Google Voice vs TextNow: Which Free Phone Number Fits You in 2026?

Both give you a free US phone number for calls and texts. Google Voice is a second number that rides on your Google account, with free calls to the US and Canada from the US. TextNow can also be your actual cell service, with a $0 talk-and-text plan supported by in-app ads.

Last checked: October 26, 2026 against Google Voice Help and TextNow's official app listing. Details can change.

At a glance

• Cost: Google Voice is free for personal accounts; Google says "almost all Google Voice calls to the US and Canada are free" when you call from the US. TextNow's free plan is "Unlimited talk and text on nationwide 5G. Included monthly for $0."
• How it's paid for: TextNow says, "We partner with brands to pay for your phone service... through in-app ads." Google Voice's app listing does not describe an ad-supported model.
• Works without Wi-Fi: TextNow says you can "activate TextNow Wireless on your existing phone" (including via eSIM) to call and text without Wi-Fi. Google Voice uses your data or Wi-Fi, and on iPhone some calls go through an access number that uses your carrier minutes.
• Keeping your number: Both can take back an inactive number (details below).

Google Voice: what you get

According to Google Voice Help, Google Voice "gives you a phone number for calls, texts, and voicemails" that works in a web browser and on mobile devices. In the US you can choose your own number by searching by city or area code. Features include voicemail transcripts in your inbox, custom greetings, spam protection, call blocking and call screening.

• Who can use it: The App Store listing says Google Voice "only works for personal Google Accounts in the US and Google Workspace accounts in select markets."
• Calling costs: Calls from the US to the US and Canada are almost all free. Some specific numbers cost 1 cent per minute, and international calls follow Google's posted rate table, which "may change at any time."
• No toll-free numbers: Google notes that "Google Voice doesn't offer 1–800 numbers."
• iPhone note: Google says iPhone calls "can be placed through a Google Voice access number," and those calls "use the standard minutes from your cell phone plan."
• Porting: Moving your existing mobile number into Google Voice costs a $20 fee. Unlocking a Voice number to port it out costs $3, or nothing if the number was originally ported in, per Google's porting help page.

TextNow: what you get

TextNow's official App Store listing describes three plans:

• Free Plan: "Unlimited talk and text on nationwide 5G. Included monthly for $0." The listing adds: "Not a trial. Not an introductory offer."
• Plus Plan: "Unlimited nationwide talk, text, and data—except media streaming & gaming. No ads."
• Unlimited Plan: "Unlimited nationwide talk, text, and data. No ads."

The listing doesn't state prices for the Plus and Unlimited plans, so check the app for current rates. TextNow also lists free calls to Mexico and Canada, international calling to 230+ countries "starting at less than $0.01 per minute," a free local number or the option to keep your own, and use on a computer or tablet.

The App Store listing shows optional in-app purchases, including "Lock Your Number for 1 Year" at $6.99, a one-week number lock at $1.99, and Ad Free+ options. App Store prices can change.

Inactivity: how each can take your number back

Google Voice: Google's Acceptable Use Policy says Google "may reclaim your Google Voice number" if you don't appear to be using it, "such as placing calls or sending text messages for a period of 3 months." Google advises watching your email for reclamation notices. If a number was removed, its reclaim page says "Voice numbers must be added back within 45 days."

TextNow: TextNow's support FAQ says, "The free version of TextNow will recycle your number after a period of inactivity." With Ad Free+ or a TextNow phone plan, "your current TextNow number won't be recycled for inactivity" for as long as those features stay active.

Rules worth knowing

Google's policy bans bulk or automated messaging, forwarding to numbers that aren't yours, and creating multiple accounts. It says Google may limit or end access when it finds a violation. If you plan to use a second number for sign-ups, read our Google Voice setup guide. For how free phone service and SIM offers work, see free phone service vs. a free SIM card.

Which to pick

• Pick Google Voice if you already have a phone plan and want a free second number that syncs across your phone and computer, with voicemail transcripts and spam filtering, and you're in the US with a personal Google account.
• Pick TextNow if you want the number to work as basic cell service without Wi-Fi at $0 a month and don't mind in-app ads. Or pick it if you'd pay for a no-ads data plan later.
• Either way, use the number regularly or pay for TextNow's lock options so you don't lose it.

Bottom line

Google Voice works best as a free second line for people who already have phone service. TextNow works best as a free primary or backup line paid for by ads. Both can reclaim numbers you stop using, so set a reminder to make a call or send a text every so often.

Frequently asked questions

Is Google Voice free?

Yes, for personal Google accounts in the US. Google says almost all calls from the US to the US and Canada are free; some numbers cost 1 cent per minute, and international calls use posted rates.

Is TextNow really free?

TextNow lists a Free Plan with unlimited nationwide talk and text for $0 a month, paid for by in-app ads. Plus and Unlimited plans add data and remove ads.

Will Google Voice take my number away?

Google may reclaim a number if you do not appear to use it, such as not placing calls or sending texts for 3 months. Removed numbers must be added back within 45 days.

Does TextNow recycle inactive numbers?

Yes. TextNow says the free version recycles numbers after a period of inactivity. Ad Free+ or a TextNow phone plan stops that while active.

Can I port my number into Google Voice?

Yes, some mobile numbers can be ported to a personal account for a $20 fee, according to Google Voice Help.