TextNow alternative: a real mobile number in 181 countries
TextNow is a calling and texting service that, according to its help center, can only be downloaded and used within North America. If you are elsewhere or need a number from another country, SMS Hallo rents real mobile numbers in 181 countries that you keep for as long as you renew.
What TextNow is
TextNow's help center says that within North America, with a data connection or Wi-Fi, you can download the TextNow app on Android or iOS and get a free number to call and text other North American numbers for free.
It also says TextNow is currently only available to be downloaded and used within North America, and that people outside North America cannot register for an account. Calling a local number outside North America requires buying International Long Distance credits.
TextNow sells an in-app purchase called Ad-Free+. According to its help center, it removes all ads from the app and adds features including locking in your number, receiving verification codes, call forwarding and voicemail transcription.
How SMS Hallo differs
SMS Hallo rents real mobile phone numbers (non-VoIP, in each country's local mobile format) in 181 countries. Every number includes unlimited incoming SMS, unlimited incoming calls, 500 outgoing SMS and 1,000 outgoing calling minutes per month; allowances reset every 30 days.
Receiving verification codes is part of every SMS Hallo number: codes are detected in the inbox and copied with one tap. You can sign up for SMS Hallo from any country.
Sign-up needs only an email and password: no SIM card, no ID documents and no local address. Prices start from $1.80 per month on the 12-month plan ($21.60 billed yearly), the same in every country, with no setup fees. You pay in USDT or USDC on Tron, BNB Chain, Polygon, Base or Solana.
Numbers are private: while you rent a number, only you see its messages, and inboxes are never published. You keep a number by renewing for 1, 3, 6 or 12 months at a time or by turning on auto-renew. After expiry a number may be given to someone else, so renew numbers linked to important accounts.
Guarantees
Every rental comes with three guarantees: a 7-day free replacement (swap for another number in the same country, up to 3 times), a 100% refund if the number does not work with the app you rented it for (request within 7 days), and a 7-day money-back guarantee if no call or SMS has been made or received on the number.
Who each is best for
TextNow suits people in North America who want a free number for everyday calls and texts with North American contacts, and who are comfortable with ads or choose to pay for Ad-Free+. It also offers wireless plans with a SIM card.
SMS Hallo suits people outside North America, or anyone who needs a number in one of 181 countries, especially to verify apps such as WhatsApp, Telegram or Google and keep receiving codes later.
How to get started with SMS Hallo
1. Create an SMS Hallo account with your email and a password.
2. Choose the country you need, pick a number and choose a 1-, 3-, 6- or 12-month plan. Prices for shorter plans are shown when you choose a number.
3. Pay in USDT or USDC, either from a prepaid wallet (minimum top-up $5) or directly for the number. The payment window shows the exact amount, the address or QR code and a 10-minute countdown; send the exact amount on the same network.
4. Enter the number in the app you want to verify and read the code in your SMS Hallo inbox, where codes are detected and can be copied with one tap.
5. For accounts you plan to keep, turn on auto-renew so the number stays yours.
| SMS Hallo | TextNow | |
|---|---|---|
| Where you can sign up | Anywhere; numbers in 181 countries | Within North America only |
| Number type | Real mobile numbers (non-VoIP) | — |
| Base price | From $1.80/month on the 12-month plan | Free number |
| Receiving verification codes | Included with every number | Listed as an Ad-Free+ feature |
| Sign-up | Email and password; no SIM, ID or address | App or website account |
| Guarantees | 7-day replacement, works-or-refund, 7-day money-back | — |
Frequently asked questions
Can I use TextNow outside the US and Canada?
TextNow's help center says it can only be downloaded and used within North America, and people outside North America cannot register.
Does TextNow receive verification codes?
TextNow lists receiving verification codes among the features of its Ad-Free+ in-app purchase.
Is SMS Hallo free?
No. It is a paid rental from $1.80 per month on the 12-month plan, with a 7-day money-back guarantee if the number has not been used.
Can I call and text from an SMS Hallo number?
Yes. Each number includes 500 outgoing SMS and 1,000 outgoing calling minutes per month from the browser dashboard, plus unlimited incoming SMS and calls.
Which countries can I get a number in?
181 countries, all at the same price.
Sources
Competitor facts verified on 2026-09-30.