Have you seen someone messaging on the app without a Sim Card? Seems unreal, right? But you can indeed do so by using the TextNow app. It is a free calling and texting app through which you can do unlimited texting and calling by using Wi-Fi or data only. Sounds amazing, right? However, it is not the only option to consider; there are various TextNow alternatives that you can use.
Read this blog and get to know what TextNow is, its working, its alternatives, and much more in detail. There are various apps that provide you with distinctive features of international calling, privacy measures, etc. This is just not enough, there are various free calling and texting apps in the market that are functioning, but few of them are popular. So let’s start with the blog.
Market Analysis of TextNow Free Calling and Texting App
Worldwide, the mobile VoIP market was projected at $ 31.2 billion in 2023 and can increase at a CAGR rate of 10.4% between 2024 and 2032. The usage of smartphones and mobile internet services is significantly increasing its usage in the present era. The market insights show that these apps are only rising and will be booming in the market.
What is TextNow App & How Does This App Work?
The TextNow app is a free calling and texting app that allows users to talk to each other without a data plan. It gives you a free local number across the U.S and Canada to do unlimited texts and calls instead of a traditional cellular network. Users can get nationwide coverage, and they will even get the option to choose their free number, which makes their experience personalized and enhanced. It is one of the popular free calling and free texting app because it provides you the best experience and will save your money as well. So let’s know how does TextNow app functions in detail.
- The TextNow app helps users to make free calls and send text messages using mobile or internet services.
- The basic plan is free of cost because it contains ads on its website that entirely compensate for the costs.
- You can use this app in two major ways: first, through a SIM card or a mobile application. If you want to use a free SIM card, then you can keep your current number.
- When you get your number, you can easily sign up for the TextNow app through the browser.
- Moreover, if you have a weak connection or no internet service available, you can use TextNow SIM card. It’s an advantage for U.S. and Canadian citizens because it has largest networks in these countries.
Features of TextNow Free Calling and Texting App
TextNow app provides users with best features and helps in creating a smooth experience. For example, if you don’t want to pay your mobile bills anymore, then TextNow application can be an ideal choice for you.
1. Unlimited Texting and Calling Through Wi-Fi
If you are using TextNow application and have good connection, then you can instantly receive messages and make phone calls. It helps in situations where there are zero internet access.
2. Nationwide 5G Data Network Access
When you have access to free numbers for texting and calling, it provides you the nationwide 5G data coverage without Wi-Fi. It provides unlimited texting and calling features because of the data plan, not just on wifi.
3. Cross-Platform Accessibility
In TextNow app, you can send text and receive calls on each and every device.The textNow application can be used on Android, iOS, and desktops as well. In any part of the world, you can access this app and make the most of it.
4. Free U.S and Canada Phone Number
The TextNow app provides free U.S and Canadian phone numbers to do unlimited texting and calling in these two countries without a SIM card or data plan.
5. Passcode Integration
You can even add a passcode to protect the privacy of the data. TextNow messaging and calling app has a feature to completely protect and ensure that your data is not misused or unprotected.
6. Ad-Free Experience
When you are using a free calling and texting app, you can access the basic plan, in which you can enjoy standard app features for free, and if you want to upgrade the plan, you can pay and view content with no ads.
Tip: To develop free calling and texting apps similar to TextNow, there are dedicated mobile app development company like Helpful Insight who can help for the same.
How to Download TextNow App In a Simple Manner?
To download TextNow app in a simple manner requires various aspects to rely upon. To download this app there is no cost incurred and it does not need a SIM card or data plan. Only wi-fi and data plan is required to use this app. You can download TextNow app in simple steps mentioned below:
1. Download the App (Play store/ App store)
You can download the TextNow app from play store or app store. You can search on the search bar type the app name and then download the app.
2. Open the App and Complete User Registration
Open the TextNow app and then create your account with your email address or even you can sign up using facebook or web browser for quick access.
3. Select Your Free Phone Number
Once you download the TextNow app then you will be asked to choose free U.S or canada phone number. This phone number will be used for making calls and sending texts.
4. Give Permission Access
You can then give permission to your contacts, microphone and notifications. It will be easier if you grant these permission to the app.
5. Start Doing Free Calls and Messages
Now you are at the last step and completed the process to download TextNow application, you can do free calls and messages with stable Wi-Fi or data connection.
Read Also:- CooMeet Alternatives: Private Video Chat with Stranger Girls
Top 11 TextNow Alternatives to Implement in 2025
The TextNow app works best for free calling and texting, as it provides exclusive features and protects your privacy as well. But sometimes users want to use different TextNow alternatives to see what other apps are offering. For example, when it comes to making international calls at low cost can be found in apps similar to TextNow.
1. Google Voice
Google Voice is one of the useful TextNow alternatives that provides you with a free U.S phone number with a feature of voicemail, messaging, and call forwarding options. It is a combined app with Gmail and Google Meet.
2. Talkatone
Talkatone is a free calling and texting app that works on Wi-Fi. It also provides you free U.S or candian number. It works very well in providing stable app performance and international credits. This Textnow alternative works the best for users who need U.S phone numbers and who live with weak internet connectivity .
3. 2ndLine
It is one of the famous TextNow alternative in mobile app market. 2ndLine is a secure VOIP that works in the U.S and Canada. It provides online phone numbers for free calls and messaging, which is needed for anonymous conversations or freelancing etc.
