For those outside of the US, you might not know what TextNow is. To keep things simple, it is an app/service. You get a free US number that must be used at least once a month. They can also send you a SIM card to get “essential” data for free. So, in some degree, you can get a free phone number, and free cellular service. So why won’t I ever use it? Well, there are a couple of reasons.
No eSIM
There is no eSIM capabilities. Most mid-range or better phones are dual SIM with a nano-SIM, and an eSIM. Let’s assume that you have a work cellular line, and you have to use your physical SIM card slot for the work line. Well, this will mean you would have to have another phone. Now, I am not in favor of having your “work” and “personal” lines in one phone, but that is not the belief for everyone. Some people just want to carry one phone especially if that phone is a higher end phone. I have the iPhone 14 Pro Max (US Version). So what does that mean – no SIM slot at all. Both of my SIMs are eSIM only. There is no nano-SIM option. This started with all iPhones 14+ (US Model). Because of that, anyone with an iPhone 14 or better simply can not use TextNow.
Essential Data
What would TextNow consider as essential data? It’s not like I could find what they consider as essential apps. Even then, the usage can not go beyond 1GB. So, maybe Uber is an essential app, but a public bus tracking app may not be? That bus tracking app will likely be needed more than Uber for someone that really can’t afford phone service. This is the only thing I could find about essential data (as of 2024-08-17)
Our Free Essential Data plan gives you 1GB of data usage. This can be used for the limited purposes of specific “essential” mobile applications, such as some email, navigation, and rideshare apps. See terms & conditions.
So with that in mind, it seems pretty sketchy if they are not going to indulge in the apps they will support.
Must Use Their App
Here’s the thing. You must use their app to make phone calls or send SMS messages. It will not use your phone’s dialer. Sending messages is limited with the app, and only SMS message. RCS is not supported with the TextNow app. In addition, iMessage is not supported. If you are using an iPhone 13 or earlier, then this will be important to you. Trying to make a phone call with your phone’s app, or using iMessage/RCS/SMS through the native Messaging app simply will not work.
Ads
And with all of the issues I mentioned, there is ads in the only effective communication app you can use. Don’t want ads, you can pay $40/month to get rid of the ads, and have 10GB of data. You would still have no eSIM support, and you would still have to use their app to make calls or messages. To give some perspective, many carriers will give you 30GB of data for around $25/month, and you would use the phone in the same way you would expect to (phone app for calls, and messages app for iMessage/RCS/SMS).
Verdict
If you are trying to pay as little as possible for phone service, I will suggest Tello (https://tello.com). Their cheapest plan will give you 100 minutes, and 1GB of data for $6. You can use your phone as normal. You can visit their site for other options, but this is a slight charge and no ads, or any other of the restrictions they have. You would also be able to use your smartphone as a smartphone, and not be crippled by restrictions. If you can afford service, and just want to be cheap, you can get unlimited voice, and data (likely throttled after 35GB) for $25.00.