overnight but I didn’t check my mail until 2 days after I ordered it, was shocked it arrived SUPER FAST! This SIM card for less than $5, which even the brokest person should be able to come across at some point, it’s a worthwhile investment for 5G service without WiFi, it works for everything essential like they say and I have yet to encounter ads actually - i just use it for my backup phone since my iPhone is eSIM only… It’s exactly what I was looking for and what I needed. A one time payment for the SIM and now I have a dedicated number I can use applying for jobs, for college, for family, for anything. I like that the company saw all the reviews of people not being happy that it didn’t work when not connected to WiFi and came up with a solution that was fair & accessible to their client base (low income). Please consider purchasing the SIM card especially for women who rely on a man for their phone service, or anything like broke college students like myself, It’s unlimited free text calls and GPS email banking apps - that’s really all you neeed if you’re away from WiFi anyways.

1505blaze
Sep 29, 2025

Well I mean it’s a phone app that you don’t pay month to month for. 11/10 starts Chicken nuggets Well I mean it’s a phone app that you don’t pay month to month for. 11/10 starts

bsgshehehwheiwjshsv
Sep 30, 2025

I text my ex and opps on here all the time and they never know it’s me! Perf stalking app literally use it all the time🔥🥳💐 Love it I text my ex and opps on here all the time and they never know it’s me! Perf stalking app literally use it all the time🔥🥳💐

josh media
Oct 4, 2025

I thought you said texting is free but why will I keep paying $7 every week to lock my number to be able to get in touch with my friends and family it’s annoying. $7 a month will be better Weekly payment I thought you said texting is free but why will I keep paying $7 every week to lock my number to be able to get in touch with my friends and family it’s annoying. $7 a month will be better

App Details

Developer

TextNow, Inc.

Platform

ios

Rating

4.8

Last Updated

10/7/2025