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Textnow.com VS aTalk

Compare Textnow.com VS aTalk and see what are their differences

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Textnow.com logo Textnow.com

It lets you text your friends, aka my only source of happiness

aTalk logo aTalk

An encrypted instant messaging with video call and GPS features for android.
  • Textnow.com Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-03-09
  • aTalk Landing page
    Landing page //
    2019-11-19

Textnow.com

Website
textnow.com
Release Date
2009 January
Startup details
Country
Canada
State
Ontario
City
Waterloo
Founder(s)
Derek Ting
Employees
100 - 249
Edit details

aTalk

Website
atalk.sytes.net
Release Date
-
Edit details

Textnow.com features and specs

  • Free Phone Number and Text
    TextNow provides users with a free phone number that can be used for texting and calling within the U.S. and Canada, helping users save on communication costs.
  • Wi-Fi Calling
    The service allows users to make calls over Wi-Fi, which can be beneficial for those in areas with poor cellular reception.
  • Cross-Platform Availability
    TextNow is available on various platforms, including iOS, Android, and web browsers, providing users with flexibility in how they access their messages and calls.
  • Affordable Premium Options
    TextNow offers premium plans at competitive prices, which include additional features like ad-free experiences and voicemail transcription.
  • Free Voicemail
    Users get access to a voicemail feature without additional charges, allowing them to receive and manage voice messages conveniently.

Possible disadvantages of Textnow.com

  • Ad-Supported Free Version
    The free version of TextNow includes ads, which can be distracting and may hinder the user experience for some people.
  • Limited International Calling
    While domestic services are free, international calling may incur charges, limiting its usefulness for users needing frequent global communication.
  • Variable Call Quality
    The quality of calls can vary depending on Wi-Fi or network conditions, leading to inconsistent call experiences.
  • Data and Privacy Concerns
    As with many free services, there are concerns about how TextNow handles user data and privacy, especially given that the app relies on ads.
  • Features Locked Behind Paywall
    Some of the more useful features, such as ad removal and call forwarding, require a premium subscription.

aTalk features and specs

  • Open Source
    aTalk is open source, which allows users to inspect, modify, and enhance the software according to their needs.
  • Secure Messaging
    The application supports end-to-end encryption, ensuring that messages are secure and private.
  • XMPP Support
    aTalk uses the XMPP protocol, which is a widely recognized standard for instant messaging, providing interoperability with other XMPP clients.
  • Voice and Video Calls
    The app offers voice and video calling features, enhancing communication options beyond text messaging.
  • Cross-Platform
    aTalk supports multiple platforms, making it accessible to a wider range of users with different devices.

Possible disadvantages of aTalk

  • User Interface
    Some users may find the interface less intuitive or outdated compared to other modern messaging apps.
  • Limited User Base
    Being less mainstream, it may have a limited user base, making it less likely for people to find their contacts on the platform.
  • Feature Set
    While it offers essential messaging features, it may lack some advanced features found in more popular messaging apps.
  • Performance
    Depending on the device and network conditions, users may experience performance issues such as lag in voice or video calls.
  • Learning Curve
    New users may face a learning curve due to its support for the XMPP protocol, especially those unfamiliar with it.

Analysis of Textnow.com

Overall verdict

  • TextNow.com is a good option for those seeking an affordable alternative to traditional phone plans, particularly users who primarily need texting and Wi-Fi calls. Its ad-supported model allows for free basic services, although users should be aware of potential privacy concerns related to data collection.

Why this product is good

  • TextNow.com offers free texting and calling services through an app, making it appealing to those who want to save money on communication costs. It provides a user-friendly interface and is accessible across various devices including smartphones and web browsers. The app is especially beneficial for individuals who frequently communicate internationally, as it can significantly reduce the costs associated with long-distance calls.

Recommended for

  • People looking to save money on texting and calling services.
  • Individuals who often travel or communicate internationally.
  • Users who have reliable Wi-Fi access and prefer using digital communication tools.
  • Those who don't mind ads in exchange for free services.

