TextNow Alternatives in 2025

Businesses look for alternatives to TextNow because the platform lacks 24/7 customer service and important features like video meetings and secure logins. On top of that, slower connectivity and frequent ads make it less reliable and professional unless extra costs are added.

TextNow does not offer round-the-clock customer service, which can be a problem for businesses that need immediate help during off-hours or those operating internationally across different time zones.

TextNow does not have video calling, which is essential for businesses that use video for meetings, presentations, or connecting with remote teams. Additionally, TextNow lacks other advanced features that businesses require for expansion, like strong integration with other business tools, professional voicemail services, and support for conference calls.

The TextNow service is primarily designed for 4G and Wi-Fi, which might only partially support the faster speeds and improved reliability of 5G. It can be a constraint for businesses needing high-speed data for real-time communications.

TextNow recycles and reissues phone numbers after a certain period, following industry rules. Therefore, you might not receive verification codes from other platforms for security reasons. This may interfere with integrating third-party tools that require SMS confirmations, which is essential for securing business operations.

The free version of the platform includes ads, which can interrupt and look unprofessional during business communications. You have to pay for a premium version to eliminate these ads. Although TextNow provides some free services, additional features are expensive. Businesses prefer other alternative of TextNow that offer a better mix of features and costs without ads.

Some of the best TextNow alternatives are Calilio, Google Voice, Ringover, and Hushed. These apps provide better features for communication, including business tools, international calling, and stronger privacy options, making them reliable choices for anyone looking for apps like TextNow.

Calilio is a unified VoIP service provider tailored for modern businesses, offering a broad range of voice and messaging services. It's designed as a superior alternative to traditional telephony systems, focusing on the specific needs of enterprises. Unlike TextNow, which primarily targets individual users with basic communication tools, Calilio provides business phone system with a more advanced and comprehensive suite within an easy-to-use digital workspace. It is particularly advantageous for businesses looking to enhance communication efficiency and leverage VoIP technology for more robust functionality.

Key Features

• Unified Callbox: Calilio's Unified Callbox simplifies the management of all communication channels. It acts as a central hub for calling, messaging, and voicemail and streamlines communication by eliminating the need to switch between platforms.
• Web Dialer: The web dialer enables initiating calls directly from the dashboard, ensuring seamless integration into workflows and improving response times without interrupting your work processes.
• AI-powered Call Summary: Calilio uses artificial intelligence to provide call summaries, helping businesses quickly understand the sentiment of each conversation. It's essential for making informed decisions, as it allows managers and team members to analyze caller sentiments without listening to every single call recording.
• Call Analytics: Calilio provides detailed insights into call volumes, durations, peak calling times, and more. Such analytics help businesses optimize their staffing, better understand customer behavior, and improve overall service quality by adjusting strategies based on real data.

Pros: 

• Affordable plans with a wide range of features.
• Offers customizable feature sets with a large variety.
• Dedicated customer support 24/7.
• Free local or toll-free number with every subscription

Cons: 

• Requires time to utilize the advanced tools provided fully.
• Initial confusion due to many customization options.
• Requires a stable internet connection for its usage.

Pricing: 

Google Voice is known for integrating with Google Workspace, making it a seamless extension for users already embedded in the Google ecosystem. It provides a consistent phone number across multiple devices, particularly useful for professionals who need to manage calls and messages on the go without switching devices.

Key Features 

• One Number for All Devices: Google Voice allows you to use one phone number across multiple devices, making it easy to manage calls and messages on phones, tablets, or computers.
• Advanced Call Management: It includes screening calls, blocking numbers, and routing calls efficiently.
• Integration with Google Workspace: Seamlessly works with other Google services like Gmail and Calendar for better workflow integration.
• International Calling: Google Voice offers competitive rates for international calls, making it a good option for global communications.

Pros:

• Make outbound calls by adding credit to your account.
• Low-cost international VoIP calling.
• Identify the caller before you answer with the caller identification feature.
• No phone number is required for account verification, enhancing privacy.

Cons:

• Sometimes, voicemail transcriptions are inaccurate.
• Numbers are only free within the US, which limits international use.

Pricing:

Ringover benefits sales and customer support teams due to its robust CRM integration capabilities. It offers unlimited calls to over 110 countries, making it a strong candidate for businesses with international clients. The real-time dashboard analytics provide valuable insights into call performance and team productivity.

