TextNow
TextNow: An inexpensive general texting service with broad device support, but no team workflow tools. Ranked #24 of 26 in Peer-to-Peer Texting Software by our editors (6.3/10); pricing: Free plan · 14-day trial; best for individuals needing inexpensive general texting.
At a glance
- Editor score6.3 / 10
- PricingFree plan · 14-day trial
- Best forIndividuals needing inexpensive general texting
- Free planYes
- Facts checked21 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Free North American calling and texting with a phone number
- Supports group, picture, and video messaging
- Syncs messages and call history across multiple devices
Where it doesn't
- No verified peer-to-peer team workflows or shared inboxes
- No campaign tools or listed integrations
- Service availability is limited to North America
Our verdict on TextNow
TextNow is a communications service for individuals who need a phone number, calling, and texting across mobile, desktop, and web. Its Free Plan provides unlimited talk and text across North America, with advertising supporting the service. Users can access TextNow through Android and iOS apps, desktop applications for Windows, macOS, and Linux, and a web browser. The service also supports individual conversations, group messaging, picture and video messaging, voicemail transcription, call forwarding, and caller ID.
TextNow’s plan structure centers on free communication, with paid tiers adding data access and removing advertisements. The Free Plan includes unlimited talk and text, nationwide 5G access, and advertising-supported service. The Plus Plan adds data access except for media streaming and gaming, while also removing ads. The Unlimited Plan includes unlimited talk, text, and data without ads. TextNow also offers a free phone number and supports SMS and MMS, giving individual users a broad set of everyday communication features without requiring a separate messaging service.
Its strongest fit is personal communication across several devices rather than organized peer-to-peer texting operations. Cross-device synchronization keeps message and call history available across supported platforms, and features such as voicemail transcription, call forwarding, and caller ID extend beyond basic texting. However, TextNow does not provide verified team workflows, shared inboxes, campaign tools, or integrations. Individuals seeking inexpensive general texting should consider it, while teams that need coordinated outreach, campaign management, or shared message handling should choose a product designed for those workflows.
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TextNow pricing
All 3 TextNow plans and prices →
TextNow fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Not verified |
| Messages included | Not verified |
| Shared team inbox | Not verified |
| SMS/MMS support | Sms and mms |
| Contact capacity | Not verified |
| Automated opt-in tools | Not verified |
| CRM integrations | Not verified |
| Free trial | 14 days |
| Deployment | Cloud, Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android |
| Support | Live chat, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan · 14-day trial (source) |
| Website | textnow.com |
| Facts checked | 21 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to TextNow
- ImpactiveA campaign-focused organizing platform with free licensing, CRM sync, and usage-based messaging.9.4
- RumbleUpA full-featured P2P texting suite with automation, compliance, analytics, and integrations.9.2
- Political CommsA political messaging platform with two-way texting, compliance tools, APIs, and voter-data integrations.9.0
See all TextNow alternatives →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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