What are apps like TextNow? Parental insights

Can apps like TextNow help you place local and international calls? If so, this piece is exactly what you need.

Accessing such numbers gives you a guarantee of accessing free telephone numbers to communicate without unveiling your real number.

While it can be used wisely for the right purpose, some people take advantage of sending spam calls and use it as a means of extortion.

Luckily, this piece has all the answers to your question.

What is TextNow?

TextNow is an app that provides communication services whereby its users send text messages and make calls via Wi-Fi or data.

It offers a unique element in that it gives them free phone numbers through which users can communicate without revealing their real mobile numbers.

This is the number to send and receive text messages, as well as make calls through TextNow.

Another advantage that makes this app stand out is the free messaging and calls, though other premium services have to be purchased.

TextNow is a global service available for both iOS and Android phones, which are commonly in the USA and Canada.

What are the weak points of TextNow?

While TextNow offers cost-effective communication services and a unique virtual phone number feature, it does have certain weaknesses that users should be aware of:

Here are some of the weak points you need to know about before using it:

• Limited International Functionality. America, and Canada are the biggest populations that TextNow caters to with some of their users requiring more or flat services outside these two countries.
• Reliance on Internet Connectivity. Though, TextNow can operate with a Wi-Fi or data service connection giving the basis of at least stable Internet for those who expect good performance.
• Security and Privacy Concerns. As any other communication tool is it will have security and privacy concerns. People who participate in online services ought not to disclose their clients’ data, as remote administrations are defenseless against hacking.
• Emergency Service Limitations. Some online communication application such as TextNow might not be designed elaborate enough to function emergency call systems or worse still, send an accurate report regarding the location of its users in case of any mishap.
• Ad-Supported Model. TextNow offers a free ad-driven service. However even though they will pay nothing for the communication this would be balanced by advertisements in then app that may suit those who prefer ad-free apps.

What are apps like TextNow?

There are numerous apps like TextNow you can use that are similar to or even better than TextNow, which you should know about. Here are some of them:

Google Voice

Google Voice is a free–of–charge communication service by the technology giant Google.

The program offers users a number to get started. They can be used for making calls to other individuals who opted into using this option of receiving calls from others.

It interfaces with many peripherals, enabling the users to make and take calls, texts and voicemails.

It provides facilities like call diversion voicemail to transcribe and also allows the performing of cheap international calls.

Features:

Free voice mail number.
Call forwarding to multiple devices.
Voicemail transcription.
Low-cost international calls.
Integrating with other Google offerings.

Pros:

• Google ecosystem compatibility.
• Provides a variety of call features.
• The Voicemail service offers a centralized voicemail inbox.
• Enables the call screening and blocking.

Cons:

• Limited customizing for voicemail.

Sideline

Sideline is mainly implemented for business use, being a second-number phone app. This enables the user to add a separate business line on their phone.

It is from offering simple features like text messages, calling voicemails, and setting time to set business hours that sideline manages communication effectively, shown by the capacity for others to call.

Features:

Business-specific second phone number.
Texting, calling, and voicemail.
Auto response and mute options.
Customizable business hours.
Multi-user team collaboration.

Pros:

• Tailored for business communication.
• Professional features like auto-reply.
• Supports team collaboration.
• Easy to manage calls during working time.

Cons:

• Some features could only be found with a subscription.

Burner app

The Burner app has built a reputation on the market as something that offers disposable or temporary numbers for short periods.

Users can have “burner” numbers for many different purposes-either online dating or a classified ad listing, and dispose of them when they are no longer needed. It is privacy-conscious, providing an additional layer of protection.

Features:

Disposable and temporary phone numbers.
Texting, calling, and voicemail.
Privacy-focused with number anonymity.
It is easy to discard it and it would form more numbers quickly.
Integration with other apps for additional privacy.

Pros:

• It makes privacy better for different reasons.
• It is best for short-term or situational communication.
• Prevents calls and messages from mavericks.
• Connects with other top-rated messaging applications.