Analysis of aTalk

Overall verdict

  • Yes, especially for users who prioritize security and privacy in their communications. aTalk delivers a solid performance with its range of features and commitment to safeguarding user data.

Why this product is good

  • aTalk is known for its strong emphasis on privacy and security, being a Jabber/XMPP client designed to protect user data through end-to-end encryption protocols such as OMEMO, OTR, and OpenPGP. It supports a wide range of features including voice and video calls, file transfers, and multi-user chat, providing a robust platform for secure communication.

Recommended for

    Individuals who need a secure messaging platform, privacy-conscious users, tech-savvy individuals familiar with XMPP protocol, and anyone looking for a free, open-source communicator with strong encryption capabilities.

Textnow.com videos

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aTalk videos

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Review Máy Phiên Dịch ATALK PLUS - Máy Thông Dịch Tiếng Việt TỐT NHẤT THẾ GIỚI - Dịch 108 Ngôn Ngữ

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Textnow.com and aTalk)

Textnow.com

aTalk

Communication
59 59%
Communication
41% 41
Group Chat & Notifications
54 54%
Group Chat & Notifications
46% 46
Social & Communications
51 51%
Social & Communications
49% 49
Online Services
100 100%
Online Services
0% 0

User comments

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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Textnow.com seems to be a lot more popular than aTalk. While we know about 42 links to Textnow.com, we've tracked only 1 mention of aTalk. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Textnow.com mentions (42)

  • As of about 15 minutes ago, I am now homeless. What’s the best course of action from here?
    Textnow.com is one example for online texting, and I bet you could use it on public wifi. You can use a virtual phone number (VOIP) without fees from the site. Just hope this can help a little. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • I feel like my issues are seriously invalidated and minimized by my non-muslim/non-religious friends
    Have an independent phone service from others. You can get a SIM card for $5 U.S. (price at time of this writing) an unlocked phone -phone not linked to a phone carrier service - at textnow.com or you can get the free phone app from Google's Play Store or the Apple Store at https://www.textnow.com/downloads. If you have an locked phone (phone tied to a phone carrier service), than you may be able to ask a customer... Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Been homeless for 12 days, starting to lose hope
    As for the immediate future I highly recommend that you sign up for temporary employment agencies as soon as possible so that immediate employment can happen until you hear back from more permanent jobs. This forum's comprehensive guide can help give you guidance on signing up fast for SNAP benefits for food support, Medicaid for medical insurance, emergency shelter listings, transportation assistance, listings... Source: about 2 years ago
  • Free or Low Priced Additional Phone Number
    I recently moved to Texas from SF. I have 3 phone numbers with out of state area codes: my cell phone with https://www.h2owireless.com/ (which uses AT&T), a google voice, and a textnow.com phone number. Source: about 2 years ago
  • Update: I found these texts on my husbands phone. I don’t know if I’m being paranoid or not. (35f 38m)
    There are apps like textnow.com that will give you a free phone number with free texting. You could use that to text her from a different number. If she responds you'll know that your number was blocked on her phone. Source: about 2 years ago
View more

aTalk mentions (1)

  • ⟳ 0 apps added, 15 updated at f-droid.org
    aTalk (version 3.0.5): XMPP/Jabber client with encrypted instant messaging and video calls. Source: over 2 years ago

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Textnow.com and aTalk, you can also consider the following products

TextNow - TextNow is a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) that provides a free phone service to users by using other cellular networks coverage.

FluffyChat - Open. Nonprofit. Cute ?

Talk360 - Talk360 is a best-in-class communication utility that offers a convenient way to connect with loved ones globally.

TeleGuard - TeleGuard is a secure messenger that makes it store that your data or chats are not stored while collaborating or communicating with partners and friends.

Dingtone - Dingtone is a free call and texting application for making unlimited calls and text messages to any number at the moment registered in any part of the world by any cellular company.

Molly (Signal fork) - Molly is an independent Signal fork for Android

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