TextNow is a popular app that provides users with a free phone number for texting and calling over Wi-Fi or cellular data. It’s particularly attractive for budget-conscious users, students, and travelers thanks to its free ad-supported service, low-cost plans, and nationwide mobile coverage in the U.S. However, many users are now searching for a TextNow alternative due to limitations like call quality, ad interruptions, limited international support, or a lack of advanced features for business use.
Whether you’re looking for a more reliable second number, better international support, enhanced privacy, or simply a cleaner user experience, the following alternatives offer free and affordable VoIP services to meet different needs.
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Why consider a TextNow alternative?
Users leave TextNow (or look for alternatives) for a few common reasons: ad interruptions on free tiers, variable call quality on congested routes, limited international number support, and a lack of enterprise/business features (shared inboxes, CRM integrations, team routing). Modern alternatives address one or more of those needs — some focus on privacy (temporary numbers), others on business workflows, and others on affordable international calling.
How to Choose the Right Alternative
With so many options available, the best way to decide on a TextNow alternative is to match your needs with the right app. Different users have different priorities, so here are some scenario-based suggestions to help guide your choice.
Students: If you’re looking for a simple and free way to stay connected with friends or handle group projects, apps like TextFree and Talkatone offer reliable messaging and calling without hidden costs. They are lightweight, easy to use, and great for budget-conscious users.
Privacy Seekers: If your main concern is keeping your number private, go for options like Burner, Hushed, or MySudo. These apps specialise in temporary or multiple numbers, making them perfect for online transactions, short-term projects, or any situation where anonymity matters.
Professionals: For those running a side hustle, freelancing, or managing client calls, Google Voice and 2ndLine provide a more professional experience. They include features such as voicemail, call forwarding, and device syncing, making them practical for business communication.
International Users: If your goal is affordable overseas communication, apps like Dingtone and Skype Number make international calls easier and cheaper. These services allow you to connect globally while keeping costs under control.
By considering your specific use case, you can quickly narrow down the list and select the most suitable alternative to TextNow. The right app will not only save money but also give you peace of mind by matching your communication needs perfectly.
1. TextFree (by Pinger)
TextFree is one of the closest and most popular TextNow alternatives. It offers a free U.S. phone number, unlimited texting, and incoming calls. Outgoing calls require watching ads or purchasing minutes, but the app is simple, stable, and well-suited for casual users.
- Pros: True-free texting, web client, pick your area code, and easy setup.
- Cons: Ads in the free tier; outgoing calls sometimes require minutes or watching ads.
TextFree runs on iOS, Android, and browsers, making it a flexible choice for users who want to stay connected across devices. While ads support the free tier, paid plans remove them and offer voicemail and number locking.
Best for: Users needing a free, easy-to-use second number with texting as the priority.
2. Google Voice
Google Voice offers a free U.S.-based phone number for calling, texting, and voicemail, with seamless integration into Gmail, Google Contacts, and Android. It doesn’t serve every region, but it’s one of the most reliable services if you have a Google account.
- Pros: No ads, advanced voicemail and spam features, great Google ecosystem integration.
- Cons: Limited international inbound/outbound features for some regions; not purpose-built for large teams without Workspace integration.
Unlike TextNow, Google Voice has no ads, and its voicemail transcription, spam filtering, and call forwarding are excellent. It’s not ideal for international use (without a Google Workspace plan), but perfect for personal or light business use in supported regions.
Best for: Android users and professionals wanting a reliable, ad-free number with smart features.
3. Talkatone
What it is: Talkatone offers free texting and calls to U.S./Canada numbers, plus low-cost international calling via credits. It’s a solid free backup/secondary number for travelers and students.
- Pros: Free US/Canada number, simple UI, decent call quality for Wi-Fi calls.
- Cons: Ads on the free tier; international calling uses credits.
When you need a reliable free number to text and call within the U.S., Talkatone is a no-cost lifeline.
Best for: Students who need a free U.S. number for everyday communication.
4. Dingtone
Dingtone targets international users who want multi-country numbers and low-cost international calls. Free numbers and calling minutes are often earned via credits, promotions, or ads. It supports many countries and is beginner-friendly.
- Pros: Multi-country number options, cheap international rates, and credit-earning features.
- Cons: Free tiers use ads/credit systems and can feel gamified; check reliability for high-volume use.
If staying in touch globally is your goal, Dingtone balances affordability with reach.
Best for: International users who need budget-friendly global communication.
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5. Burner
Burner provides disposable or long-term secondary phone numbers designed for privacy and temporary use. It’s not free, but it’s one of the best apps for creating private numbers for short-term use on dating apps, marketplaces, or work.
- Pros: Multi-country number options, cheap international rates, and credit-earning features.
- Cons: Free tiers use ads/credit systems and can feel gamified; check reliability for high-volume use.
You can route calls and messages to your real number without exposing it, and set auto-expiration dates for extra protection. While Burner focuses on security and temporary use, paid plans unlock unlimited texting and calling.
Best for: Privacy-conscious users or anyone needing short-term virtual numbers.
6. Hushed
Hushed provides disposable and long-term numbers across dozens of countries; it’s paid, but built for privacy and low-friction number management. It’s commonly used for secure side-projects or temporary business listings.
