TextNow has been a popular solution for free texting and calling, but it’s not the only option. Whether you're looking for better privacy, international features, or simply want to explore other free talk and text platforms, you're in the right place. Here’s our curated list of the top 10 TextNow alternatives you can use and how to unblock those text apps with best VPN for TextNow— all offering free texting, calling, and more on Android, iOS, or via a web browser.
Why Consider an Alternative to TextNow
TextNow offers a solid experience, but users may face:
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Limited access in certain countries (You can also switch to a free proxy VPN to bypass IP blocks)
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Annoying ads before you decide to delete TextNow account
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App instability or performance issues
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Concerns over data privacy
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Trouble using without a SIM card
That's where these apps like TextNow step in.
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Pro: Best UFO VPN Servers for Free Talk & Text Apps
| Region | Recommended Servers | App Support |
| USA VPN | New York, Los Angeles, Chicago | TextNow, Talkatone, Dingtone |
| Canada VPN | Toronto, Vancouver | TextNow, TextFree |
| UK VPN | London | Talkatone, FreeTone |
| Singapore VPN | SG1, SG2 | Backup servers for Asia |
Apps Like TextNow: Features, Pros and Cons
1. Google Voice
Price: Free for personal use (U.S. only)
Supported OS: Android, iOS, Web
Overview:
Google Voice offers a reliable VoIP service that lets you call, text, and voicemail with a dedicated phone number. It's integrated with Google Workspace, making it ideal for users already in the Google ecosystem.
Key Features:
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Spam filtering and call blocking
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Voicemail transcription
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Syncs across multiple devices
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Integration with Gmail & Google Calendar
Pros:
✔️ High reliability
✔️ No ads
✔️ Great call quality
Cons:
❌ Only available in the U.S.
❌ Requires a Google account
Best For: Professionals or students looking for a simple, trustworthy VoIP solution with minimal setup.
2. TextFree by Pinger
Price: Free (ad-supported), paid plans start at $4.99/month
Supported OS: Android, iOS, Web
Overview:
TextFree gives users a real U.S. phone number for texting and calling. It’s an excellent free option with generous texting capabilities and decent call support.
Key Features:
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Free texting to any number
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Voicemail and MMS
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Customizable phone number
Pros:
✔️ Free number without ID verification
✔️ Lightweight and user-friendly
✔️ Works on web and mobile
Cons:
❌ Ads in free version
❌ International calling costs extra
Best For: Casual users who prioritize texting over calling.
3. Talkatone
Price: Free with ads; $1.99/month to remove ads
Supported OS: Android, iOS
Overview:
Talkatone is a widely used alternative that lets users call and text within the U.S. and Canada for free. It also supports international calling at affordable rates.
Key Features:
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Free U.S. phone number
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Works over Wi-Fi or data
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MMS & voicemail included
Pros:
✔️ Doesn’t require mobile minutes
✔️ Works well even with poor signals
Cons:
❌ Limited international texting
❌ Ad-heavy free tier
Best For: Expats, travelers, or users without SIM cards who need a secondary U.S. number.
4. Burner
Price: Paid; from $4.99/month (7-day free trial available)
Supported OS: Android, iOS
Overview:
Burner offers temporary phone numbers ideal for privacy-focused users. It’s great for dating apps, Craigslist selling, or short-term communications.
Key Features:
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Disposable numbers
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Auto-expire options
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Voicemail and texting
Pros:
✔️ Prioritizes privacy
✔️ Sleek interface
✔️ Great for short-term use
Cons:
❌ No true free version
❌ Limited calling minutes
Best For: Users who need anonymity and temporary numbers for short-term tasks.
5. 2ndLine
Price: Free (with ads), premium $9.99/month
Supported OS: Android, iOS
Overview:
Designed for North American users, 2ndLine gives a fully-featured second number with calling, texting, voicemail, and more — ideal for freelancers or remote workers.
Key Features:
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Real U.S. or Canadian number
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Unlimited texts and calls
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Voicemail & call forwarding
Pros:
✔️ High call quality
✔️ No need for new SIM
✔️ Useful for side businesses
Cons:
❌ U.S./Canada only
❌ App may crash on older devices
Best For: Entrepreneurs, remote workers, and those managing business/personal lines.
