Having a working phone number is essential when signing up on websites or apps that verify your identity via text message. 📱 If your phone already receives messages, you might not think you need an extra app.
However, these apps become crucial if you’re cautious about sharing your main number for privacy reasons, or if you use devices like tablets that don’t support texting.
This way, you can keep your personal information safe while staying connected!
TextNow
What We Like About TextNow:
- Totally Free: Enjoy no cost texting and calling.
- Web Browser Access: Not just an app—use it directly from your browser.
- Handy Widgets: Quick access widgets streamline your chats.
- Email Alerts: Get notified about new texts right in your email.
- Extra Security: Lock the app with a password for added privacy.
What Could Be Better:
- Risk of Losing Your Number: Inactivity might cost you your number, but you can keep it active with a small fee.
- Obtrusive Ads: Some ads can be large and disruptive.
Overview: TextNow stands out as a favored choice among texting apps, boasting over 100 million users. It offers two distinct services:
- Replacement for Mobile Providers: They provide a SIM card to completely replace your existing carrier.
- Secondary Phone Number: Ideal for calls and texts, perfect for receiving verification codes without sharing your primary number.
Features & Flexibility:
- Local or Diverse Area Codes: Choose a phone number from your local area or a different area code.
- Simple Sign-Up: Quickly register using your Google or Facebook account.
- Customizable Interface: Set wallpapers, ringtones, timestamps, and more for a personalized touch.
- Enhanced Communication: Not limited to texts—make phone calls and even set up your own voicemail.
- App Shortcuts: Add shortcuts to conversations directly on your home screen for quick access.
Note on Usage: To maintain your number, TextNow advises making an outgoing call or text at least once every two days. Remember, incoming calls or texts don’t count towards keeping your account active.
Google Voice
What We Like About Google Voice:
- Absolutely Free: Enjoy the service without any ads.
- Email Notifications: Set up alerts to receive text notifications via email.
- Proactive Notifications: Get warnings before your number expires due to inactivity.
- Spam Protection: Filters out unwanted spam messages effectively.
- Multi-Device Compatibility: Accessible not just on phones but also from computers.
What Could Be Better:
- Requires an Existing Phone Number: You must have a real phone number to use Google Voice.
- Complex Interface: New users might find the setup and usage a bit intricate.
- Limited Availability: Only available to personal Google accounts in the U.S. and Google Workspace accounts in selected markets.
Overview: Google Voice, developed by Google, is an excellent tool for receiving verification codes on Android devices. Acting as an extension of your existing phone number, it integrates seamlessly with your digital lifestyle.
Features & Setup:
- Verification Code Delivery: Codes are sent directly to the Voice app, mimicking the functionality of your standard messaging app.
- Flexible Notification Options: Apart from app alerts, you can choose to receive texts as emails, enhancing accessibility.
Considerations: Google Voice requires you to have an active phone number as a prerequisite for setup. While it provides a high level of integration and utility, its availability is restricted, and the interface can pose challenges for some users.
Embrace the convenience of Google Voice and streamline how you receive verification codes without the clutter of ads.
textPlus
What We Like About textPlus:
- Completely Free: Enjoy unlimited texting in the U.S. and Canada at no cost.
- One-time Free Number Change: Change your number once for free if needed.
- Emergency Calls: Supports 911 calling in the U.S. for safety.
- Control Over Calls: Option to disable incoming calls for peace of mind.
What Could Be Better:
- Number Expiry: Numbers expire after 30 days of inactivity.
- Intrusive Ads: Frequent ads and prompts to make purchases.
- Limited Message Management: Unable to delete specific messages from conversations.
Overview: textPlus offers unlimited calling and texting within the U.S. and Canada, making it a popular choice for those needing a flexible communication tool. You can select a phone number based on your preferred U.S. state, making the setup personalized and straightforward with options to sign in using Google, Apple, Microsoft, or Yahoo accounts.
Features & Benefits:
- Area Code Selection: Choose your preferred area code from a list, with the specific number assigned to you.
- Customizable Conversations: Personalize each text thread with unique background images. The app supports texts, images, videos, voice messages, and GIFs.
Download textPlus today for a comprehensive and customizable texting experience.
Usage Tip: To maintain your number, send a text or make a call at least once every week. For a small fee, you can also secure your number for an entire year, ensuring continuous service without interruption.
TextFree
What We Like About TextFree:
- Fast Setup: Get started quickly using your Google account.
- Auto-Reply Function: Convenient for managing messages when you’re busy.
- Bulk Message Management: Features a ‘mark all messages as read’ option, perfect for handling multiple messages at once.
- No Purchase Required: Receive texts without any mandatory fees.
What Could Be Better:
- Inactive Number Reclamation: Numbers are reclaimed after 30 days of inactivity.
- Intrusive Ads: Some ads can be difficult to close, disrupting the user experience.
Overview: Established in 2009, TextFree is a veteran in the realm of free texting apps, supported by advertisements. You’ll encounter banner ads and pop-ups during use, which fund the free service.
