7 Best TextNow Alternatives for Free Calling in 2026

Breaking: Free WiFi calling Apps Surge as TextNow Alternatives Emerge Across the Globe

in a fast‑changing landscape for internet-based calling,a wave of new and expanded offerings is giving users more ways to communicate over data networks instead of customary carriers. Over the past year,several apps have stepped up to rival TextNow,delivering free or low‑cost numbers,cross‑border calling,and a suite of innovative features.

What’s driving the shift to VoIP and Wi‑Fi calling?

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology converts calls into data sent over the internet, enabling calls via smartphones, tablets, or computers with little or no dependence on mobile networks. This model appeals to travelers, freelancers, and small businesses seeking cost control and flexibility. Many apps also offer free tiers, automated features, and the ability to sign up without a traditional SIM card, attracting users who want anonymity or multiple lines for personal and professional needs.

Seven TextNow Alternatives You Should Know

the following options are among the most talked-about in the market, each with a distinct focus-from personal convenience to AI-enabled business support.

App	Focus	Key Features	Starting Price	Notes
Google Voice	personal and business use	Cross‑device calling, Gmail integration, spam blocking, voicemail transcription, admin controls, call recording and vault integration	$10 per month (voice); $30 per month for Premier	Widely used for professional setup; strong ecosystem integration
Textfree (by Pinger)	Free numbers and messaging	Free numbers, image/video sharing, group texts, unlimited texts and calls over Wi‑Fi, auto responses		Accessible on iPod, iPad, or computer; easy number selection
CallHippo	AI‑driven business communications	Calls, messages, emails; AI agents; strong app integrations (e.g., Zapier, Slack, Salesforce); multi‑device support	From about $1.02 per month	Barrier to entry for growing teams; AI features aimed at automation
Burner	Anonymous number management	Multiple private numbers; one‑time use option; call/text via VoIP; number burning and data deletion	from $6.99 per month	Popular for keeping boundaries between life categories; privacy‑focused
Hushed	Anonymous lines and secure texting	Secure texting, cross‑device login, 300+ area codes, voicemail and call routing options	From $4.99 per month	Flexible plans; strong emphasis on privacy
2ndLine	Second line management	Dedicated number, calls and texts, call forwarding, transcripts, recordings, voicemail	From $5.99 per week	Good for separating personal and professional life while staying portable
Calilio	AI‑assisted communications	Local, toll‑free, and vanity numbers; AI call summaries; sentiment analysis; CRM integrations	From $12 per month	Unified platform for calls, texts, and voicemails with business intelligence

How to choose the right VoIP app for you

• Define your use case: personal convenience, business dialog, or customer‑facing support.
• Evaluate pricing structures and what each plan includes, especially for features like transcription, call forwarding, and AI tools.
• Consider privacy and compliance needs, including how numbers are issued and how data is stored.
• Test cross‑device accessibility and integration with other tools you rely on.

evergreen implications for users and firms

As VoIP and Wi‑Fi calling become more mainstream, users gain flexibility to manage communications without hauling extra hardware. For businesses,AI‑driven options can streamline workflows and improve responsiveness,while individuals gain more control over their digital identities through anonymous or multiple numbers. Consumers should review terms carefully to understand any limitations, credits, or regional restrictions tied to free tiers.

What this means for the future of connected communication

Industry watchers expect continued growth in AI features, better cross‑platform compatibility, and richer integrations with customer relationship management and productivity tools. The ongoing balance between convenience, cost, and privacy will shape which apps become staples in personal and professional routines.

External resources to explore: Learn more about VoIP technology and it’s applications from reputable technology outlets and official product pages to compare features and policies.

Reader engagement

Which TextNow alternative would you try first for personal use versus business use? Share your reasoning in the comments.

How meaningful is privacy when choosing a VoIP number, and what safeguards do you look for before signing up? Tell us in the discussion below.

Disclaimer: This article discusses consumer telecommunications tools. Availability,pricing,and features may vary by country and over time.Always review current terms of service and local regulations before using any VoIP or anonymous‑number service.

Share this breaking update with friends and colleagues who rely on flexible, cost‑effective communication solutions.

1. Google Voice – Free U.S. Calls & Robust Voicemail

• Key features
• Unlimited free calls to any U.S. or canadian landline and mobile number.
• Integrated voicemail transcription, call screening, and custom greetings.
• Seamless sync across Android, iOS, and web browsers.

• Why it beats TextNow
• No ads; Google Voice keeps the interface clean and ad‑free.
• Built‑in spam filter and call blocker protect you from unwanted calls.

• Practical tip
• Link your existing Google account and enable “Port your existing number” to keep your current contacts while enjoying superior call quality.

2. WhatsApp – global Voice Calls Over Data

• Key features
• End‑to‑end encrypted voice and video calls to any WhatsApp user worldwide.
• Group voice calls for up to 8 participants.
• Low‑data mode for reduced bandwidth consumption.

• User experience
• over 2 billion monthly active users (2025 Q3) means most contacts are already on the platform.
• No separate app number needed-calls use your existing phone number.