- Pros: Wide country coverage, voicemail/custom greetings, secure disposable options.
- Cons: Paid plans for the most useful features (disposability, forwarding, multi-number management).
If your priority is safeguarding your real identity, Hushed gives you the control you need.
Best for: Privacy seekers who want disposable numbers and control over personal data.
7. 2ndLine
2ndLine, created by the makers of TextNow, is a professional-grade VoIP app providing a second U.S. or Canadian phone number with texting and calling features. Unlike TextNow, 2ndLine is more business-oriented and subscription-based, with no ads and better reliability.
- Pros: Strong privacy controls, quick disposable numbers, and call/message forwarding options.
- Cons: Not free — paid per-number or subscription pricing for reliable long-term use.
It’s a good fit for remote workers, freelancers, or small businesses needing a separate line for work on their mobile device.
Best for: Professionals or remote teams needing a dedicated number for work communication.
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8. OpenPhone
OpenPhone is a modern cloud phone for startups and small teams. It provides business phone numbers, shared inboxes, call routing, and CRM integrations — a more feature-rich, team-friendly replacement if your need is business communications rather than a free single number.
OpenPhone is paid, but built for 2025 workflows (collaboration, AI transcripts, integrations).
- Pros: Team features, shared inbox, business integrations, modern UX.
- Cons: Paid plans; overkill for casual single-number users.
If professionalism and collaboration matter most, OpenPhone provides a polished alternative to personal numbers.
Best for: Professionals and teams looking for a modern business communication solution.
9. FreedomPop
FreedomPop offers a unique model: a free basic phone and data plan in the U.S. via VoIP and Sprint/T-Mobile’s network. You can get a real number, voicemail, and texting/calling, with paid upgrades for higher data limits and features.
- Pros: Hybrid SIM + VoIP free options, actual cellular connectivity in supported areas.
- Cons: Coverage, compatibility, and free tiers vary by device/region.
It requires a SIM card and works with compatible devices, making it a hybrid between virtual and real cellular service.
Best for: Users who want free cellular service with VoIP integration.
10. MySudo
MySudo is a modern, privacy-first app that lets you create multiple phone numbers (Sudos) for different parts of your life—work, shopping, dating, or travel. It supports calls, texts, and even secure email.
- Pros: Multiple private numbers, encrypted communication, and advanced privacy
- Cons: Paid plans only, may feel complex for casual users
Best for: Privacy-focused professionals who need multiple secure identities.
At-a-glance comparison
| App | Free Number? | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| TextFree (Pinger) | Yes — free US number (ad-supported) | Casual users who want unlimited texting |
| Google Voice | Yes — free US number (region-limited) | Professionals & Android users wanting an ad-free experience |
| Talkatone | Yes — free US/Canada number (ad-supported) | Travelers and users needing a reliable backup number |
| Dingtone | Yes — free US number (credits/ads for minutes) | International users needing cheap calls & country options |
| Burner | No — paid disposable or long-term numbers | Privacy-first users who need temporary numbers |
| Hushed | No — paid plans with global options | Entrepreneurs & small businesses needing secure numbers |
| 2ndLine | Paid — professional-grade second line | Remote workers & freelancers with a work line |
| OpenPhone | Paid — business phone platform | Startups & teams needing integrations |
| FreedomPop | Yes — SIM-based free/low-cost plans | Users who want a hybrid SIM + VoIP service |
| MySudo | No subscription for private numbers | Privacy-focused users managing multiple identities |
Choosing the Best TextNow Alternative
TextNow remains a top free option, but the right alternative depends on whether you prioritise zero-cost texting, privacy, international numbers, or team features.
In 2025, the free calling and texting landscape continues to evolve, with more apps offering hybrid features such as cloud backups, eSIM integration, and AI-driven spam filtering.
If you only need a casual second number for online sign-ups or marketplace chats, lightweight apps like Google Voice or TextFree can do the job. For professionals and small businesses, however, tools like OpenPhone and RingCentral offer richer features — from voicemail transcriptions to multi-device syncing, making them more reliable in the long run.
FAQs
1. Is there a free texting and calling app?
Yes, there are several apps in 2025 that let you text and call for free. Popular options include
TextFree and Talkatone allow you to send unlimited texts and make calls to U.S. and Canadian numbers without paying anything. These apps typically make revenue from ads, so you get the core features at zero cost.
2. Which app gives you a free phone number?
Apps like TextFree and Talkatone provide users with a completely free U.S. phone number that can be used for calling, texting, and even voicemail. These numbers work just like a regular mobile line, and you can even use them to register on websites or apps. Keep in mind, some apps may recycle numbers if they’re inactive for a long period.
3. What is the best app for international calls?
If you need to call outside the U.S. and Canada, Dingtone and Skype are among the most affordable choices. They provide international calling credits that can be earned by watching ads or purchased at low rates. Google Voice is also a solid option if you live in supported regions and want reliable international calling with transparent pricing.
4. Are free calling apps safe to use?
Most free calling and texting apps are safe, but the level of privacy depends on the provider.
Apps like Hushed and MySudo focus heavily on privacy and anonymity, while ad-supported apps such as TextFree or Talkatone may collect usage data for targeted advertising. Always read the privacy policy before signing up, and avoid sharing sensitive information over free numbers.
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