DialerHQ Vs Textnow

TextNow: Top 10 Alternatives and Competitors

TextNow is a top-rated virtual phone number provider that has been around since 2009. Over a hundred million people in the US have downloaded and used this app to call and text via the internet.

However, TextNow has some limitations. First, there are lots of ads in the free version, which interferes with ease of use. It is also sim card dependent. Then, if you don’t use your phone number for a while, they give it to a different user. Finally, many of its competitors offer better features.

Because of these limitations of TextNow, businesses are looking for alternatives. Here’s our choice of the top 10 alternatives to TextNow.

What Are the Criteria For Selecting the Best TextNow Alternative?

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To select the ten best alternatives to TextNow, we have considered the following criteria:

1. Features

Different apps offer different sets of features, from the most basic to high-end business-oriented ones. While comparing the different substitutes to TextNow, we have considered the features that they share with TextNow. These features are the most critical ones for any business and will give you a clear idea of how the apps we have picked stack up against TextNow. The features include –

• Call features, especially for business calls
• Messaging features 
• Voicemail features 
• Platforms on which you can use the app
• Where you can access the app
• Phone Number selection offered 
• Coverage is local or global

2. Easy of Use

There are dozens of VoIP apps in the market today. One of the key criteria for a business to decide if an app is right for them is how easy it is to install and use. A user-friendly interface is a basic necessity for apps today as they need to engage users. How quickly and easily users can access the various tools and features also makes a difference.

3. Security

Given that businesses communicate sensitive information via telephone calls, the level of security offered by a virtual phone app is also important. Businesses and personal users are also concerned about the security of the data they provide to sign up. Finally, privacy is a significant concern, as spam calls and emails can be irritating and contain malware at worst.

4. Cost

One of the biggest reasons for businesses using virtual phones is the low cost. Of course, the more that an app offers, the higher it is likely to cost. Most businesses consider the cost relative to the features and value that an app offers. How much value for money an app is can determine how scalable its use is for a business. And that can be a key factor in your decision to use the app.

10 Best TextNow Alternatives in 2023

There are many great VoIP apps available in the market. Their features range from the most basic to very high-end. Similarly, the cost also ranges from free to expensive. Based on the criteria mentioned above, here are the ten best TextNow Alternatives you can check out this year.

Comparison Table

	Features	Ease of Use	Security	Cost
DialerHQ	High	High	High	Low
CallHippo	High	Average	High	Low
Google Voice	Average	High	High	Low
Line2	High	High	Average	Average
TextPlus	Average	High	High	Low
TextMe	Average	High	Average	Low
Hushed	High	Low	High	Low
KeepCalling International	Average	Average	High	Low
2nd Line	Average	High	High	Average
Numero eSIM	Average	High	High	Low

1. DialerHQ 

DialerHQ is the best virtual phone system, developed especially for SMBs. It’s similar to TextNow because of its global reach, easy setup, and high call quality.

Features

• Business call features like recording, call forwarding, conferencing, Call Barging, and Call Whisper.
• You can send sms messages.
• DialerHQ also offers a voicemail facility for missed calls.
• It runs on Desktops, Android, and iOS.
• You can access your DialerHQ phone number on your smartphone if you have an active internet connection.
• You get a global phone number with this app, and it does not need an existing phone number.
• This TextNow substitute lets you call and text locally and globally.

Ease of Use

• It is a very user-friendly and convenient app that lets you manage your calls, texts, and account from one place.

Security

•  DialerHQ offers a high level of privacy for secure phone conversations.

Cost

• Unlimited – $12 per month per user
• Free Software – This free service is at $0 for unlimited users at a minimum spend of $1500 per month
• Custom – Price on request

2. CallHippo

CallHippo is one of the best alternatives to TextNow because of its business-oriented focus. It is a feature-rich mobile virtual network operator that is also cost-effective.

Features

• CallHippo has exciting calling features like call forwarding, transfer, conference, queuing, barging, IVR to answer calls and recording.
• It provides you with text messages and instant messaging features.
• Its voicemail features include voicemail-to-email, unlimited voice mailboxes, and personalized messages.
• This app works on Desktops, iOS, and Android.
• CallHippo works from your desk, cell phone, cordless phone, and even your Desktop.
• You can get a local, international, and toll-free number to receive calls.
• You can make local and international phone calls with this TextNow substitute.

