Do you require an alternative TextNow app service? Or Do you need a way to send unlimited texts and calls without an actual SIM card? TextNow is one of the most popular free calling and texting apps that enables you to call and text real numbers over the internet using a special internet-based number. However, most people have been looking for TextNow alternatives for quite some time now.
What is TextNow?
TextNow is a well-known app that allows you to make calls or text over the Internet using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). It has been downloaded by millions of people who use it to call and text freely from anywhere in the United States.
TextNow is quite different from other calling/texting apps such as WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger. TextNow doesn’t require an existing phone number and allows any real number to text or call. What’s more, with TextNow you don’t need a sim card to use this app; all you need is your email address to get the unique number.
However, TextNow is far from being perfect. The major disadvantage is the annoying ads. Furthermore, if you don’t use the app for an extended period, your unique phone number will be assigned to another user.
What is VoIP?
VoIP converts voice into a digital signal that transmits over the Internet. If you are calling a regular phone number, the signal is converted to a regular phone number signal before it reaches the destination. Examples of VoIP services are WhatsApp and Skype.
Features of the TextNow app:
- Making and receiving calls
- Sending pictures
- Stickers and emoji availability
- Customizable ringtones
- Caller ID
- Call forwarding
- Voicemail transcription
- Unified inbox
Why Choose TextNow Alternatives?
There are some reasons why users prefer to choose different TextNow alternatives. Some people do it just to avoid annoying ads, others might consider it because of better pricing and features.
Here are some reasons why people opt for alternative apps like TextNow:
- Limited Services: The services of the TextNow app are limited compared to other competitors. Many TextNow alternatives have better features at a much lower cost.
- Data Collections: TextNow collects a lot of data and information that users might not wish to share. Its users expect some kind of anonymity and do not wish to have their faces linked to facts or actions.
- Ads and Spam Emails: Most users are angered by the tons of ads TextNow has. However, it is very possible to remove ads on TextNow by purchasing the premium plan, but other TextNow alternatives have no ads, even on the free plan.
TextNow app is available for download via Google Play Store and App Store.
There are plenty of alternative apps like TextNow with more features and better services. Let us introduce you to the best TextNow alternatives available.
Top 10 Best TextNow Alternatives (Free) Pc and Mobile
1.TextPlus
A great alternative to TextNow for making calls and sending text messages for free. It is a communication service that allows sending and receiving free unlimited SMS and MMS to anyone abroad. This app is an alternative for anyone who requires a second mobile phone number for work and privacy. You can customize the text tone, vibration, and ringtone.
With TextPlus, you don’t need to a real phone number or phone service to call or message your friends. Send SMS and MMS to US phone numbers are unlimited and make international calls at cheap rates. TextPlus allows you to connect with landline or mobile numbers in various destinations worldwide. The most popular destinations are Canada, the UK, Mexico, and China.
Features
- Free calling with no restrictions.
- Voicemail for missed calls.
- Cloud hosting of entire chat and call history.
- Zero charges.
- Group Messaging.
2. 2nd Line
2nd Line uses your data or Wi-Fi to provide your phone number with an additional line. Get started by downloading the 2nd Line app, pick a phone number, and immediately get access to unlimited calling and texting.
With the 2nd Line app, you don’t need SIM cards and Phone numbers are all available in the app. For first-time users, you have a three-day trial after that $14.99 monthly subscription for calling, texting, and access to all features.
Features
- Local Number.
- Unlimited Talk.
- Text and Call.
- Affordable International Rates.
- User Privacy.
- Separate Work and Personal Numbers.
3. TextFree
This app allows people to send and receive texts, and calls using the area code u select you get a custom phone number. Which makes TextFree a TextNow alternative.
TextFree numbers are free to use once a month (mandatory), after 30 days of inactivity, a new number is assigned automatically. For $4.99, you get a premium plan and keep your number forever even if you go a long time without using it.
