TextNow is a popular app that allows users to make free phone calls and send free texts using their existing phone number. It utilizes WiFi to provide these services, making it a great option for staying connected without paying cellular carrier fees.
However, TextNow may be blocked or restricted in some countries. This is where a VPN comes in handy. A VPN allows you to bypass geographic restrictions by masking your IP address and letting you appear as if you‘re accessing the internet from another location.
In this guide, we‘ll cover the top 10 best VPNs to use with TextNow in 2024 based on factors like speed, security, reliability, and more. We‘ve tested and reviewed dozens of VPN services to determine which ones are the best fit for TextNow users.
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Why You Need a VPN for TextNow
There are a few key reasons why a VPN is recommended for TextNow users:
- Accessibility – As mentioned, TextNow may be blocked or restricted in certain countries. A VPN allows you to bypass these restrictions by changing your virtual location.
- Privacy – TextNow doesn‘t encrypt communications end-to-end. A VPN provides an extra layer of security and anonymity for your browsing when using TextNow.
- Public WiFi Security – When connected to public WiFi, a VPN shields you from potential hacking, malware, and other security threats.
- Unblocking Content – A VPN can help you access restricted websites, streaming platforms, and other online content that may be blocked where you live.
10 Best VPNs for TextNow in 2024
Based on extensive testing and research, these 10 VPNs stand out as the top services to use with TextNow:
1. NordVPN
NordVPN is our top overall recommendation for TextNow users. This Panama-based provider has an enormous server network with over 5,500 servers spread across 60 countries. Speeds are consistently fast, allowing for smooth performance with TextNow‘s calling and messaging.
NordVPN has industry-leading security features like AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, malware blocking, and a strict no-logs policy. You can connect up to 6 devices simultaneously on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and more.
For the best value, go for the 2-year plan which comes out to only $3.29 per month. NordVPN offers a generous 30-day money back guarantee so you can test it out risk-free.
Pros
- Blazing fast speeds for HD calls & texts
- 5,600+ servers in 60+ countries
- Advanced security features
- Allows 6 devices to connect
- 30-day money back guarantee
Cons
- Longer 2-year plan provides best value
2. Surfshark
Next on our list is Surfshark, a fast and secure VPN service based in the British Virgin Islands. It offers over 3,200 servers in 100+ countries, providing many options to evade geographic blocks for TextNow.
One standout feature is Surfshark‘s unlimited device connections. Most VPNs limit you to 5-10 connected devices, but with Surfshark you can protect all your gadgets on a single account. Strong encryption, a kill switch, and a private DNS all help to safeguard your privacy and security.
Surfshark consistently scored well in our speed tests, making it great for TextNow‘s calling and messaging functionality. Apps are available for all major platforms. Subscriptions start at $2.49/month for the 2-year plan.
Pros
- Fast speeds with unlimited devices
- 3,200+ servers in 65 countries
- Apps for all platforms
- 30-day money back guarantee
Cons
- Based outside of privacy-friendly jurisdictions
3. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN has been a reliable and fast performer in our testing over the years. With 3,000+ servers in 94 countries, you‘ll have no shortage of options to evade TextNow blocks. Connect up to 5 devices simultaneously across Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and more.
We recorded some of the fastest VPN speeds to date using ExpressVPN, making it ideal for TextNow‘s smooth performance. You get top-notch security from AES-256 encryption, leak protection, and their strict no-logging policy.
The downside is ExpressVPN is a bit pricier than other services at $8.32/month for a 1-year subscription. However, there‘s also a risk-free 30-day money back guarantee.
Pros
- Blazing fast speeds
- 3,000+ servers in 94 countries
- Strong security & privacy
- Apps for all major platforms
- 30-day money back guarantee
Cons
- More expensive subscription plans
4. Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a solid mid-range VPN option for TextNow users. You can choose from over 10,000 servers in 78 countries to bypass geo-blocks and access TextNow securely. Up to 10 devices can connect simultaneously.
We measured some of the lowest ping times using PIA, indicating very fast and stable speeds. There‘s 256-bit AES encryption keeping your data secure along with a kill switch and ad/malware blocking. No usage logs are retained.
While not the cheapest, PIA‘s plans are more budget-friendly than other top VPNs at $2.69/month for the longer 1-year subscription. Each plan has a 30-day money back guarantee.
