TextFree vs. TextNow: Which free phone service is right for you?

If you’re on the hunt for a free texting and calling app that also comes with a real phone number to use, then apps like TextNow and TextFree are your best options. But when it comes to which one is the best to use, it really depends on how robust you want that experience to be and what features matter most to you.  

TextFree vs. TextNow summary  

Both TextNow and TextFree hold true to their promise of providing a free phone number with unlimited calling and texting. The functions of picking a phone number and using it to send texts or make calls are very similar between the two apps, but that’s where most of the similarities end. Key differences include:

• TextFree cannot call numbers in Hawaii or Alaska, and you can't select a phone number using area codes for those states. TextNow works in all 50 states.
• TextFree’s service cannot be used unless you provide your own internet connection (whether that’s Wi-Fi or mobile data from another carrier). On the other hand, TextNow does offer a SIM card to connect to its free 5G network for broader access.
• TextFree allows calls to Canada, Mexico, Singapore, and India from the U.S. and Canada. It does not support texting to international numbers. TextNow has international calling to most countries that starts at $0/minute plus free international texting.  

Both apps are ad-supported in order to provide their services for free, but real-life use does favor TextNow for less-intrusive ads, making it overall the better choice for a smoother experience that provides you with more options for using it as a true phone service alternative.  

TextFree vs. TextNow: Basic view  

If you want to know more about TextFree’s service in detail, check out our most recent TextFree review. Otherwise, you can follow these basic feature and pricing guidelines:  

Final Verdict: Should you choose TextFree or TextNow? 

For an app that is easy to use, with premium features and extras that can enhance your experience, we recommend TextNow over TextFree. On paper and in name, they seem very similar. But when it comes to how much they offer beyond just a free phone number with calling & texting, TextNow has the clear advantage: better international support, more texting and calling features, free data service option, and an ad-supported app that gives back with weekly discounts and free offers, not full screen, intrusive ads.  

TextFree vs. TextNow: Detailed review  

What is TextFree?  

TextFree is a free calling & texting service that can be downloaded as an app or used on a web browser (texting only). It offers a free phone number that can be used as your primary or second phone number. It’s free to use (thanks to ads in the app) over an internet connection, such as Wi-Fi or your own data plan.  

What is TextNow?  

TextNow can be used as a Wi-Fi only app, or as a prepaid phone service provider (an MVNO) that operates on a nationwide 5G network.  

It also offers a free phone number (either U.S. or Canadian) that can be used as your primary or second phone number and is able to offer its free service thanks to ad support as well. Additionally, TextNow offers a range of prepaid phone plans that provide unlimited talk & text, plus data options. Its main benefit is the free base plan that allows customers to keep their phone line active for $0/month with unlimited talk & text, plus up to 1GB of data for select essential apps like email, maps, finance, and rideshare. 

You can also get extra data with TextNow, choosing from a day pass ($2.99), or weekly ($8.99) or monthly ($35.99) options.

TextFree vs. TextNow: App features and prices

Both TextFree and TextNow offer free calling & texting with various features to support those functions, including voicemail, picture & video messaging, group messaging, and more. In both apps, if you leave your free phone number inactive (don’t use it to make a call or text) for some time, it can be revoked and assigned to someone else.  

Are there region restrictions with TextNow or TextFree?  

Yes, both apps only allow for registration and use of their service in the U.S. and Canada. Using a VPN is prohibited and can result in your account being blocked or revoked. 

Can you pick your own number with TextNow or TextFree?  

Yes, you can pick your own number by providing a desired area code (or giving either app location permissions to assign you a local one) and then choosing from the list of available numbers with that area code. Note that these numbers are not by default permanent and must remain active (be used to make a call or send a text) regularly to be retained on your account.  

Important note: TextFree does not support Hawaii or Alaska area codes and some areas of Canada.

Are there hidden fees with TextFree’s or TextNow’s numbers?  

There are no hidden fees with either service’s phone number selection or usage. You will not be charged for picking a number or using it.  

However, you will not be able to receive verification codes with either free service. In order to receive verification codes (2FA codes) with a TextFree or TextNow number, you will have to upgrade to one of their paid subscriptions.  

TextFree vs. TextNow: Paid upgrades 

Both apps offer paid upgrades to unlock more features, such as verification code (2FA) support, an ad-free experience, and more.  

TextFree vs. TextNow: Verification code support  

In order to receive a verification code with your TextFree or TextNow number, you will need to upgrade to a paid subscription.  

TextFree Plus is the broadly available upgrade (some other choices work only on Android or iPhone). It costs $9.99 a month and lets you: 

• Receive verification codes (from your bank, for example). 
• Reserve your number (so it can’t be revoked for inactivity). 
• Remove ads.  

TextNow has in-app paid upgrades which will allow you to receive verification codes, lock in your number, and go ad-free.

