What’s the Best Free Texting App?

A quick online search for the best free texting app might garner several results, but that doesn’t guarantee that you’ll find the best one for you. Though it may seem like free texting apps are everywhere, not all of them are actually built for the same purpose.

Some might be okay for a casual chat, while others prioritize temporary use, and a few focus on the balance between privacy, flexibility, and reliability. If you’re unsure which one might fit the bill, the answer actually depends on what “free” really means to you. 

Here’s a comparison of some of the most talked about options: Hushed, Burner, and TextNow. 

What You Might Want from a “Free” Texting App

Typically, most people don’t install an app just to send a few texts. Rather, they likely want: a real phone number (and not a random username), some privacy away from their personal number, ability to send texts reliably, control over when the number is active, and all without being overwhelmed with ads and interruptions. 

Burner

Good for Short-Term, Limited Long-Term

Burner advertises a focus on temporary numbers. It’s a good option if you only need a number for a very short time frame. 

That said, Burner is closer to freemium than truly free with many of its features locked behind subscriptions. This means that costs can add up if you choose to keep the number active. Burner also has limitations of international availability and flexibility, which is worth factoring in if you’re a frequent traveller. 

Overall, Burner works one-off situations, but might not be ideal for an ongoing second number you can rely on.

TextNow

Free, with Trade-Offs

Possibly the most well-known “free texting” app, TextNow offers users a number at no cost. While this might sound appealing, it comes with significant compromises.

Relying heavily on ads, TextNow’s free numbers can be reclaimed if they aren’t used frequently enough. Reportedly, message delivery can also be inconsistent.

Since the app isn’t built with privacy-first in mind, it can be a good option for casual chatting, but maybe not reliable for anything important. Ultimately, many users simply upgrade to remove ads and keep their chosen number, which blurs the line between free and paid. 

Hushed

Flexible, Private, and Predictable

Designed around privacy and control, Hushed is a free app that provides users a real phone number that works for texting, calling, voicemail, and even auto-replies — all within the one one app. 

Hushed offers low-cost prepaid phone numbers as well as subscription options that don’t keep you locked into a contract. If you’re an iPhone user, you can even get a 3-day free trial to ‘try before you buy’!

Hushed stands out because it behaves like a real phone line:

• Reliable message delivery 
• Numbers stay useable regardless of frequency of use
• Burn your number when you’re done with it
• No ads interrupting usage

Hack: If you’re a frequent traveller, you can get a free phone number with preloaded credits from Hushed through their sister company aloSIM, with the purchase of a travel eSIM.

The Hushed app is useful for dating, online selling, travel, work separation, securing shopping discounts, and really any situation where you might need a second number.

Which is the Best Free Texting App?

If “free” means solely zero cost forever, TextNow is the technical winner (but with a trade-off of reliability and privacy).

For a real second number, with minimal ads, and predictable pricing, Hushed wins as best overall. Even when it’s not completely free, it’s still transparent and flexible for all types of use. 

For short-term anonymity, Burner works, though it’s not the most cost-effective for long-term use.

Remember: the best free texting app is the one that doesn’t cost you your privacy, your time, or your peace of mind.