Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

TextNow VS MicroSIP

Compare TextNow VS MicroSIP and see what are their differences

TextNow logo TextNow

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

MicroSIP logo MicroSIP

MicroSIP is a free portable SIP softphone for Windows based on PJSIP stack.
  • TextNow Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-12
  • MicroSIP Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-10-04

TextNow features and specs

  • Free Communication
    TextNow offers free texting and calling services using a WiFi connection, which can significantly reduce communication costs for users without traditional cellular plans.
  • Versatile Platform
    They provide apps for both iOS and Android, as well as a web-based interface, giving users flexibility in how they send texts and make calls.
  • Voicemail and Number Porting
    TextNow includes features like voicemail and the ability to port an existing phone number, making the transition to their service more seamless.
  • Ad-Supported Free Version
    Users can opt for a free tier that is ad-supported, providing essential services without any cost.

Possible disadvantages of TextNow

  • Advertisement Intrusion
    The free version comes with advertisements, which can be disruptive and diminish the user experience.
  • Caller ID Limitations
    The caller ID may not display correctly or may appear as 'Unknown' when calling, which could be problematic in professional or urgent situations.
  • Quality of Calls
    Call quality might not be consistent, especially when relying on a weaker or less stable WiFi connection.
  • Privacy Concerns
    As with many free services, there are concerns regarding user data privacy, since the service is ad-supported which may involve data sharing with third-party advertisers.

MicroSIP features and specs

  • Lightweight
    MicroSIP is a very lightweight application, using minimal system resources to operate efficiently on any Windows device.
  • Open Source
    As an open-source project, MicroSIP allows users to inspect, modify, and enhance the software according to their needs, ensuring transparency and fostering community support.
  • High-Quality Audio
    MicroSIP supports the G.722, OPUS and SILK codecs, enabling high-quality audio calls.
  • Portable
    The software is available in a portable version, which can be run without installation, making it convenient for use on multiple computers or in restricted environments.
  • Security
    MicroSIP supports secure calls using SIP over TLS and SRTP, ensuring privacy and protection during communication.

Possible disadvantages of MicroSIP

  • Limited Features
    Compared to some other VoIP clients, MicroSIP offers fewer additional features such as video calling or integration with other software.
  • Windows-Only
    MicroSIP is only available for Windows, which limits its use for users of other operating systems such as macOS or Linux.
  • User Interface
    The user interface of MicroSIP is considered somewhat basic and may lack a modern aesthetic compared to other more polished VoIP applications.
  • Initial Setup
    Setting up MicroSIP may require some technical knowledge, especially configuring SIP accounts and understanding related settings.

Analysis of TextNow

Overall verdict

  • Whether TextNow is good for you depends on your specific needs. It is generally well-regarded for those seeking budget-friendly telecommunications solutions. However, some users may experience issues related to customer service or occasional call quality, which can be significant depending on personal priorities.

Why this product is good

  • TextNow is a popular communication app offering free and low-cost phone services. It provides users with the ability to make calls, send texts, and access voicemail without a traditional cell phone plan. Many users appreciate its affordability, flexibility, and no-contract nature. Its additional features, such as Wi-Fi calling and compatibility with both iOS and Android devices, contribute to its appeal.

Recommended for

    TextNow is recommended for individuals looking for a cost-effective alternative to traditional cell phone plans, people who primarily use Wi-Fi for communication, and those who need a secondary phone number for privacy or business purposes.

TextNow videos

TextNow Review

More videos:

  • Review - TextNow Wireless Mini Review
  • Review - My TextNow Wireless Experience Update Early 2019- Is It Worth it?

MicroSIP videos

How to Configure Microsip Desktop Application | SIP Account Configuration with Microsip Software

More videos:

  • Tutorial - How to Configure Microsip Software MICROSIP SOFTPHONE MicroSIP For Callrecording Use MicroSIP
  • Review - Free Portable VOIP Client Microsip Quickstart

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to TextNow and MicroSIP)
Communication
71 71%
29% 29
Group Chat & Notifications
VoIP
83 83%
17% 17
Messaging
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare TextNow and MicroSIP

TextNow Reviews

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MicroSIP Reviews

10 BEST VoIP Software 2020 | Free & Commercial Voice Over IP Tools
Verdict: As MicroSIP is written in C and C++, there will be minimal possible system resource usage. RAM usage will be less than 5MB. For the voice quality, it supports best voice codecs like Opus@24kHz, G.711 A-Law (PCMA), etc.

What are some alternatives?

When comparing TextNow and MicroSIP, you can also consider the following products

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.

Linphone - Linphone is an internet phone or Voice Over IP phone (VoIP).

TextMe - TextMe is a free calls and messaging application at both local and international levels.

Zoiper - Cross-platform VoIP softphone dialer for SIP and IAX systems

textPlus - textPlus lets you send and receive text messages without the need for a data plan.

Sipdroid - Free and open-source SIP/VoIP Client