%20(1).avif)
.avif)
TextNow may be a worthwhile phone system for a casual user looking for a low-cost virtual number. However, it isn’t designed for business communication.
The platform, for instance, doesn’t offer business-critical features such as a phone tree with auto-attendants, HIPAA-compliant calling and texting, as well as dual-call reliability.
That said, iPlum is a good TextNow alternative for HIPAA-compliant texting and calling.
It boasts a cloud phone system with robust mobile app and web calling and texting features, including business hours, text-to-email, call recording, shared number, and more.
In this iPlum vs. TextNow comparison, we’ll dig into how the two platforms stack against each other in key areas such as user feedback, features, and pricing to help you decide which offers more value.
Table of Contents
1. iPlum vs. TextNow—What Do Users Say?
2. iPlum vs. TextNow—Feature Comparison
4. How Does iPlum Pricing Compare to TextNow
5. How to Port Your TextNow Number Into iPlum
6. iPlum vs. TextNow—Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
7. Why Choose iPlum Over TextNow?
iPlum vs. TextNow—What Do Users Say?
When it comes to choosing a business phone line, reading user feedback can tell you what to expect.
We scoured dozens of reviews for both iPlum and TextNow to see how they hold up and found the following:
TextNow Reviews
TextNow users like the low cost and simple interface. However, many say that they interrupt basic tasks, call quality depends heavily on Wi-Fi, and some users report sudden account bans. Compatibility issues and weak customer service also show up often in complaints.
❌ Too many ads
“The app is stuffed with ads. You have to watch one just to check your voicemail.” — Angela S., App Store
❌ App-based call failure
“Calling within the app IS HORRIBLE and I can’t use the phone unless it’s on WiFi…” — Jared L., Google Play
❌ Account bans, lost numbers
“After a couple of weeks… the app was no longer connected to my account, and I could no longer retrieve my phone number… text now banned me.” — User review, Trustpilot
❌ Poor device compatibility
“The newest update RUINED compatibility. I have 3 phones… but TextNow no longer supports all of them.” — Andrew Rutherford, Google Play
❌ Support delays, no real help
“Appealed, and nothing is happening. No response and no clarification as to what the violation is.” — Ashamed‑Form‑1031, Reddit
❌ Spam/identity concerns
“Within hours of signing up, I started getting spam emails — Anonymous, Trustpilot
✔ Simple interface
“Easy to navigate and set up a new number.” — User, Trustpilot
✔ Reasonably priced
TextNow is affordable even though it provides basic calling and texting functionalities — Andere C, Google Play
iPlum Reviews
iPlum reviews point to a phone system built with business needs in mind. Healthcare providers mention secure voicemail and texting that meet HIPAA standards.
Others appreciate having a separate business line, smooth call quality, and the option to port their number. While it doesn’t yet offer video calling, iPlum stands out for being a stable, secure solution that’s easy to use.
✔ HIPAA-compliant voicemail and texting
“I am a therapist, and I needed a HIPAA-compliant voicemail... Iplum works so well for clients to leave messages securely.” — E.W., Trustpilot
✔ Easy number separation
“Anytime I get a call that rings to my iPlum number, I know it's a client. This way I can separate my personal calls from my work calls.” — A.J., Trustpilot
✔ Clear and reliable calling
“I haven’t had any problems with phone calls or texts.” — Linden Alexander, Trustpilot
✔ Affordable business solution
“Great value… I would recommend it to those needing a professional cell line!” — Alex, Trustpilot
✔Easy transition from old provider
“Very smooth transition from my old phone provider, and I got to keep my original number!” — Nicole Sisti, Trustpilot
⚠️ No video calling …yet
“iPlum doesn’t offer video calling yet, but the feature is set for release soon.” — Editor’s Note
iPlum vs. TextNow—Feature Comparison
iPlum and TextNow allow you to call and text using a second number. However, there are nuanced differences which we’ll discuss in the sections below.
Below is a comparison table summarizing key features to get us started.
1. Business-Grade Call and Text Features
A business phone that allows you to make calls and text is good. But you want one that can offer more than that.
You’re better off with a system that offers tools to help you manage high-volume calls and texts while protecting your privacy.
Let’s see how each platform measures up.
