# TextNow vs iConnect

The clearest difference is rating: TextNow at 4.8 against iConnect's 3.0. TextNow also leads on ratings volume (927K vs 2) and chart position (#9 vs unranked). iConnect's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 17) and ads (none vs shown). On price, update cadence and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. TextNow sells 16 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. iConnect asks for nothing beyond the download.

TextNow holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 3.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: TextNow has 927K ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two.

TextNow ships an update every 6 days, iConnect every 10 days. The most recent releases landed on October 29, 2026 and October 8, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | TextNow | iConnect |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (927K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/textnow-call-plus-text-unlimited/id314716233/reviews)** | [3.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/iconnect/id1506599056/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **927K** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | 38.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 6 days** | Every 10 days |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Best chart rank | **#9** | — |
| Size | 397 MB | 41 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **11.3** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [TextNow, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/309561143) | [GlobeWyze Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/987999741) |

## What reviewers say

### TextNow

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/textnow-call-plus-text-unlimited/id314716233)

**Currently charting:** #9 Top Grossing · Social Networking, #12 Top Free · Social Networking, #144 Top Grossing, #154 Top Free (US App Store)

This app provides free nationwide calling and texting, offering a private second phone number or a dedicated business line. It features flexible data plans, including a free option for select apps, and affordable international calling.

**Highlights:** Free nationwide talk and text, Free local phone number, Flexible data plans (daily, weekly, monthly), Low-cost international calling, Second phone line for privacy or business, Free data for select apps

**Features:** Siri integration, Apple Wallet, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (16)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| AdFree Lite | $1.99 | per month |
| Lock Your Number for 1 Week | $1.99 | per 7 days |
| Lock Number 1 Week | $1.99 | per 7 days |
| Premium Subscription + 14-day free trial | $2.99 | per month |
| Premium Subscription | $2.99 | per month |
| Lock Your Number for 1 Month | $4.99 | per month |
| Plus | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Premium Number 1 Year | $4.99 | per year |
| Lock Your Number for 1 Year | $4.99 | per year |
| Premium Number 1 Month | $4.99 | per month |
| Ad Free+ | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Ad Free+ & 14-day free trial | $9.99 | per month |
| Verification Codes Unlock | $0.29 | one-time |
| Verification Codes Unlock | $0.49 | one-time |
| 30m Verification Codes | $0.99 | one-time |
| $4.99 in International Calling Credit | $4.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Free service
- 🔒 Ability to keep number
- 👍 Convenient for secondary number
- 👍 Works on multiple devices
- 👍 Easy to use

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent app crashes
- 🐛 Unreliable call/text delivery
- 🐛 Slow and laggy performance
- 🔍 Lack of customer support
- 💸 Expensive subscription

**Reported bugs**

- Random numbers calling/texting users
- Disappearing messages and call history
- Inability to receive verification codes
- Accounts being locked out for no reason

**Requested features**

- Dark mode option
- Ability to block entire area codes
- Notification for read messages
- Improved call quality
- Better integration with other apps


### iConnect

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/iconnect/id1506599056)

This app facilitates corporate communication and employee engagement through surveys, polls, and newsletters. It integrates with various enterprise platforms to streamline internal messaging.

**Highlights:** Create and run surveys, Conduct polls, Publish powerful newsletters, Integrate with enterprise platforms, Enhance employee engagement

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is TextNow free?

TextNow is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is iConnect free?

iConnect is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, TextNow or iConnect?

TextNow is rated higher. TextNow averages 4.8 out of 5 from 927K ratings, while iConnect averages 3.0 from 2 ratings.

### Do TextNow or iConnect have ads?

TextNow shows ads; iConnect does not.

### Which is updated more often, TextNow or iConnect?

TextNow ships an update every 6 days, and iConnect every 10 days. Most recently, TextNow was updated on October 29, 2026 and iConnect on October 8, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*