By AppsHive Team
Do you require a second number for texting or calling?
Do you need a way to send unlimited texts and free calls without having an actual sim card?
TextNow is one of the most popular free calling and texting apps that allows you to call or text real numbers over the internet using a unique internet-based number. People, however, have been looking for TextNow alternatives for quite some time now.
There are many other free messaging and calling VoIP apps available, just like TextNow. But which one should you choose?
Which TextNow alternative offers the best features?
This blog will provide you with a list of the best alternatives to TextNow, along with their features and availability.
But first, let’s know…
What is TextNow?
TextNow is a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service that permits users to call or text any number across USA and Canada. It provides the user with an actual cell phone number which can be used on any smartphone, desktop computer, tablet, or laptop with an internet connection. It is possible to use the same application on multiple devices under the same login simultaneously.
The free TextNow app is available for download via the Google Play Store for Android devices and on the App Store for most the iOS devices (like iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch).
Furthermore, TextNow APK is a cam chat app that caters to those who do not have a phone number but wish to use a number to call friends and family members.
Pretty simple, right?
But what else does TextNow online do?
Unlimited stuff, actually. You can allocate each contact a specific ringtone that lets you know who is calling without looking at your phone. The other features of the TextNow app are:
- Making and receiving voice calls
- Sending pictures
- Using stickers and emojis
- Customizable ringtones
- Caller ID
- Call forwarding
- Voicemail transcription
- Unified inbox
Reasons To Choose Alternatives to TextNow App
There are various reasons why users prefer to choose different TextNow alternatives. While some do it just to avoid ads, others might consider it for better pricing and features. It is up to the users whether they wish to try TextNow or its alternatives.
Here are a few reasons why people opt for different apps like TextNow:
1. Limited Services
The services of the TextNow app are limited compared to those of its competitors. Many alternatives to TextNow have far more features at a much lower cost. Frequent users prefer to use free calling and texting apps with great features at a lower price. This explains why users should choose different TextNow alternatives.
2. Data Collections
TextNow collects tons of data and information that users do not wish to share. The users expect some kind of anonymity and do not wish to have their faces linked to facts or actions. Due to TextNow’s data collection, the personal data of an individual may be hampered, which is a significant drawback of the TextNow app.
3. Ads and Spam Emails
Most of the users are aggravated by a lot of ads TextNow has. Although it is possible to remove ads on TextNow by purchasing the premium plan, other alternatives to TextNow have no ads, even on the free plan.
This is why most users search for alternatives to TextNow with no login or signup required.
Best TextNow Alternatives: Which Is Your Preferred Choice?
The best apps, like TextNow, are virtual communication and VoIP apps that will let you send unlimited texts, make free calls and also register for a second phone number on your smartphone without having an actual sim card.
If you are looking for the most suitable mobile messaging apps like TextNow to download on your iOS and Android device, here are the ten best TextNow alternatives for texting and calling over the internet. Let’s get into it:
1. Google Voice
Description: Google Voice is the most preferred choice if you need a VoIP phone number for personal or business use from your mobile device. VoIP means that the phone number is internet-based, where texts and calls are sent through an internet connection. Google Voice is linked to your Gmail account and is free to use as long as you use it to communicate between Google Voice and other US numbers.
Google Voice Features: Call Forwarding, Dedicated Phone Number, Audio Conferencing, Transcribe Voicemails, Video Conferencing, Encrypted VoIP Calls
Platform Availability: iOS, Android, Web Browsers
2. TextPlus (Text+)
Description: TextPlus or Text+ is a great alternative to TextNow for making local and international calls and sending messages for free. It is a mobile communication service that allows you to send and receive free unlimited SMS and MMS to anyone in the US and Canada while traveling abroad. This app is an alternative for anyone that requires a second mobile phone number for work and privacy. It allows customization over text tone, vibration, and ringtone.
TextPlus Features: SMS, MMS, Group Messaging
3. Skype
Description: Skype is used to connect with people to enable the world’s conversations. Millions of individuals and businesses use Skype to make free voice and video calls for one-to-one or group calls, send instant messages, and share files. Skype is free to download and easy to use. Skype premium plan offers additional features and enhancements with strong cloud-based business solutions. Its sophisticated and complex back-end engines can fuel even large organizations.
Skype Features: VoIP Calls, Screen Sharing, Lightweight, IFTTT Integration, Live Captions Translation, Dark Mode, Voice Chats, Secure Chat, Team Messaging, Video Conferencing, Microsoft Office Integration
4. TextMe
Description: TextMe unlocks your smartphone’s true potential by providing unlimited free phone calls, unlimited texts, and picture messaging to any phone in the US, Canada, and across 40 countries in the world. This app has the ability to transform iPod, iPad, or tablet into a real phone.
With TextMe, it is even possible to create an international number for when you are chatting with friends or traveling overseas. Also, it lets you have multiple phone numbers at once, making it a great TextNow alternative.