TextNow
TextNow supports voice calls and SMS, and MMS texting with a U.S. or Canadian number. The platform enables you to send and receive texts through the app and web interface. In addition, you can make calls on Wi-Fi or data.
However, TextNow doesn’t offer a phone tree or custom call routing. You also can’t send broadcasts. These limitations can make it harder to manage communication at scale.
iPlum
iPlum, on the other hand, comes with essential business functions that TextNow skips. First, you can set up an auto-attendant to route callers to different extensions. In addition, you can use voicemail transcription to read messages on the go and record calls when needed.
Furthermore, iPlum offers secure SMS and MMS as well as text scheduling. Notably, healthcare providers have access to a free account that allows for encrypted two-way texting with their patients through the app.
These are separate from standard SMS or MMS and ensure private, fully-compliant messaging.
2. HIPAA Compliance
Protecting client data is mandatory for industries such as healthcare, insurance, and finance. You, therefore, need a phone system that encrypts calls, texts, and voicemails.
Let’s break down what each platform offers in this area.
TextNow
According to the information on its website, TextNow isn’t HIPAA compliant. It doesn’t offer encrypted messaging, secure call logs, or built-in user access controls. In addition, it doesn’t come with a signed Business Associate Agreement (BAA), a critical requirement for HIPAA compliance.
Therefore, if your business handles sensitive or regulated data, you should exercise caution when using TextNow.
iPlum
iPlum is purpose-built for compliance. It encrypts voice, SMS, and MMS communications and stores them in secure, cloud-based archives.
You also get user-level access control, call and message logging, and a signed BAA. iPlum’s robust HIPAA compliance enables healthcare providers, therapists, legal firms, and financial professionals to communicate securely with clients, ensuring they avoid violations and penalties.
And, as stated, iPlum also separates standard texts from secure app-based messages for doctors, to guarantee secure bi-directional texting.
3. Call Reliability and Network Modes
Reliable call quality is critical for business conversations. The last thing you want when in a meeting, speaking with a client, or following up with a lead is a dropped call or choppy audio.
Below is how iPlum and TextNow do to ensure stable call performance.
TextNow
TextNow uses VoIP technology and requires an internet connection to make calls. So, if your Wi-Fi is slow or mobile data is weak, you’ll likely experience a drop in call quality.
Therefore, TextNow may not be reliable if you’re frequently on the go or work in locations with spotty coverage.
iPlum
iPlum ensures stellar call quality with dual-mode reliability.
It allows you to make calls using either your internet connection or your regular mobile network. That way, if your Wi-Fi drops or LTE becomes unstable, you can easily switch to your carrier’s voice line.
The setup can be beneficial for professionals on the move, remote workers, or field-based teams who cannot depend on a strong internet signal at all times.
Besides, dual-mode calling gives you more flexibility in how you manage call quality because you’re not locked into one method of connection.
As a result, you can be sure of fewer dropped calls, smoother conversations, and better experiences for your clients, colleagues, and team.
4. Multi-Device Access
Any business owner or professional wants a phone system they can use on their phone, laptop, or desktop. That way, they can send messages, make calls, and manage communication irrespective of their device or location.
Here’s how the two compare in this area.
TextNow
TextNow runs on iOS, Android, and web browsers, allowing you to call or text from any of these interfaces.
On the other hand, however, the platform doesn’t offer centralized user access or tools to manage shared business numbers.
As a result, it’s difficult to scale if multiple people need access to the same line or if you manage several lines across departments.
iPlum
iPlum offers multi-platform support, including iOS, Android, Mac, and Windows. You can, therefore, call or text using iPlum’s mobile app or web portal. In addition, it gives you a unified dashboard for managing your communications.
Moreover, admins can assign users, configure permissions, and monitor call and message logs from a single location. On top of that, you can check voicemails, send messages, and access settings from your computer or mobile device.
With this setup, it becomes easier to manage individual lines, shared numbers, and entire teams, allowing you to keep everything in sync.
5. International and Local Number Options
Your business phone number influences how customers perceive your brand. Local numbers build trust, while toll-free numbers increase reach. A good provider should, therefore, offer options that align with your target markets.
Here’s what you get with iPlum and TextNow
TextNow
TextNow provides U.S. and Canadian numbers. However, the platform doesn’t offer toll-free numbers. And, according to user reviews, you may lose your number if the account is inactive.