Key Features

• Unlimited International Calling: Ringover offers unlimited calling to several countries, making it an excellent option for businesses with international clients or teams.
• Real-Time Analytics and Reporting: Ringover provides comprehensive insights into call data, such as call duration, wait time, and agent performance.
• Video Conferencing and Screen Sharing: Ringover also directly supports video calls and screen sharing from the browser, facilitating more interactive and productive remote meetings without additional software.
• Customizable Voicemail: The Ringover app allows businesses to create tailored voicemail messages that can be adapted for different times or situations, providing a more personalized experience for callers.

Pros: 

• Multi-level IVR systems for efficient call management
• Quick and easy setup with minimal maintenance required
• Unlimited international calling to numerous countries
• Seamless CRM integration

Cons:

• Higher costs for premium features
• Limited customization options for larger enterprises
• Dependency on internet quality, as poor connection can affect call quality
• Integration challenges with less common CRM systems

Pricing:

TextMe allows more flexibility for individual users and small businesses. It supports free texts and calls to any number, a feature supplemented by multimedia messaging and video calls. The unique aspect of TextMe is its reward system, where users earn free calling credits, making it an economical option for budget-conscious users. 

Key Features

• Free Texting and Calling: TextMe offers free texts and calls to any number in various countries, including the U.S., Canada, and numerous other international destinations, using a real phone number provided by the app.
• Multimedia Messaging: With TextMe, users can send photos, videos, and voice messages, enhancing the communication experience beyond standard texts.
• Customizable Number: TextMe allows users to choose their own unique phone number, providing flexibility and personalization of their communication line.

Pros:

• Offers free basic services, making it an affordable option.
• Simple, user-friendly interface.
• Free calls and texts to certain international locations.
• Allows users to select their own phone number.
• Supports multimedia in messages, including video calls.

Cons:

• The free version includes ads.
• Quality of service is dependent on internet connectivity.
• Potential privacy concerns with personal data usage.
• Some users report delayed notifications or messages.

Pricing:

Free download, but extra payments for addons.

Phone.com provides scalable solutions designed for small and medium-sized businesses. It offers a mix of traditional and VoIP services, including features like call blocking, voicemail to email, and automated voicemail transcriptions. Its flexible pricing, especially the pay-per-minute plans, allows businesses to scale services according to their needs without overspending.

Key Features

• Flexible Call Handling: Phone.com offers advanced call handling features such as call forwarding, hold, transfer, and block, allowing businesses to manage calls according to their specific operational needs.
• Automated Attendants: Phone.com includes an auto-attendant feature, which routes calls to the appropriate department or extension based on customizable rules.
• Customizable Greetings: Phone.com enables users to customize their greetings, enhancing the professional appearance of their communication system and the personal touch it gives.
• Conference Calling: The service supports conference calling, allowing multiple participants to join a single call, essential for team meetings and collaborative sessions.

Pros:

• Offers a pay-per-minute plan, ideal for small businesses with low call volumes.
• Supports international calling to multiple countries.
• Integrates with popular business tools like CRM software.
• Provides advanced features like voicemail transcription, call analytics, and automated attendants.

Cons:

• Setup and interface may be complex for some users.
• Some features are only available on higher-tier plans.
• Customer support can be inconsistent.
• Call quality may vary, especially over poor internet connections.
• Limited customization options for call handling compared to other VoIP services.

Pricing:

TextFree is also a free phone service like TextNow, since it offers a free alternate phone number for calling and texting. It runs on iOS, Android, and desktop, making it useful for people who need a backup number for personal or business use. With unlimited texting and WiFi calling, this app helps you stay connected without relying on a traditional carrier plan.

Key Features

• Free Second Number: Choose an area code and create a separate line for work, online activities, or privacy.
• Unlimited Texting and Calling: Send texts, make calls, and manage group messages over WiFi without extra charges.
• Media Sharing: Exchange photos, videos, GIFs, emojis, PDFs, and audio messages.
• Cross-device Use: Access your account from phones, tablets, or computers for flexibility.
• Customization: Personalize your number with custom ringtones, text tones, and wallpapers.

Pros:

• Free plan includes unlimited texts and calls.
• Local number availability.
• Works across multiple devices.
• Supports group and multimedia messaging.

Cons:

• Free version includes ads.
• Numbers may expire if inactive.
• Verification codes require a paid plan.

Pricing:

Talkatone is an app similar to TextNow, which provides a free US or Canadian phone number for calls and texts. This alternative works over WiFi or mobile data, so you do not need a traditional cell plan to stay connected. Furthermore, this app is widely used for domestic communication and also offers low-cost international calling. So, it is a good replacement for TextNow if you want an app for a secondary number.