User Experience: TextFree offers a straightforward user interface. Account creation is a breeze, especially with the Google sign-in option. The app allows you to effortlessly dismiss unneeded verification code messages with a simple swipe.
Unique Features: The ‘mark all messages as read’ feature sets TextFree apart from other texting apps, providing a quick way to clear notifications from multiple verification codes at once.
Choose Your Number: Select your preferred area code and then choose from available numbers. While calling is an option, note that only 60 minutes of free call time are included.
Download TextFree today for an easy and effective communication tool, albeit with a significant presence of ads.
TextMe Up
What We Like About TextMe Up:
- Choose Your Number: Select a free U.S. or Canadian number.
- Easy Sign-Up: Register using your email or Google account.
- Home Screen Widget: Quick access to messages right from your home screen.
- Active Usage Reminders: Helps you keep your number active by reminding you to use it.
What Could Be Better:
- Invasive Ads: Fullscreen and in-conversation ads can be a nuisance.
- Inconsistent Sign-Up Process: The experience may vary for different users.
- Misleading Free Features: Some features aren’t actually free once you try to use them.
Overview: TextMe Up supports verification codes for Android and offers free text messaging capabilities. However, it’s notable for having more ads than similar apps, which might detract from the user experience. Despite this, the app functions smoothly, allowing you to send and receive texts without cost.
Advanced Messaging Features:
- Conversation Management: Mute or pin conversations for better organization.
- Multiple Numbers: Get your first number free and purchase additional numbers if needed.
- Customizable Settings: Change the app’s theme, create a signature, manage notifications, disable calls, and secure the app with a passcode.
Premium Services: Web access to read texts from a computer is available but is limited to premium subscribers.
Download TextMe Up today to start managing your communications more effectively, though be prepared for the ad-heavy environment.
Burner
What We Like About Burner:
- Built-In Spam Protection: Keeps unwanted messages at bay.
- Flexible Area Code Selection: Choose any area code that suits your needs.
- App Security: Password-protect the app for enhanced privacy.
- Free Trial: Enjoy the full features for 7 days at no cost.
What Could Be Better:
- Requires an Existing Phone Number: You must have a current phone number to use Burner.
Overview: The Burner app lives up to its name by providing up to three burner numbers for verification codes, texting, and calling, with robust spam blocking features. Initially free for a week, the app then moves to a subscription model—either monthly or yearly (check Burner’s latest pricing).
Design and Usability: The app is designed with a clean, distraction-free interface devoid of ads, making it a user-friendly choice. A single subscription allows you to manage up to three numbers, offering flexibility if you prefer to distribute your verification codes across multiple numbers.
Additional Features:
- Do Not Disturb Mode: Activate this mode to silence notifications when needed.
- App Password: Secure your app content with a password.
- True Burner Numbers: These numbers auto-delete after 30 days or 100 messages, ensuring your privacy is maintained.
Download Burner now for a sleek, functional approach to managing temporary phone numbers without the hassle of ads.
Hushed
What We Like About Hushed:
- Multiple Lines with One Subscription: Manage up to three lines under a single subscription.
- Integration Capabilities: Seamlessly integrates with Dropbox and Slack for enhanced productivity.
What Could Be Better:
- Brief Trial Period: Only a 3-day free trial available.
- Dated Interface: The user interface feels outdated, needing a modern touch.
- Inconvenient Message Management: Requires opening messages to mark them as read.
Overview: Hushed offers a paid texting service, but you can start with a free trial to see if it fits your needs. Once you subscribe, you can choose from local numbers in over 300 area codes across the US, Canada, and the UK, making it versatile for various users.
Unique Features:
- Text & Call Management: Enjoy unlimited texts and calls with the ability to purchase up to three lines. This is ideal for receiving verification codes on separate numbers.
- Advanced Notification System: Set specific expiry notifications for your numbers—from 1 hour to 72 hours before they expire.
Tech Integration: A standout feature of Hushed is its ability to integrate with tools like Slack and Dropbox, allowing you to save your texts automatically and streamline your workflow.
Download Hushed now if you’re looking for a robust texting solution with the flexibility of multiple numbers and integration options, despite its need for an interface update.
Sideline
What We Like About Sideline:
- Desktop Compatibility: Supports texting directly from a computer web browser.
- Customizable Numbers: Choose your preferred area code for your number.
- Sleek Interface: Enjoy a really clean, ad-free user experience.
- Free Trial: Test the full features free for 7 days.
What Could Be Better:
- Subscription Requirement: Continued use requires a paid subscription.
- Existing Number Needed: You must have a working phone number to use Sideline.
- Message Glitches: Deleted messages sometimes reappear, which can be inconvenient.
Overview: Sideline provides a paid service for acquiring a second phone number, allowing you to avoid the ad saturation typical of free apps. This app is ideal for those looking for a reliable way to manage professional and personal communication separately.
Functionality and Features:
- Texting and Calling: Includes options for VoIP calling and advanced voicemail management.
- Messaging Enhancements: Features like auto-reply, customizable text tones, and a convenient ‘mark all as read’ button enhance the user experience.
