No. 3 of 26 ·Peer-to-Peer Texting Software

TextNow

Web · Windows · Mac · Linux · Android · iPhone · paid plans from $35.99/mo

Freedom report

Two barsScore 5.5

Free tierA free tier is on its own pricing page
Open codeNo open-source code on record
Runs widely6 of 6 device platforms
DocumentedThinly documented

TextNow is ranked #3 of 26 in peer-to-peer texting software on Freedom251. It runs on Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, Web, Windows. There is a free plan. Paid plans start at $35.99/mo.

TextNow plans and pricing

All plans

Free Plan Free Unlimited talk and text · 5G data for select apps · Requires an active TextNow SIM help.textnow.com · 4 Oct 2026

Unlimited Plan $35.99/mo Monthly; renews automatically Unlimited data · Up to 10GB at up to 5G speeds, then 2G speed help.textnow.com · 4 Oct 2026

Compared on peer-to-peer texting software

Free plan: Yes
SMS/MMS support: sms and mms

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The record

Service: TextNow is a VoIP service for calling and texting U.S. and Canadian numbers, with international long-distance calls available using purchased credits.
Free app: The ad-supported free service includes a phone number and unlimited calling and texting across North America over Wi-Fi or a carrier data plan.
Wireless service: With an active TextNow SIM, users can get wireless coverage and Free data for listed essential apps when away from Wi-Fi.
Multiple devices: Users can access their account, messages, and call history across Android, iOS, and the web.
Desktop apps: TextNow offers Windows and Mac desktop applications, as well as calling and texting through a browser.
Ad-Free+: Ad-Free+ removes ads and includes number locking, verification codes, unlimited photo and video history, caller information when available, call forwarding, and voicemail transcription.
Free data app limits: The Free data plan covers listed email, maps, banking, rideshare, and other apps; apps must be downloaded over Wi-Fi before using them away from Wi-Fi.
Verification codes: Most verification codes require an active TextNow SIM or a recurring Lock In Number or Ad-Free+ subscription, and some services do not support TextNow numbers for verification or two-factor authentication.
Emergency calls: In the United States and Canada, a 911 call from TextNow connects to local emergency dispatch; on mobile devices the app opens the phone’s native dialer.
Identity verification: TextNow may request identity verification through Persona to help prevent account compromise and misuse; the page says uploaded verification data is contractually required to be stored encrypted.
Support: TextNow support agents are available daily from 10 AM to 5:30 PM Eastern via the Help Center chat.
Availability: TextNow says its service can be downloaded and used only within North America; U.S.-based wireless lines include Mexico roaming on every plan and Canada roaming on Plus and Unlimited.
Company history: TextNow’s culture manual says the company began in Waterloo in 2009.
Price from: $35.99/mo

Where it ranks on Freedom251

Best Peer-to-Peer Texting Software in 2026#3 of 26

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Sources

help.textnow.com/hc/en-us/articles/360052815553-What-is-· checked 4 Oct 2026
help.textnow.com/hc/en-us/articles/360043031633-Getting-· checked 4 Oct 2026
help.textnow.com/hc/en-us/articles/23196761774871-What-s· checked 4 Oct 2026
help.textnow.com/hc/en-us/articles/360042572274-TextNow-· checked 4 Oct 2026
help.textnow.com/hc/en-us/articles/360043012413-What-is-· checked 4 Oct 2026
help.textnow.com/hc/en-us/articles/1500002893921-Does-Te· checked 4 Oct 2026
help.textnow.com/hc/en-us/articles/9536597135895-911-Eme· checked 4 Oct 2026
help.textnow.com/hc/en-us/articles/20680179506967-Verify· checked 4 Oct 2026
help.textnow.com/hc/en-us/articles/360042529194-Is-TextN· checked 4 Oct 2026
static.textnow.com/press/TextNow_Culture_Manual.pdf· checked 4 Oct 2026
help.textnow.com/hc/en-us/articles/34211845646615-TextNo· checked 4 Oct 2026