Cons:

You have to pay for other features.

Line2

Line2 is a business phone service that allows users to have another line in their mobile gadgets.

It can deliver some features like calling, texting and voicemail with a strong focus on professional communication tools for entrepreneurs or small businesses.

Features:

For mobile, second business line.
Texting, calling, and voicemail.
Auto-attendant for professional greetings.
Division of labor and dual lines.
Smooth connectivity to old numbers.

Pros:

• They are designed specifically to meet the communication needs of businesses.
• Professional features, such as an auto-attendant.
• Supports team collaboration.
• Facilitate works with current phone numbers.

Cons:

• There are some top-notch features that only a limited set of plans can enjoy.

TextFree

TextFree is an app that provides free texting and calling services whereby one gets a virtual phone number.

It enables the user to send and receive SMS and make phone calls while also giving them access to voicemail.

TextFree has been widely recognized not for its one-of-a-kind equipment but rather for the device that makes this application both practical and very handy to use as well, thus allowing a person who uses it to save money enough when trying to communicate via call.

Features:

Free text and call service.
It has a number for communication.
User-friendly interface.
In-app voicemail access.
Premium version without ads.

Pros:

• Cost-effective communication options.
• Offers a free virtual phone number.
• Intuitive user experience in regards to messaging and calling.●This enables access to voicemail within the application.

Cons:

• The ad-based model can be a nuisance to some users.

Talkatone

There is also a free calling and texting app called Talkatone that uses Wi-Fi or data connectivity.

It gives free phone numbers to its users, and they are able to make calls or send SMS through the app at no charge. It further offers international calling at cheap rates.

Features:

Free calling and texting over Wi-Fi or cellular data networks.
During registration, a free phone number is offered.
It is a strong go-for international calling that does not cost much.
Voice mail and call forwarding facilities.
Integration with existing contacts.

Pros:

• Cost-effective for international calls.
• Offer a toll-free number.
• User-friendly interface.
• Enables compatibility with existing contacts.

Cons:

• The quality may depend on the internet speed.

Hushed

Hushed is a temporary phone number service application ensuring the privacy and protection of users.

It is possible to use virtual numbers with privacy features for a number of reasons, including making online purchases or removing private data and so on.

Features:

Offers anonymous phone numbers.
Online and Offline temporary numbers.
|Texting and calling functionalities.
In-app voicemail access.
Other features of privacy such as number blocking.

Pros:

• Privacy is increased with the use of disposable numbers.
• It’s a good choice for temporary or occasional dialogue.
• Prevents objectionable calls or messages.
• Offers additional privacy features.

Cons:

• Certain features might necessitate in-app purchases.

How to protect your kids from spam and scam texts?

One of the best apps that you can protect your kids from spam and scam texts is FlashGet Kids. This app has incredible features: live monitoring, one-way audio and remote access. It also has an astonishing tracking system in stealth mode. Here are steps to use it:

Download FlashGet Kids on your parental device.

Register an account to get started.

Now, download the Kid version of the Flashget Kids app on your child’s phone.

Bind the kid app and the parent app versions of FlashGet Kids. You can do this by keying in the 9-digit code from the Parental control app on your device onto the kid’s device.

Access the dashboard and tap on “Notice.”

Tap on “Alerts” to view your kid’s phone activity alerts.

Click on “Notification” to read kids messages.

Move down the screen to see if they receive inappropriate content.

Bonus: Are apps like TextNow safe?

TextNow-like apps have privacy advantages as they keep the user’s phone number private and require only a WiFi connection or data to use them, thereby making communication cheaper.

Risks that could arise include limitations in terms of security, for instance, cases where unauthorized parties can access the applications and hack them, instances when users may abuse it, or spam due to its free nature.

Nevertheless, other challenges are those linked to compliance issues as well as restrictions emanating during emergency times.

Though these apps like TextNow are useful, using them should be moderated by taking into account the advantages and disadvantages, as well as being careful with sharing confidential information and monitoring an app’s safety features mentioned.

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