Pros
- 10,000+ servers in 78 countries
- Ultra-low latency speeds
- Allows 10 device connections
- No usage logs
- 30-day money back guarantee
Cons
- Fewer premium features than top VPNs
5. CyberGhost
CyberGhost is another good VPN option that works well with TextNow. It boasts over 7,400 servers in 91 countries, offering many choices to avoid geo-restrictions. Up to 7 devices can be connected at once with CyberGhost.
During testing, we found average to above-average speeds with CyberGhost. Performance was perfectly suitable for making TextNow calls and sending messages without lag or buffering. There‘s 256-bit AES encryption and protocols like OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPSec for security.
Subscription pricing is very competitive starting at just $2.15/month for 3-years. CyberGhost provides a 45-day money back window to test out the service.
Pros
- 7,400+ servers in 91 countries
- Allows 7 simultaneous connections
- Strong 256-bit AES encryption
- 45-day money back guarantee
Cons
- Slightly slower speeds than top VPNs
6. TunnelBear
TunnelBear is a fast, easy-to-use VPN that works well across various devices and operating systems. It boasts over 1,000 servers across 20 different countries – more than enough options to access TextNow.
During our analysis, we recorded low latency and impressively fast speeds using TunnelBear. This bodes very well for making calls and texting without lag on TextNow. There‘s also bank-grade AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and other security features.
One advantage is TunnelBear offers a free plan, but this only gives you 500MB per month. The unlimited paid plans start at an affordable $3.33/month. Each plan comes with a 30-day money back guarantee.
Pros
- Fast speeds with low latency
- 1,000+ servers in 20 countries
- Free 500MB/month plan
- 30-day money back guarantee
Cons
- Smaller server network than some VPNs
7. IPVanish
IPVanish is a Tier-1 VPN provider located in the US that also works well with TextNow. It boasts 1,900+ servers in 75+ locations, giving you many options to evade blocks and access TextNow.
During tests, IPVanish delivered consistently fast speeds – on par with the fastest VPNs in this list. This results in clear, uninterrupted calling and texting through TextNow. Maximum security comes from 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and a zero-logs policy.
Pricing is a bit high compared to other top VPNs at $8.99/month for an annual plan. However, IPVanish does offer a 30-day money back guarantee on all subscriptions.
Pros
- 1,900+ fast servers worldwide
- Top-notch 256-bit AES encryption
- Zero-logs policy
- 30-day money back guarantee
Cons
- More expensive subscription pricing
8. HideMyAss
HideMyAss (HMA) made our list as an affordable, easy-to-use VPN for TextNow. Although server numbers are lower than some competitors at just 1,000, these servers are located across 190 countries to help you bypass restrictions.
In testing, we found HMA delivered solid speeds for making calls and messaging through TextNow. There‘s industry-standard 256-bit AES encryption along with protocols like OpenVPN and IKEv2. HideMyAss maintains a strict no-logs privacy policy.
One advantage here is cost – HMA comes in at just $2.99/month for a 3-year plan. You can connect up to 5 devices simultaneously. Each plan also comes with a 30-day money back guarantee.
Pros
- 1,000+ servers in 190 countries
- Budget-friendly plans
- 256-bit AES encryption
- 30-day money back guarantee
Cons
- Smaller server network than competitors
9. VyprVPN
VyprVPN is a fast and secure VPN option for TextNow users. It boasts 700+ servers across 70+ worldwide locations. Up to 5 devices can connect simultaneously.
During testing, VyprVPN delivered impressive speeds – more than enough performance for TextNow‘s calling and messaging to work smoothly. 256-bit AES encryption secures your connection along with VyprVPN‘s zero-knowledge DNS and NAT Firewall for added security.
Pricing is a little high at $6.67/month for 1 year, but VyprVPN does offer a risk-free 30-day money back guarantee on all plans. An affordable 3-day trial costs just $1.66 if you want to test VyprVPN first.
Pros
- 700+ fast servers worldwide
- 256-bit AES encryption
- 30-day money back guarantee
- 3-day trial for $1.66
Cons
- More expensive subscription plans
- Smaller server network than some VPNs
10. Windscribe
Last on our list is Windscribe – a capable, mid-range VPN option for accessing TextNow. It hosts over 400 servers in 60 countries. While a smaller network than top competitors, it‘s still enough to avoid TextNow restrictions.