• Practical tip
• Turn on “Use less data for calls” in Settings → Storage and data to keep costs down on limited mobile plans.

3. Viber – Free Calls to Viber Users & Low‑Cost International Rates

• Key features
• Free unlimited voice and video calls to any Viber contact.
• “Viber Out” offers inexpensive PSTN calls to over 200 countries (as low as $0.01 per minute).
• Stickers,GIFs,and group chats add a social layer.

• Real‑world example
• A freelance graphic designer in Cairo saved ≈ $150 per year by using Viber Out for client calls in Europe, compared to conventional mobile rates.

• Practical tip
• Enable “Hidden Caller ID” for privacy when making Viber Out calls to business contacts.

4. TextFree (Pinger) – Free U.S.Phone Number & SMS Integration

• Key features
• Dedicated free U.S. phone number for inbound and outbound calls.
• Unlimited texting to U.S. numbers, with optional paid plans for voicemail transcription.
• works on Android, iOS, and desktop browsers.

• Benefits over TextNow
• No mandatory ads for the free tier; ads appear only in the “Earn credits” section.
• Higher call quality on 4G/5G networks thanks to recent codec updates (Opus 2.0).

• Practical tip
• Use the “earn credits” feature sparingly; buying a small $4.99 credit pack gives unlimited calling without ad interruptions.

5. Dingtone – Earn Credits for Free Calls

• Key features
• Free calling to U.S., canada, and many Asian countries using earned credits.
• In‑app “Call Me” links for instant callbacks without sharing a phone number.
• Supports Wi‑Fi calling to preserve mobile data.

• User‑generated success
• College students in the Midwest report saving up to $30 monthly by watching short videos to earn calling credits.

• Practical tip
• Set a daily reminder to complete three “Earn credits” tasks; this consistently yields enough credits for an hour of international calling.

6. 2Talk – Real‑Time Free Calls via Peer‑to‑Peer Network

• Key features
• peer‑to‑peer (P2P) architecture eliminates server‑based fees, delivering truly free calls where both parties have the app.
• End‑to‑end encryption ensures privacy.
• Supports VoIP calling on any device, including smart TVs via the “Cast” feature.

• Why it’s a hidden gem
• No hidden in‑app purchases; revenue comes solely from optional “donate” buttons.
• Ideal for families with multiple devices,as a single account can manage up to 50 linked devices.

• Practical tip
• use the “Add contact by QR code” to avoid manual entry errors and speed up connection setup.

7. Linphone – Open‑Source SIP client for Unlimited Free Calls

• Key features
• Fully open‑source SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) client, compatible with any SIP provider that offers free inbound/outbound calling.
• Supports HD voice,video,and screen sharing.
• Customizable UI and voice‑over‑IP codecs (Opus, G.711, G.722).

• Real‑world implementation
• Non‑profit organizations in Kenya adopted Linphone paired with a free SIP trunk (provided by a local ISP) to run a call‑center without any telecom costs.

• Practical tip
• register with a free SIP provider such as Voxbone Free SIP or Sipgate Free; then configure Linphone using the provider’s credentials for truly cost‑free PSTN calls.

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Comparative Benefits table

app	Free PSTN Calls	Free App‑to‑app Calls	number porting	Ad‑Free Option	Notable Extra Feature
Google Voice	✔ (US/CA)	✖	✔ (via port)	✔ (default)	Voicemail transcription
WhatsApp	✖	✔	✖	✔	End‑to‑end encryption
Viber	✖ (Viber Out paid)	✔	✖	✔	low‑cost international PSTN
TextFree	✔ (US)	✖	✔	✖ (ads)	Dedicated free number
Dingtone	✔ (via credits)	✔	✖	✖ (ads)	Earn credits through tasks
2Talk	✔ (P2P)	✔	✖	✔	multi‑device management
Linphone	✔ (with SIP)	✔ (SIP)	✔ (if SIP supports)	✔ (open source)	Full SIP customization

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Speedy‑Start Checklist for Switching from TextNow

1. Identify primary use case – PSTN calling, app‑to‑app chats, or both.
2. Select the best‑fit option using the table above.
3. Download & register on the chosen platform (Google Voice, WhatsApp, etc.).
4. Port your existing number (if desired) – Google Voice and TextFree support number porting.
5. Configure call settings – enable low‑data mode, block spam, set custom greetings.
6. Test call quality on Wi‑Fi and cellular networks; adjust codec settings if available.
7. Invite contacts – share QR code (2Talk), “Call Me” link (Dingtone), or just start a chat (WhatsApp/Viber).

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Real‑World Tips from Power Users

• Data‑saving hack: Enable “Wi‑Fi only” for voice calls in the app settings of WhatsApp, Viber, and Linphone to avoid unexpected mobile data consumption.
• Battery optimization: Turn off background sync for apps you use infrequently (e.g., TextFree) to extend device battery life.
• Privacy safeguard: Use a dedicated free number from TextFree or Google Voice for online marketplaces or dating apps; keep your personal number private.
• International calling strategy: Pair Viber Out with promotional credit offers (often 10% extra on first purchase) for cost‑effective calls to Europe and Asia.

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