textPlus: Text Message + Call

Analysis by Norviv

I tend to judge a second-number app by a few practical questions: can I understand what it is for, will it work for the people I actually need to reach, and is it worth keeping alongside my usual messaging tools? textPlus: Text Message + Call is a social communication app from textPlus that combines texting and internet-based calling around a separate phone number. It is free to install, rated for Everyone, and has an average rating of 4.1 from around 546,000 ratings. That gives it a sizeable audience, but the more useful question is whether its particular mix suits your routine.

Start with the job you need it to do

I would consider textPlus if I wanted a second number for a clear, limited purpose: separating casual conversations from my main number, keeping a number for online listings, or staying in touch with contacts while relying on Wi-Fi. A second number can make those boundaries easier to manage, but it is not the same thing as replacing a mobile plan. The distinction matters: the app’s calling and texting depend on an internet connection, so I would not make it my only way to reach someone in situations where connectivity is uncertain.

For a realistic example, imagine you are selling a desk locally and expect messages from several interested people. Using a separate number for those conversations can keep your primary number out of the exchange. Once the sale is over, you can treat that channel as a distinct part of your communication life rather than mixing every new contact into your everyday number. That is a modest benefit, but it is exactly the kind of small boundary a second-number app can provide.

Where its approach is useful

The appeal here is not an elaborate social network; it is having messaging and calls together in one place. The app’s current version is 8.3.2, and the basic proposition is easy to grasp: use the app to communicate through a second number rather than treating it as another feed to check. For people who mainly need a straightforward contact channel, that focused role may be more useful than a broader app full of features they rarely touch.

It can also suit someone who wants to test a separate communication routine before committing to a more involved setup. I would first decide which people should have the number, then share it only for that purpose. That small bit of planning makes the second number easier to manage later. If you give it out everywhere immediately, the boundary you wanted may be harder to maintain.

Getting Started with textPlus

The first thing I noticed about textPlus is how simple it is to set up. You just download the app, create an account with your email, and you’re pretty much good to go. No need to fuss over complicated settings or configurations. It’s all about getting you connected as quickly as possible.

Once you’re inside, the interface feels intuitive and straightforward. You can easily navigate through the options, and everything is laid out in a way that feels familiar, even if you’re new to this kind of app. It’s like the developers took a look at what people really want and need, and just focused on that.

Features That Stand Out

What I really like about textPlus is the flexibility it offers. You get free texting and calling to anyone in the US and Canada, which is perfect if you're trying to cut down on your phone bill. And for those times when you need to reach someone internationally, textPlus offers affordable rates, so you won’t have to break the bank just to say a quick hello to your friend halfway across the world.

Another neat feature is the ability to earn credits. You can watch ads, complete offers, or even invite friends to join, and you’ll rack up credits that you can use for international calls. It’s like getting rewarded for doing what you’d normally do anyway, which is always a nice bonus.

Staying Connected

The quality of calls and texts through textPlus is surprisingly good. I was a bit skeptical at first, thinking there might be delays or poor sound quality. But honestly, it feels just like using a regular phone line. The calls are clear, and the texts send quickly with no noticeable lag.

One thing to keep in mind is that you’ll need a stable internet connection since it’s a VoIP service. So whether you’re on Wi-Fi or mobile data, make sure your connection is solid to avoid any hiccups during your conversations.

The Little Extras

textPlus also offers a variety of customization options. You can choose your own phone number, which is pretty cool if you want something unique or easy to remember. Plus, the app allows you to personalize your messaging experience with different themes and wallpapers.

And let’s not forget about the group messaging feature. Whether you’re planning a party or just want to keep in touch with a group of friends, it’s a breeze to use, making it easy to chat with multiple people at once without any confusion.

Choosing it over familiar alternatives

Compared with the messaging app you already use with close friends, textPlus has a different strength: it gives you a separate number and brings calls and texts into that same channel. A standard carrier line is usually the safer choice when you need dependable access beyond Wi-Fi, while a messaging service tied to existing contacts may be simpler if everyone you speak with already uses it. I see textPlus as a useful extra route, not an automatic replacement for either one.

There is a trade-off in asking people to contact you through a number they may not recognize. If you plan to use it with family or a regular group, tell them clearly which number is yours and ask them to save it. For one-off conversations, share it only when needed. This avoids the awkwardness of a message arriving from an unfamiliar number and makes the separation more intentional.

Budget, credits, and the small print of switching

The app is free, with optional in-app purchases ranging from $0.99 to $44.99 per item. That makes it possible to try the basic setup before spending, but I would still think about how I expect to use international calling. Earning credits through ads, offers, or invitations may work for occasional calls; it is less appealing if you want a predictable, uninterrupted way to call frequently. In that case, compare the likely cost and effort with other calling options before relying on it.

Switching also has a human cost, even when an app is easy to install. You have to tell the right people about the new number, keep track of which conversations belong there, and remember that app-based calls need a working internet connection. I would keep my existing contact route available during the transition rather than assuming everyone will immediately follow me to a new number.

For a low-friction trial, I would install it, choose one specific use for the number, and test a short conversation with a willing contact while connected to Wi-Fi. Then I would try it in the setting where I actually expect to use it, such as mobile data away from home. This simple check tells you more than a quick setup alone: you can judge whether the connection is steady enough and whether the second number feels convenient in daily use.

Who should look elsewhere

I would skip textPlus as a primary line if missing a call would create a serious problem, if I often have unreliable internet, or if I do not want to manage a second number. It is also a weaker fit when all of my regular contacts already use one shared messaging service and a separate number adds friction without solving a real problem. A conventional mobile plan is the more sensible choice when broad, dependable access matters more than keeping costs or numbers separate.

It may also not suit someone who dislikes ad-supported ways of earning calling credits or who wants a fixed, simple cost for frequent international calls. The important distinction is between occasional flexibility and a communication routine you depend on every day. I would try the free option first, then decide whether the way I use it justifies any optional spending rather than treating purchases as necessary from the outset.

Wrapping It Up

All in all, textPlus: Text Message + Call is a solid choice if you’re looking for a reliable, affordable, and easy-to-use app for texting and calling. It’s especially useful if you’re trying to save on phone bills or need a flexible option for international communication. Plus, the ability to earn credits just adds to the overall appeal.

So, if you’ve been on the hunt for a straightforward communication tool that doesn’t come with all the frills but delivers exactly what it promises, give textPlus a try. You might just find that it’s exactly what you’ve been missing in your app arsenal.

My recommendation

I would recommend giving it a try if a separate number solves a specific everyday problem, especially for casual contacts or occasional calls, and you are comfortable depending on Wi-Fi or mobile data. Its 50 million-plus installs show that many people have found a use for it, but that does not mean it fits every communication style. Start with one purpose, check that your contacts can reach you, and keep your usual option for situations where internet access is not dependable. If that balance sounds useful, textPlus is worth exploring; if you need one all-purpose line you can count on everywhere, I would choose a conventional phone service instead.