Whether you're looking for ways to activate TextNow when outside of the US or make your connections more private in the country itself, a VPN is a simple and effective all-in-one solution.
In the era when SMS messages and direct calls from your SIM card have become nearly obsolete, everyone appreciates a good VoIP service – especially a free one. TextNow is one such service, and although super convenient, it's not without flaws.
For a start, it's an ad-supported free phone app, so tracking, mapping, targeting, and other privacy-related activities are to be expected. Second, the service is available only in the US and Canada (... speaking of tracking and spying), so you won't be able to use it on your travels outside these two countries.
Luckily, these privacy and availability concerns can be solved easily with a Virtual Private Network (VPN). This article brings you the best of the best VPNs for TextNow. All you need to do is pick the one that's most suitable for you. We highlight their standout features relevant to the communication apps and the best ways you can put them to use.
What's the best VPN for TextNow?
The following VPNs are all stellar choices for TextNow. However, each of them comes with a specific list of benefits and features suitable for different crowds. We entrust the final choice to you, as you're the best person to match specific VPN features with your personal needs.
- ExpressVPN - The best VPN for TextNow Privacy leader with an impressive US server network. Comes with premium features and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- NordVPN - The best buy VPN for TextNow. Highly customizable, secure, and super fast VPN, ideal for all your VoIP calls, streaming, gaming, and more.
- Surfshark - The best multi-device VPN for TextNow. Chart-topping speeds, with a vast server network, unlimited simultaneous connections, and cheap (long-term) plans.
- Private Internet Access - The cheapest reliable VPN for accessing TextNow from outside the US. Tens of thousands of servers in the US and worldwide, and a court-proven zero-logs policy.
- PrivateVPN - Beginner-friendly VPN for TextNow. Comes with easy-to-use apps and affordable plans, making it ideal for new TextNow users. Offers a free trial for all your devices.
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Our key parameters for choosing the best TextNow VPNs:
- Top-notch privacy and security standards
- Servers in the US, Canada, and worldwide
- Fast and reliable connections
- User-friendly interface and professional 24/7 customer support
- Available for all platforms with multiple simultaneous connections
- Good value for money (fulfills its promises at an affordable rate)
TEST WINNER ExpressVPN | NordVPN | Surfshark | Private Internet Access | PrivateVPN | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Website | ExpressVPN | NordVPN | Surfshark | Private Internet Access | PrivateVPN |
Ranking for TextNow | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
Performance | 10 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 7 |
Reliability | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 |
Free trial | |||||
Total servers | 3000 | 6200 | 3200 | 3386 | 200 |
Payment | PayPal Visa/MasterCard Amex Cryptocurrency | PayPal Visa/MasterCard Amex Cryptocurrency | PayPal Visa/MasterCard Amex Cryptocurrency | PayPal Visa/MasterCard Amex Cryptocurrency | PayPal Visa/MasterCard Amex Cryptocurrency |
Unblocks: | Netflix iPlayer Disney+ Amazon Prime Hulu | Netflix iPlayer Disney+ Amazon Prime Hulu | Netflix iPlayer Disney+ Amazon Prime Hulu | Netflix iPlayer Disney+ Amazon Prime Hulu | Netflix iPlayer Disney+ Amazon Prime Hulu |
Supported platforms | Windows macOS iOS Android | Windows macOS iOS Android | Windows macOS iOS Android | Windows macOS iOS Android | Windows macOS iOS Android |
The best VPNs for TextNow: Detailed analysis
The above VPN highlights may not be sufficient if you're searching for a long-term subscription. In that case, you should really think about your choice carefully. So, let's dig into the important privacy, security, and performance characteristics of the best VPNs for TextNow, and see what additional useful features you can get for your money.