Subscription Options: Sideline offers flexible payment terms with monthly subscriptions or an annual plan at a discounted rate. Take advantage of the 7-day free trial to explore the app’s capabilities and check current pricing details on Sideline’s website.
Download Sideline now for a premium, ad-free communication experience on both your mobile device and computer.
Phoner
What We Like About Phoner:
- Quick Signup: Fast and easy registration with Google or Facebook.
- Multiple Number Management: Handle several numbers simultaneously with ease.
- Advanced Number Lookup: Access detailed information about number owners, including home addresses and carrier details.
What Could Be Better:
- Limited Free Trial: Only a 3-day free trial is available.
- Restrictive Message Handling: No option to archive messages; deletion is the only choice.
Overview: Phoner provides robust support for calling and texting with phone numbers from over 20 countries, making it a versatile tool for global communication. The app clearly indicates which numbers are SMS-capable, ensuring they can be used for verification purposes.
Unique Features:
- Verification Ready: Choose from numbers that are guaranteed to work for SMS verification codes.
- Comprehensive Lookup Function: This built-in feature is invaluable for users needing more than basic texting capabilities. It offers insights into the number’s owner, including personal and social details, which can be crucial for business or security purposes.
Download Phoner today if you need a reliable app that not only handles global texts and calls but also provides extensive background information on the numbers you interact with.
Dingtone
What We Like About Dingtone:
- Customizable Settings: Tailor the app to your preferences with numerous adjustable settings.
- No Email Required: Sign up without needing to provide your email address.
- Flexible Credit System: Choose between earning free credits or purchasing them for convenience.
What Could Be Better:
- Credit-Based Texting: Texts are contingent on having credits, which can be earned or bought.
- Requires an Existing Phone Number: You must have another working phone number to register.
- Ad-Heavy Interface: The app is cluttered with numerous ads, which can detract from the user experience.
Overview: Dingtone offers a unique approach by providing a real phone number from a selected US city or area code, but with a twist—texting and calling are credit-based. Unlike other apps, Dingtone requires you to earn or purchase credits to activate and use its services.
Credit Acquisition: Free credits can be obtained by watching video ads or completing offers, a necessary step before you can send and receive texts. Initially, new users receive a small batch of credits, but these expire if not used promptly. To get started with a phone number, you need to accumulate 750 credits, which involves engaging with several ads and offers.
App Functionality: Dingtone is highly customizable, allowing users to add passwords for security, change chat backgrounds, create message signatures, and set up voicemail and call forwarding. The app also includes a useful usage stats section to track your texting and calling activity.
Download Dingtone now if you’re looking for an app that lets you control how you earn the means to communicate, albeit with the patience to handle ads and credit management.
Conclusion
Navigating the world of texting apps can be complex, with each app offering a mix of unique features and potential drawbacks. Whether you prioritize a clean, ad-free interface, the ability to manage multiple numbers, or the flexibility of a credit-based system, there’s an option available to suit your preferences.
TextNow and TextFree offer straightforward, ad-supported services with useful features like customizable conversations and emergency calling. Google Voice and Sideline provide a more integrated experience, perfect for those who need a reliable secondary number for business or personal use. Apps like Burner and Hushed enhance user privacy with temporary numbers and robust security features, catering to those with more transient needs.
For users who prefer full control over customization and credits, Dingtone and Phoner offer unique functionalities like detailed number lookup and international texting options, albeit with some operational limitations.
In summary, choosing the right app depends on your specific needs—whether it’s for occasional verification codes, regular international communication, or maintaining privacy. Consider the balance between functionality, user experience, and cost before making your decision. Download your chosen app today, and enhance the way you communicate in our interconnected world.
FAQ
What are the main advantages of using TextNow for texting and calling?
TextNow is highly popular due to its simplicity and the provision of free services, including texting and calling within the U.S. and Canada. It also offers a unique feature of choosing a local or diverse area code and supports basic customization options like wallpapers and ringtones.
How does Google Voice differ from other texting apps?
Google Voice stands out by integrating directly with your existing phone number and providing a seamless extension for your communication needs. It offers spam protection, desktop accessibility, and the ability to manage texts through email alerts, making it ideal for users in the U.S. with personal Google accounts.
Can I use Burner for more than just verification codes?
Yes, Burner is designed to provide up to three burner numbers on a single subscription, making it suitable not just for verification codes but also for regular texting and calling. It includes features like spam blocking and customizable settings such as Do Not Disturb mode and app passwords.
What unique features does Hushed offer that make it stand out?
Hushed distinguishes itself with the ability to manage up to three lines under one subscription and integrates with Dropbox and Slack. It also allows users to set specific number expiry notifications, offering a high degree of control over communication management.
Is there a way to avoid the ads on Dingtone?
Dingtone operates on a credit-based system where free credits can be earned by watching ads or completing offers. While this means the app is ad-heavy, users can purchase credits as an alternative to avoid engaging with advertisements continuously.
Which app provides the best user experience for managing multiple phone numbers?
Sideline is highly recommended for managing multiple phone numbers as it allows easy customization and control over each line. It supports VoIP calling, advanced voicemail management, and has a clean, ad-free interface that enhances the user experience.