• Lock-In Number lets you get verification codes and reserved your number so it can't be revoked for inactivity.
• Ad-Free+ Subscription unlocks verification codes and reserves your number, too — and also removes ads, unlocks voicemail transcription and Caller ID, gives you unlimited photo and video history for past messages, and allows call forwarding.

TextFree vs. TextNow: Network availability 

Both TextNow and TextFree will only work over an internet connection. While they do employ SMS messaging (traditional texting over a cellular network), it’s routed as a VoIP service, which means that it can only go through a Wi-Fi or mobile data network. This also means that MMS messaging can be used on both apps for picture and video messages and group messages. However, only TextNow supports text reactions. And, in an important restriction, TextFree only allows MMS messages to U.S. numbers.  

TextFree does not offer its own mobile network service, so if you don’t have a phone plan already, you will only be able to use it over Wi-Fi.  

TextNow does offer its own mobile network service – for free! – with the activation of a TextNow SIM card (requires one-time $3.99 fee). You can use it for free with the added bonus of accessing essential apps, or you can upgrade as needed for broader data access to all apps and services on your phone:  

TextNow's data plan upgrades (with the activation of a SIM card)

TextFree vs. TextNow: International support 

TextNow offers free international texting to over 100 countries. It also supports international calling, with affordable rates to over 100 countries that start at $0/minute.  

TextFree does not offer international calling to four countries and texting to a limited list.  

TextFree vs. TextNow: Sign-up and commitment  

Sign-up for both TextNow and TextFree is an easy and quick process that requires only an email address (or alternatively, you can use Google, Facebook, or Apple Sign-In). Once you sign up, you will be prompted to pick a phone number via a manual area code or by giving either app location permissions so it can assign you a local phone number.  

There are no commitments with either app, and you need only pay if you choose to upgrade. Otherwise, you can continue to use either app for free indefinitely.  

TextFree vs. TextNow: Number porting  

TextNow allows for numbers to be ported in if you’re on any of their wireless plans. This means that if you activate a TextNow SIM card, whether it’s for the Free Flex Data or any of the paid data plans, you can port in a number from a previous carrier for free.  

You can also port out a TextNow number anytime by contacting TextNow support for your account information. You do not need to be on a wireless plan; porting out is available for free with any kind of TextNow account.  

TextFree, on the other hand, does not offer number porting, either for porting in or porting out.  

TextFree vs. TextNow: Customer service & user experience 

TextNow has a wider range of support options than TextFree. On top of its support site with helpful FAQs, it offers live chat support, with an AI-help bot that’s available 24/7, and live support from human representatives that is available daily from 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Eastern.  

TextFree’s customer support, on the other hand, is fairly limited. You can find answers to most questions on their support site, but if you’re experiencing an active issue and need more hands-on assistance, the best that you’ll get is an email exchange with one of their representatives. You can either access it through the app (under Settings -> General -> Support) or by emailing them directly at [email protected] (Pinger is TextFree’s parent company). Note that response time is listed as 1-2 business days, so don't expect an immediate resolution. 

Both services’ app store reviews are similar, with TextNow having more favorable reviews outside of the app stores, such as on Forbes and Trustpilot.  

From a user experience, it’s important to note that on both services’ free base plans, you can lose your number if you don't use it consistently. Because both have a limited amount of available numbers at any given time, they may revoke dormant numbers and assign them to a new account. 

TextFree vs. TextNow: Reliability & quality  

TextFree’s reliability mainly depends on the reliability of your internet connection. As long as your internet (Wi-Fi or mobile data) connection is strong, you will experience reliable calls and texts.  

Some real user reviews do criticize the call quality, as the service is run on VoIP (Voice-Over-Internet-Protocol) rather than a traditional cellular network. With VoIP, there are higher chances of dropped calls, choppy audio, or other call-related issues. 

For TextNow, most real user complains center around a lack of resolution for TextNow accounts that have been disabled, or other similar terms & conditions-related issues. Users praise TextNow's calling and messaging, however, as more reliable than other similar services.  

TextNow’s free plan’s speed or reliability will also depend on your own internet connection. If you upgrade to use one of TextNow’s SIM cards, you will experience 5G speeds on a nationwide network. To see the full coverage, check out TextNow’s coverage map.  

TextFree vs. TextNow: Security & privacy  

As with any free online service, it’s recommended that you protect your account by implementing a strong password that’s changed frequently, and that you avoid clicking on any suspicious links that could be smishing or phishing attempts. Neither TextNow nor TextNoww offer the ability to set up 2-factor authentication, so the security of your account purely depends on your diligence in keeping up with basic online safety tips.  

It should also be noted that since TextFree and TextNow numbers are recycled, it is possible to receive unwanted texts or calls meant for the previous owner(s). TextFree doesn’t have an active spam block feature with the app, but TextNow does have the option to report messages/numbers as “spam” and block them instantly.  

Note that neither TextFree nor TextNow offer end-to-end encryption, and while your identity is anonymous behind the number, it can be traced via legal channels such as with a subpoena or search warrant. 

FAQs about TextFree vs. TextNow