Ease of Use

• It is not difficult to use though the interface is average.

Security

• It is a secure alternative to TextNow.

Cost

• Basic: $0 per user per month
• Bronze: $16 per user per month
• Silver: $24 per user per month
• Platinum: $40 per user per month, available only on an annual subscription

3. Google Voice

Google Voice is one of the best-known TextNow alternatives. You can get a phone number connected to your Gmail account in the Google Voice app. It is excellent for personal or business use.

Features

• Call forwarding, screening, conferencing, spam blocking, and third-party integration.
• You get free text messages for both personal and group texting. 
• You get voicemail and automatic transcriptions of the voicemail through your Google Voice number.
• Your Google Voice number works on Web, Android, and iOS.
• You can access your Google Voice account on your desktop or smartphone.
• You can select a local number or an international phone number.
• And you can make a local or international call, though free calling is only for local numbers.

Ease of Use

• It is easy to use and customizable. It also does not have any ads despite being free.

Security

• Google Voice is a highly secure TextNow alternative.

Cost

Unlimited free phone calls for local numbers.

For other phone calls:

• Starter: $10 per user per month
• Standard: $20 per user per month
• Premier: $30 per user per month

4. Line2 

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Among apps similar to TextNow, Line2 is best for new and small businesses. But if you use the app once in a while only, it logs you out on its own. Moreover, the Line2 app comes with unlimited texting inside the US, which is also completely free.

Features

• It offers call features like conferencing, call forwarding, routing, recording, merging, after-hours calling, and auto-attendant for a productive phone conversation.
• This app offers a voicemail facility, and you can also get your voicemail transcribed.
• It works on multiple platforms, like iOS, Android, Mac, and Windows.
• Line2 works via WiFi, mobile data, or your mobile phone connection, making it highly mobile.
• You can get a local phone number in the US and Canada. You can also get multiple phone, toll-free, and vanity numbers from this TextNow Alternative.
• It offers local and international calling and incoming calls.

Ease of Use

• This TextNow alternative is highly user-friendly with easy-to-navigate tools.

Security

• This app comes with standard security.

Cost

• $13.75 per user per month, billed annually; $15.99 per user per month, billed monthly

5. TextPlus

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TextPlus is an excellent TextNow alternative. It has many features that TextNow has, but with the advantage of removing ads at a very reasonable rate. And at $0.10 per month, you can hold on to your personal phone number indefinitely.

Features

• This app offers free calling features to any TextPlus number and any US phone number.
• TextPlus offers unlimited free texting and MMS to any US or Canada phone number.
• You can get voicemail for missed business calls as a free service.
• It is available on iOS and Android platforms.
• You can access your TextPlus account on your cell phone via WiFi or Data.
• This app offers you a free phone number to receive calls.
• You can make unlimited domestic calls and international calls at economical rates and save money.

Ease of Use

• TextPlus is an easy-to-use app similar to TextNow.

Security

• This is a great alternative to TextNow for those who like privacy, as you don’t have to give your personal details to sign up.

Cost

Rates for international calling differ by country. Some examples are:

• Canada from 2.2 ¢/min
• Mexico from 2.2 ¢/min
• China from 2.2 ¢/min

Users can also watch videos or complete offers to earn free credits for these calls.

6. TextMe 

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TextMe is one of the closest TextNow alternatives in features. It is an excellent basic VoIP app and is very popular as an alternative to TextNow. You can send unlimited text messages from any phone number, but only US and Canada phone numbers have MMS feature enabled. It also has group chat and fun features like emojis.

Features

• TextMe allows free phone calls to any phone number in the US and Canada. The upgraded version also allows you to forward your voice calls.
• TextMe gives you a dedicated voice mailbox.
• TextMe works on Android and iOS platforms.
• You can access this TextNow alternative for PC on your smartphone, tablet, desktop, or laptop.
• You can get a local or an international phone number from TextMe, though international numbers are not free. You can also get multiple phone numbers.
• You can make domestic calls and international calls to 150+ countries.

Ease of Use

• The interface of this app is easy to use. You can use your email or even your Facebook account to sign up and log in.

Security

• Although calling and texting are secure on TextMe, the app collects and reserves the right to use or share user data per its privacy policy.

Cost

• TextMe works through credits you can buy as credit packs or earn free credits by completing offers and watching ad videos.