ExpressVPN is the best VPN for beating TextNow geographical restrictions and making your conversations more private. It ticks all of the right boxes, with blazing-fast speeds, advanced security features, audited no-logs policy, and servers everywhere. ExpressVPN Demo ExpressVPN is our #1 recommendation for TextNow and similar online services due to its unparalleled security, privacy, and performance features. Let's delve into why ExpressVPN is the best VPN for this communication platform and its overall value for money. ExpressVPN uses robust AES-256 encryption, which features industry-leading encryption standards perfect for your security, without compromising on performance. This ensures that all your TextNow communications are hidden from hackers, spying agencies, and other snoopers. ExpressVPN also enables you to choose between the best VPN protocols available, including OpenVPN and its proprietary Lightway protocol, designed for enhanced speed and reliability. TrustedServer technology runs on RAM only, ideal for your privacy The service was among the first to launch the TrustedServer technology, which runs on RAM only – abandoning hard drives. This means all data gets regularly wiped from the servers, preventing any third parties from getting it. An advanced kill-switch, known as Network Lock, stops all internet traffic if your VPN connection drops for any reason, eliminating even the slightest chance of data leaks. ExpressVPN follows a strict no-logs policy, verified by independent audits on a couple of different occasions. This means the service doesn't keep track of your online activities, keeping your TextNow conversations entirely private. ExpressVPN boasts a vast server network encompassing 105 countries
across the globe, offering plenty of options to find an optimum connection for TextNow. Thanks to such extensive server spread, strong geo-spoofing capabilities, and the Lightway protocol, the service is also perfect for streaming Netflix, gaming, and other data-intensive tasks. The above features also ensure blazing connection speeds, minimizing latency and buffering with all your online activities. This is crucial for ensuring clear voice and video calls with VoIP services like TextNow. I am personally very satisfied with how ExpressVPN handles TextNow, WhatsApp, and Viber in my country. Beyond the most popular platforms (Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux), ExpressVPN supports a long list of routers, smart TVs, and gaming consoles. You also get sleek browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, so you can control the VPN directly from your browser when needed. This broad compatibility ensures you can secure your TextNow usage in your entire home. On top of the above cutting-edge VPN solutions, you also get the following advanced functionalities: ExpressVPN is considered to be at the higher end of the price spectrum, even among the most renowned VPN services. However, the premium VPN service that you get justifies its price tag, ensuring both robust security features and exceptional performance. For those on a budget, the VPN frequently offers promotions and a 30-day money-back guarantee is also available, allowing you to test it risk-free before committing long-term – and it's worth noting that its long-term plan is the cheapest. NordVPN offers over 6,000 speedy servers across the globe, including the US and Canada. Works with most communication and entertainment platforms. Nord Demo NordVPN is another stellar VPN choice for TextNow. It ensures excellent performance, a rich set of features, and great privacy thanks to its Panama headquarters. Let's break down all NordVPN’s benefits, particularly those relevant to using it with TextNow. NordVPN's growing network of servers is truly impressive. It currently boasts over 6,200
servers in 111 countries
worldwide, and the number keeps growing. Such server presence ensures users can find a server for the best TextNow performance from nearly any place on earth, ensuring minimal latency and stable connections. NordVPN is famous for its chart-topping speeds, supported by its own NordLynx protocol, carefully built around the WireGuard protocol's greatest advantages. Thanks to this, your TextNow calls and messages are transmitted instantly, without interruptions. Besides, our daily speed tests align with consistent user reports that NordVPN offers smooth performance with very little downtime. This reliability is crucial for seamless voice and video calls on TextNow. It also ensures you can extend NordVPN usage over your favorite streaming platforms, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, and HBO Max. Advanced NordVPN features, such as obfuscation and Double VPN, can be particularly useful in regions with prominent government surveillance. They allow users to access TextNow with peace of mind, even in countries that block VPNs. Obfuscation provides stealth servers, hiding your VPN usage altogether, and Double VPN provides an extra layer of encryption and IP address scramble. While using these two features together might slow down your connection to an extent, they are perfect for users prioritizing privacy above everything else. More than a VPN protection, you also get protected from malware for free On top of that, you can toggle NordVPN's CyberSec to block annoying ads, trackers, and even potentially malicious sites. This means fewer distractions and privacy intrusions on TextNow, along with free protection against phishing or malware. Split tunneling is also available for those who wish to separate their VPN and non-VPN online traffic. For example, you can route your TextNow calls and messages through the VPN while accessing your local bank app directly, optimizing your device's performance. NordVPN is based in Panama, offering a great privacy advantage at the start, since the country has favorable privacy laws. Panama does not force data retention, which further supports NordVPN's commitment to its strict zero-logs policy. So your data exchange through TextNow is as confidential as it can be. The company has been independently audited on four different occasions. The latest audit happened in 2024 by Deloitte, providing the highest level of assurance that even the most privacy-conscious users can't deny. For users looking to further customize their privacy, NordVPN offers Onion Over VPN servers. This feature routes your traffic through the anonymous Tor network, adding an extra layer of encryption and making it even more difficult to trace you online. Despite being a privacy leader, NordVPN offers a range of plans that suit every pocket, especially if you opt for a long-term subscription that significantly reduces the cost. You also get a 30-day allowance to check out the service, which is great for folks who are fond of the rule "try it before you buy it". Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections for all your mobile and desktop devices. It is a feature-rich yet budget-friendly VPN. Surfshark Demo Surfshark stands out as an excellent VPN choice for TextNow users due to its lightning-fast speeds, comprehensive set of features, and exceptional value for money. Here's a detailed look at what makes Surfshark a great VPN for TextNow. Surfshark is currently one of the fastest VPNs on the market, making it a great choice for bandwidth-intensive online activities like streaming, gaming, and, importantly, VoIP services like TextNow. The VPN maintains thousands of strategically placed servers across 100 countries