In addition, the platform offers a limited number selection and customization options compared to iPlum. So, keep that in mind if your business is expanding across regions or serving clients in multiple locations.
iPlum
iPlum offers U.S. and Canadian local numbers, as well as toll-free numbers, including 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844, and 833 prefixes.
You can also request vanity numbers with custom combinations, such as 1-800-MY-CLINIC, for brand recognition. Furthermore, iPlum allows you to port in existing numbers or add multiple lines under one account.
iPlum also supports international calling and texting to 200+ countries using global credits. In addition, you can forward calls to external lines.
iPlum vs. TextNow—Pricing
Let’s now see how iPlum and TextNow package their texting and calling solutions.
How Much Does iPlum Cost?
iPlum costs $8.99 to $19.99 per user per month, depending on your plan, as follows
Standard Plan – $8.99 per user per month
Includes mobile app calling and texting in the U.S. and Canada, voicemail, auto-replies, business hours, and phone tree.
Professional – $14.99 per user per month
This plan builds upon the Standard plan, offering web-based calling and texting, secure encrypted texting, voicemail transcription, group and broadcast messaging, text archiving, and HIPAA compliance with a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) for healthcare.
Premium – $19.99 per user per month
Offers everything in the Professional plan, plus call recording and compliance features for finance, insurance, legal, sales, and support sectors.
How Much Does TextNow Cost?
TextNow offers a free plan and paid passes starting at $0.99, depending on usage needs as follows.
Free Plan
Includes unlimited talk and text, plus free data access for select apps like maps, email, and rideshare. Requires SIM card activation.
Hour Pass – $0.99
Includes 60 minutes of unlimited talk, text, and data with 300MB of high-speed data, then unlimited 2G speeds. Includes free roaming in Canada and Mexico.
Day Pass – $4.99
Covers 24 hours of unlimited talk, text, and 2GB of high-speed data. Falls back to unlimited 2G speeds afterwards. It includes roaming in Canada and Mexico.
Month Pass – $39.99
The plan includes a full month of unlimited talk, text, and 10GB of high-speed data. Reverts to 2G thereafter. No ads and offers free roaming in Canada and Mexico.
How Does iPlum Pricing Compare to TextNow
iPlum pricing starts at $8.99 per user per month. TextNow, on the other hand, offers a free plan with limited features and a Monthly Pass at $39.99.
At first glance, TextNow appears cheaper. However, iPlum includes core business tools such as a phone tree, voicemail, spam blocking, and auto-text reply in the Standard plan.
Besides iPlum’s $14.99 Professional plan costs less than half of Text Now’s $39.99 Month Pass for teams and includes secure texting, admin controls, and web access.
In short, iPlum delivers more business-grade features at a lower monthly cost compared to TextNow.
How to Port Your TextNow Number Into iPlum
You can port your TextNow number into iPlum in a few clicks. Watch the video below for a detailed walk-through.
Port Your TextNow Number Into iPlum
iPlum vs. TextNow—Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can you tell if someone is using TextNow?
Yes, you can tell if someone is using TextNow. Their number may show as VoIP in lookup tools, and voicemail greetings may say “TextNow subscriber.”
Does iPlum send read receipts?
Yes, iPlum sends read receipts for secure in-app messages. You can see when a message has been viewed, which is helpful for business communication or internal team messaging.
Which country allows TextNow?
TextNow works only in the United States and Canada. While TextNow isn’t available in most countries, some users claim to bypass this limitation by using VPNs to activate or log into their accounts.
Why Choose iPlum Over TextNow?
Although TextNow is affordable and works for basic calling or texting, it lacks the features professionals need.
It doesn’t provide a phone tree, HIPAA compliance, dedicated admin tools, or reliable support. And, user complaints about lost numbers, poor call quality, and frustrating service back this up.
iPlum, on the other hand, is a secure, business-ready phone system with features such as dual-mode calling, encrypted messaging, auto-attendants, voicemail transcription, call recording, team management, and more.
So, if you’re in for a fully flagged business phone system, iPlum provides more value than TextNow.
Click the link below to get started with iPlum.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational purposes and may not reflect the most current features or capabilities of the products or companies mentioned. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please refer to the official sources of each company.
