Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Textnow.com VS Textfree

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

Textnow.com logo Textnow.com

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

Textfree logo Textfree

Send text/SMS messages from your PC from a free phone number
  • Textnow.com Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-03-09
  • Textfree Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-05

Textnow.com

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

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.

Textfree features and specs

  • Cost
    Textfree offers a free texting and calling service with the ability to earn or pay for minutes, making it a cost-effective solution for users seeking a secondary phone number.
  • Accessibility
    It is available on both iOS and Android platforms, ensuring a wide reach and compatibility with most smartphones.
  • User-friendly Interface
    Textfree provides a simple and easy-to-navigate interface, which is convenient for users who are not tech-savvy.
  • Customizable Features
    The app allows users to customize voicemail greetings and choose personalized phone numbers, enhancing the user experience.
  • Group Messaging
    Textfree supports group messaging, making it easy for users to communicate with multiple contacts at once.

Possible disadvantages of Textfree

  • Ad-Supported
    The free version of Textfree is supported by advertisements, which can be intrusive and detract from the user experience.
  • Limited VoIP Features
    Compared to other VoIP services, Textfree's calling features are relatively basic, lacking advanced functionalities like call forwarding or international numbers.
  • Phone Number Reassignment
    Unused numbers may be reassigned after a period of inactivity, which could be inconvenient for users relying on a consistent secondary number.
  • Quality of Calls
    Users may experience varying call quality, which can depend on network conditions and may not match the reliability of traditional phone services.
  • Privacy Concerns
    As with many free applications, there can be concerns about data privacy and how user information might be utilized or shared.

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.

Textnow.com videos

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Textfree videos

Textfree Unlimited Review

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Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Textnow.com and Textfree)
Communication
71 71%
29% 29
Group Chat & Notifications
Social & Communications
100 100%
0% 0
Online Services
52 52%
48% 48

User comments

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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Textnow.com should be more popular than Textfree. It has been mentiond 42 times since March 2021. 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
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Textfree mentions (13)

  • What are your thoughts on doorknocking in this market?
    Send me a message if you have more questions but im using this website. https://textfree.us/ There are a few other ways to text as well this is the one ive just picked to use as I can text from my computer making it quite a bit easier to text on. Source: about 2 years ago
  • What are your thoughts on doorknocking in this market?
    Yes 100% free. I use https://textfree.us/ there is another one I forgot the name but they will send you a sim card too its free texting and 100 minutes with no data for free. So if you got an old phone lying around you could use it for your contacting. Then use your local GIS county map to pull addresses. Then go to Fastpeoplesearch.com to look up the phone numbers. Source: about 2 years ago
  • Let’s help ruin trumps rally in Waco!
    A few years back I used textfree for some work needs. I can't recall what the sign up process needed so I can't say whether or not it would work outside of the country, but it may be an option for some people. As I recall it will assign you your own number for use, so you'll be able to avoid the "already used" issue. Source: about 2 years ago
  • soon to be homeless
    If you have a need for privacy and security that you need a separate phone number now, than your current one you can use the textnow.com online website or it's phone app on Google Play or Apple Store. You can also get a free phone number that will work better with the text option of the NDVH using textfree.us. You can use a temporary email from 10minutemail.com to create a Text Free account, establish a phone... Source: over 2 years ago
  • Trip Report: 4 Month Roadtrip Across The USA (incl. route map, expense report, summary, highlights, & recommendations/learnings)
    1) If you’re staying 3 months in the US (which is the max amount of visa-free time most other developed countries get), get a phone plan with Mint Mobile for your time there. Their prices are super cheap and their service is great. Unfortunately though, their plans only come in 3-month, 6-month, or 12-month increments, no month-to-month options, so if you’re staying fewer than 3 months, use the Prepaid SIM Card... Source: over 2 years ago
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What are some alternatives?

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

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

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

Sideline - Sideline™ is the free 2nd number for your smartphone. It uses your existing carrier network so your 2nd number works anywhere your cell phone does.

aTalk - An encrypted instant messaging with video call and GPS features for android.

Talkatone - Android App on. Google Play. Stop paying for cell minutes, texts & landlines; Turn your iPad or iPod touch into a phone; Call/Text even in areas with bad cell coverage; Call/Text when travelling without paying for expensive international minutes.

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.