The short answer
TextNow is built around a free US number with ads on its app. HalaPhone is built for calling mobiles and landlines in 200+ countries from your browser, with live per-minute prices, prepaid credit and optional US or Canada numbers you can manage from anywhere.
HalaPhone vs TextNow at a glance
| Feature | HalaPhone | TextNow |
|---|---|---|
| Main focus | International calls to any phone | Free US calling and texting |
| App needed | No, works in the browser | App or web, account required |
| Call mobiles and landlines abroad | Yes, 200+ countries | Paid international credit |
| Billing | Prepaid credit, pay per minute | Free with ads, paid add ons |
| Price shown before calling | Yes, live per-minute rate | Check its rate list |
| US and Canada numbers | Rent from your balance | Free number, can be reclaimed if inactive |
| Ads | No ads | Ad supported free plan |
| Use your own number as caller ID | Yes, after SMS confirmation | No |
Based on public information at the date above. Check each provider for current details.
Why people look for a TextNow alternative
TextNow is popular for a free US number, but people often look elsewhere when they need to call phone numbers in other countries, want no ads, or do not want their number reclaimed after a period of inactivity.
Why HalaPhone is a strong TextNow alternative
HalaPhone is a web dialer for calling any mobile or landline worldwide from Chrome, Safari, Edge or Firefox. The person you call answers on their normal phone and does not need an app.
- Live per-minute price for every country before you dial
- Top up from $10 with no subscription
- Calls stop at your balance, so there are no surprise bills
- Rent a US or Canadian number for caller ID and incoming texts
- Use your existing mobile number as caller ID
- No ads in the dialer
Which one should you pick?
- Pick TextNow if you mostly text and call inside the US and want a free number
- Pick HalaPhone if you call other countries often and want clear per-minute prices
- Pick HalaPhone if you want a paid number that stays yours while you keep it renewed
Compare international call rates yourself
Open our rates page, search the country you call most, and compare the mobile and landline price before you buy credit.
Questions people ask
What is the best TextNow alternative for international calls?
HalaPhone is built for international calling: it calls mobiles and landlines in 200+ countries from your browser, with the live per-minute price shown before you dial.
Can I use HalaPhone outside the US?
Yes. HalaPhone works in a browser wherever you have internet, and you can rent a US or Canadian number from abroad.
Does HalaPhone have ads?
No. You pay per minute from prepaid credit and the dialer has no ads.
Can I receive texts on a HalaPhone number?
Yes. Rented US and Canadian numbers can receive SMS in a private inbox at $0.01 per message. Sending texts is not supported.