6. TextMe
Price: Free with ads; credits required for international calls
Supported OS: Android, iOS
Overview:
TextMe offers a free number with texting and calling capabilities in the U.S. and Canada. International calling requires credits but texting remains mostly free.
Key Features:
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Real U.S. phone number
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Video calls
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International texting
Pros:
✔️ Video calling available
✔️ Works over Wi-Fi
✔️ Good for international texts
Cons:
❌ Credits can get pricey
❌ Occasional delivery issues
7. Hushed
Price: Paid; starts at $1.99/week
Supported OS: Android, iOS
Overview:
Hushed provides secure, disposable numbers with auto-delete and no user data storage. Unlike Burner, it offers numbers in 60+ countries.
Key Features:
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International numbers
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Burnable and renewable lines
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Encrypted messages
Pros:
✔️ High privacy
✔️ Great global coverage
✔️ Temporary and long-term numbers
Cons:
❌ No free version
❌ Requires prepayment
Best For: Business travelers, freelancers, or privacy-conscious users who need international presence.
8. Numero eSIM
Price: Free with paid upgrades (starting at $3/month)
Supported OS: Android, iOS
Overview:
Numero offers global virtual phone numbers with eSIM compatibility — allowing you to use the service without needing a physical SIM card.
Key Features:
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Virtual numbers from 80+ countries
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Free U.S. number
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Voicemail, call forwarding
Pros:
✔️ Global eSIM support
✔️ Excellent international texting
✔️ Modern app interface
Cons:
❌ Complex setup for eSIM
❌ Some country numbers are expensive
Best For: Digital nomads and international users who need flexible number options.
Best For: Users who text internationally and want more than just voice calling.
9. Sideline
Price: Starts at $9.99/month
Supported OS: Android, iOS
Overview:
Sideline is designed for professionals, offering a second number with business-grade tools like team collaboration, voicemail transcription, and auto-reply.
Key Features:
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Team calling
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CRM-style contact management
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Group texting
Pros:
✔️ Professional feature set
✔️ Ideal for teams or small businesses
✔️ Carrier-grade call quality
Cons:
❌ Not free
❌ No international numbers
Best For: Business owners and professionals needing a reliable work number.
10. Dingtone
Price: Free (credit system); paid options from $1.99
Supported OS: Android, iOS
Overview:
Dingtone provides VoIP services with a free U.S. number. You can earn credits by watching ads or completing tasks, making it appealing for users who want a no-cost experience.
Key Features:
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Call recording
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International support
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Send/receive faxes
Pros:
✔️ Creative free model
✔️ Feature-rich
✔️ Supports multiple numbers
Cons:
❌ Credit farming required
❌ Ads can be annoying
Best For: Budget users who don’t mind watching ads to get a free working number.
Bonus: Unblock Free Talk and Text Apps
Many popular free calling and texting apps—like TextNow, Talkatone, or Dingtone—are blocked in countries or regions due to telecom restrictions or censorship policies. With a trusted VPN like UFO VPN, you can unblock and use these apps anytime, anywhere.
With 3000+ server in over 100 countries, UFO VPN is open to download as a free iPhone VPN, free Android VPN(with VPN APK), free Windows VPN and free Mac VPN. Install the app and sign up or log in.
Open the app, choose a free server locationwhere your desired streaming/gaming/browsing platform is available.
We recommend free USA VPN, free UK VPN and free Australia VPN.
Pro Tip
UFO VPN is compatible with popular platforms in gaming and streaming as CODM VPN, PUBG VPN, Netflix VPN and more!
After connecting, visit What is My IP tool to see your current location and ensure your real IP is visible.
With all set, visit your favorite platform and start browsing without geo-blocks or buffering!
Now you can make free calls and send texts without restrictions. UFO VPN hides your IP and encrypts traffic, ensuring both privacy and access!
Final Thoughts
Whether you're fed up with TextNow ads or just want a backup option, these top 10 apps like TextNow as alternatives have got you covered. From Talkatone to Google Voice, there’s a solution for every need — personal, professional, or international.
And don’t forget: if any of these apps are restricted in your region, a trusted VPN like UFO VPN can help you unblock and access them securely.