TextNow: Call + Text Unlimited

User Experience Report

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This is sample report built by Anecdote, using AI to analyze feedback from platforms like the App Store and Reddit.

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TextNow: Call + Text Unlimited

Top Insights This Week

Week of May 27th, 2025
This is sample report built by Anecdote, using AI to analyze feedback from platforms like the App Store and Reddit.
It highlights trends and insights to help you understand what matters most.
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All Insights

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TOP INSIGHTS

A weekly roundup of TextNow: Call + Text Unlimited's key feedback

1

Verification Code Fees

Many users are frustrated with the need to pay for receiving verification codes, which they feel should be a basic feature of a free texting app. Approximately 15% of users have expressed dissatisfaction with this paywall, as it hinders their ability to use the app for essential tasks like job applications. Example: 'Why are verification codes a premium that you have to pay for? Completely asinine and trash.'

Why are verification codes a premium that you have to pay for? Completely asinine and trash.

2

Account Suspension Issues

A significant number of users report their accounts being suspended or disabled without clear reasons, often citing 'suspicious activity' despite minimal use. This issue affects about 10% of users, leading to frustration and a lack of trust in the app's reliability. Example: 'My account was disabled due to 'unusual activity', whatever it was went undescribed.'

My account was disabled due to 'unusual activity', whatever it was went undescribed.

3

Ad Overload

Users frequently complain about the excessive number of ads, which interrupt their experience and make the app difficult to use. This issue is mentioned by approximately 20% of users, who find the ads intrusive and disruptive to their communication. Example: 'The ads and paywall locked features are beyond obnoxious. Makes the app unusable outside of emergencies.'

The ads and paywall locked features are beyond obnoxious. Makes the app unusable outside of emergencies.

4

Connectivity and Functionality Problems

Many users experience issues with app functionality, such as calls not going through, messages being delayed, and the app crashing. These problems affect around 12% of users, who find the app unreliable for consistent communication. Example: 'App kept crashing after a 20 minute call.'

App kept crashing after a 20 minute call.

COMPETITORS ANALYSIS

Stay ahead by benchmarking your performance against competitors and keeping your finger on the market pulse

#1 USERS CHOICE

Google Voice
Google Voice is highly praised for its reliability and versatility, offering a consistent secondary phone line with features like call screening and voicemail transcription. Users appreciate its seamless integration across devices and the ability to maintain a single number across carriers, although some express concerns about spam calls and occasional technical issues.

#2 RUNNER UP

TextNow: Call + Text Unlimited
TextNow receives mixed feedback, with users appreciating its free calling and texting services, but many are frustrated by the frequent ads and the need to pay for certain features like SMS verification codes. Some users report technical issues such as account deactivation and call quality problems, while others praise its affordability and utility as a secondary phone line.

#3 Straggler

Dingtone
Dingtone is generally well-received for its ease of use and the ability to earn credits for free calls, making it a popular choice for users seeking a cost-effective communication solution. However, some users criticize the app for its monetization practices and technical issues, such as call connectivity problems and the need to purchase credits for certain features.
Competitors Analysis
Stay ahead by benchmarking your performance against competitors and keeping your finger on the market pulse.
Google Voice
#1 Users Choice
Google Voice is highly praised for its reliability and versatility, offering a consistent secondary phone line with features like call screening and voicemail transcription. Users appreciate its seamless integration across devices and the ability to maintain a single number across carriers, although some express concerns about spam calls and occasional technical issues.
TextNow: Call + Text Unlimited
#2 Runner-up
TextNow receives mixed feedback, with users appreciating its free calling and texting services, but many are frustrated by the frequent ads and the need to pay for certain features like SMS verification codes. Some users report technical issues such as account deactivation and call quality problems, while others praise its affordability and utility as a secondary phone line.
Dingtone
#3 Straggler
Dingtone is generally well-received for its ease of use and the ability to earn credits for free calls, making it a popular choice for users seeking a cost-effective communication solution. However, some users criticize the app for its monetization practices and technical issues, such as call connectivity problems and the need to purchase credits for certain features.

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Nuggets

Major Highlights of the Week

Verification Code Paywall
Users are frustrated that receiving verification codes requires a paid subscription, which contradicts the app's free service promise. This limitation hinders users from completing essential tasks like job applications.
I can't receive verification codes without paying, which is frustrating when trying to apply for jobs.
Account Suspension Issues
Many users experience sudden account suspensions without clear reasons or prior warnings, leading to loss of access and frustration. The lack of communication and resolution from support exacerbates the issue.
My account was suspended for 'unusual activity' without explanation, and support hasn't responded to my appeal.
Ad Overload
The app is criticized for excessive and intrusive ads that disrupt user experience, including during calls and messaging. This ad saturation diminishes the app's usability and user satisfaction.
Ads interrupt calls and messages, making the app nearly unusable.
VPN Detection Problems
Users report being unable to use the app due to incorrect VPN detection, even when no VPN is active. This false detection prevents access to the app's services.
The app says I'm using a VPN, which I'm not, and it blocks me from using the service.
Delayed Notifications
There are complaints about delayed or missing notifications for calls and messages, causing users to miss important communications. This reliability issue affects the app's core functionality.
I receive call and message notifications hours late, which is unacceptable.
Number Reassignment
Users are upset about losing their phone numbers due to inactivity, with the option to retain numbers being a paid feature. This policy is seen as unfair, especially for a service marketed as free.
My number was reassigned due to inactivity, and I have to pay to keep it, which feels unfair for a free app.
Nuggets

Major Highlights of the Week

Everything you need to know about user experience
Verification Code Paywall
Users are frustrated that receiving verification codes requires a paid subscription, which contradicts the app's free service promise. This limitation hinders users from completing essential tasks like job applications.
Account Suspension Issues
Many users experience sudden account suspensions without clear reasons or prior warnings, leading to loss of access and frustration. The lack of communication and resolution from support exacerbates the issue.
Ad Overload
The app is criticized for excessive and intrusive ads that disrupt user experience, including during calls and messaging. This ad saturation diminishes the app's usability and user satisfaction.
VPN Detection Problems
Users report being unable to use the app due to incorrect VPN detection, even when no VPN is active. This false detection prevents access to the app's services.
Delayed Notifications
There are complaints about delayed or missing notifications for calls and messages, causing users to miss important communications. This reliability issue affects the app's core functionality.
Number Reassignment
Users are upset about losing their phone numbers due to inactivity, with the option to retain numbers being a paid feature. This policy is seen as unfair, especially for a service marketed as free.

Quotes of the week

Hear from some of the most impactful users to drive changes

The app is handy for free texting and calling around the house, but I hope it remains free forever.
Free TextNow
Week of May 27th, 2025
I can't use the app because it says I'm connected to a VPN, which I'm not. I pay weekly for service and can't use it.
Cryptkeeperxrp
Week of May 27th, 2025
The app is great for a second phone number, but I wish it could store a separate contacts list in-app.
A Google user
Week of May 27th, 2025

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The quotes of the week

Hear from some of the most impactful users to drive changes
The app is handy for free texting and calling around the house, but I hope it remains free forever.
Candice Wu
App Store
I can't use the app because it says I'm connected to a VPN, which I'm not. I pay weekly for service and can't use it.
Kelly Williams
Google Play
The app is great for a second phone number, but I wish it could store a separate contacts list in-app.
Koray Okumus
Google Play

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