7.  Hushed

Hushed is one of the best apps like TextNow if you are concerned about privacy. It has a unique feature that makes it stand out as a secure app. Moreover, this TextNow alternative gives you local phone numbers in 60 countries, international numbers, and toll-free numbers.

Features

• It has several calling features like temporary phone numbers, call forwarding for incoming calls, routing, etc.
• You can send both text and picture messages. There is even an auto-response option.
• Hushed allows you to record and customize voicemail.
• The app works on iOS and Android.
• You can use Hushed on any device with WiFi or a data connection.
• With this app, you can make local and global phone calls from your mobile device.

Ease of Use

• The app has an unattractive user interface.

Security

• Hushed allows you to conceal your Caller ID and then “burn” the phone number if you want to. Essentially, it’s like having a burner phone service without actually buying one.

Cost

• Prepaid plans: Starting at $1.99. Prepaid plans have durations of 7, 30, 90, or 365 days.
• Unlimited Subscriptions: Starting at $3.99 per month with 20% off for yearly subscriptions.
• Pay-as-you-go International plans: Starting at $4.99, which includes $1 in credits.

8. KeepCalling International

KeepCalling International is an excellent TextNow alternative to make cheap international phone calls at low prices and save money. It offers great call quality and charges zero hidden fees!

Features

• You can call from any phone service without a PIN. You also get a speed dial facility.
• You can send international text messages at cheap rates. 
• This app does not offer voicemail features.
• It is available on iOS and Android platforms.
• You can call from a device with a WiFi or Data connection. The latest feature also allows offline calling.
•  KeepCalling International offers local and international phone numbers to receive calls.
• Its focus is international calls, and you can call 35+ countries.  

Ease of Use

• It is a relatively user-friendly TextNow alternative.

Security

• KeepCalling International assures high transaction security. Its data collection is as per its privacy policy.

Cost

• Voice credit: You can upload any credits for between $2 and $200. You pay only for the minutes you call, which are charged by 1-minute rounding. Calling rates vary by country. For example, Canada is at 0.9 ¢ per minute, and India is at 2.1 ¢ per minute.
• Subscription: You get a monthly subscription option that comes with unlimited minutes. The price varies by country. For example, for Mexico, it is $2.99 per month, while for Canada, it is $4.99 per month.

9. 2nd Line

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2nd Line is one of the few Textnow alternatives available only in the US and Canada. But their call quality and security focus are fantastic. You can access your 2nd line phone number using WiFi or Mobile Data, so you can use your smartphone or tablet to make calls.

Features

• It offers business call features such as Call Recording, Call Forwarding, and unlimited calling in the US and Canada.
• You can get unlimited texting in the US and Canada. You also get auto-reply on text, emojis, and picture messaging.
• Voicemail features like voice mailbox and transcription are available.
• 2nd Line is available only on Android, which makes it slightly restricted for use.
• You can get your local phone number within the US and Canada only.
• You can call locally and internationally. 

Ease of Use

• The interface is simple to figure out and very similar to the TextNow interface.

Security

• 2nd Line is highly focused on privacy and data security, which makes it a great TextNow alternative.

Cost

• Free calling within the US and Canada, but it does not have free international calling. The app costs $9.99 per month for usage.

10. Numero eSIM

Numero eSIM is a terrific app similar to TextNow if you want to get a phone line number from a specific city. It uses a virtual sim card to provide your phone number. But you need an existing mobile number to sign up. You can get a phone number in 80+ countries, though some require payment. You can also get an international toll-free number and international data plans.

Features

• This app lets you forward calls and hide your Caller ID.
• You can send and receive international text messages at very cheap rates.
• You get a personalized voicemail with each virtual phone number you take.
• It works on iOS and Android platforms.
• Some of the older devices don’t support an eSIM, so switching devices for calling can be an issue.
• You can make local and international phone calls with this TextNow alternative.

Ease of Use

• It has an attractive user interface.

Security

• Numero eSIM has high security. Also, your Numero eSIM phone number can stay hidden when you call, which is great for privacy and security.

Cost

• Call rates depend on the country to which you are making the outgoing calls. And you can buy calling credits for as low as €1, though free international calls aren’t allowed.

Conclusion

There are many different TextNow alternatives. These other apps, like TextNow, have various pros and cons. You can opt for a basic Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) calling app or one that offers several business-oriented features. Ultimately, what you choose depends on your need and budget. But you definitely don’t have to opt only for TextNow any longer.