Head-to-head
Text Me vs TextNow
Text Me
45
Winner
TextNow
TextNow
65
TextNow generally offers a more reliable experience for free texting and calling, despite some issues with call quality and verification codes, while Text Me struggles with basic functionality and customer support.
TextNow is a better choice for a free second number, offering generally reliable texting and calling, though users report issues with verification codes and occasional call quality. Text Me, while also free with IAP, faces significant complaints about calls not working, messages being blocked, and poor customer service, making it a less dependable option.
Head to head
Text Me Text Me users report inconsistent functionality, with many unable to make or receive calls and texts, even after paying for premium services R1R7. Some users also experience messages being deleted or accounts locked for 'spamming' after sending too many texts . While some find it great for emergency situations or as an extra number R2, others note a lack of RCS messaging and issues with receiving activation codes on the free tier R5R15.
TextNow TextNow users generally find the app good for texting and calling, especially for connecting with Android users or as a second number . However, many report issues with call quality, with people unable to hear them or calls dropping . A common complaint is the inability to receive verification codes without a paid subscription R64R66. Some users also experience problems with messages not being received or getting stuck .
Text Me Text Me has significant reliability issues, with reports of the app suddenly stopping working, being buggy, or failing to load R7R25. Users mention poor network connection, especially for calls, and problems with purchases not working as expected R1R22R24R27.
TextNow TextNow is generally seen as reliable for texting, with some users calling it fast and trusted . However, call quality can be an issue, often requiring a strong WiFi connection R64. There are also reports of numbers being lost even when used within the stated timeframe, and issues with spam calls . Account access problems, including sign-up failures and face verification issues, are also noted .
Text Me Text Me is advertised as free but many users feel it has a significant paywall, requiring subscriptions for basic functions like receiving activation codes or specific texts R3R4R15R16. Some paying users report losing their numbers or services despite active subscriptions, and being charged multiple times R1R22R25.
TextNow TextNow offers a free tier but charges for receiving verification codes, which many users find frustrating for an app claiming to be free R64R66. Some users feel the weekly charge of $4.99 for certain features is expensive compared to alternatives . However, others appreciate the free service and find it valuable for staying in touch without a traditional phone plan .
Text Me Text Me users frequently complain about excessive and annoying ads that interfere with typing R6R18R21R48. The app is also criticized for a lack of customer support, with users unable to get help for issues like lost numbers or double charges R25. Some find the interface buggy and difficult to navigate R25.
TextNow TextNow users acknowledge the presence of ads but generally find them manageable . Some interface issues are noted, such as words being underlined or keys stopping working during calls . Customer support is a significant pain point, with users reporting long wait times and unresolved issues . Recent privacy concerns have also arisen due to new requirements like face scanning for account access .
Pick Text Me if
you need a temporary extra number for basic texting and are willing to tolerate ads and potential paywalls for certain features R2.
Pick TextNow if
you need a free second number for texting and calling, particularly for cross-platform communication, and are prepared to pay for verification codes or deal with occasional call quality issues .
Evidence note: Both apps have a free tier with in-app purchases, and much of the negativity for both stems from the limitations and paywalls within the 'free' experience, particularly around verification codes and ads. Text Me's reviews show more fundamental issues with core functionality and customer support, even for paying users.
Frequently asked
Can I receive verification codes with Text Me or TextNow?
Do these apps have good call quality?
Text Me users report inconsistent call quality, with some experiencing difficulty making or receiving calls even with premium, and others noting dropped calls R1R7R27. TextNow's call quality is described as okay, but often requires a strong WiFi connection, and users frequently report issues with being heard or calls dropping R64.
Are there many ads in Text Me and TextNow?
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.
- [R1] Text Me Doesn’t work: I’ve been unable to receive or make calls despite paying premium for months now this app is honestly trash
- [R2] Text Me Awesome: Perfect for emergency situations big time.
- [R5] Text Me No RCS only SMS: Wish it had RCS messaging
- [R7] Text Me Does not work: I cannot get calls out. Worked ok first 5 months, suddenly stopped working
- [R22] Text Me purchases don't work: Subscribed to a plan, made me continue to subscribe without getting my number. Wasted money AND time.
- [R24] Text Me Mr a mia: Poor network
- [R3] Text Me Texting app: It kinda sucks that people got to pay extra fees to be able to use these texting apps. But it is what it is…
- [R4] Text Me 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.
- [R15] Text Me Good but…: I wish that we could actually receive activation codes if we have it free, and I wish we were able to text people who only have a email to text with. Otherwise it’s fine
- [R6] Text Me Text me: It's good and all but I was texting my sister and said I was spam and now I can't text on it anymore and so many ads it won't even let me text at all
- [R18] Text Me Knicks in 6!!!: The adds are annoying and it’s slow but not too bad
- [R21] Text Me Too many commercials: Waaaaay Too many commercials please Stop all of them thank you
- [R25] Text Me 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
- [R16] Text Me It’s very expensive: It’s not free . The moment you get any sort of activation code or verification code they will block the code and force you to subscribe at $29.99 a month just to read it .
- [R64] 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
- [R66] 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
- [R27] Text Me Overall I was pleased with the service.: During past two months it has worked reasonably well. Sometimes it has been difficult to ring me and at times the line has dropped in the middle of conversation. But I suppose it was mainly due to source of the call (Iran) and not any problem with text me. Overall I was pleased with the service. I will have no hesitation to renew my subscription should the
- [R48] Text Me not a bot this is honestly a nice app!!: i mean i hardly got this app this hour but it works like a charm especially because i was blocked by someone on my real number... lol but anyway its okay that theres ads i know theyre meant to be in your face but it shouldnt be where youre typing it makes it to where so much stuff is going on but who knows maybe the app could be worse i barely got it but im
Synthesized from 120 recent App Store reviews · updated July 2026 · View on the App Store