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

TextNow vs Text Me

TextNow 4.8★ · Free + IAP 75
Winner TextNow
Text Me 4.7★ · Free + IAP 60

TextNow is generally more reliable for basic calling and texting, especially for free users, while Text Me struggles with consistent service and customer support.

Full reviews: TextNow · Text Me

TextNow and Text Me both offer free texting and calling with in-app purchases, but TextNow appears to be more stable for core communication features. Text Me users frequently report issues with calls and texts not working, even for premium subscribers, and a lack of customer support, making TextNow the more dependable choice despite its own set of common free-tier frustrations.

Head to head

Features edge: TextNowR4R5R6R27
TextNow TextNow offers basic calling and texting, with some users appreciating cross-platform compatibility R5. However, users frequently request FaceTime functionality R6 and express frustration over having to pay for verification codes R4R6R51 and eSIM options not working or being available . Some users also report issues with sending pictures R37 and a limit on call duration R27.
Text Me Text Me provides calling and texting, but users lament the absence of RCS messaging . A significant point of contention is the paywall for receiving verification codes, which many users find deceptive for a 'free' app R64. Users also report issues with voicemail greetings not saving and messages being deleted .
Ease of Use edge: TextNowR19R28R33R34
TextNow TextNow is generally considered easy to use for basic functions , with some users finding it very helpful for staying in touch without service R34. However, some users encounter difficulties during registration, such as white screens or email validation issues R33. Recent updates requiring face scans for verification have also been criticized as invasive R19R28.
Text Me Text Me users report a range of usability issues, including the app being buggy and buttons not working R85. Some find the interface slow . A major complaint is the inability to dial numbers without allowing access to contacts, which is seen as a privacy concern . Users also mention issues with loading into the app .
Reliability edge: TextNowR9R10R12R13
TextNow TextNow's reliability is mixed. Many users praise it as fast, reliable, and a good second number . However, a significant number report issues with calls cutting out R10R12R35, texts not sending or being received R9R37, and problems with numbers being lost or deactivated prematurely . Spam calls are also a frequent complaint, even for paying users R13.
Text Me Text Me suffers from severe reliability issues. Users frequently report being unable to make or receive calls and texts, even with premium subscriptions R61R100. The app is prone to locking users out for 'spamming' after sending too many messages R73R91. Many users state the app simply 'doesn't work' or has stopped working after a period of time R61.
Price/Value edge: TextNowR4R6R17R30
TextNow TextNow is valued for its free service R34, but users are frustrated by charges for verification codes R4R6R51 and ads R17. Some find the weekly charge of $4.99 for certain features expensive compared to alternatives R30. Paying users also complain about still receiving spam and ads .
Text Me Text Me is criticized for being expensive and not truly free, with a paywall for essential features like verification codes, sometimes costing $29.99 a month R64. Users also complain about too many ads and losing paid numbers R85.
Support edge: TextNowR1R37R85R100
TextNow TextNow's support is a major pain point. Users report long wait times for chat support R1 and unaddressed issues R1. Some mention a lack of troubleshooting help R37.
Text Me Text Me's customer service is described as non-existent R85R100. Users report no email for support and being told that issues like paused calling capabilities cannot be overridden .
Pick TextNow if

Pick TextNow if you need a free second number for basic texting and calling and are willing to tolerate ads and potential issues with verification codes or occasional call quality problems R5R17. It's also a better choice if you need cross-platform messaging R5.

Pick Text Me if

Pick Text Me if you are looking for an alternative number and are prepared to potentially pay for features and deal with significant reliability issues and a lack of customer support R61.

Evidence note: Both apps have a free-to-paid asymmetry. Many negative reviews for both apps stem from the limitations of their free tiers, particularly regarding verification codes and ads. Paid users for both also report issues, but the volume of complaints about core functionality (calls/texts not working) appears higher for Text Me, even among premium users.

Frequently asked

Can I receive verification codes with TextNow or Text Me?
TextNow typically charges a weekly fee to receive verification codes R4R6R51, while Text Me often blocks these codes and forces users to subscribe, sometimes at $29.99 a month, to access them R64.
Do TextNow and Text Me have good call quality?
TextNow's call quality is described as okay, but often requires a strong WiFi connection R4, with some users reporting calls cutting out or issues with being heard R10R35. Text Me users also report dropped calls and difficulty ringing R61.
Are there limits on texting or calling with these apps?
TextNow users report calls automatically ending after 2-4 hours R27. Text Me users have been locked out for 24 hours due to 'spamming' after sending too many texts in a row, even to a single contact R73R91.

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. [R4] TextNow 1/5 · US 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
  2. [R5] TextNow 5/5 · US 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.
  3. [R6] TextNow 3/5 · US 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
  4. [R27] TextNow 3/5 · US Calling: The app is very good… the only bad thing is the calls automatically end after 2 or 4 hours or between those hours. I plan on staying on the phone overnight with friend and can’t even do that bc of the call limit
  5. [R19] TextNow 1/5 · US 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.
  6. [R28] TextNow 1/5 · US Why take a pic now: This app is invasive now. Why do i need to take a pic, smh deleted!
  7. [R33] TextNow 1/5 · US 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.
  8. [R34] TextNow 4/5 · US 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
  9. [R9] 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.
  10. [R10] TextNow 1/5 · US Horrible service: This app is horrible half way through phone calls people will say that can’t hear you. It’s horrible
  11. [R12] 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
  12. [R13] TextNow 1/5 · US Sucks: I have over 2,000 spam call I block and they still keep calling
  13. [R17] TextNow 5/5 · US Keeps me from losing opportunities: Very free and will have some ads but aside from that no problems! Little hiccups
  14. [R30] TextNow 3/5 · US TalkaTone Light is way better: Decent app, works OK, but they are charging you $4.99 PER WEEK for the same features that you can get from TalkaTone Light for $1.99 PER MONTH! I’m sticking with the better Value- TalkaTone by far
  15. [R1] TextNow 1/5 · US 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.
  16. [R37] TextNow 1/5 · US 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
  17. [R85] Text Me 1/5 · US Buggy App: Can’t click any buttons in the app. It just flashes at me. No support and i lost my number despite paying every month
  18. [R100] Text Me 1/5 · US Text failed: I’m not able to text for more than 24 hours now you really need to fix your app, no customer support and I just subscribed yesterday again
  19. [R51] TextNow 1/5 · US 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
  20. [R64] Text Me 1/5 · US Awful app: This app has a pay wall. I order to get certain texts you need to upgrade. Not free at all. Dumb horrible app that takes advantage of people who are trying to get messages, and they want you to allow tracking? Scammers.
  21. [R35] TextNow 2/5 · US 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.🤷🏽‍♀️🤷🏽‍♀️
  22. [R61] Text Me 1/5 · US Doesn’t work: I’ve been unable to receive or make calls despite paying premium for months now this app is honestly trash
  23. [R73] Text Me 1/5 · US Can’t send too many messages will lock you out: Literally just texting one friend and if you send too many texts in a row it locks you out for 24 hours. Even just to the same friend! Very annoying
  24. [R91] Text Me 1/5 · US Shut down my service: I had this on my phone for less than a day. I was talking to exactly one person back-and-forth, equal conversation and all of a sudden I got a message saying that my account had been limited for one hour due to suspicion of spamming and I would be unable to send out any text messages for that time. I can't even imagine where that could come from. But a number you can't rely o

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