Features
- 2-Way Messaging and MMS
- Message Personalization
- Online Voice Transmission
4. TextMe
With TextMe, Free texting and calling of any number in the United States and Canada with no hidden fees. TextMe is a good solution for people searching for a second phone number.
Having multiple private numbers is useful if you are working on two or more side projects and want to keep them separate. You can access it from anywhere, just like your email. Make a phone call from your devices, check messages by logging into your computer, or customize look of the app on your mobile devices.
Features
- Group-chat messaging
- Customize notification tones
- Emoji and stickers available in chat.
- Previewing of messages on the lock screen.
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5. Google Voice
Google Voice is without a doubt the perfect alternative for anyone looking for a VoIP phone number for personal or business use. It works well on all platforms, so you can make and receive calls from anywhere.
Like all VoIP business numbers, Google Voice numbers are more affordable than traditional phones and provide several features like call screening, call conferencing, and third-party integration.
It enables you to decide who can reach you and when. There is an option for forwarding calls to different devices and blocking spam calls. The app uses Google’s AI to block spam calls and transcribe voicemails to save your time automatically.
Features
- Personalized message settings
- Forwarding calls and Voicemail
- Sending and Receiving of group SMS
- Advanced voicemail transcriptions
6. Sideline
This app helps you get work numbers, organize contacts, and grow your business with good texting tools and features. Every work call, text, and voicemail you make are all active on this separate number, keeping your personal life private.
The second number from Sideline works just like your first one, although there’s no Wi-Fi connection required. Select your area code number, make reliable calls and text messages using your phone’s cellular signal from anywhere. Sideline is a free calling & texting app which is the best TextNow alternative with unlimited plans available at an affordable rate of $14.99 per line every month.
Features
- SMS & MMS messaging
- Group messaging
- Emojis
- VoIP Calls
- Call Announcements
7. SmartLine
This app is developed by GoDaddy and is one of the largest internet domain registrars and web hosting companies facilitating online businesses.
When you text or call through SmartLine, the receiver sees it as your new business phone number. And when your clients call you, your phone displays it as a business call. Thus, you can disburse your business number to all customers while keeping your personal number private.
The app can also block spam calls and transcribe your business voicemail to text so you can scan through them and prioritize callbacks. What’s more, you get multiple features of a big company phone system without having to purchase any expensive equipment.
8. Line2
Line2’s mobile apps for iOS and Android provide you with a full-featured virtual phone system directly from your device. It is a VoIP phone service that lets you call and text anyone from a different international phone number via WiFi or 3G/4G/5G/LTE in the US and Canada.
With Line2’s app for Windows and Mac, you can use your internet connection for incoming and outgoing VoIP calls and text messages. You can also view all voicemails and review your call history to ensure you are following up with your clients.
Features
- VoIP Calls
- Voice Chat
- Call Recording
9. Skype
Millions of individuals and businesses use Skype to make free voice calls and video calls, group calls, send instant messages, and share files. Skype is free to download for different platforms and easy to use as well. Skype premium plan gives you additional features and enhancements with strong cloud-based business solutions.
Features
- VoIP Calls
- Screen Sharing
- Live Captions Translation
- Microsoft Office Integration
- Video conferencing
10. Hushed
Hushed gives its users access to a private number, which can never interfere with your existing phone number. Unlike other calling apps, you can get dedicated local numbers from more than 300 area codes in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada.
With this app, you will be able to get a temporary phone number to post on your ads and communicate through Hushed. And you can delete the number when your job is done. It’s the best way to maintain your privacy. Or probably you can use the temporary number while traveling, so you don’t have to pay long-distance or roaming charges.
Features
- Secured Data
- SMS and calling
- Call routing
- Customizable voicemail
Conclusion
So, there you have it guys, the best TextNow alternatives are listed above. If you are thinking of using the TextNow alternative on your smartphone, you need to know that some of these phone numbers might require premium access. There are so many free calling and texting apps out there that work perfectly like TextNow, but we have given you some of the best apps you might be interested in.