We all use different types of text messaging, random chatting, stranger chat and social media apps to connect and chat with people online. Have you ever heard about Wi-Fi texting apps? If not, then we will be discussing Wi-Fi texting apps in this article.
Wifi texting apps are the best alternative to regular text messaging apps. Wi-Fi text messaging gives you more advanced features and is far better and more advanced than regular text messaging apps. These are cost-effective also, you don’t need to recharge your phone number with any SMS pack, only you need mobile data or wifi internet connection. Wifi texting apps also come with monthly subscriptions, so you can take the pack as per your requirements.
Wifi texting apps also provide some cool features like you can send voice calls and making video calls, sharing your location, sending emojis, GIFs and much more. You can also send multimedia like videos, images and audio files. These apps are compatible with all the platforms like Android and iOS. You can use these apps on your smartphone, tablet, or desktop.
Below we listed some best WiFi texting apps you can download for your smartphone or tablet and have a new experience.
What is Wi-Fi texting?
Wi-Fi texting is a concept or system that provides you the ability to send and receive text messages using a Wi-Fi connection instead of a regular cellular network connection. This can be done using a smartphone or tablet with a Wi-Fi connection, and a messaging app that supports Wi-Fi texting. Some examples of messaging apps that support Wi-Fi texting include iMessage, WhatsApp, and Facebook Messenger. Wi-Fi texting can be useful in areas where cellular service is poor or unavailable, or when trying to save on cellular data usage.
1 – RingCentral
RingCentral is our best choice when it comes to WiFi texting apps. It is one of the leading business cloud phone systems. By using this app you get a business number through which you can send voice, MMS, text and fax. You can collaborate with your team if you are using RingCentral in your company or organization to communicate better with them.
You can assign the tasks to your team properly and improve the efficiency of the work. You can customize tabs, task management, personal folders, embed apps and themes. RingCentral also lets you start a voice call or meeting within a few clicks.
Now let’s talk about features of RingCentral
Features
Business SMS – RingCentral provides business SMS for Microsoft teams. You can send messages to individuals or groups/teams.
Live video – You can set up meeting rooms for your remote teams and join a virtual meeting with live video chat. Your team members can easily join and exit from the live meeting.
Network connections – Both outbound and inbound calls use a WiFi connection or the specified calling minutes of your current data plan. RingCentral is partnered with almost all the major telecom companies of US, UK and Canada like AT&T.
Easy to switch – You can switch from video calls to phone calls without closing the conversation.
Compatibility – RingCentral is a HIPPA complaint app. It has different certifications – ISO 27001, 27017, 27028 and 22301. SO3 report and many other certifications make RingCentral one of the best WiFi texting apps.
Integration – It easily integrates with top CRMs like Zoho CRM, Hubspot, SugarCRM, SalesNexus, Salpo CRM, Salesforce etc.
Platforms supported – RingCentral supports mobile, desktop, website, iOS and Android.
Now let’s talk about some pros and cons of RingCentral
Pros
- You can trigger messages from your CRM
- Add new phone numbers and devices within a few minutes
- Build your own workflow with its Open APIs for client engagement
Cons
- Not easy for beginners to use
- Faxes may be unreadable sometimes
Pricing
The pricing of RingCentral starts from $20 for the core, $25 for the Advanced version and $35 for the Ultra version. All the plans are charged per user/ month and the billing is done annually. RingCentral is supported in more than 45 countries and their customer support is also satisfactory.
Website – ringcentral.com
2 – Hushed
Hushed is another phone number service provider that you can use for all your business purposes instead of giving your personal number details. This platform is very useful for making private wifi calls, sending text and images and managing multiple numbers.
Hushed Wifi texting app protects your data and privacy by providing you with a virtual phone number from the US, UK and Canada. You can also systematically segregate your personal and business calls and text messages as well. Isn’t it a good feature for a business to perform their operations via a virtual phone number without exposing the actual phone number?
Now let’s talk about some features of Hushed.
Features
SMS and MMS – You can send text, images, GIFs and audio files via the Hushed app and all your conversations are private and safe. Also, you can delete the text anytime without a trace.
Text auto replies – Respond to text messages received on your Hushed number automatically and define the rules and auto-responses.
Multiple numbers – Hushed lets you own as many numbers as you want and get rid of them when you no longer need them.
Multiple devices – You can use Hushed on multiple devices, simply login to your account, connect it with Wifi or mobile data and turn the device into your phone.
Compliance and security – The hushed wifi text app has two different privacy policies for the residents of Europe and California. Hushed also supports 4 new versions of end-to-end encryption.
Additional features – Some other important features of the Hushed wifi texting app are calling, call forwarding, call routing and custom voicemail greeting.
Supported platforms – This Wifi calling app works on both Android and iOS devices.
Now let’s talk about some pros of the Heshed Wi-Fi texting app
Pros
- Hushed comes with an auto-renewal option and it doesn’t include any expiry date in a higher plan.
- One of the best WiFi texting apps with only a one-time payment
- The higher plan comes with a Hushed credit of $1
Cons
- Sometimes you get logged out automatically, it could be a bug and hope the developers fixed this bug
- The lifetime plan doesn’t offer international calling
Pricing
You get a lifetime virtual phone number for just $25 isn’t it cheap? This plan offers you 6000 SMS and 1000 call minutes per year. These limits are auto-renewed every year.
Website – hushed.com
3 – TextFree
TextFree as the name of the app suggests that it is a free-to-use text messaging platform that works with internet connection or WiFi. It is available for Android and iOS both and is a popular WiFi texting application. You can also use this platform on desktop websites. You have to look for the area code and select the number which is suitable for you.
You can start video and voice calls using the TextFree platform. The texting is free on this app and it supports unlimited WiFi calls and texts with video and MMS. Isn’t it good to get such things for free? This app has been available in the market for a few years and it is popular worldwide that’s why it is on our list.
Now let’s talk about some features of the TextFree app:
Features
Unlimited free text messages – This platform allows you to send videos, images, emojis and texts for free. Both app and website platforms can be used to send media and text messages for free.
Voicemail to text – You can translate the voicemail into scripts for your convenience, so you can read it or skim through it when you can’t listen to the voicemail.
Send Group text messages – You can start a group chat and send text messages, videos, images and emojis to them in the group.
Custom phone number – You can choose the area code and acquire a unique virtual phone number for all purposes(personal or business).
Integration – This platform is compatible and can be integrated with the Helpdesk and Zendesk app operates as a customer service portal and is a CRM tool.
Supported platforms – This WiFi text messaging app is available for iPad, Android, iPhone and desktops.
Now let’s talk about some pros and cons of the TextFree app
Pros
- You can send messages using TextFree even if you are on the Google page
- Turn on or off the notifications
- It is a free calling app with a clean and easy-to-use interface
Cons
- You can send only images up to 8MB and videos can’t be longer than 100 seconds
- You can’t send and receive MMS from a Canadian number, and this is the biggest drawback or con of this platform
Pricing
It is a free-to-use app, but you can upgrade the app by purchasing a monthly subscription to TextFree Plus for $9.99, a half-yearly subscription for $39.99 and $69.99 for a year.
Website – textfree.us
4 – TextNow
TextNow is a texting service and you can send text messages to anyone using this platform. You can contact your desired contacts anywhere in the world at any time. So what you are waiting for is to download this app and send messages to your friends who are in your contact list but you have not sent messages to them for a long time. This platform is available in the form of an app or you can use their website if you are using a computer.
You can block numbers, see messages, view the call history and other details by signing into your account on TextNow.com. Don’t worry if your phone runs out of charge or you lose or break your phone accidentally, you can access all your messages and other data by signing in again with the new device using your login details.
Now let’s talk about some cool features of this app:
Features
Text messaging – It supports all types of image formats, videos, drawings, GIFs, stickers, audio files, etc. You can also send customized messages in place of a simple message to impress others.
Group chat – You can create groups on this platform and send messages to them.
Make international calls – If you live in Canada or USA then you can make international calls to selected countries using text now. To make international calls you need to purchase call balances in the app.
Compliance – It is not HIPPA compliant and discloses your details and information as it is a free-to-use app and includes advertisements that are personalized. If you buy the paid version then your data will be safe and the company will not sell your data.
Log out of all devices – If there is any kind of suspicious activity on your account, then you can log out of your account from all the devices where the account is logged in.
Supported platforms – This WiFi text messaging app is supported by Linux, Windows, Mac, Safari, Microsoft Edge, and Chrome. Almost all the browsers and Operating systems are supported by this app.
Network connections – TextNow uses WiFi and also provides its own SIM card for calling and text messages. SIM cards can be used to make calls and send messages when you don’t have mobile data or a Wi-Fi internet connection.
Now let’s talk about some pros and cons of this platform.
Pros
- Earn free credits for international calls by watching advertisements, by referring the app to your friends and family and when someone downloads the app you will get credit points
- If you want to block a number then you can text #STOP and #UNBLOCK to unblock the number
- Residents of California can choose to hide their personal information
Cons
- If you have changed the number, then you can’t get back the number
- It doesn’t have proper compliance
Pricing
The basic plan is absolutely free, the premium number will cost you $4.99 per year, which is the cost of their own SIM card. TextNow is supported in two countries, the US and Canada. Customer support is only available via emails and FAQs, which is not good.
Website – textnow.com
5 – Google Voice
Google Voice is an amazing Wifi calling and texting app developed by Google and it works on almost all devices. Both mobile and web versions are available so that you can use it on your smartphone or computer. You can receive and make calls from anywhere.
The user interface of the Google Voice app and website is very easy with simple navigation and voicemail transcripts, you can manage your calls with its smart calling feature. Block spam calls, forward calls from one device to another and selectively become reachable or unreachable to any caller. You don’t need to turn your phone into flight mode as we generally do, but with the Google Voice app you can use these features for free.
Now let’s talk about some features of Google Voice:
Features
Send unlimited texts – The Google Voice platform lets you send unlimited text and calls and it is available for Android and iPhone both. It is one of the best free wifi text app. You can categorize and separate your professional conversations and personal texts while using the same phone.
Screen calls – You can evaluate the phone call before you answer with its characteristics and determine how you want to answer it.
Compliance – Google Voice app is HIPPA compliant and its services are completely compliant with several other rules and regulations, from health care to financial sector and federal rules of the United States.
Voicemail transcripts – This free WiFi texting app converts voicemail to transcripts with the help of text to speech technology of google. You can also scan through transcripts instead of listening to them one by one, but it will take time.
Integrations – You can integrate Google Voice with Gmail, Google Drive, google calendar and Google Meet.
Supported platforms – It is a WiFi texting and calling app for Android, Apple Mac, iOS and Windows.
Additional features – Block any number, stay safe from spam calls, forward calls and record calls.
Now let’ talk about some pros and cons of the Google Voice app:
Pros
- Make calls directly from Gmail, Google Drive, Google Calendar or Google Meet using the Google Voice app, because it can be integrated with these Google services.
- Google Voice comes with an auto-attendant
Cons
- You can use only 1 number
- Canadian and US users can send and receive text only from one another only.
Pricing
Google Voice pricing starts from $10 and the calls to us and Canada are free. You can use any area code as long as the phone number is available to you and also you can check for its availability by browsing. Google Voice service is available in the US, Canada, Europe, Ireland and the UK.
Website – voice.google.com
6 – Nextiva
Nextiva is a professional business text messaging platform that also provides phone numbers to businesses. Using this Wifi Text messaging app you can manage your conversations and simplify engaging with customers and teams. This platform is best for managing your team in a company. If you are working as a boss or a team leader and you people are working on a particular project then you must use this platform. Basically it is a business communication collaboration software.
You can keep all your conversations in a centralized location with SMS, email, phone number and video. It will improve your productivity and customer experience tools are also available.
Now let’s have a look at some features of Nextiva:
Features
Send unlimited texts – You can send and receive unlimited text messages with the business phone number. Get unlimited free calls in the US, Puerto Rico and Canada using VoIP.
Group calling – You can create a group and start high-quality video calling with the people who have joined the group. It is best for taking video call meetings with your team.
Works with unstable Wifi or data connection – Nextiva’s powerful and stable internet connection lets you make high-quality audio calls. There is very little voice delay, low bandwidth and echoing when you have poor wifi or internet connection.
Compliance and security – The use of SMS is allowed on HIPPA accounts. The data centers of Nextiva are SOC audited, SSAE 16 certified and also provide PCI-DSS certification.
Local business number – You can use your business phone number to acquire a new local or toll-free phone number for local presence of your business.
Supported platforms – It is available for Android, iOS and web version for desktop.
Now let’s talk about some pros and cons of Nextiva
Pros
- Confirm all your appointments via text via this Wi-Fi text messaging app
- Customer support is highly knowledgeable and they will resolve all your issues
- Softphones for desktop and mobile devices are intuitive
Cons
- It is not directly HIPPA-compliant
- The mobile app glitches sometimes
Pricing
The pricing of Nextiva starts from $18.95. If you are a resident of the US, Canada or Puerto Rica then you can get a number. The service can be integrated with Outlook, CRM and other platforms. The enterprise plan of Nextiva starts from $22.95 and $32.95 per user per month.
Website – nextiva.com
7 – WhatsApp
WhatsApp is the most popular social networking and messaging app used in more than 100 countries. It is so popular we can’t imagine our day without using WhatsApp. It is free to use and all its features are so useful and we use it very frequently. It allows you to send unlimited text messages, make voice and video calls, send documents, audio files, and contacts and recently WhatsApp added a payment option. You can make and receive payments using WhatsApp. In India, this feature was launched in 2018 for beta users, but now it is officially launched for all users. You have to link your bank account and it works on the UPI system.
You can create a group and send messages to your group members and they can react to your messages using different emojis. It is very easy to use and a nontechie person can easily understand its features within 10 – 15 minutes of use. The voice and video quality on WhatsApp is so good but make sure you are using 3G and above stable connection. Also, you can upload your status and mute the status of anyone connected with you on WhatsApp. Block the numbers and protect the chat with a password.
Now let’s talk about some cool features of WhatsApp:
Features
Send unlimited text – You can send unlimited text messages, video calls, voice messages, audio files and many more for free.
Delete messages – You can delete the sent items for yourself and for all the participants of the group or a single individual with whom you are talking and chatting.
Chat history – If you have bought a new smartphone then you can log in to your WhatsApp account on the new device and all your chat history will be restored to that new device. But make sure to backup the data on the older device by going to the settings and under the backup option.
Security – WhatsApp offers end-to-end encryption, so no third party can listen to your calls. You can turn off and on your online status also you can choose the criteria for read/ unread messages. You can turn on and off the blue tick for reading messages and vice versa.
Integration – It is a free text messaging and video calling app. You can integrate it with Google Sheets, get response SMS, messenger, website/ blog, webinar jam, etc.
Additional features – The WhatsApp business app is available separately for businesses, where you can add your products and some other business features are there.
Supported platform – WhatsApp wifi calling app is available for Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, JioPhone and KaiOS.
Now let’s talk about some pros and cons of WhatsApp:
Pros
- You can listen to voice calls or video calls while doing other tasks on your phone, because it supports the floating window option.
- Upload status and choose who can see your status or profile picture.
- Share your live location with the peoples
Cons
- There is no content censorship, you can send anything.
Pricing
WhatsApp is totally free and you don’t see any kind of advertisements, so it doesn’t spoil the user experience. The WhatsApp Business app comes with a paid plan and it charges per 24-hour conversation criteria and the rates are by chat category. WhatsApp service is available in more than 100 countries.
Conclusion
Our favorite pick from the above list of apps is WhatsApp at 1st place, Nextiva at 2nd place and it is best for business owners and Hushed at number 3 as it has a large number of area codes in the US and Canada.