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Updated July 2026 · real, multi-region App Store reviews
Head-to-head

TextNow vs Talkatone

TextNow 4.8★ · Free + IAP 75
Winner TextNow
Talkatone 4.7★ · Free + IAP 55

TextNow is generally a more reliable option for free calling and texting, especially for those needing a secondary number, while Talkatone struggles with consistent messaging and customer support.

Full reviews: TextNow · Talkatone

TextNow and Talkatone both offer free calling and texting, but TextNow appears to be more consistent with core features and offers SIM card options. Talkatone users frequently report issues with message delivery and account access, even with paid subscriptions.

Head to head

Core Functionality (Calling & Texting) edge: TextNowR9R10R12R14
TextNow TextNow generally provides reliable calling and texting, with many users appreciating its free service for keeping phone bills down or as a second number R14. However, some users experience issues with messages not being received or sent, and occasional dropped calls R9R10R12.
Talkatone Talkatone struggles significantly with consistent message delivery, with numerous reports of messages failing to send, even for premium users R63R70R72R85. Call quality can also be inconsistent, with calls cutting off or ringing without connecting .
Account Access & Setup tieR14R19R23R31
TextNow Many TextNow users find the app easy to set up and get a second number quickly R14R23. However, a significant number of recent reviews highlight severe issues with account creation and login, including persistent 'Error, try again' messages, bot detection, and mandatory selfie verification R19R31R42.
Talkatone Talkatone also has widespread problems with account registration and login, with users frequently encountering 'unspecified error' or 'Login Failed' messages, preventing them from accessing the app even after reinstallation R66.
Premium Features & Value tieR2R10R25R28
TextNow TextNow offers free service but often puts features like receiving verification codes behind a paywall, leading to user frustration R2R25R36R48. Some paid users report issues with ad-free subscriptions not working or still being charged after cancellation R10R28.
Talkatone Talkatone also has a free tier but limits texting and calls, with users reporting that even paid 'unlimited' subscriptions have restrictions, leading to account suspensions for 'too many messages' or 'too many calls' R85. Some premium users also report issues with features like call waiting not being available .
Customer Support tieR19R22R64R66
TextNow TextNow users report difficulty reaching customer service, with one user waiting an hour for a representative for a number porting issue R22. There are also complaints about a lack of contact information for data deletion requests R19.
Talkatone Talkatone receives numerous complaints about awful or non-existent customer support, with users receiving automated messages instead of actual answers, especially when accounts are closed or locked R64R66.
Unique Features & Limitations edge: TextNowR3R13R15R37
TextNow TextNow offers SIM cards for monthly plans, though not available in all regions like Hawaii R3. Users appreciate it for free service when funds are tight R15. Some users report issues with app syncing across devices R13 and a bug where the send button vanishes with pictures R37.
Talkatone Talkatone numbers can expire if not used . Users wish for features like seeing the other person's face during calls (FaceTime equivalent) and an Apple Watch version . The app is also noted for a basic, outdated design and lag issues .
Pick TextNow if

you need a secondary number for general calling and texting, are comfortable with potential ads in the free tier, and might consider a physical SIM card for broader service.

Pick Talkatone if

you are looking for a basic free calling and texting app and are willing to tolerate frequent issues with message delivery and account access.

Evidence note: Both apps have a significant number of positive reviews, but recent negative reviews for both highlight critical issues with core functionality and account access. The free vs. paid asymmetry is present, with many complaints for both apps stemming from limitations or issues within their free tiers or when trying to access features typically expected to be free.

Frequently asked

Is TextNow truly free?
TextNow offers free calling and texting, but some features, like receiving verification codes from other apps, often require a paid subscription R2R36R48. The free version also includes ads R58.
Why can't I send texts on Talkatone?
Many Talkatone users, even premium subscribers, report frequent issues with messages failing to send, often receiving 'message failed' errors or having their texting abilities suspended due to perceived 'spam' or exceeding undisclosed limits R63R70R72R85.
Do TextNow or Talkatone require personal data for signup?
TextNow has recently implemented mandatory selfie verification for signup, which some users find intrusive and a concern for data privacy R19R42R56. Talkatone also has users concerned about being forced to share data to use the app R91.
Can I use TextNow or Talkatone for verification codes?
While some users use these apps for verification codes, TextNow explicitly states that receiving verification codes often requires upgrading to a paid membership R2R36R48. Talkatone users have also reported issues with not receiving verification texts R120.

What reviewers actually said

Built only from these 120 real reviews (foreign ones translated). Superscripts jump to the quote here. Apple has no per-review links, so [ref] opens that app's reviews on the App Store.

