TextNow review
An inexpensive general texting service with broad device support, but no team workflow tools.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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.
TextNow pros and cons
- 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
TextNow fact sheet, pricing and score →
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
Last updated · How we research and update