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Google Voice is the simpler free choice if you already have reliable internet access; TextNow can also keep a number free, but using it away from Wi-Fi requires its SIM, a compatible device, and coverage. TextNow’s free data is limited to selected apps, not unrestricted mobile internet. Neither service is guaranteed to work with every bank or short-code verification message, so check compatibility with the organizations that matter to you.
How the two services keep a number free
Both offer a way to make calls and send texts without a conventional monthly phone bill, but “free” describes different things. Google Voice’s personal plan is a free calling, texting, and voicemail service. TextNow’s free app is supported by ads and uses Wi-Fi or data from a mobile carrier you already have. TextNow can provide its own wireless connection through an optional SIM, but that is a separate service path with device and coverage requirements.
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The comparison below reflects official plan and support information checked October 7, 2026. Terms and availability can change; confirm current details before signing up or buying hardware.
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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems| What to compare | Google Voice personal | TextNow free app and optional wireless |
|---|---|---|
| Base cost | Google lists the personal plan at $0 for one user with a personal Gmail account. Google Voice plan comparison | The app is free and ad-supported. It provides a number and North American calling and texting over Wi-Fi or another carrier’s data. TextNow: Getting started |
| Connectivity | Use the web or mobile service; Google also describes linking a phone during setup. It is not presented as a mobile data plan. Google Voice setup and calling costs | The free app needs Wi-Fi or another carrier’s data. TextNow’s SIM provides wireless service away from Wi-Fi when the device is compatible and the area is covered. TextNow Service FAQ |
| Calling costs and geography | From the US, almost all calls to the US and Canada are free. Certain destinations cost $0.01 per minute; international calls are charged at listed rates. Google Voice setup and calling costs | TextNow says calls to and from the US and Canada are free. Some remote areas, including Yukon and Alaska, may require ILD credits. TextNow Service FAQ |
| Data away from Wi-Fi | The cited personal plan information does not describe mobile data service. Google Voice plan comparison | With an active upgraded SIM, the Free data plan supports selected essential apps, including maps, email, banking, payment, and rideshare apps. The app list can change, and apps must first be downloaded over Wi-Fi. It is not unrestricted internet data. TextNow Free data plan |
| Number setup | US users can search numbers by city or area code and must verify using a text-capable phone during setup. Google Voice setup and calling costs | You can choose a number by area code, keep an existing TextNow number, or port a number from another wireless provider. TextNow: Getting started |
| Paid options | Google lists standalone Voice Starter at $10/month and Standard at $20/month. These are paid plans, not the free personal plan; listed premium features include 3-way calling, call recording, desk phone support, and 911 emergency support. Google Voice plan comparison | TextNow offers optional paid plans or add-ons. Its support pages describe benefits such as unlimited data, call forwarding, voicemail transcripts, and no ads, but do not state current prices. Check the official app or plan details for current pricing. TextNow: Getting started |
Which one fits your situation?
Choose Google Voice for an internet-based second number
Google Voice is a good fit if you want a separate personal US number and can use Wi-Fi or an existing internet connection. Its personal plan includes voicemail, voicemail transcripts, call forwarding, call screening, spam controls, and web and mobile access. Google lists the personal number region as US only. The free plan is distinct from Google’s paid standalone and business offerings.
#1 Best Overall
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Keep the call-rate exceptions in mind if you call outside typical US and Canada destinations: some specific numbers cost $0.01 per minute from the US, and international calls have listed rates.
Choose TextNow when Wi-Fi calling is enough—or its SIM meets your needs
TextNow’s app can make sense if you want an ad-supported number for North American calls and texts over Wi-Fi or data from a separate carrier. If you need service away from Wi-Fi, the free app alone is not enough: TextNow says its SIM-based wireless service depends on compatible hardware and coverage.
Rank #2
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
The Free data plan is a narrow add-on for selected apps with an active upgraded SIM. It is not a general-purpose mobile data allowance, and the supported-app list may change. TextNow’s support pages do not state current SIM or data add-on prices, so check the current official offer before choosing that route.
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Check your number, device, and recipients before relying on either service
- Confirm setup eligibility. Google’s US setup process requires verification with a text-capable phone. TextNow offers area-code selection and number porting, but availability and options should be checked in its current service flow.
- Check whether your device will work with TextNow Wireless. TextNow points users to a compatibility checker and describes GSM-compatible phones. Confirm the exact model and local coverage before buying or activating a device.
- Test the workflows that matter. The official sources do not establish that either service receives every bank, short-code, or identity-verification message. Do not make either number your only recovery method until the specific service confirms it accepts that number.
- Review retention terms. The official pages cited here do not establish a universal guarantee that a number will be retained indefinitely after inactivity. Check each service’s current rules if keeping the number long-term is important.
Privacy and service limits to understand
Google Voice Help says, “Google Voice saves and processes your call, text, and voicemail information.” Read Google’s linked setup information and applicable privacy terms if that data handling affects your decision. TextNow describes its free version as “supported by ads.” These services have different business models, and the cited product pages are not a complete, like-for-like privacy comparison.
Rank #3
- Blazing-fast Qualcomm performance. Get the speed you need for great entertainment with a Snapdragon 680 processor and 4GB**** of RAM.
- Fluid display + immersive stereo sound. Bring your entertainment to life with an ultrawide 6.5" 90Hz* HD+ display plus stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos, and Hi-Res Audio**.
- 50MP*** Quad Pixel camera. Capture sharper, more vibrant photos day or night with 4x the light sensitivity.
- 64GB**** built-in storage. Get plenty of room for photos, movies, songs, and apps—and add up to 1TB more with a microSD card*****.
- Unbelievable battery life. Work and play nonstop with a long-lasting 5000mAh battery.*****
Neither option should be treated as a guaranteed replacement for a conventional mobile plan. Google Voice personal is a calling and messaging service, not a mobile data plan; TextNow’s app depends on Wi-Fi or another carrier’s data unless you activate its SIM-based wireless service. Check connectivity, coverage, device compatibility, number eligibility, and recipient acceptance against how you plan to use the number.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with Verizon, Spectrum, AT&T, Total Wireless, other CDMA carriers, it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- 4G LTE Bands: B1/B3/B5/B7/B8/B20/B28/B38/B40/B41
- Display: Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 800 nits (HBM) | 6.7 inches, 110.2 cm2 (~86.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~385 ppi density)
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro)
Rank #4
- Charger NOT Included, 6.7" Super AMOLED FHD+, 90Hz Refresh Rate, 385 ppi, 800 nits (HBM), 1080x2340px, 5000mAh Battery
- 128GB, 4GB RAM, microSDXC, Exynos 1330 (5nm), Octa-Core, Mali-G68 MP2 or Mali-G57 MC2 GPU
- Rear Camera: 50MP, f/1.8 (wide) + 5MP, f/2.2 (ultrawide) + 2MP, f/2.4 (macro), LED flash, panorama, HDR; Front Camera: 13MP, f/2.0, Android 14, up to 6 major Android upgrades, One UI 6.1
- 3G: HSDPA 850/900/1700(AWS)/1900/2100; 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/12/13/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/39/40/41/48/66/71, 5G: 2/5/25/41/66/71/77/78 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - Nano-SIM + eSIM
- US Model – Global Connectivity – Compatible with Most GSM Carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, MetroPCS, etc. Will Also work with CDMA Carriers Such as Verizon, Straight Talk.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
