TextNow has long been a go-to app for free texting and calling in the U.S. and Canada. It offers users a free phone number, VoIP-based calling, voicemail, and affordable plans for mobile service—all with support for Wi-Fi and cellular use. However, in 2025, many users are exploring TextNow alternatives due to increasing ads, limited international support, and a desire for more privacy, stability, or premium features.
With mobile communication apps now used by over 5 billion people globally, there’s a growing market for flexible, free, and secure texting and calling apps that offer more than what TextNow provides. Whether you need a second number for work, better coverage, or encrypted messaging, the following platforms offer solid replacements.
Here are the top 10 TextNow alternatives and competitors in 2025, tailored to different use cases from personal texting to remote work communications.
1. Google Voice
Google Voice remains one of the most reliable TextNow alternatives, offering a free U.S. phone number with voicemail, call forwarding, and messaging. It integrates with Gmail and Google Meet.
- Best for: Users in the Google ecosystem
- Notable feature: Voicemail transcription and Google Workspace support
2. TextFree by Pinger
TextFree offers free texting and calling in the U.S. with a real phone number. It includes voicemail, group texting, and ad-supported free service, plus optional upgrades.
- Best for: Casual users and students
- Notable feature: Free texting to most U.S. numbers and flexible number retention
3. Talkatone
Talkatone provides free texting and calling via Wi-Fi or data, with a free U.S. phone number. It’s known for stable performance and includes international calling credits.
- Best for: Travelers and users needing U.S. numbers abroad
- Notable feature: International support with in-app call credit system
4. Burner
Burner allows users to create temporary or permanent phone numbers, ideal for privacy-focused communication. You can send texts, make calls, and even auto-delete messages.
- Best for: Privacy, online dating, and classified listings
- Notable feature: Disposable numbers with auto-expiration and integrations
5. 2ndLine
Created by the team behind TextFree, 2ndLine offers full-featured texting and calling for Android and iOS users with a second phone number over Wi-Fi or data.
- Best for: Professionals needing a business line
- Notable feature: Voicemail transcription, call forwarding, and business-friendly tools
6. Hushed
Hushed is a private phone number app that supports over 300 area codes in the U.S., Canada, and UK. It’s a strong alternative for users seeking anonymity and message security.
- Best for: Anonymous communication and short-term projects
- Notable feature: Encrypted messaging and customizable auto-replies
7. Dingtone
Dingtone offers free calling and texting to any number in over 200 countries. Users earn credits by watching ads or completing offers, or they can upgrade to remove limitations.
- Best for: International users and flexible budget options
- Notable feature: Global number availability and credit-based system
8. TextMe
TextMe provides a free U.S. phone number and unlimited texts to any U.S. or Canadian number. It also offers low-cost international calling and multimedia messaging.
- Best for: Users needing free MMS and low-cost international service
- Notable feature: Video messaging and picture support
9. Skype Number
Skype offers paid personal numbers in many countries and works well for both local and international communication. Its calling plans are ideal for professional use.
- Best for: Business travelers and global calling
- Notable feature: Integrates with Microsoft 365, supports voicemail and call forwarding
10. YouMail
YouMail is a voicemail app that also offers second number functionality with call blocking, spam protection, and robocall filtering.
- Best for: Professionals looking to protect their main number
- Notable feature: Smart voicemail, spam filters, and professional greetings
Finding the Right TextNow Alternative in 2025
While TextNow continues to be a practical choice for free U.S.-based texting and calling, its competitors now offer better privacy, fewer ads, more global support, and tailored use cases—from temporary numbers to business communication. Whether you want a clean second line, need international functionality, or value encrypted messaging, there’s a TextNow alternative that fits your needs.
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Top 10 Google Voice Alternatives and Competitors in 2025
