TextNow Review

TextNow is a free phone service. Download the app, pick a number from a list of about ten in the US or Canadian area code you enter, and call and text over Wi-Fi or data at no charge; in-app ads pay for it. The same number works on a computer or tablet. TextNow also runs a cellular service on a nationwide 5G network: put its SIM (a one-time $3.99) or eSIM in a compatible unlocked phone and the free plan gives unlimited talk and text away from Wi-Fi. Data is extra, by the day, week or month.

Many people use TextNow as a free second line for a side job, marketplace listings or job applications, and some use it as their only phone service. Calls to Canada and Mexico are free and international calls to 230+ countries are prepaid at low per-minute rates. Free numbers are recycled if you stop using them: TextNow's help center says there is no fixed inactivity limit, it warns you before taking a number back, and calling or texting once a day keeps it active. Ad Free+ or a number lock keeps it for as long as you pay.

TextNow's wireless plans, from its plans page:

You can switch plans anytime with no change fee and no contract. Paying weekly costs more over a month: $4.99 x 52 / 12 is about $21.62 a month for Plus, against $18.99 billed monthly. For app users who only want to keep a number and drop the ads, the App Store lists Ad Free+ (from $6.99) and number locks (from $1.99 for a week); TextNow's help center says Ad Free+ locks your number so it is not recycled for inactivity. International calling credit is sold in $4.99 packs.

Prices checked on the vendor's pricing page on November 12, 2026. See TextNow plans.

What TextNow lists on its plans page, App Store page and help center:

TextNow is the right answer when the number has to be free: a spare line for job hunting, a marketplace listing or a side job, or a backup phone service on a tight budget. The free cellular plan is unusual: unlimited talk and text without Wi-Fi for a one-time $3.99 SIM.

The trade-offs are ads and number recycling if you go quiet. For a free number with no ads, Google Voice has a free personal plan in the US if you already have a mobile number. If you would rather pay a few dollars for an ad-free private line, look at Line2 or Hushed; for numbers you delete after use, Burner. If the number is for a business with customers calling, a business phone app such as Quo adds shared inboxes and business texting registration (Stork uses Quo for its own business line). More options with prices: TextNow alternatives.

TextNow has 4.8 out of 5 from about 929K ratings on the App Store (read November 12, 2026). Reviews shown there praise the free plan and the $3.99 SIM as a cheap way to get service without Wi-Fi; one long-time user says they pay a small yearly fee to lock their number. The common complaint, which TextNow's own help center addresses, is losing a free number after a period of inactivity.