TextFree

TextFree is a handy messaging app that lets you send texts and make calls without using your regular phone plan. The app gives you a real US phone number that works just like a normal one, allowing you to text and call other mobile phones or landlines. TextFree has been around since 2009, created by Pinger Inc., and has grown into a reliable option for folks who need an extra line or want to save on their phone bills. You can use it over WiFi or data, making it perfect for international travelers who want to avoid roaming charges. The basic version is free with ads, but premium options remove those pesky interruptions.

• Real US phone number: TextFree provides you with an actual phone number that others can call or text just like a regular number. You can choose a number from almost any area code in the United States.
• Free texting and calling: The app allows unlimited free text messages to any US or Canadian number. Voice calls to other TextFree users are completely free, while calls to regular numbers use credits you can earn or purchase.
• Customization options: You can personalize your texting experience with custom backgrounds, notification sounds and message bubbles. The app also lets you block unwanted contacts and organize conversations into folders.
• Group messaging capabilities: TextFree supports group texts with both other TextFree users and regular phone numbers. You can name your group chats, share photos and videos, and see when others are typing.

1. 1Open the Google Play listing below on Android, or use the App Store button on iOS. The app is free to download and only requires basic permissions to function properly.
2. 2Open the app and follow the setup process to select your free phone number from available options. You'll need to create an account with an email address and verify it before you can start using your new number.
3. 3Start texting by tapping the message icon and entering a contact's number or selecting from your contacts list. You can immediately begin sending texts, photos and emoji to any US or Canadian number without restrictions.

I've been using TextFree as a secondary number for about two years now, and it's proven surprisingly reliable for a free service. The call quality isn't quite as crystal clear as my regular carrier, but for the price (free!), it's hard to complain. I particularly appreciate how it works anywhere with WiFi, which has saved me countless times when traveling in areas with poor cell reception. The ads can get annoying in the free version, especially when they pop up mid-conversation. For casual users or as a backup phone number, TextFree delivers exactly what it promises without complicated contracts or monthly fees.