TextNow has updated its data plans and expanded its network coverage in 2025. The service still offers free options but now includes more data, lower prices, and additional free essential apps.
Here's a breakdown of the new data plans:
$0 Free Flex Plan
Features: Unlimited nationwide talk and text, with data for essential apps like email, maps, rideshare, and finance apps.
Data Limit: 500 MB of high-speed data, which reduces speeds after the limit is reached, up to a maximum cap of 1.15 GB per month.
Best for: Users who primarily rely on Wi-Fi.
Included Apps (for free data): Email services such as Gmail, Apple Mail, Yahoo, Outlook, GMX mail, mail.com, Maps like Apple Maps, Google Maps, Waze, Rideshare Uber, Lyft, and Finance apps such as Venmo, Cash App, Chase Mobile, Capital One, Wells Fargo. Delivery services like UPS and USPS are also included.
Cost: $2.99 for 24 hours. No taxes or fees.
Features: Unlimited nationwide talk and text, with data for everything else.
Data Limit: 2 GB of high-speed data, with speeds reduced after the limit is reached for the remainder of the 24-hour period.
Best for: People who need data access occasionally but don't want to pay for a full month.
Cost: $8.99 for a whole week. No taxes or fees.
Features: Unlimited nationwide talk and text, with data for everything else.
Data Limit: 5 GB of high-speed data, with speeds reduced after the limit is reached for the rest of the week.
Best for: Travelers, seasonal workers, or those who need data for short periods.
Cost: $35.99 per month.
This is presented as a competitive option compared to other carriers.
Features: Unlimited talk, text, and data for everything else.
Data Limit:
20 GB of high-speed data, with speeds reduced after the limit (13:38).
Best for:
Users who prefer traditional monthly service without the high price tag.
TextNow service requires a physical SIM card, meaning it won't work with phones that are solely eSIM compatible, such as the latest iPhones. Users with high onboard storage (256GB or 512GB) on their smartphones might not need unlimited data and suggests using cloud storage solutions like Terabox app.
TextNow Essential Data Plan isn't exactly a traditional plan with its own terms and conditions. However, it functions based on two separate agreements:
TextNow Terms of Use: This agreement lays the groundwork for using TextNow's service, which includes the Essential Data Plan. You can find it here: https://www.textnow.com/legal/terms-of-use
There's a specific clause (section 9) mentioning Essential Data and stating that it's subject to a separate agreement.
Access to Essential Data Terms of Service: This agreement outlines the specifics of the Essential Data Plan, including data limitations, speed restrictions, and disclaimers. You can find it here: https://www.textnow.com/blog/introducing-free-essential-data
Here are some key points from the Essential Data Terms of Service:
Data allowance: You get 500MB of data per monthly cycle for specific apps (email, maps, rideshare) at speeds up to 3 Mbps. Further usage within the same cycle reduces speed to 128 kbps.
Speed: Speeds aren't guaranteed and can vary depending on network availability.
Data expiration: Unused data expires at the end of the monthly cycle.
TextNow's discretion: TextNow can change the list of supported apps, data limitations, and discontinue the service at any time without notice.