Windscribe delivered solid speeds in our testing, sufficient for TextNow‘s functionality to work well. There‘s AES-256 encryption securing your connection along with added features like split tunneling, firewall, and ad blocking.
One advantage is Windscribe has a completely free plan. The paid pro plan costs a reasonable $4.08/month. You can connect unlimited devices on either plan and take advantage of a 30-day money back guarantee.
Pros
- 400+ servers in 60 countries
- Free plan available
- AES-256 encryption
- Unlimited connections
- 30-day money back guarantee
Cons
- Smaller VPN server network
- Fewer premium features
Summary – The Best TextNow VPNs
| VPN | Rating |
|---|---|
| NordVPN | 🏆 Best Overall VPN for TextNow |
| Surfshark | 🥈 Excellent Alternative |
| ExpressVPN | 🥉 Fast Speeds |
| Private Internet Access | 💰 Most Affordable |
To recap, if you want the best all-around VPN for TextNow that combines speed, security, reliability, and ease of use – go with NordVPN.
Surfshark is an excellent (and more affordable) alternative. ExpressVPN has the fastest speeds for the smoothest TextNow performance. And Private Internet Access provides strong privacy at budget-friendly pricing.
Why You Should Use a VPN With TextNow
There are a few compelling reasons why using a VPN is recommended when using the TextNow app:
- Bypass Geographic Restrictions – As mentioned, TextNow is restricted or blocked in some countries. A VPN allows you to change your virtual location and access TextNow anywhere.
- Enhanced Privacy – TextNow communications are not end-to-end encrypted. A VPN provides an extra layer of privacy and security when using the app.
- Public WiFi Security – Connecting to open WiFi can expose you to hacking, snooping, malware and more. A VPN keeps you secure on any public hotspot.
- Unblock Websites & Apps – Beyond just TextNow, a VPN also lets you access blocked websites, streaming platforms, social media, and other apps.
- Hide Internet Activity – VPNs mask your IP address and online activities from your ISP, government, and third parties.
Using a fast, secure VPN like NordVPN or Surfshark provides all of these protections and more when using TextNow.
How to Setup a VPN for TextNow
Setting up a VPN for TextNow only takes a few quick steps:
- Select a top-rated VPN provider from this list like NordVPN or Surfshark.
- Create an account and download & install the VPN app.
- Log into the VPN app and connect to a server in a country where TextNow works.
- Once connected, launch the TextNow app and use it as normal.
The VPN will encrypt your connection, mask your IP, and allow TextNow access by changing your virtual location to an unrestricted country.
It‘s easiest to install the VPN app directly onto the device you use for TextNow. That way both apps are protected by your encrypted VPN connection.
Be sure to always have the VPN active before launching and using TextNow. This prevents any data leaks or IP exposure.
Why Free TextNow VPNs Aren‘t Recommended
You‘ll notice we didn‘t include any free VPNs in this list. While there are some free TextNow VPN options, we don‘t generally recommend them.
Here‘s why free VPNs should be avoided:
- Limited features – Free VPNs provide barebones functionality with lots of missing security tools.
- Slower speeds – Free tiers throttle your bandwidth, resulting in laggy TextNow performance.
- Data caps – Most free VPNs limit you to just 500MB-2GB per month, not enough for regular TextNow usage.
- Privacy concerns – Many free VPNs log activity and sell user data. Paid VPNs have stricter no-logging policies.
- Limited server locations – Free VPNs give you very few location options to bypass TextNow blocks.
The best VPNs for private, unlimited TextNow usage are premium services like NordVPN and Surfshark. Their paid plans deliver better speeds, more features, and greater overall value.
The Bottom Line
TextNow is a very useful app for free calling and messaging when you connect via WiFi. However, it may be blocked or restricted depending on your geographic location.
Using a VPN allows you to bypass these restrictions by changing your virtual location. A quality VPN also enhances your privacy and security when using TextNow.
Of all the VPNs tested, NordVPN stands out as the best overall choice for TextNow users based on its combination of speed, security, reliability, and ease of use.
Sign up for NordVPN today to access TextNow wherever you are and keep your online activities private and secure.