4. TextFree by Pinger
It is one of the free apps like TextNow that offers a free service to send messages, but limited phone calls with a second number. It is ideal for users who want to access basic features only.
5. Nextplus
Nextplus is another popular app like TextNow that allows users to call and text using a free phone number. Through this app you can easily chat with your friends and make international calls all around the world through an internet connection.
6. TextMe
It is one of the best alternatives to TextNow because it allows sending text messages, making voice calls, and also has a virtual phone number. When you use this app, you can choose a number with a U.S or Canadian code and use it to interact with others.
7. Dingtone
You can make international calls with no heavy cost involved. It is one of the app similar to TextNow because users can have free phone numbers and get call credit points by watching ads and daily using the app.
8. Burner
Burner is one of the best alternatives of TextNow. In this app, you can create temporary or permanent numbers for calling and texting. You can even have privacy-encrypted conversations. You can send messages, make calls, and even auto-delete texts as well.
9. Zangi
Zangi is a privacy-centric messaging and video chat app with encryption. It can be a secure TextNow alternative to have safe communication with anyone around the globe.
Read Also: Zangi App: Safe Messaging, Unlimited Calls & Best Alternatives
10. Skype
Skype is one of the popular alternative of TextNow. It allows users to make international voice and audio calls. It is reliable for having premium features for users who want to have the best user experience.
11. Hushed
Hushed app provides free trial features.This app will provide you a private phone number that has its coverage across 300 area zones, such as USA, UK, and Canada. It is quite famous for sending anonymous messages and ensures messages are safe. It is one of the app similar to TextNow because of its wider coverage and accessibility to different devices.
How to Develop App like TextNow in an Effective Way?
For any entrepreneur who wishes to enter into the messaging app market and wants to develop app similar to TextNow can be a great idea. As you must have read above, there is an increasing demand for free calling and texting apps because of their premium features, right tech stack, and more.
A proper plan to develop an app like TextNow requires mobile app developers in New York to build a scalable app.
1. Do Market Research
In TextNow app, market research is vital and works properly in the development process.
When you choose to develop top apps like TextNow, Hushed, TextMe, and more, it requires detailed research and includes features like voice messages, making audio and video calls, and many more.
2. Design Interactive User Interface
To ensure that the user interface is engaging but needs some assistance, you can reach out to our UI/UX design services in Australia. To ensure smooth navigation and an interactive app user interface, these services can help a lot.
3. Select the Right Technology Stack
The next step which comes is choosing a reliable tech stack according to your app type. For example, it depends on which app you are building, as the majority of apps use Flutter or React Native, while for backend, Node.js is mainly used. For HD quality call and video features, technology such as WebRTC or SIP protocols are used.
4. Implement Vital Features
To build an MVP with different features such as VOIP calling, user registration, text messaging, call logs, and voice text messages. You must ensure that the app runs with Wi-fi and the required carrier plan.
5. Check Privacy and Safety
When you are developing a similar textnow app, you must ensure that privacy and safety are maintained, and it should not hamper user’s data. For example, strong login passwords and spam protection measures.
6. Trial and Launch
After all the required processes, you need to do the app testing and see if it’s accessible on Android, iOS, and works properly. After testing, you can launch the app in the market with the necessary marketing tactics.
7. Monetizing and Balance
After launching the app, the required revenue options such as in-app purchases, ads, and premium plans. After this, you update the app with the latest trends and will give a tough competition to TextNow alternatives.
TextNow App Cost Estimation: Free Texting and Calling App
Building a similar app to TextNow can range from $15,000 to $70,000 but it is just an estimation. Moroever it depends on various factors such as technology stack, app complexity, app features, and many more.
| Type of Roles | Basic App | Medium App | Advanced App |
| Project Manager | $2,000-$4,000 | $3,000-$6,000 | $6,000-$9,000 |
| VOIP Integration Expert | $1,500-$2,500 | $3,000-$6,000 | $5,000-$8,000 |
| QA Testing | $1,500-$2,000 | $2,500-$4,000 | $4,000-$6,000 |
| Front-End Developer | $4,000-7,000 | $10,000-$12,000 | $15,000-$20,000 |
| Back-End Developer | $6,000-$7,000 | $11,000-$16,000 | $18,000-$26,000 |
How Can Helpful Insight Help in Developing App like TextNow?
If you are thinking of developing a properly functioning app with the desired mobile app development functions, then you can develop a similar TextNow app because it requires a reliable tech stack and proper expertise. But you dont from where to gain that expertise from? Don’t worry, you can reach out to us because we, as a mobile app development company in Dubai, will offer you the best results and can help you in every part of the project. So hurry up, and hire us because we care for your app’s future and will make everything possible to develop the app according to your needs. Give us a call today!
Frequently Asked Questions
The cost to develop an app like TextNow is based on a cost range starting from $15,000 to $70,000. It is just an estimation; the actual cost depends upon the app features, complexity, app type, and many more.
The standard time is 3 to 6 months, but it varies from what type of app you want to build. It is a generic time required to develop these kinds of apps.
The apps like TextNow require technology such as Node.js, React.js, Flutter, and react native. Further, it depends upon the app development cycle as well.
A strong backend is obviously needed to develop free calling and texting apps. To ensure safe, encrypted communication, of course, backend servers are needed, but not serverless.
