If that’s the case, the following apps will let you send texts for free as long as you are connected to Wi-Fi or have a data plan. The apps reviewed here today allow users to send and receive messages from any number worldwide but they are of course supported by ads.
1. Textfree
Textfree is easy to setup and makes it very simple for users to fully enjoy the app’s experience. After going through the sign-up process, Textfree will then ask you to enter your area code, in order to create the number that will be associated with your Textfree account. This is a neat feature but, as the app notifies you, there aren’t many numbers associated with some area codes. If this is the case for you and there are no numbers associated with your area code at the time of you signing up, the app will choose an area code as close to yours as possible. Textfree also allows users to display messages from their native text messaging app within their Textfree inbox which can be quite convenient if you plan to make it a staple of your texting life. You will also be able to send messages using your regular cellular plan. In addition to texting, free calls can be made to other users of the app but if you wish to call other numbers you will need to purchase minutes. Overall this app is effective and I ran into no issues while using it.
2. TextNow
Next up on the list is TextNow. TextNow is straightforward to setup and like Textfree, does not pose any hassles in operation. After completing the sign-up process, you will need to pick your area code. TextNow also allows users to choose their current area code and if that isn’t available, the closest possible area code is chosen. TextNow also comes with a calling option but what is really awesome is that calls to the USA and Canada are free. You will, however, need to add credit to your account in order to make calls to other countries. TextNow is also offering actual cellular service in the USA where your phone will be able to use Sprint’s network when there is no wi-fi coverage. TextNow also offers users the option of managing messages received from your native SMS app from directly within TextNow using your regular cellular plan. TextNow does its job well as a free texting app and offers some decent calling features as well.
3. Nextplus
Finally, we have Nextplus. As easy to use as the other contenders, Nextplus offers a simple free texting solution. As you may have guessed by now, Nextplus like the other contenders allows users to customize the number that will be associated with the app. Nextplus allows calls to other Nextplus users for free while to call other numbers you will have to add credit to your Nextplus account. Nextplus also offers the Nextplus Go cellular service in the USA and Canada, allowing users access to the app’s features without using wi-fi.
Conclusion
These apps are pretty simple to use and offer the same basic functionality. However, the native SMS management of TextNow and Textfree is notable. In addition, while I was only concerned with the texting features in this article, they all offer some nice calling features. If you have any other suggestions for this type of app, please let us know in our forum.
