Textnow
1 known investors
TextNow is a US app-based wireless provider offering free talk and text on a nationwide 5G network with optional paid data.
Also known as TextNow · TextNow, Inc.
Investors · 1
Company profile
researched Aug 2026TextNow, Inc. operates an app-based mobile phone service in the United States. Users download an iOS or Android app, select a local phone number or port in an existing number, and receive unlimited talk and text on a nationwide 5G network, including free calling to Canada. A phone number is included with every plan, including the free tier.
Data service is sold on a flexible basis: subscribers can remain on the free talk-and-text tier, purchase data by the day, or move to an unlimited data plan, with the ability to switch or cancel without change fees. Unlimited data plans are governed by the company's Unlimited 2G Data Fair Use Policy, and speeds are not guaranteed. Service is activated through eSIM directly in the app rather than through retail stores. International calling to more than 230 countries and destinations is offered at per-minute rates displayed before each call.
Business model
Direct-to-consumer wireless service distributed entirely through a mobile app, with no retail stores, device bundles, or sales channels. Free talk and text is offered at no cost, with revenue from optional data purchases, unlimited plans, international calling rates, and in-app advertising.
Free base tier monetized in part through advertising, alongside paid options: daily data add-ons, unlimited data subscriptions, and low-cost per-minute international calling. Users can also earn in-app points by using the app and viewing ads, which can be redeemed for data and other features.
Traction
The company reports over 10 million users and approximately 913,000 App Store ratings averaging 4.8 stars.
▸Full profile — market position, technology, go-to-market, geography
Market position
Positioned as a low-cost alternative to major US wireless carriers; the company cites more than 10 million users and a 4.8 rating across roughly 913,000 App Store ratings, along with press mentions from CNET and The Wall Street Journal.
No-fee, no-contract structure with a free included phone number, day-by-day data flexibility, in-app eSIM activation, and an ad-supported points system that lets users offset the cost of service.
Technology
Mobile applications for iOS and Android providing calling and texting over an assigned phone number, combined with in-app eSIM provisioning that activates service on a nationwide 5G network within minutes.
Go-to-market
Self-serve, app-first distribution via the iOS and Android app stores and the company website, with QR-code app downloads; no physical retail presence or device sales.
US consumers seeking low-cost or no-cost mobile phone service without contracts, commitments, or carrier store visits, including users who want a secondary or flexible phone number.
Geography
Service covers the United States on a nationwide 5G network, with free calling to Canada and paid international calling to over 230 countries and destinations.
Compiled by commissioned research from 1 cited public sources — announcements, filings, and press listed under research sources below.
Key figures
latest reportedCompany-reported or press-reported figures, each dated to when it was claimed — not independently audited.
▸Research sources · 1
primary sources listed
- Textnowtextnow.com · web
1 public sources were cited for this profile; the first-party ones are listed here.
Frequently asked questions
- What does Textnow do?
- TextNow is a US app-based wireless provider offering free talk and text on a nationwide 5G network with optional paid data.
- Who are Textnow's investors?
- Textnow's investors include Evolution VC Partners.