TextNow Review 2026: Is It Legit?
Our verdict
A free, ad-supported VoIP number in the US. It works for calls, but many sites refuse it for verification.
Best for: A free US number for calls.
Pros
- Free tier
- Calls and texts
Cons
- VoIP — many services refuse it
- Inactive numbers get reclaimed
What is TextNow
TextNow, from TextNow, Inc., gives you a free US phone number supported by ads. It reports more than 10 million users.
How it works and what it costs
The number is free with any plan; you can pay for data or extra features. It works on iOS, Android, Windows and macOS.
Who it's for
TextNow fits people who want a free US number for calls and texts. Many apps refuse it for verification because it's VoIP.
TextNow: key facts
| Website | textnow.com |
|---|---|
| Number type | Free US number (app) |
| Operator | TextNow, Inc. |
| On the market since | Not stated on the site |
| Countries | US numbers |
| Services | Not stated on the site |
| Price from | Free number (ad-supported) |
| One-time number lasts | Not stated on the site |
| No SMS — refund? | Not stated on the site |
| Rentals | Not stated on the site |
| API | Not stated on the site |
| Payment | Not stated on the site |
| Apps & bots | iOS, Android, Windows, macOS |
| Sign-up | Not stated on the site |
| Support | Not stated on the site |
| Scale | 10M+ users |
Checked on the official site: 12.10.2026 · textnow.com
Before you pay
- It's a VoIP number; many services won't send codes to it.
TextNow vs alternatives
| TextNow | Tiger SMS | HeroSMS | TextVerified | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Countries | US numbers | 260+ | 180+ | US numbers only |
| Price from | Free number (ad-supported) | $0.001 | from $0.0075 (Instagram) | $0.25 per verification |
| No SMS — refund? | — | Yes — instantly to balance; you pay only for received SMS | Yes — automatically to balance | Yes, for paid verifications |
| Rentals | — | No | Yes ("Full rent"); terms not stated | Yes: 1–14 days from $1.50; monthly from $5 |
| API | — | Yes, with incoming-SMS webhook | Yes | Yes (v2) |
| Our score | 6.8 | 9.8 | 9.1 | 8.6 |
Data from each provider's official site, checked 12.10.2026.
Apps TextNow works for
TextNow FAQ
Is TextNow legit?
TextNow is an established service that works on a prepaid balance. Keep only what you plan to spend on the balance, and turn on 2FA on accounts you register.
What if the SMS doesn't arrive?
Cancel the order and take a number from another country. Full checklist.
What are the best TextNow alternatives?
See TextNow alternatives. Our #1 pick is Tiger SMS.
How much does TextNow cost?
The site lists prices from Free number (ad-supported). The final price depends on the app and the country.
Does TextNow refund you if the SMS doesn't arrive?
The homepage doesn't say — check the refund policy before paying. Every service in our ranking is expected to refund failed codes.
Can I rent a number on TextNow?
Rentals aren't mentioned on the site.
Help center
- Why Am I Not Receiving Verification Codes? 9 Causes and Fixes — The main checklist: why the code doesn't come and how to get your money back.
- How Refunds Work When a Code Doesn't Arrive — Cancel the order and get your money back.
- "This Phone Number Cannot Be Used for Verification": How to Fix It — Google and other apps reject the number — what it means and what to do.
- Recovering an Account Registered on a Temporary Number — What to do when the number isn't yours anymore.
Similar services
Tiger SMS
Editor's choiceKey difference: Cheap one-time verification codes for almost any app and professional bulk registration, with instant refunds when a code doesn't arrive
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HeroSMS
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