TextNow: FREE wireless coverage with unlimited talk and text

With the TextNow app you get free unlimited talk and text via WiFi, you can keep your number, and you can upgrade to wireless data coverage at any time, for super cheap compared to other providers. A SIM card is available through a onetime purchase. That activates the free plan with essential data service. Upgraded plans range from $1 up to $40 for mobile data access.

With everything getting more and more expensive by the day, and companies getting greedier and greedier — nevermind those record profits — it’s also getting tougher to budget. There are certain things that you could live without, like a phone and wireless plan, but that also excludes you from a lot, too. Sure, you can live without it if you’re in a financial crisis. But you simply cannot thrive in today’s world without some kind of wireless plan. Looking for work and applying for jobs is all done online now. But there is a free option available, it’s reliable, and it works, if you can believe it. Introducing TextNow, a free phone plan that offers nationwide coverage, like the big expensive guys, but also unlimited talk, text, and 5G data, when you need it. There are no hidden fees, no complicated contracts, and you can keep your existing number.

Wait, what? How does any of that work? It’s simple. You download the TextNow app, sign up using your existing phone number — or choose a new one — and you get free talk and text over WiFi instantly. If you want to go wireless, you make a one time SIM card purchase and from then on you can connect, and use apps with flexible data options, by the hour, day, or month. You’ll also unlock exclusive discounts and perks, like you do with comparable wireless carriers.

Does TextNow really offer free wireless coverage?

Yes, through WiFi you get free unlimited talk and text. With the free plan you’ll also get free essential data. That means you’ll also have 5G access to apps that help you “navigate daily life,” including Google Maps, Apple Maps, email, ridesharing apps like Uber and Lyft, and more. However, to access the data you need to make a onetime purchase of the TextNow SIM for $5. Then, install the SIM in your phone, obviously.

All the low pricing is possible thanks to ads served through the TextNow app. If you absolutely hate ads, this might not be for you. You use the app for all communications, including sending texts and placing calls. That’s how they subsidize the pricing and offer free service, which, let’s be real, you’re not going to find many other places, if at all.

When you need more mobile data, you can use the same SIM card. From there, you can access the TextNow data plans, starting with FREE for essential data, $1 for the Hour Pass, $5 for the Day Pass, and $40 for the Month Pass. Each of those plans offers varying levels of data. For example, the Day Pass comes with 24 hours of unlimited talk, text, and data, with 2GB of high-speed data, then unlimited 2G speeds after that. You also get free roaming in Canada and Mexico.

Beyond the free plan, the mobile options are incredibly accessible and will help you save money on wireless. They’re also pretty flexible, and you can just add data on the days you’re using it. You will have to limit your data usage somewhat, unless you’re on WiFi. TextNow does not offer family plans or multi-line discounts, so keep that in mind. Also, they do not sell devices, so you’ll need to bring your own phone(s).