I don’t know about you, but I’m trying to save money these days. Filter my subscriptions and cancel what I can use. I review my bank statements every month. I even invested in a bamboo whisk to make my matcha lattes.
But I kept making mistakes when it came to saving money on my phone’s cellular plan. My major carrier recently raised the price of my plan again I added a new monthly fee – but I felt powerless because, well, I need my phone.
I decided to take the leap and try TextNow’s free service. I knew I could keep the phone and my number, two things that are important to me. I also knew that TextNow offers unlimited free talk and text nationwide, as well as what it calls Free Essential Data, which would allow me to check my email and use rideshare apps and maps – again for free with a one-time purchase of a SIM card which is $4.99.
Easy SIM setup and Free Essential Data
Credit: Michelle Kehm
After downloading the app, I was told to transfer my existing phone number to TextNow or choose a new number with any national code I wanted, a nice bonus. I chose to keep my old number, which will be transferred once I activate their SIM card. Meanwhile, I was given instant access to free calls and texts through the app over WiFi with a temporary number.
Since I was looking for another cell phone plan from a major carrier, ordering a SIM card for a one-time fee of $4.99 was a no-brainer. When my SIM arrived in the mail, I inserted it into my phone and went through the easy setup.
Mashable Light Speed
The TextNow SIM was what allowed me to make calls and texts from almost anywhere, with the same coverage as my major carrier. My calls were trouble-free, and the sound quality was solid. It’s worth noting that you don’t use your native dialer when using TextNow – all comms go through the app – so usage felt a little different at first, but I quickly got used to it and was able to send pictures, sushi emojis, and a cat. GIFs in my texts, and get voicemails from dad.
The SIM also enabled TextNow’s Free Essential Data plan, which lets me check my email from the grocery store checkout line, plot my route to the nearest tea place, and even book a ride to get there.
Additional data and a 5G network seal the deal
Credit: Michelle Kehm
Using TextNow’s basic free services may be enough for some people, but I usually need more data when working out of pocket. On those days, TextNow offers a 1-hour unlimited pass for $.99, a 24-hour unlimited pass for $4.99, or a monthly unlimited pass for $39.99.
I love the flexibility of these options; I don’t always have to commit to a monthly plan to get the service I need. Instead, I can just upgrade for a few hours or a day when needed. I opted for the ad-free month pass and was able to download a PDF of work, scroll through social media, and even listen to a podcast episode while I was at the dog park. I honestly forgot I was using TextNow mobile data and not my previous carrier – probably because TextNow uses the largest 5G network in the country for coverage.
A mobile app that saves you a lot of money
Credit: Michelle Kehm
Overall, TextNow works like any other mobile carrier but has in-app ads in most apps (that’s the free way). It’s a win-win for students on a budget, parents looking for a free phone plan for their teens, and budget-conscious data nerds like me.
I think I may have finally found a solution to my mobile budget conundrum. TextNow has proven to be a reliable option for my major carrier, and even if I buy a monthly pass for $39.99, I’ll be saving money, considering my major carrier recently increased the cost of my monthly plan and additional fees. Using TextNow, I can manage my data costs, starting at $0. By saving like that, I can treat myself to matcha lattes again and still stick to my budget.