Head-to-head
TextNow vs Burner
TextNow
75
Winner
TextNow
Burner
60
TextNow is the better choice for most users due to its free service option and generally better performance, despite some issues with call quality and verification codes.
TextNow offers a free service for calling and texting, making it a popular choice, though users report issues with call quality and verification codes. Burner, while praised for privacy and ease of use, faces significant criticism regarding its billing practices and app performance.
Head to head
TextNow TextNow provides free calling and texting, and some users appreciate its cross-platform compatibility R5R8. However, users frequently request features like FaceTime R6 and express frustration about having to pay for verification codes R4R5R6R51. Some users also report issues with sending pictures R37 and eSIM functionality .
Burner Burner is valued for providing a second number for privacy, especially for online dating or business . It allows users to switch numbers and some plans include a VPN . However, users note a lack of reaction functions and some report limitations on outbound calls even with paid plans .
TextNow TextNow is generally considered easy to use, with many users finding it helpful for staying in touch R8R34. However, some report difficulties with the sign-up process, including issues with email validation R33 and mandatory face scans R19R28.
Burner Burner is described as simple and intuitive to use by some . However, other users find it confusing, particularly regarding multiple numbers and the interface for features like voicemail . There are also reports of the app demanding access to contacts .
TextNow TextNow's reliability is mixed. While some users praise it as fast and reliable , many report significant issues with calls dropping R10R12, people not being able to hear them R10R35, and messages not sending or being received R1R9R35. There are also complaints about buggy phone keys during calls and numbers being lost prematurely .
Burner Burner suffers from frequent complaints about being slow and glitchy. Users report the app taking a long time to open , messages being slow to send and receive , and calls not always working R96. Some users even report the app slowing down their entire phone or interfering with data connections .
TextNow TextNow is highly valued for its free service R9R17R34. However, users are frustrated by charges for verification codes R4R6R51 and some paid features . There are also complaints about spam calls increasing even for paying customers R13.
Burner Burner is considered affordable by some users and offers good value for a second number . However, a significant number of reviews highlight issues with billing, including being charged immediately after starting a 'free trial' R62 and continued billing after cancellation R70. Users also complain about not receiving purchased credits .
Pick TextNow if
You need a free secondary number for basic calling and texting, are comfortable with potential ads, and can tolerate occasional call or text delivery issues R9R17R34. You want a cross-platform solution R5 and don't mind paying for specific features like verification codes if absolutely necessary R4R5.
Pick Burner if
You prioritize privacy for a second number, especially for specific uses like online dating or business, and are willing to pay for a service that offers number switching and potentially a VPN . You are prepared to meticulously manage your subscription to avoid billing issues R70.
Evidence note: TextNow has a significantly larger number of reviews, which might lead to a more diverse range of reported issues compared to Burner. Burner's negative reviews are heavily skewed towards billing and performance problems.
Frequently asked
Can I get a free phone number with these apps?
Do these apps work for verification codes?
TextNow users report that the app charges weekly to receive verification codes, which is a significant point of frustration for those expecting a completely free service R4R5R6R51. Reviews for Burner do not explicitly mention issues with verification codes, but its paid nature suggests it might handle them as part of its service.
Are there call quality issues with these apps?
Do these apps have hidden charges or billing problems?
TextNow charges for certain features like verification codes R4R6R51 and some users report being charged to keep their number, only for it to be given away R55. Burner has significant and widespread complaints about billing issues, including being charged immediately after starting a 'free trial' and continued billing after cancellation R62R70.
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.
- [R4] TextNow Want to love it: The call quality is okay but you have to be on WiFi. I don’t like that they charge you if you want to receive any type of verification code. This app charges weekly to get verification codes
- [R5] TextNow Good review: I love TextNow soooo much IVe been using it for a couple of years now and the only issue I've ever had with it is the codes for different app because thats basically thé whole point of a paid number I would, and have, recommended this to countless friends. It works for Android AND Apple cross texting which I find nice.
- [R6] TextNow Why not: Why do they not have like a FaceTime and if I get a code sent to my phone I have to get vip like what the hell
- [R8] TextNow Very helpful app: So hi am Amir I been using this app for about two weeks and it’s been very help and it’s a good app for calling android uses especially if you don’t have your own phone number i will recommend this to all my firends
- [R19] TextNow Awful app: So now requires you to scan your face. Ridiculous, why harvest my data and sell it to some broker. Awful app. You used to be free with no strings attached.
- [R28] TextNow Why take a pic now: This app is invasive now. Why do i need to take a pic, smh deleted!
- [R33] TextNow No sign up: Can’t sign up = Fail. When signing up, you enter an email, then it tells you that email doesn’t exist in the database… duhhh. So no ability to create an account.
- [R1] TextNow Issue unresolved: I can’t receive calls and I can’t text. I’ve been waiting to hear back after I was told that they will email me. That was yesterday. Now I have been waiting on chat support for an hour and I am just wasting my time.
- [R9] TextNow 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.
- [R10] TextNow Horrible service: This app is horrible half way through phone calls people will say that can’t hear you. It’s horrible
- [R12] TextNow 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
- [R13] TextNow Sucks: I have over 2,000 spam call I block and they still keep calling
- [R37] TextNow Only works half of the time: I was able to take pictures in the beginning, but now cannot send them at all. The chats constantly get stuck after I’ve typed them so I have to back out of the text and go back in to send it as a draft. There is no one to help troubleshoot so it’s not worth purchasing
- [R61] Burner App is Broken: There is no way to contact anyone. And the ai generated help page is worthless. I have paid for the service, used it for over a year, renewed even. And the app wont go past the login. Would be super if someone would get back to me.
- [R70] Burner Keeps billing after cancellation: The app “works,” but after we burned the two numbers we had, we kept being billed for months more. Impossible to resolve because Apple simply blames the developer - and the developer says they cannot issue refunds, only Apple can. Online searches show this “feature” extends to other users. Be careful!
- [R17] TextNow Keeps me from losing opportunities: Very free and will have some ads but aside from that no problems! Little hiccups
- [R34] TextNow extremely helpful!////// Update! Still helpful, but finally found the issues.: TextNow is an extremely helpful app to have when you need to stay in touch with people, but don’t have service on your phone. They have a few plans providing you with data and even a e-sim, and one of those options is even FREE!/// Still agree with everything I said above. However, I ran into a rather large issue in my
- [R62] Burner Don’t do free trial: I did like this app quite a lot until it charged me for a subscription to a free trial that i had cancelled right after subscribing to it, almost a week later and now its causing disruptions to my whole phone !!
- [R51] TextNow 0 stars: You shouldn’t have to get a 2 dollar subscription to get a code that makes no sense on a app the clams to be free
- [R35] TextNow Phone calls don’t work: It’s great with text messages, but my phone calls for some reason. Don’t go through. I can’t hear them. They can’t hear me. It just doesn’t work.🤷🏽♀️🤷🏽♀️
- [R96] Burner Not always working: Had the app for some time. Not impressed with the slow speed to make calls and having to delete & reinstall the app from time to time.
- [R55] TextNow Ridiculous.: They will make you repay for your assigned phone number and when you do they give your number away and take your money, no option to get it back. Definitely won’t be using this service again in the future.
Synthesized from 120 recent App Store reviews · updated July 2026 · View on the App Store