Key Features

• Unlimited Domestic Calls and Texts: Connect with any US or Canadian number through WiFi or mobile data.
• International Calling: Purchase credits or a subscription to make low-cost calls to multiple countries.
• Device Flexibility: Use Talkatone on smartphones, tablets, or iPods, turning non-cellular devices into phones.
• Number Change Option: You can “burn” and replace your number for added privacy.

Pros:

• Free US/Canada number with unlimited calls and texts.
• Works on multiple devices, including tablets without SIM cards.
• Affordable international calling options.

Cons:

• Ads in the free version.
• 911 calling is not supported.
• Some area codes may not be available.

Pricing:

Dingtone is a reliable TextNow alternative that provides calling and texting through WiFi or mobile data. Further, the app allows you to add a second phone number, including international options. Additionally, it also offers disposable numbers for privacy and a range of tools for call management.

Key Features

• Global Numbers: Choose from local numbers in the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, alongside more than 20 other countries.
• Multiple Numbers on One Device: Manage several lines on a single phone without carrying extra SIM cards.
• Cheap International Calls: Call landlines and mobiles in over 200 countries at very low rates.
• Disposable Numbers: Generate temporary numbers for sign-ups, marketplaces, or social media verification.
• Extra Tools for Professionals: Includes call recording, voicemail, call forwarding, and even group conference calls.

Pros:

• Ideal for international communication with low-cost calling.
• Ability to keep multiple phone numbers active on one device.
• Offers privacy through temporary or disposable numbers.
• Useful features beyond basic calling, like recording and forwarding.

Cons:

• Free calls are mainly limited to Dingtone-to-Dingtone users.
• Some international number plans are expensive.
• Ads appear in the free version.

Pricing:

2ndLine is a reliable replacement for TextNow that lets you get two numbers on one phone without needing a second SIM card. This app offers real US and Canadian numbers by default, along with international numbers from countries like the UK, Germany, Australia, and Finland.

With features such as voicemail, call recording, and HIPAA compliance, the app is often used by freelancers and small businesses that want to keep personal and business communication separate.

Key Features

• Local and International Numbers: Choose from the US, Canada, and a few other countries to set up a dedicated line.
• Business Tools Included: Offers call recording, voicemail, auto-replies, and anonymous call options.
• Privacy Controls: Block unwanted contacts, manage multiple lines, and protect your main number.
• Low-Cost Global Calling: Make budget-friendly calls to more than 230 destinations with clear audio quality.
• Flexible Access: Works across smartphones, tablets, and even iPods without requiring a SIM.

Pros:

• Provides international numbers beyond North America.
• Includes advanced features suitable for business use.
• Supports multiple lines on a single device.
• Useful for professionals who need a separate work number.

Cons:

• Premium functions require a subscription.
• The free version contains ads.
• Missed messages or calls are possible if push notifications are disabled.

Pricing:

Hushed is an app similar to TextNow, designed for those who want privacy and temporary numbers. So, you can get a disposable or long-term line, making it useful for any situation where sharing a personal number is risky. With numbers available in the US, Canada, and the UK, Hushed focuses on anonymity while still offering reliable calling and texting.

Key Features

• Temporary and Long-Term Numbers: Choose between short-term prepaid lines or renewable subscriptions.
• Wide Coverage: Access numbers from 300+ area codes across the US, Canada, and the UK
• Privacy Controls: Caller ID masking, anonymous calling, and secure text messaging.
• Communication Tools: Custom voicemail greetings, auto-reply messages, call forwarding, and routing.
• Flexible Use Cases: Popular for dating, international travel, and online shopping.

Pros:

• Strong emphasis on anonymity and number privacy.
• Numbers can be easily deleted or replaced.
• Both prepaid and subscription options are available.
• Extra features like voicemail and forwarding are included in all plans.

Cons:

• Limited to US, Canada, and UK numbers.
• Not guaranteed to work for all account verifications.
• No 911 emergency support.

Pricing:

TextNow is useful for free calling and texting, but its limits often leave you searching for better options. Many turn to other apps, similar to TextNow, to get features such as privacy tools, business support, or affordable international calls. Exploring alternatives to this app ensures you find a service that matches your needs.

Among the many apps similar to TextNow, Calilio is a strong choice. You can subscribe to one of our flexible plans and even claim a US or Canadian number for free. Plus, you’ll enjoy our advanced features that TextNow simply doesn’t provide, such as a unified callbox, AI-powered call summaries, detailed call analytics, and more.