While TextNow started as one of many voice over internet protocol (VoIP) apps that basically run a telephone line through your Wi-Fi, it’s now a full-fledged mobile virtual network operator (MVNO). That’s just a fancy way of saying that it offers phone service using another carrier’s network. Running service through another company’s cell phone towers allows TextNow to cut costs significantly, and offer you, the customer, a free cell phone plan. The company makes money off its free plan by displaying ads to its customers. Let’s talk more about this free plan and TextNow’s other offerings. Let’s take a closer look at TextNow’s best attributes. The catch is (you knew there’d be a catch) that you have to watch advertisements. Yep, you’ll have to use the TextNow app to watch a commercial for Humira or whatever until you’ve got enough credit call your aunt Mildra back. Whether you’re on the free plan or go with a paid plan, you’ll get access to T-Mobile’s network. One more thing: you’ll have to buy a SIM activation kit to get started. The kit is, well, not free, but it is pretty close to free. The activation kit costs only $0.99. But TextNow’s Unlimited 5GB Plan is actually a pretty good deal. For just $27.99 a month you’ll get unlimited talk, text, and 5GB of data. If you use all 5GB of data, you’ll be reduced to 2G speeds, which is like going from broadband internet to dial-up (not good). This might not seem like a big deal if you don’t use your phone that often. But for most us, looking at an ad for Old Spice every time we want to text our spouse is going to get on our nerves. For those who aren’t part of families like the Duggars on 19 Kids and Counting, you can add really anyone to your plan, related or not. That includes friends, boyfriends, roommates, and random acquaintances. There’s one big problem with TextNow’s family plan. It doesn’t come with any discounts or perks. If you have a family plan with three lines, you’ll pay the same amount and get the same benefits as you would if you signed up for the plans separately. So, what carrier does TextNow use to give its customers service? It uses T-Mobile. Here’s a peek at the T-Mobile coverage map so you can see how good coverage is in your area. If you are in the market for a new phone, then check out these awesome deals on top-line devices. Smaller MVNOs like TextNow aren’t usually included in consumer satisfaction surveys, like the American Customer Satisfaction Index.1 But one way of gauging how happy customers are with a company’s service is to look at app reviews. On the Google Play store, where Android users get their apps, the TextNow app maintains a 4.4 star rating with 1,084,000+ reviews.2 That’s pretty impressive, actually. On the Apple Store the app has more than 478,000 reviews and maintains a 4.8 star rating. Not bad, TextNow. Not bad at all.
Plans: TextNow’s free plan will get you unlimited talk and text on T-Mobile’s network. You’ll just have to put up with the advertisements. The company’s unlimited data plan is a decent deal for those who need more (and can spend more).
Family plans: TextNow is not the best carrier if you’re looking for a great deal on multiple lines. The company doesn’t offer any family plan discounts.
Overall performance: TextNow uses T-Mobile’s network to offer decent coverage and data speeds. Customer reviews show that most customers are happy with TextNow’s app.
If ready to get free phone service (and watch a few ads) then go ahead and sign up for TextNow right now.
