Hushed vs. TextNow 

If you’re considering taking advantage of all the benefits of a temporary phone number, there are a few different options that might appear in your search.

TextNow and Hushed are two front runners that both allow you to send texts and make calls, all without using your real number. They’re both perfect for privacy, side projects, dating, and avoiding spam—but that might be where the similarities end.  Lets dive into Hushed vs.TextNow to see where the differences lie.

TextNow is free, but that doesn’t mean it comes without a price. Users need to be okay with piles of ads, limited features, and the requirement of a U.S. or Canadian number. Alternatively, a Hushed online number gives users ad-free privacy, flexible plans, and international options without any unnecessary restrictions.

Here’s a breakdown of how the two companies stack up side-by-side. 

Pricing: Free vs. No Ads  

TextNow: While TextNow is technically free to use, it’s loaded with an unending barrage of annoying ads. If users select the option to remove ads, they’re required to sign up for a paid subscription.

Hushed: First and foremost, Hushed has zero ads. At the same time, with a pay-as-you-go short-term plan Hushed allows users to always only pay for what they need. 

The Verdict: If you cannot stand being constantly advertised to (double if the ads are repetitive and annoying), Hushed is the better choice to protect your sanity from endless marketing. 

Privacy & Security: Protecting your Personal Information 

TextNow: With the requirement of having an existing USA or Canadian phone number upon sign-up, linking a TextNow account to your primary contact means you’re not as anonymous as you might think.

Hushed: With over 300 area codes worldwide available, Hushed allows users to create a fully private number with no attachment to a personal phone number required. 

The Verdict: If privacy is your number one priority, Hushed is the TextNow alternative that offers a truly anonymous experience and saves you from having to reveal or attach your personal details.  

Call & Text Features: Functionality Reigns Supreme

TextNow: TextNow offers service through WiFi or mobile data, meaning there is potential for glitchy or unreliable call quality. 

Hushed: Hushed also works over WiFi and mobile data, as well as your carrier’s network, which means there’s an increased potential for the highest call quality and better reliability.

The Verdict: Crystal clear call quality cannot be underestimated when it comes to Hushed. 

International Coverage: Not Just for Canada & the U.S.  

TextNow: If you’re only hoping to keep calls local-ish, TextNow will work with USA and Canadian numbers.  

Hushed: With worldwide area codes available, Hushed offers temporary online numbers from over 60 countries, making it perfect for travelling, international contacts, or avoiding restrictions linked to phone numbers.

The Verdict: For anyone with contacts outside of the USA and Canada, wanderlust, or an international lifestyle, Hushed is the better choice for an array of international uses.

Flexibility: Only Pay for What You Need  

TextNow: Frequent usage is key with a free TextNow number, which requires users to keep using the app regularly.

If usage stops, your number will be recycled and given to a new user, meaning you cannot rely on it for future use. 

Hushed: With Hushed, users only need to pay for their number while they need it. Hushed offers short-term online temporary numbers for as short as a week (or longer) meaning you’re always in control. 

The Verdict: Freedom comes with a Hushed temporary number. There’s no worrying about having to hang onto something you no longer need. Plus, you can renew and claim new numbers as often as you would like. 

Final Verdict of Hushed vs. TextNow: Hushed Is the Best TextNow Alternative

With no annoying ads, true privacy, quality calls, and flexible plans, Hushed pulls ahead as the best option for anyone looking for a temporary online number to meet all their communication needs.