TextNow is the first cloud-based phone carrier. This San Francisco based mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) is turning heads as it's becoming one of the fastest growing companies in North America.
Like all MVNOs it operates on a couple of the "Big Four" networks (Sprint and T-Mobile) meaning they purchase service and bulk from these companies and sell it to consumers at a lesser cost.
COMPARE NOW: TextNow Cell Phone Plans
TextNow stands out even among competing MVNOs such as Boost Mobile and Cricket Wireless as it also connects users via WiFi and their downloadable app.
TextNow's cell phone plans align with most MVNO values keeping their pricing competitive. And let's not forget their free, ad-supported service using their app.
Read on to see our full review of TextNow.
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Table of Contents
TextNow Highlights
- Utillizes both the Sprint and T-Mobile networks
- Prepaid service - no contract, credit check, activation or other fees
- Bring your own Sprint, Boost Mobile, Virgin Mobile or global phone, or choose from a limited selection of TextNow phones
- Keep your phone number
- Mobile hotspot/tethering is allowed
- Free calling to the US and Canada
- Free texting to 100+ countries
- International calling available as an add-on
- Customer support available via chat 9am-9pm Monday through Friday and 9am-4pm weekends
TextNow Cell Phone Plans
| Carrier | Mins/Texts | Data | Monthly Price |
| TextNow | Unltd/Unltd | WiFi Only | $9.99 |
| TextNow | Unltd/Unltd | 2GB | $19.99 |
| TextNow | Unltd/Unltd | 5GB | $29.99 |
| TextNow | Unltd/Unltd | Unltd | $39.99 |
There's no doubt about it, TextNow has cheaper phone plans than any of the other leading MVNOs such as Cricket Wireless, MetroPCS, and Boost Mobile - especially when it comes to their unlimited data plan.
As a consumer, it's important to understand that even though the TextNow plans are cheap, you are not compromising on quality. Remember TextNow operates on the Sprint and T-Mobile networks so you will have the same quality of service that anyone on those networks currently has.
So just because it's cheap doesn't mean you're losing the quality of service you already enjoy.
TextNow Pricing: Is it Competitive?
| Carrier | Network Coverage | Data Limit | Monthly Price | Annual Price |
| Sprint | Sprint 4G LTE | Unlimited* | $60 | $720 |
| TextNow | Sprint 4G LTE | 5GB | $30 | $360 |
| Saving | $30 | $360 | ||
| * Avg Sprint user on unlimited plan uses 5GB data | ||||
TextNow Coverage
As we previously mentioned, TextNow operates on the T-Mobile and Sprint networks.
T-Mobile has continuously improved their network coverage over the last few years. While Sprint is generally known for having the weakest coverage amongst the big four networks especially when it comes to rural areas.
After you've chosen them as your preferred MVNO you'll need a TextNow SIM card. You'll have the choice between a GSM SIM card (T-Mobile) and a CDMA SIM card (Sprint).
TextNow Cell Phone Deals
| Network | Sprint |
|---|---|
| Data Speed | 4G LTE |
| 3G Network | CDMA |
| Mobile Hotspot | Yes |
| Bring Your Phone | Yes |
| Keep Your Number | Yes |
| Contract | No - prepaid |
|---|---|
| Credit Check | No |
| Customer Service | 24/7 |
| International Calls | No |
| Money Back Guarantee | No |
| Network | Sprint |
|---|---|
| Data Speed | 4G LTE |
| 3G Network | CDMA |
| Mobile Hotspot | Yes |
| Bring Your Phone | Yes |
| Keep Your Number | Yes |
| Contract | No - prepaid |
|---|---|
| Credit Check | No |
| Customer Service | 24/7 |
| International Calls | No |
| Money Back Guarantee | No |
| Network | Sprint |
|---|---|
| Data Speed | 4G LTE |
| 3G Network | CDMA |
| Mobile Hotspot | Yes |
| Bring Your Phone | Yes |
| Keep Your Number | Yes |
| Contract | No - prepaid |
|---|---|
| Credit Check | No |
| Customer Service | 24/7 |
| International Calls | No |
| Money Back Guarantee | No |
TextNow Phone Options
TextNow's phone selection is very limited - with just 15 phones available to choose from which excludes the two newest iPhones.
However, these phones are very competitively priced and the company does allow you to bring your own phone (just be sure to unlock your phone and check your APN settings). And of course, there's always the option of buying a refurbished TextNow smartphone.
Luckily, TexNow operates on both the CDMA and GSM networks making buying refurbished an easy task. How do you know if your phone is CDMA or GSM? Simple, ask yourself which network you're currently on:
- CDMA - Sprint & Verizon
- GSM - T-Mobile & AT&T
Unlike most other leading competitors TextNow will allow you to set up a payment plan for your phone through Affirm online loan services. So even if you choose not to stay with them you can keep your phone and continue paying Affirm until it is paid off.
If you're bringing a used phone to TextNow, you'll most likely need to change your APN settings. View the APN Settings for TextNow here.
Key Considerations When Choosing TextNow
- Do your prefer Sprint or T-Mobile coverage?
- How much data do you need?
- Are you going to bring your own phone or buy a new (or used) one?
Recap
Overall, TextNow's cornered the market on affordable unlimited plans. So if you're in coverage range for either the Sprint or T-Mobile networks it's definitely worth looking into.
Don't just take our word for it. Find out what real customers are saying in our TextNow user reviews.
You can save even more money by purchasing a refurbished phone to go with your new low-cost plan!
COMPARE NOW: TextNow Cell Phone Plans
