- Free second US phone number
- Unlimited texting over Wi‑Fi
- Domestic calling within the US
- Voicemail with transcription
- Cross-platform access (iOS, Android, Web)
- Option to remove ads
- SMS and MMS support
- Number change and number lock options
Textfree
Free second phone number app for texting and calling
Updated February 27, 2026
Textfree Overview
TextFree is a mobile and web-based communication app that provides users with a free second phone number for texting and calling over Wi‑Fi or data. It is widely used for privacy, temporary numbers, and budget-friendly communication.
The service is ad-supported on the free plan, with paid upgrades offering fewer ads, better call quality, and SMS shortcode support.
Key Features
Pricing
| Plan | Price |
|---|---|
| Free | $0 (Free) |
| TextFree Plus | $4.99/mo (Billed Monthly) |
Pros
Competitor |
Pros |
|---|---|
| Google Voice | Compared to Google Voice, TextFree offers a fully free experience with unlimited texting and WiFi calling without requiring a Google account. It is easier to set up for casual users, supports multimedia messaging, and works well across mobile and desktop, making it more accessible for non-business users. |
| TextNow | TextFree competes strongly with TextNow by offering a simpler interface and fewer upsell interruptions. Its unlimited free texting and calling over WiFi feel more straightforward, and number selection by area code is easier, which appeals to users wanting quick, no-friction setup. |
| Burner | Unlike Burner, which focuses on temporary numbers and paid plans, TextFree provides a long-term free number option. This makes it more cost-effective for ongoing communication, especially for users who want persistent access without recurring subscription pressure. |
| Hushed | TextFree stands out against Hushed by offering a genuinely free tier with unlimited usage. While Hushed is privacy-focused, TextFree is more budget-friendly and easier to use for everyday texting and calling without managing credits or expiring plans. |
| Sideline | Compared to Sideline’s business-oriented pricing, TextFree is far more affordable and accessible for personal use. It offers many similar features like voicemail and auto-reply at no cost, making it attractive for individuals rather than professionals. |
Cons
Competitor |
Cons |
|---|---|
| Google Voice | Compared to Google Voice, TextFree lacks deep integration with productivity tools like Gmail and Google Calendar. Call quality and reliability can also depend heavily on WiFi strength, whereas Google Voice benefits from stronger infrastructure and carrier-level call routing. |
| TextNow | While simpler than TextNow, TextFree offers fewer carrier-backed options such as nationwide SIM support. TextNow can provide cellular service with paid plans, whereas TextFree remains mostly WiFi-dependent, limiting usability in low-connectivity environments. |
| Burner | Compared to Burner, TextFree is weaker in privacy and anonymity features. Burner excels at disposable numbers and advanced call controls, while TextFree is better suited for casual use rather than secure, short-term, or privacy-sensitive communications. |
| Hushed | TextFree falls short against Hushed in international support and privacy options. Hushed provides better global coverage and stronger controls for managing multiple numbers, whereas TextFree is more limited and primarily focused on U.S.-based usage. |
| Sideline | Against Sideline, TextFree lacks business-grade features like team collaboration, CRM integrations, and professional call handling. Sideline is better for small businesses, while TextFree may feel too lightweight for structured or commercial communication needs. |
Reviews
- Capterra Review (Rating: 4.1/5): One reviewer called TextFree “the most hassle free way to get a dependable phone number” during times without reliable cell service and liked that old messages stayed saved when reselecting a previous number. Another user said it “feeds its purpose of texting and messaging” with easy setup and phone support, though they noted it lacks advanced features and once blocked verification texts unless upgraded to premium.
- textnow.com Review: The blog labels it a decent short-term fix for a free second number but criticizes the “full-screen ads after exiting a conversation” as too intrusive. It also points out Wi‑Fi dependence, no 911 or international support, and the need for a $9.99/month subscription to receive verification codes, which makes it unattractive for long-term use.
- Trustpilot Review (Rating: 2.2/5): One long-term user praised TextFree for reaching a real support person the same day and even receiving extra minutes to resolve issues, emphasizing the $0 cost and privacy of a VoIP number. Others reported serious frustrations such as bans for “registration abuse,” blocked verification codes unless paying $10/month, slow load times, and suspicions that the service “looks like a scam.”
- Reddit r/TextNow: A commenter described it as a Wi‑Fi‑dependent app that counts viewed ads as “credits” for calls and said it blocks verification texts for 2FA unless paid add‑ons are purchased. In real-world use, they found it less reliable than traditional cell service and avoided it for anything urgent or important.
- Software Advice Review (Rating: 4.1/5): Several reviewers applauded TextFree for premium pricing, with one claiming “no voip app has a better price for the premium use.” Complaints focused on ads that “constantly pop up,” claims that customer service can feel nonexistent, and disappointment over the lack of a meaningful free trial despite marketing around free service.
- apple.com Review: Opinions range from calling it a “covenant cheap way to communicate” with “awesome reception crystal clear” quality to labeling it “straight garbage.” Multiple users argued the “not free” branding misleads, cited charges like $7 per picture message to Canadian contacts, and complained that calls sound glitchy with audio that cuts out or drops entirely.