worldwide. This wide distribution ensures users always have a nearby server to choose from, which is crucial for achieving fast speeds. Speedy, 10 Gbps servers worldwide The servers are regularly maintained and come with 10 Gbps ports, which ensure the most efficient data processing and transfer rates. Besides, Surfshark supports the WireGuard protocol, the latest and greatest VPN protocol, renowned for its speed and security. WireGuard provides faster connection times and improved speeds compared to its predecessors, like OpenVPN and IKEv2, thanks to its streamlined codebase. The CleanWeb feature can also indirectly improve your online speeds by blocking ads and malicious links and, therefore, unburdening your device. This is perfect for apps that distribute ads to earn money, including TextNow. Surfshark comes with industry-leading security features, such as the kill-switch and obfuscation (mentioned above), but it also includes its very own groundbreaking Nexus technology. Nexus features represent a significant step forward in VPN server connection and use by allowing users to connect to the entire server network rather than to specific servers, further improving your VPN performance and privacy. By routing traffic through the most efficient paths within its Nexus network, Surfshark provides faster speeds and more stable connections, ideal for activities like streaming, gaming, and apps like TextNow. Considering the robust security features, privacy protections, and additional functionalities like ad blocking and malware protection, Surfshark offers exceptional value for money. This makes it an attractive option for those looking for a high-quality VPN service without breaking the bank, especially for its long-term plans. Surfshark is one of the very few VPNs that allow unlimited simultaneous connections on a single account, making it an ideal choice for families and tech-savvy individuals. With its 30-day money-back guarantee, you can try Surfshark risk-free and compare it head-to-head to other providers on this list to see if it meets your needs for TextNow and your other favorite platforms. Private Internet Access (PIA) is the cheapest private VPN for TextNow on this list. It comes with a huge US server network and advanced privacy features. PIA Demo Private Internet Access (PIA) is the most renowned US VPN service and it balances privacy, a vast server network, and value for money, making it a suitable option for all TextNow users, including beginners. Here’s what you can expect. PIA is known for its firm stance on privacy, underscored by a strict no-logs policy, which was even proven in court on a couple of occasions. This means it does not collect or store any traffic or use data from its users, an essential feature for protecting the confidentiality of your TextNow communications. Another good piece of news is that its client software is entirely open-sourced, allowing anyone to inspect the code for security vulnerabilities. This transparency helps ensure that the software adheres to the highest security standards, contributing to user privacy. PIA provides robust AES-256 encryption, which is the gold standard of the industry. Users can also customize their encryption settings, choosing between advanced VPN protocols (OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard) and balancing between security needs and performance. PIA comes with tens of thousands of servers spread across 84 countries
worldwide. Significantly, most of these servers can be found in the United States. This extensive US coverage allows users to find a server that provides the best performance for TextNow easily, regardless of their location. Static IP addresses available For users requiring a consistent IP address, PIA offers a dedicated IP service. This feature can be very useful for avoiding the annoying CAPTCHAs, which you will commonly encounter with dynamic IP addresses because you're accessing a site with a different IP address. So you get smoother access to other services while using TextNow. PIA also offers plenty of dedicated P2P servers and port forwarding. These features are very beneficial for TextNow users who are also passionate torrenters in their free time, as they can both secure your torrents and reduce download times. PIA offers competitive pricing, with various subscription plans to fit different budgets. This makes it an attractive option for users looking for a high-quality VPN service without spending a lot of money. PIA allows you to connect to an unlimited number of devices simultaneously, so you can use TextNow securely across all your devices with a single subscription. Like the rest of the VPNs on this list, PIA provides a 30-day money-back guarantee, giving new users the chance to try their service risk-free. This demonstrates the company's confidence in its VPN service quality and offers peace of mind to potential subscribers. PrivateVPN is a smart option for VPN and/or TextNow beginners. It protects your online privacy without too much hustle and at a reasonable cost. Free trials are available. PrivateVPN Demo PrivateVPN is a privacy-focused VPN from Sweden, suitable for TextNow users because it combines strong privacy features, fast servers, and great value for money. Here's a breakdown of why PrivateVPN could be the right fit for you. PrivateVPN has a strict no-logs policy, meaning it does not store logs of user activities, including browsing history, traffic destination, data content, or DNS queries – making it ideal for privacy-conscious TextNow users. The service utilizes AES-256 encryption, which is the industry standard for securing data. This level of encryption ensures that your TextNow calls and messages are protected from eavesdropping. PrivateVPN provides IPv6 leak protection, so your real IP address remains hidden and protected while using TextNow, even if IPv6 requests are made. PrivateVPN is known for its ability to bypass geo-restrictions and VPN blocks imposed by streaming services. This capability makes it ideal for accessing global content libraries on platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and others, but it can also be very useful for your VoIP apps like TextNow. Servers optimized for streaming The service offers VPN servers optimized for streaming, ensuring faster speeds and more reliable connections. This ensures a smooth online experience without buffering, which can also benefit VoIP services like TextNow. With apps available for multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux, PrivateVPN allows you to use TextNow securely on a wide range of devices. The service is also very user-friendly, thanks to its intuitive and sleek apps for the mentioned popular platforms. This cross-platform support is also great for streaming your favorite shows on any device. With a single PrivateVPN subscription, you can connect up to 10 devices simultaneously. This offers excellent value, allowing you to secure all your household devices with TextNow installed without the additional VPN subscriptions. PrivateVPN provides a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to test their service risk-free. This confidence in its service quality offers peace of mind to users and underscores the VPN's value proposition. Free trials are also available for all your devices – you just need to contact its 24/7 customer support for the instructions. 1. ExpressVPN
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As secure as they come
Seamless performance
Premium features
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Worldwide usage
Wealth of features
Privacy leader
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Lightning-fast
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Open-source and transparent
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Cheap unlimited service
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Privacy features to match
Great for VoIP calls and streaming
Try it for free!
