TextNow is a free texting app that began offering cell phone service. TextNow offers everyone free calling and texting via their mobile application. The free version of the app supports ads. If you’d like an ad-free experience, you can pay to have the ads removed. And if you’d like to be able to make calls and send texts without needing a Wi-Fi connection, you can sign up for one of TextNow’s cellular data plans. Here are TextNow’s current plans:
When you sign up for TextNow, you must use their mobile application to make calls and send texts. TextNow’s application allows you to make calls and send texts anywhere you have WiFi connection, even if you have no cell reception. This can be a game-changer for people who travel frequently and can help improve call quality and message reliability.
TextNow’s app also allows you to sign in to your account and send messages from your laptop, tablet, or other connected devices.
TextNow offers a limited selection of smartphones to choose from on their website. However, for the best experience we suggest you bring your own unlocked smartphone to their network. An unlocked smartphone means it isn’t tied to any carrier or contract, and it gives you the flexibility to switch plans or carriers any time you want.
You can find great deals on unlocked smartphones on a site like Swappa, with whom we have an affiliate partnership. We feel Swappa can help you save money on your new smartphone, offering discounts between 20% and 50% off.
TextNow is great for anyone looking for an app to make free calls and texts and is frequently on Wi-Fi. The ability to make calls and send texts over Wi-Fi is also a great feature as it greatly expands your coverage area. However, TextNow’s cellular plans tend to be more expensive than other options. For example, Tello offers 2GB of LTE data for just $14 per month.
TextNow doesn’t offer any discounts at this time.
TextNow uses the Sprint network for coverage. However, since Sprint has merged with T-Mobile, TextNow customers will soon be able to access the T-Mobile network for coverage.
TextNow supports making stateside international calls to a variety of locations at affordable rates. Unlimited calls to the USA and Canada are included with plans starting at $9.99 per month.
While you will not get cell reception while traveling internationally, TextNow will continue to work anywhere you have WiFi. This may include your hotel, coffee shops, airports, or other places with free public internet access.
TextNow adds standard taxes and regulatory fees to the cost of their cell phone plans.
You can reach TextNow’s customer service by contacting them through their support page.
TextNow offers an international calling add-on with their plan.
Place calls to international locations at affordable rates. You pay per minute of talk time. Here are the rates for popular countries:
