TextNow, Hushed and Numero Alternatives for a US Number Abroad (2026)

People rarely search for "TextNow alternative" for fun. Usually something went wrong: the app isn't offered in their country, a number on a free plan was taken back, or WhatsApp won't accept the number. This guide explains the common reasons, what to check before you switch, and when you should stay where you are.

Why people look for an alternative

TextNow

TextNow is built mainly for people in the US and Canada. Its help centre says it is available in only a handful of other countries, so many people abroad can't sign up at all. Its help centre also says numbers on its free plan can be recycled after a period of inactivity, and paid options stop that. If WhatsApp or a bank was registered on a recycled number, you lose access to it.

Hushed

Hushed is made for second numbers: it sells numbers in several countries and its plans can include sending texts. Plans and allowances vary, so check how long your number lasts on your plan and what happens if a plan ends, especially if WhatsApp runs on it.

Numero

Numero sells second numbers and travel eSIMs in one app. Its App Store listing says that not every Numero number supports WhatsApp, and that you should pick a number from its WhatsApp-compatible section. If you chose a number for WhatsApp, check that it came from that section.

*Facts about other apps come from their own help pages and app listings, checked on 11 November 2026. Apps change their rules and prices often, so check their current terms.*

What to check before you switch

Whatever you choose, ask these questions first:

• Is it sold in your country? Some apps only sign up people in the US and Canada.
• Does the number stay yours? Find out what happens if you stop using it or a payment fails, and how long the number is held before someone else can get it.
• Was it tested with WhatsApp? Some services refuse internet numbers. Ask for tests, not promises.
• Do you need to send texts? Many people only need to receive codes, but if you text US contacts, you need an app that can send.
• Which countries can you call? Some numbers only call the US and Canada.
• How can you pay? Card, Apple Pay, Google Pay or crypto: check that one of them works where you live.

How TripoSIM, TextNow, Hushed and Numero compare

We sell one of these products, so judge the table for yourself. The rows marked "check" mean we have not verified that detail for that app.

When you should stay with the app you have

• You need to send texts. The TripoSIM US Number can only receive texts. TextNow and Hushed can send them.
• You live in the US or Canada and want a free second line. TextNow's free plan is made for you; just use it often so the number stays active.
• You need numbers in several countries. Hushed and Numero offer more countries; ours is a US number only.
• You need to call countries other than the US and Canada. Our number calls the US and Canada only.

When the TripoSIM US Number fits

• You live outside the US and the other apps aren't available or keep losing your number.
• WhatsApp matters. WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business codes arrived on our numbers in our tests (Oct 2026), and so did Google, Apple ID, Amazon, PayPal, Telegram and others. Some banks may still refuse internet numbers.
• You want to keep the number for a long time. It stays yours while your plan is active; if a payment fails, it is held 30 days (90 days on the monthly plan) before it is released.
• You call the US and Canada. 300 minutes a month are included, plus incoming calls (fair use 300 minutes a month) and voicemail.
• You also travel. The same app holds your travel eSIMs, and the yearly plan adds $5 of eSIM credit.

How to move WhatsApp to your new US number

1. Get your new number: pay, pass the short ID check (photo ID + selfie) and choose your US number by state or area code in the TripoSIM app.
2. Check that the new number receives texts: open the Texts tab in the TripoSIM app, with notifications allowed.
3. Change the number in WhatsApp: if WhatsApp still works on your old number, use Settings › Account › Change number, which moves your account, groups and settings to the new number.
4. Or register fresh: if the old number is gone, install WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business, choose United States (+1), type your new number and ask for the code by SMS.
5. Turn on two-step verification: Settings › Account › Two-step verification, then set a PIN so nobody else can register your number.
6. Keep your plan active: a released number can be given to someone else.

Frequently asked questions

What is a good TextNow alternative outside the US?

If TextNow isn't available in your country, choose a paid US number that is sold where you live and keeps your number while you pay. The TripoSIM US Number is sold in almost every country (not sanctioned ones) for $100 a year or $12.99 a month. It can't send texts, so if you need that, compare Hushed too.

Why did my TextNow number stop working?

On some apps, numbers on a free plan are taken back after a period of inactivity. TextNow's help centre says this about numbers on its free plan. A paid plan usually keeps the number, so check the rules of the app you use.

Does Numero work with WhatsApp?

Numero's App Store listing says not every Numero number supports WhatsApp, and that you should choose one from its WhatsApp-compatible section. We have not tested Numero ourselves.

Can I send texts with the TripoSIM US Number?

No. You can receive texts from US and Canadian senders, including verification codes, but you can't send texts. If sending texts matters to you, an app like Hushed or TextNow may suit you better.

Can I get a refund if it doesn't work for me?

Payments are not refundable. The exceptions: if we can't deliver your number within 72 hours after you choose it, you get a full refund, plus any refund the law of your country requires. Read the conditions on the US Number page before you pay.

Can I call 911 with it?

No. Like most app numbers, it can't call 911 or any emergency service. Always use a local mobile line in an emergency.