TextMe Features: High Definition Voice and Video Communication, VoIP Calls
5. GoDaddy Smartline
Description: GoDaddy Smartline is a mobile application that provides entrepreneurs with a second phone number for business use on their personal smartphones. A Smartline with unlimited calling and texting capabilities costs you $9.99 per month. You can also pay $3.99 per month for 100 minutes of calls and 100 text messages.
The basic GoDaddy Smartline plan is designed for customers who are just starting their businesses and want a professional phone number but aren’t ready to use all the minutes. There are other features that include the ability to fully configure Smartline from the mobile app, set business hours, and receive voicemail transcriptions.
GoDaddy Smartline Features: Voicemail, Called ID, Business Hours, Voicemail Greetings, SMS Messaging, Spam Call Filtering, Vanity & Toll-Free Numbers
6. TextFree
Description: TextFree is a secondary phone number app that allows users to send and receive texts and calls using a virtual phone number. The ability to enjoy free texting and calling with this app using a custom phone number based on the area you are situated makes TextFree the best TextNow alternative.
Although TextFree numbers are free, it is mandatory to use them once a month. After 30 days of inactivity, you will automatically be assigned a new number. However, if you sign up for a $4.99 premium plan, you can keep your number forever. In this way, you will never lose your number, even if you go a long time without using it.
TextFree Features: 2-Way Messaging, Message Personalization, Shortcodes, MMS, Online Voice Transmission
7. Sideline
Description: Sideline is a second number for your personal smartphone. This app helps you get a work number, organize contacts, and grow your business with powerful texting tools from Sideline Pro. All your work calls, texts, and voicemail live on a separate number, keeping your personal life absolutely private.
The second number from Sideline works just like your first one- no WiFi connection is required. Pick your local area code number and make reliable calls and text messages using your phone’s cellular signal from wherever you are. It is a free calling & texting app which is the best TextNow alternative with unlimited plans available at a flat and affordable fee of $14.99 per line, per month.
Sideline Features: SMS (text) & MMS (picture) messaging, Group messaging, emojis, VoIP Calls, Custom Voicemail, Voicemail-to-Text, Auto-Reply To Text, Auto-Reply To Calls, Call Announcements, Team Number
Platform Availability: Macintosh Desktop Platforms and IOS, Android mobile platforms
8. 2nd Line
Description: 2nd Line uses your data or WiFi connection to provide your phone number with an additional line. Just download the 2nd Line application, pick a personal phone number, and immediately access unlimited calling and texting from an additional line on your phone.
Through the 2nd Line app, you don’t need to swap SIM cards or bring another phone with you. The numbers available through this app are applicable across US and Canada. 2nd Line requires a $14.99 per month subscription, which offers calling, texting, and access to all features. 2nd Line provides a three-day trial for first-time subscribers.
2nd Line Features: Local Number, Unlimited Talk and Text in USA/Canada, Affordable International Rates, Extra Privacy for a Connected World, Separate Work and Personal Numbers, Text and Call on Phone and Tablet
9. Hushed
Description: Hushed is a TextNow alternative whose sole focus is privacy. The goal of having a Hushed app is not to keep your number forever but use numbers for dating sites, Craigslist ads, and other purposes, with the ability to burn your number later. Hushed allows you to pick from over 300 area codes in the US, the UK and Canada. It comes with various prepaid plans for 7, 30, 90, or 365 days. This free calling & texting app allows its users to back up their communication history and voicemails to their Dropbox account and access them later, even after uninstalling the app for their device.
Hushed Features: Calling, SMS & MMS, Multiple Numbers, Custom Voicemail Greeting, Call Forwarding, Call Routing, Auto-Reply Messages, Multiple Devices, Dropbox/Slack Integrations
10. Line2
Description: Line2’s mobile apps for iOS and Android provide you with a full-featured virtual phone system directly from your hand-held device. It is a VoIP phone service that lets you call and text anyone from a separate international phone number via WiFi or 3G/4G/5G/LTE in the US and Canada.
With Line2’s desktop app for Windows and Mac, you can use your internet connection for inbound and outbound VoIP calls and text messages. You can also view all voicemails and review your call history to ensure you are following up with your customers in a timely manner.
Line 2 Features: VoIP Calls, Voice Chat, Call Queues, Audio/Video Conferencing, Call Logging, Call Monitoring, Call Recording
Conclusion:
If you’ve ever thought of using the TextNow alternative on your smartphone, you need to know that some functionalities or phone numbers might require premium access. There are so many great free calling and texting apps out there that work just like TextNow, but we have handpicked and recommended some of the best apps for you.
Still, thinking about which TextNow alternative to choose?
AppsHive has a repository of thousands of best communication apps reviewed and recommended by experts.
Don’t get confused by the list of applications recommended by Google. It is essential to use apps that make life easier and more accessible.
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