  1. [R9] TextNow 3/5 · US Good app but …: A very good app to own but something is wrong with my acc in the past few days for text from people but it seems to go through but the people I sent it to will not received it what’s going on?
  2. [R10] TextNow 1/5 · US Tina: I can’t receive any messages I’ve paid for an ad free subscription and to receive messages but I have not received any messages that’s been sent to me
  3. [R12] TextNow 3/5 · US None: Overall I enjoy the app and the fact that I get free service. However I can’t text anyone, they receive my calls and I can receive theirs but they never get my messages and a lot of times I don’t get their messages.
  4. [R14] TextNow 5/5 · US Review: This app was easy to set up and provided a second phone number quickly. The calling and messaging features worked well, and the interface was straightforward to use. Overall, it has been a useful solution for keeping a separate number for personal and work needs.
  5. [R19] TextNow 1/5 · US Do Not Download at all Read Below: I’m filing a complaint with FTC. I took several selfies as did my partner, they uploaded loads of details about my phone that are considering device fingerprinting. Then do not allow me past registration. This is considered data harvesting and there is not an option to have it deleted. No contact information. Nothing. Do not download, do not use. You have been
  6. [R23] TextNow 5/5 · US Perfect App: This app helps a lot since my parents don’t want to buy a phone with a phone number. The way this app works is they give you a free phone number. I love this app because my mom doesn’t get notifications on Snapchat but gets them on messages. This app is definitely a very good app
  7. [R31] TextNow 1/5 · US Broken and useless: Can’t even log in. “Error, try again”. Cant even make a new account. Stupid, and wasted my valuable time. App should be taken off the App Store
  8. [R2] TextNow 5/5 · US Uhm idk: So basically I use this number I have for discord bc my other one doesn’t work bc my friend used it. AM NOT PAYING TO GET A VERIFICATION CODE FRON AN APP I ACTUALLY NEED
  9. [R25] TextNow 1/5 · US Useless: Features hidden behind a paywall
  10. [R28] TextNow 1/5 · US Seems scammy: Still charging me weekly after I have canceled my subscription two months ago.
  11. [R22] TextNow 1/5 · US A joke: Tried to port out my number never got any representative waited a hour after telling me someone would help shortly
  12. [R64] Talkatone 1/5 · US Awful Support: They closed my account for no reason and won’t tell me why. I just get an automated message but not an actual answer. No customer service.
  13. [R66] Talkatone 3/5 · US It worked at first: But after purchasing the pro option and reinstalling the app, I’ve been locked out of my account for over a week with no response from technical support.
  14. [R3] TextNow 3/5 · US Great, BUT…: No complaints, I’ve had this app for years & used the number as a second number for posting in forums like Craigslist. However, I just found out today that they don’t ship SIM cards to Hawaii… every other state BUT Hawaii. So there goes that. I was considering getting a monthly plan. So just know if you’re on the islands, you can’t use this as a monthly option. Only the app & phone nu
  15. [R13] TextNow 2/5 · US Doesn't sync: The app has not synced between my iPhone and iPad in over 10 years. As a matter of fact my old iPad has different texts saved than either the new phone or new iPad. I tried logging in on the web but it didn't let me. Doubt it would help anyway. Stop asking me to report spam on every single text just because I won't let you have my contact list! It's private. Give me an option t
  16. [R15] TextNow 3/5 · US connection issue?: Not a bad app and comes in clutch for when times get hard or for when life happens and I don't have the funds for my phone bill. Would give this 5 stars buy the only issue/ complaint I have is there has been times when I make a call in the spot where it shows the duration of a call is it says preparing? Don't know if it's a connection issue or wat. Before u ask yes I have cleare
  17. [R37] TextNow 4/5 · US TextNow app;(still persistent) bug/error; the send button vanishes ea time picture+words: The TextNow app( has a bug/error/system error) “the send button vanishes ea time I had a (picture, screen shot “cant even send a pic with words!( reporting( making a review lol rip!) everything else is Enjoyable, Good for now! ^_^<3!
  18. [R36] TextNow 1/5 · US Do not download app!!: This app is not truly free: in order to receive any sort of verification codes for another app, you have to upgrade to their plus membership. It was a waste of time setting up my account and also extremely frustrating to get it all set up just to find out that I have to pay for it when it’s called free. It also imbeds bugs on your device.
  19. [R48] TextNow 1/5 · US Terrible App: The app sucks I tried getting a message from an app and Text Now wants money to see a message so don’t download this app it’s not worth it and it’s not completely free that’s just a gimmick to get people to download the messy app.
  20. [R58] TextNow 1/5 · US bleh: not good at all, to many ads and it just wouldn’t send me notifications
  21. [R63] Talkatone 3/5 · US Message failure: Im using premium, but all of messages failed to send
  22. [R70] Talkatone 1/5 · US Waste time and money: Im using premium, but all of messages failed to send
  23. [R72] Talkatone 3/5 · US Fix your app.: I'm trying to text my group chat with my friends and it keeps saying "message failed" and it's been 1 week and isn't the limit supposed to reset after 24 hours ??? Stupid tbh but please fix it and make me be able to text
  24. [R85] Talkatone 1/5 · US Talkatone Plus still has text limitations: Is there a fix for this or maybe this isn’t the service for me? Well it looks like I’m not the only one. If this isn’t resolved soon I will stop being a paying customer.
  25. [R42] TextNow 1/5 · US Bad: Makes you do face scan just to sign up
  26. [R56] TextNow 1/5 · US Selfie verification?: Been using this app for over 5 years now but now they want selfie verification? Even Google doesn’t ask for me. I’m not uploading my selfie for you to train AI model on
  27. [R91] Talkatone 1/5 · US Gross: Lures you in, then forces you to share all your data with them in order to use the app. No way to opt out.
  28. [R120] Talkatone 4/5 · US What’s going with talktone: I have this app for almost 4 years i have never have any kind of issues or verification text last month i xant get verification text anymore and I keep getting text that I can’t get call because I pass my limit ..sad

Synthesized from 120 recent App Store reviews · updated July 2026 · View on the App Store