10 Apps Like TextNow for Free Calling & Texting

If you rely on a free second phone number for calls and texts, you already know how useful a service like TextNow can be. But maybe you want a backup option, a better fit for your device, or just want to see what else is out there. Whatever your reason, there are plenty of apps like TextNow that let you send texts and make calls over Wi-Fi or mobile data without paying a traditional carrier bill.

This guide covers ten solid alternatives worth checking out. Each one offers some level of free calling or texting, though the exact features and limitations vary by app and by region. We have broken down what makes each one stand out so you can decide which option fits your needs best.

Disclaimer: textnowapk.us is an independent, fan-made resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to TextNow, Inc. in any way. App details, pricing, and features change frequently, so always check the official app listing for the most up-to-date information.

TextNow gives users a real US or Canadian phone number they can use to call and text for free over Wi-Fi. It is a great tool, but no single app is perfect for every person. Some users want fewer ads, some need international calling, and others are looking for a number that works in a country TextNow does not support. Exploring apps similar to TextNow helps you find exactly the right combination of features, coverage, and cost.

You can learn more about the core service on our site by visiting TextNow APK, but for now, let us dive into the alternatives.

1. Google Voice

Google Voice is one of the most popular free apps like TextNow available today. It gives you a real US phone number tied to your Google account. You can make free calls and send texts to US numbers at no cost. Calls to international numbers are available at low per-minute rates. Google Voice works on Android, iOS, and the web, which makes it very flexible. The main drawback is that it is only available to users in the United States.

2. TextFree

TextFree by Pinger is one of the closest apps similar to TextNow in terms of how it works. You get a free phone number and can send unlimited texts for free. Free calls are supported, though you earn call minutes by watching ads or you can buy them. TextFree is available on both Android and iOS and has been around long enough to have a solid reputation.

3. WhatsApp

WhatsApp does not give you a second phone number, but it is one of the most widely used free messaging and calling apps in the world. It uses your existing number and works over Wi-Fi or mobile data. Calls and texts to other WhatsApp users are completely free. If the people you communicate with most are already on WhatsApp, this could be all you need.

4. Talkatone

Talkatone is another strong option among apps like TextNow. It provides a free US phone number and lets you make calls and send texts to any US or Canadian number, not just other app users. Free credits are available through ad watching, and the app supports both Android and iOS. Call quality depends heavily on your internet connection, which is true of most VoIP apps.

5. 2ndLine

2ndLine is designed specifically for Android users who want a second US phone number without buying a second SIM card. You can text and call for free within the US and Canada. The app uses your existing data or Wi-Fi connection. One thing to note is that 2ndLine currently does not have an iOS version, so it is best suited for Android users.

6. TextMe Up

TextMe Up offers a free phone number with free texting and calling to the US, Canada, Mexico, and 40 or more other countries, though the exact country list is worth verifying before you commit. You earn free minutes by watching short video ads, or you can purchase credits. The app is available on both Android and iOS and has a clean, easy-to-use interface.

7. Dingtone

Dingtone is one of the more feature-rich apps similar to TextNow when it comes to international use. It lets you make free calls and send texts to other Dingtone users anywhere in the world at no cost. Calls to regular phone numbers require credits, which you can earn by watching ads or completing offers. Dingtone also supports group messaging and walkie-talkie style push-to-talk communication.

8. Line

Line is a messaging and VoIP app that is especially popular in Japan and several other Asian countries. Free calls and messages are available between Line users. The app also offers Line Out, which allows calls to regular phone numbers at low rates. If you communicate with people in Southeast Asia or East Asia regularly, Line may be a more practical choice than some US-centric alternatives.

9. Viber

Viber lets you make free calls and send free texts to other Viber users over Wi-Fi or mobile data. For calls to non-Viber numbers, the app offers Viber Out credits at competitive rates. Viber is available on Android, iOS, and desktop. It also supports group calls and group chats, making it a decent option for families or small teams who all use the same app.

10. iPlum

iPlum targets users who need a professional second number rather than just a casual texting app. It provides a dedicated US or Canada phone number with calling and texting features. While iPlum does charge for its full feature set, there is a free tier available that is worth exploring if you need something more business-oriented. This makes it a bit different from most other apps on this list, but it is still a legitimate alternative for people who want a professional-sounding number separate from their personal line.

With so many options, picking the right one comes down to a few key questions:

• Do you need a real phone number? Apps like Google Voice, TextFree, and Talkatone give you an actual number you can share with anyone. Apps like WhatsApp and Viber only work between users of the same app.
• Where are you located? Some apps are US-only, while others like WhatsApp and Viber work globally.
• How do you feel about ads? Most truly free options earn revenue through advertising. If you want an ad-free experience, you will likely need to pay for a premium tier.
• Do you need calls to regular phone lines? If you only text friends who have the same app, a closed-network app like WhatsApp may be enough. If you need to call businesses, doctors, or anyone who is not on your chosen app, you need something that calls real numbers.
• What device do you use? Some apps are Android-only, some are iOS-only, and others work across both platforms plus desktop.

Are these apps actually free?

Most of the apps on this list have a free tier that covers basic texting and some calling. However, truly unlimited free calling to any phone number without ads or limitations is rare. Most free services are either ad-supported, credit-based, or limited to calls between users of the same app.

Can I use these apps without a SIM card?

Yes, most of them work over Wi-Fi with no SIM card required, which is one of the main reasons people look for apps like TextNow in the first place. Google Voice and iPlum may require a verified phone number during setup, so that is worth checking before you download.

Are calls on these apps as reliable as regular calls?

Call quality depends on your internet connection. A strong Wi-Fi signal or fast mobile data connection will give you the best results. On a slow or unstable connection, you may notice dropped calls or audio lag, which is a limitation of VoIP technology in general.

Do these apps work for SMS verification codes?

Some do and some do not. Many online services block VoIP numbers from receiving SMS verification codes. If you specifically need a number that works for two-factor authentication on major platforms, your results may vary depending on which app you use and which platform you are trying to verify.

Is there a single best app similar to TextNow?

Not really – it depends entirely on your use case. Google Voice is the most feature-complete option for US users who want a real number with no ads. WhatsApp is the best choice if everyone you contact already uses it. For something closest to the original TextNow experience, TextFree or Talkatone are your best bets.

There is no shortage of free apps like TextNow available right now. Whether you want a backup number, a way to call internationally, or a cleaner ad-free experience, at least one option on this list should match what you are looking for. Take a few of them for a test drive – most are free to download and set up – and see which one fits your daily routine best.

As always, app features, pricing tiers, and availability can change at any time, so check the latest app store listing before making a final decision. And if you ever want to come back to the original service, our site has plenty of information to help you get the most out of it.

This article is published by textnowapk.us, an independent fan-made website. We are not affiliated with, sponsored by, or officially connected to TextNow, Inc. or any of the other apps mentioned in this article.