Methodology: Picking the best VPNs for TextNow
At ProPrivacy, we provide useful, accurate, and unbiased reviews of VPNs daily. We are able to do so thanks to our team of professionals who keep testing and comparing the leading VPNs on the market. It's worth noting as well that we only recommend the VPNs that we personally trust, we use privately, and to secure our work.
When picking the best VPNs for TextNow, our methodology focused on ensuring compatibility with TextNow, the highest levels of privacy, and a great overall performance. Here's our detailed approach to recommend VPNs for use with TextNow:
- Security features – All the VPNs in this article come with robust AES-256 encryption and the choice of advanced VPN protocols like OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard. Additional security features, such as a kill-switch, obfuscation, and DNS leak protection, are also available to protect you from inadvertent data leaks.
- Privacy policy – We carefully review the logging policies of our recommended VPNs to ensure they don't store user data. We give the advantage to VPNs with strict no-logs policies, ideally verified by independent audits.
- Server locations and performance – We evaluate the number and distribution of servers, particularly in North America, where TextNow is mostly used. The larger the server network, the less congestion and better VPN speeds. So, we test the VPNs for speed and latency to ensure high-quality calls through TextNow.
- Compatibility with different devices – Our team checks the VPN's compatibility with a wide range of devices and operating systems, including those on which TextNow is available, such as iOS (iOS 13.0 or higher) and Android (Android 7 and higher). The VPN should also be available for usage on multiple devices at once.
- Ease of use – A good TextNow VPN should come with a user-friendly interface, making it easy for users to pick a server, change settings, and try out advanced features without requiring particular technical knowledge.
- Customer support – The availability of polite and knowledgeable customer support is a valuable asset to a VPN. Our recommended VPNs come with live chat support, email contacts, and comprehensive guides and FAQs on the VPN’s website. This ensures peace of mind in case you run into a bump on your VPN road.
- Value for money – We compare subscription prices, payment options, and the availability of free trials and money-back guarantees. Assess the features included in the price to determine the VPN's overall value for money.
- Reputation – We keep an eye on user reviews and various expert opinions to gauge the general satisfaction with the VPN service. We value user feedback and look specifically for comments from users who are regularly using VPNs for VoIP services like TextNow.
How to use your TextNow outside the US with a VPN
Using a VPN to enable and secure your TextNow communications outside of the US may sound like a complex task suitable for tech experts, but in reality, it requires only a few clicks on your phone. Follow these steps to get optimum protection for all your TextNow communications, both at home and on your vacation.
How to set up a VPN for TextNow:
- Choose a reputable VPN with servers in the US – with advanced privacy and security features, excellent device compatibility, and great overall value for money.
- Sign up and download the VPN app on your device, following the provided installation guide. The VPNs above are all super easy to set up.
- Select a server in the US (as close as possible to you) and press connect.
That's it. You're all set up to use TextNow anywhere in the world. For added peace of mind, you can verify the VPN connection to ensure your conversations are secure and private. You can easily do it by verifying your new IP address and/or conducting leak tests.
Conclusion
While the individual user choice should depend on their own specific needs and preferences, there are a few key areas in which a VPN ideal for TextNow should excel to ensure optimal experience. Based on the methodology outlined above, here's the rundown of our recommended VPN services for TextNow:
FAQs: The best VPNs for TextNow