Can you talk on TextFree?
What is TextFree?
TextFree is a free texting app that allows users to send and receive text messages over WiFi without using their mobile minutes (source). The app was created by Pinger Inc. and launched in 2009. It is available for iOS and Android smartphones and tablets.
With TextFree, users are assigned a free US phone number that can be used for calling and texting other TextFree users or regular mobile/landline numbers in the US and Canada. The app uses your phone’s WiFi or data connection so you don’t use any minutes from your carrier’s cellular plan.
TextFree makes money through placing ads in the app and charges extra for advanced features like international texting and voicemail transcripts. But the basic texting and calling capabilities are completely free as long as you have an internet connection.
Voice and Video Calling Features
TextFree offers voice calling through Voice over IP (VoIP) technology. This allows users to make phone calls over the internet using WiFi or mobile data (source). Users can call other TextFree users for free or call mobile phones and landlines starting at low rates. The app provides a virtual phone number that can be used to receive inbound calls as well.
In addition to voice calling, TextFree also offers free video calling between TextFree users. This allows you to not only hear but see the person you are talking to. Video calling requires a strong WiFi or cellular connection for optimal performance (source).
Overall, the ability to make VoIP voice and video calls directly within the app makes TextFree a versatile communication platform.
Quality of Voice Calls
The quality of voice calls on TextFree can vary depending on the strength of your data connection. TextFree uses VoIP technology to route calls, which means call quality is dependent on having a stable internet connection. According to reviews on TrustRadius, many users report good call quality on wifi and 4G LTE networks. However, the quality can suffer if connecting on a weak 3G network or when transitioning between wifi and cellular data.
One TrustRadius reviewer states, “Call quality is great when you have a good connection. If you have a poor connection, quality suffers.” Overall, as long as you have a reliable high-speed data connection, TextFree voice calls should provide decent HD call quality comparable to other VoIP apps like Skype or WhatsApp calling.
Group Calling
TextFree allows users to start conference calls with multiple participants. This feature enables having group conversations over voice with up to 5 people at once. To start a conference call on TextFree, first call one contact. Once they answer, tap the add call button and dial the next participant. After they answer, tap the merge calls button to combine the calls into a conference. You can repeat this process to add up to 5 total participants. The conference calling feature is available on both iOS and Android devices.
According to the TextFree Support article “How to make conference and three-way calls within TextFree,” users can “dial the phone number provided by the meeting requester, and meeting ID (if applicable) to call into a conference call using your TextFree number.” This allows joining larger conference calls hosted on third-party services.
Video Calling
TextFree does not currently offer video calling features. According to TextFree’s support site, “TextFree does not offer video calling at this time. Video calling is generally only supported by contacts who also have the same service.” Source
Another TextFree support article states, “The Web version of TextFree does not support placing or receiving phone/video calls. It is solely for Web-based messaging.” Source
While TextFree does not have its own native video calling, users can still video chat through third-party apps like Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, FaceTime, etc. However, both callers would need to have the same third-party app installed to video chat. TextFree itself does not support video calling capabilities at this time.
International Calling
TextFree allows users to call international phone numbers in over 100 countries. To call an international number, you dial +1 followed by the country code and phone number. For example, to call a number in India you would dial +91 followed by the 10-digit phone number [1]. International calling rates vary depending on the destination country.
One of the major benefits of TextFree is the ability to call international numbers for free using Wi-Fi. This provides significant cost savings compared to traditional carriers that charge high fees for international calls. Using TextFree over Wi-Fi allows users to keep in touch with friends and family abroad at no cost.
However, international calling over cellular data is charged per minute based on the destination. These rates are still lower than most major carriers. Check the TextFree website for the latest international calling rates.
Overall, the international calling capabilities provide TextFree users affordable and convenient options for staying connected globally.
Calling Limits
TextFree does impose some limits on call durations to ensure quality of service across their large userbase. According to TextFree’s support article, users are limited to no more than 1000+ messages sent per day, no more than 100+ new conversations per day sent to 100+ different contacts per day.
This means very long calls approaching the 1000+ minute mark per day could potentially be terminated by TextFree to ensure network quality for all users. However, for most practical usage, TextFree offers essentially unlimited free calling without set per-call timers or hard limits.
Call Reliability
TextFree relies on a data connection for calls, so reliability can be an issue if the data signal is lost or becomes unstable. According to reviews on Capterra, users report occasional issues with dropped calls or poor audio quality when the data connection falters. This seems especially prone to happening if on a weak WiFi network or in an area with spotty cellular data coverage.
The reliability challenges are not unique to TextFree, as any voice over IP calling app faces similar struggles. However, traditional cell network calling may have somewhat more consistent uptime. So users that require extremely dependable service for critical calls may want to keep a backup cell plan active.
Audio Quality
Studies have found that VoIP call quality can be comparable or even better than traditional cellular networks. According to a report by My Country Mobile, VoIP calls use wideband audio which provides excellent voice clarity. Cellular calls often use narrowband audio which can make voices sound more muffled in comparison. However, call quality on both VoIP and cellular depends on factors like network connectivity and congestion.
In optimal conditions, VoIP calls can provide HD voice quality and match or exceed the audio fidelity of cellular calls. But VoIP quality is more susceptible to network issues since it relies on internet connectivity. Cell networks are purpose-built for calls and can be more reliable. Overall, VoIP services like TextFree offer great call quality that should satisfy most users, but reliability may depend on your internet connection.
Cost Savings
One of the biggest benefits of TextFree is the ability to make free calls through data or Wi-Fi connections. As stated by the Textfree App – All about the original Texting App article, “People who ditch their expensive communication services save about $1,400 annually” by using free calling and texting apps like TextFree.
Because TextFree utilizes data or Wi-Fi for calls and texts rather than cellular minutes, it allows users to avoid costly cell phone bills. As long as you have an internet connection, you can call and text for free on TextFree. This makes it an extremely cost-effective alternative to traditional phone plans with limited minutes.
In addition to free calling and texting over data/Wi-Fi, TextFree also allows users to call international numbers for free through their app. Avoiding international calling fees can lead to even more significant savings for frequent international callers.
Overall, TextFree’s free calling and texting features offer users a way to dramatically reduce their phone bills while still enjoying convenient communication capabilities.