TextNow

TextNow combines a North American calling and texting app with an optional SIM-based wireless service. It is strongest for people who want a second number or basic phone service centered on Wi-Fi, and weaker as a replacement for unrestricted mobile data or a number that must work with every verification service.

Overview

The free, ad-supported 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 the free service is best understood as North American calling rather than an all-in-one international plan.

An active TextNow SIM adds wireless coverage and free data for select apps away from Wi-Fi. That can handle routine tasks such as using email or maps, but does not amount to general-purpose free data: eligible apps must first be downloaded over Wi-Fi, and the data offer applies only to listed categories and apps.

Key features

Calls and messages across devices

TextNow supports SMS and MMS, and account access, messages, and call history work across Android, iOS, and the web. Windows and Mac desktop apps, along with browser calling and texting, are useful for people who move between a phone and computer. The service is limited to download and use within North America.

Wireless data and roaming

The SIM-based Free data plan is designed for listed essential apps, not unrestricted browsing. For U.S.-based wireless lines, Mexico roaming is included on every plan, while Canada roaming is included on Plus and Unlimited. That is a practical distinction for cross-border travel, but the stated roaming coverage does not make TextNow a service for use outside North America.

Paid extras, verification, and emergency calls

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 remains a limitation: most codes require an active SIM or recurring Lock In Number or Ad-Free+ subscription, and some services reject TextNow numbers for verification or two-factor authentication. Anyone who depends on a particular service accepting their number should not assume it will work.

In the United States and Canada, calls to 911 connect to local emergency dispatch; on mobile devices, TextNow opens the phone’s native dialer. TextNow may also request identity verification through Persona to help prevent account compromise and misuse, and says uploaded verification data must be stored encrypted under contract. 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 app offers unlimited North American calling and texting with ads. Its wireless Free Plan costs nothing and includes unlimited talk and text plus 5G data for select apps; an active TextNow SIM is required. It fits users who can stay within the eligible-app limits and do not need unrestricted cellular data.

The Unlimited Plan costs $35.99 a month, billed monthly, and renews automatically. It includes unlimited data, with up to 10GB at up to 5G speeds before service drops to 2G speed. This is the option for someone who needs data beyond the select-app free plan, but the speed reduction after 10GB is an important trade-off. International long-distance calls still use purchased credits.

Platforms

TextNow supports Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, web, and Windows. Its cross-device access and desktop apps make it more flexible than a phone-only calling app, particularly for people who want to manage messages and call history from a computer.

Who it's for

TextNow makes the most sense for North American users seeking a no-cost number and unlimited calls and texts, or for SIM users whose mobile data needs center on the listed essential apps. It is a poor fit for people outside North America, heavy mobile-data users unwilling to accept slower speeds after 10GB on Unlimited, and anyone who must rely on verification codes from services that may not accept TextNow numbers.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Free unlimited North American calls and texts reduce the need for a conventional voice-and-text plan for Wi-Fi-centered use.
• Pros: Access on phones, desktop apps, and the web lets users move between devices while retaining messages and call history.
• Pros: The SIM-based free-data option covers select essential apps away from Wi-Fi, and U.S. wireless lines include Mexico roaming on every plan.
• Cons: Free cellular data is restricted to listed apps, which must be downloaded over Wi-Fi first.
• Cons: Some services do not accept TextNow numbers for verification or two-factor authentication, limiting its reliability as a primary number.
• Cons: Unlimited Plan data drops to 2G speed after 10GB at up to 5G speeds, so the headline unlimited allowance does not mean consistent high-speed service.

Alternatives

For campaign and nonprofit outreach rather than a personal calling number, consider CallHub, which has a free plan and free trial and supports Android, iOS, desktop, web, and API access. Impactive is another freemium option for organizing and peer-to-peer outreach, with a free licensing tier that includes 1,000 unique form responses per month and pay-as-you-go messaging costs.

Empower App offers free access to organizer and activist smartphone apps for approved 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and labor organizations; choose it when that eligibility and organizing focus fit. OutreachCircle is a paid platform with a free Supporter Action Hub tier, making it an option for supporter engagement rather than a general phone service.

text+ is a phone-app alternative with a free tier for texting and receiving calls, while outbound calling and premium features are paid. FreeMessaging.ai is web-based and has no monthly software subscription for its standard service, though carrier and messaging costs, phone numbers, and compliance costs may apply.

UpVote Campaigns is another option for campaign-focused use, with pricing by quote. Blu Txt offers full-service and self-service messaging with no setup fees or minimums and pay-only-for-usage pricing.

Browse more options in Peer-to-Peer Texting Software.

Verdict

Choose TextNow for a free North American number, unlimited calling and texting, and a SIM option that can cover select apps without a standard data charge. Its main advantage is that combination of no-cost communication and broad device access; its main drawbacks are restricted free data, automatic monthly renewal on Unlimited, and verification services that may reject its numbers. For unrestricted mobile data or dependable verification across services, look elsewhere.