Free calling apps like TextNow are being widely used today for smooth global communication without needing extra hardware and software. These apps allow people to communicate over the internet (VoIP) as they do not use a traditional carrier network. Users can get free phone numbers, unlimited calling and messaging across countries, even while maintaining anonymity, and various other surprising features that TexTNow Alternatives offer. They are of great help to individuals and businesses.
What is TextNow?
TextNow is a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service that allows users to contact any number in Canada & the USA. Users can purchase credits to make international long-distance calls.
You can use the phone number on any smartphone, tablet, or computer; all you require is an internet connection. It is functional across platforms, including iOS and Android devices.
The official page of the site claims a 4.8/5 rating on the App Store and is also featured in TIME, CNET, USATODAY, WSJ, and Bloomberg. They offer different types of phone plans, data plans, talk and text plans, and more.
Free WiFi Calling Apps: TextNow Alternatives
1. Google Voice
Google Voice is a cloud-based phone system that is made for both personal and professional use.
- It is flexible to use across platforms on mobiles, laptops, and supported desk phones, which makes your connectivity smooth whether at work, home, or on the go. You can even use phone calls directly via Gmail.
- Saves time by blocking spam calls, automatic voicemail transcription, and more.
- The Voice Admin Console allows you to manage business connections with premium features.
- It offers automated call recording and vault integration, so you can find all your telephonic records in one place.
- It can be well integrated with first and third-party applications.
- Pricing starts at $10/month (only voice) and $30/month for the Premier plan.
2. Textfree (by Pinger)
Textfree was formerly known as Pinger, and it is a good app for a free phone number with no hassle.
- You can choose a phone number from a variety of custom numbers with an area code of your choice, for absolutely free.
- It offers features like sharing images, videos, gifs, group texts, and unlimited texts & calls for free over WiFi.
- You can use it on an iPod, iPad, or computer.
- Auto response and custom ring feature for your texts and calls.
- It is free to use, and the paid plan, which is Textfree Plus, is managed by Apple Stores or the Google Play Store.
3. CallHippo
CallHippo is one of the toughest TextNow competitors, being an AI-driven communication automation platform. It comes with amazing features like calls, messages, emails, and AI agents working together seamlessly.
- It can automate routine interactions, which helps accelerate deal closures.
- Features like business phone system, AI voice agent, and parallel dialer improve both business efficiency and productivity.
- It supports smooth integration to various applications like Zapier, Slack, Shopify, Salesforce, and more.
- It can work across devices and platforms, including macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, and Chrome extensions as well.
- CallHippo supports any business and its team types and departments.
- The basic plan starts at $1.02 a month.
4. Burner (Burner number apps by Ad Hoc Labs)
This application is one of the fastest and easiest ways to get a US phone number and communicate with other numbers in the US and Canada. It gives you full control over communications and boundaries with multiple phone numbers, including settings for life, play, and more.
- You can simply sign up on the website and create your private number with the area code, and all you need to use it is the internet.
- You can burn your number whenever you want ( it deletes all related data) and get a new anonymous line.
- It allows you to organize your communication in categories like dating, family, or hobbies.
- They offer a one-time use number to effortlessly disguise your identity.
- Burner supports VoIP services for texting, though some third-party apps don’t allow signups with VoIP numbers.
- The app has a user base of over 13 million, and it has also appeared in The New York Times, WIRED, TIME magazine, and more.
- The starting price is $6.99 per month.
5. Hushed
Hushed is another good option among anonymous phone number apps, which allows you to call or text on your own terms using secondary phone numbers. Nothing gets connected to your regular phone number or shows up on a phone bill.
- It offers features like secure texting, including texts and media, auto response to messages, call forwarding, call routing, and custom voicemail greetings.
- You can log into your Hushed account across multiple devices.
- You can select anonymous phone numbers from 300+ area codes across the UK, US, and Canada.
- The most popular paid plan listed on their website starts at $4.99/month, and they also have a pay-as-you-go plan
6. 2ndLine
It is your solution for second phone number apps, which allows you to send and receive calls and texts anonymously without the need for any extra hardware.
- Individuals, entrepreneurs, and business owners can discreetly communicate with a dedicated phone number, keeping their personal and professional lives separate.
- Great for keeping multiple lines organized.
- Allows communication across the globe, including the USA, Canada, Finland, Germany, Mexico, the UK, Australia, and more.
- With the call forwarding feature, you can redirect calls to another number effortlessly.
- It offers features like widgets, text transcriptions of calls & voice mails, call recording, automated response to missed calls and unread messages, and voicemail.
- It has flexible plans to choose from; the standard plan starts from $5.99 per week.
7. Calilio
Calilio is a versatile alternative to apps like TextNow. It’s packed with AI features simplifying professional, personal communication and call centre management.
- You can pick a local number, toll-free number, and even a vanity phone number from 100+ countries.
- It offers AI support in various features like call summaries, report generation, and sentiment analysis to upscale your business call management.
- It offers CRM integration with Pipedrive, Pabbly, and more.
- Unified callbox for all calls, SMS, and voicemails in one place.
- Pricing starts at $12 a month
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FAQs
What is VoIP?
VoIP stands for Voice Over Internet Protocol; you do not need traditional telephone networks to make a call or text. Instead, your voice is used as digital data transmitted over the internet, and it is transmitted to the receiver using the internet via any means. It is, in simple words, a cloud-based technology.
Can you use WiFi calling apps without a SIM?
Yes. Many apps like Skype, Calilio, CallingHippo, and others do not require a SIM for use.
Are VoIP calls not charged?
No, they are not always free; some apps offer you free services and paid plans too. Some have their unique credit points features.