If you already know TextNow, this is the deeper bench. 246+ texting and calling apps for iPhone, all reviewed and ranked by user rating, recency, and download trend as of September 2026.
Compare top Texting And Calling Apps (September 2026)
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.
Get a free, personalized local phone number for unlimited calling and texting. Share photos, videos, GIFs, and more. Customize tones and wallpapers for a unique experience. Upgrade for ad-free use and verification codes.
What We Love
🚀 Works great
👍 Convenient to use
💡 Helpful for international calls/texts
👍 Reliable service
Room to Improve
🐛 Glitchy, freezes, and crashes
🔋 Drains battery quickly
💸 Paid subscription required for full functionality
This app provides a free U.S. phone number for unlimited calling and texting to the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. It offers features like voicemail, group chat, and MMS messaging, functioning as a reliable alternative to a traditional phone line.
What We Love
🚀 Great app
👍 Simple and functional
👍 Good app
👍 Works pretty good
👍 Great service, user friendly
👍 Best app ever
👍 Thanks
👍 Excellent app
👍 Highly Recommend!
👍 Love this app
👍 It works well!
👍 Turn your regular iPad into a smartphone
👍 Awesome App!
👍 I love this app
Room to Improve
🐛 Constantly lock your account due to supposed shady activity
💰 You have to pay $10 a month to receive SMS from apps
🐛 Does not even let you create an account
🔍 Why so many ads since last update??!
🐛 Issues with Pinger
🐛 Hangs a lot, crashes when scrolling up too much
🐛 Microphone doesn't work, can't hear me on calls
🐛 Inconsistent, can't make calls sometimes
🔍 Scammy, have to pay to receive messages
🐛 Not dependable, messages don't go through
🔍 Scam, have to pay for minutes
🔍 Inaccurate description, misleading about free minutes
What are the best texting and calling apps for iPhone?
TextNow: Call + Text Unlimited tops our texting and calling apps ranking as of September 2026, with a 4.8-star average from 922K App Store ratings, and it's free to download.
Are there free texting and calling apps for iPhone?
Yes — 19 of the top texting and calling apps we rank are free to download, including TextNow: Call + Text Unlimited and Text Free: Second Phone Number.
Does TextNow: Call + Text Unlimited have ads or in-app purchases?
TextNow: Call + Text Unlimited shows ads and offers in-app purchases, according to its App Store listing as of September 2026.
How many texting and calling apps are on the App Store?
We track 246+ texting and calling apps on the iOS App Store as of September 2026, ranked by rating, recency, and analysis of real user reviews.
What is TextNow?
TextNow is a free phone service that allows users to make calls and send texts nationwide without a traditional phone bill or contract. It offers a free local phone number and flexible data options, including a free plan for certain apps.
Can I get a second phone number with TextNow?
Yes, you can get a free local phone number through TextNow. This is ideal for maintaining privacy, using a separate line for business, or for side hustles without incurring extra costs from your primary carrier.
