TextNow is a San Francisco based MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator), and is turning heads as it's becoming one of the fastest growing companies in North America.
Like all MVNOs, it operates on one of the "Big Four" networks (Sprint), 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'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.
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 Prepaid Plans
| Plan | Mins/Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| TextNow - Talk/Text Only | Unltd/Unltd | 0GB | $9.99 |
| TextNow - 2GB Data Plan | Unltd/Unltd | 2GB | $19.99 |
| TextNow - 5GB Data Plan | Unltd/Unltd | 5GB | $29.99 |
| TextNow - Unlimited Data Plan | 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 network, so you will have the same quality of service.
So just because it's cheap doesn't mean you're losing the quality of service you already enjoy.
TextNow Savings
Sprint vs TextNow Price Comparison
Keep your Sprint phone, number & coverage: Save $360 per year
| Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G LTE Data | Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sprint | Sprint 4G LTE | Unltd* | $60/mo | $720/yr |
| TextNow | Sprint 4G LTE | 5GB | $30/mo | $360/yr |
| *Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB | Savings | $30/mo | $360/yr | |
TextNow Coverage
As we previously mentioned, TextNow operates on the Sprint 4G LTE network.
Sprint is generally known for having the weakest coverage amongst the big four networks, especially when it comes to rural areas but has improved a lot over recent years.
After you've chosen them as your preferred MVNO, you'll need a TextNow SIM card.
TextNow Cell Phone Plans
| 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 Deals
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
- 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
