Best VPNs for TextNow

TextNow lets people in the US and Canada make calls and send messages for free over the internet. If you live outside of these countries, you’ll need to use a VPN for TextNow. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) allows users to connect to a server in a different country and assume the IP address of that server. This makes it appear to the wider internet as if they’re connecting from that server’s location. It’s then possible to access geo-restricted services like TextNow.

The other main benefit of using a VPN is that it encrypts all internet traffic flowing between the user’s device and the VPN server. It prevents third-party interlopers from being able to see what they’re doing online. This is important if you’re planning on connecting to servers in countries where online privacy isn’t always valued.

All this might seem a little intimidating if you’re new to VPNs. In practice, the software couldn’t be simpler to use. Most VPNs require little more than signing up, downloading and installing an app, then clicking “connect”. If you’re interested in the particulars of what individual VPN providers can do, we talk about their relative merits in greater detail later in the article. If not, we’ve summarized the best options for TextNow below.

Criteria for choosing the best TextNow VPNs

There are a bewildering number of VPNs out there. To narrow down the options, we used a list of specific criteria to compare providers against. These are outlined below and expanded on later in the article.

• Servers in North America
• Fast speeds and reliable connections
• Robust security & privacy
• Easy-to-use apps
• Value for money

If you’re interested in how we test VPNs, we have a guide explaining our testing methodology in more detail. You will also find more information further in this article.

Best VPNs for TextNow

These are the best VPN service providers for accessing TextNow.

1. NordVPN

NordVPN is one of the most recognizable VPN brands. It has a presence in more than 61 countries and has amassed a network of more than 6,000 servers. More than 2,450 of these are in North America, making it a great option for accessing TextNow.

Apps are available for Windows, Linux, MacOS, Android, iOS, Fire TV and tvOS. These come with a kill switch, built-in leak protection, and 256-bit encryption.

Other features include split tunneling, one-click access to the Tor network. and obfuscated servers that enable connections in restrictive countries like China. The company has its own connection protocol – NordLynx – that ensures speeds fast enough for gaming and streaming – even in 4K. The service works with a range of streaming platforms, including  Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Max, Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video.

NordVPN is incorporated in Panama, which is beyond the reach of known intelligence-gathering alliances. It adheres to a strict no-logs policy that has been validated multiple times through third-party audits.

BEST VPN FOR TEXTNOW:NordVPN is our first choice. Has an impressive number of North American servers and excellent speeds for international calls. Great for user privacy and security. Plans come with a risk-free 30-day money back guarantee.

Read our detailed NordVPN Review.

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2. Surfshark

Surfshark is an affordable VPN with a presence in 100+ countries. This includes the United States and Canada, where it has 600+ servers and 120+ servers respectively. Connection speeds are easily fast enough for long-distance VoIP calls and it can cope with streaming in 4K too.

Surfshark allows unlimited device connections, making it a solid choice for larger households who will no doubt also appreciate its ability to access a range of streaming platforms, including Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+.

Other features include MultiHop connections for additional security, access to a static IP address in six countries, and a NoBorders mode that enables the service to bypass censorship in China and elsewhere.

Surfshark’s Clean Web feature blocks ads, trackers and malware; and its Alternative ID – currently in beta testing – allows users to generate a fake persona, complete with name, address and associated email address.

Apps are available for iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, Linux, Fire TV, and Apple TV. These come with a built-in kill switch, leak protection, and split tunneling options.

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark has all you need for seamless access to TextNow: fast speeds, plenty of servers in North America, and a firm commitment to user privacy. Plans come with unlimited device connections and include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Surfshark here.

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3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is favored by those who don’t mind paying a little more for online peace of mind. It has RAM-only servers in the US and Canada, and its own connection protocol to ensure fast speeds when using VoIP services like TextNow.

ExpressVPN works in China and has an Onion site on the Tor network for those who need anonymity while signing up. The service is compatible with routers, and it even makes its own firmware. If you have multiple connected devices at home that aren’t compatible with VPNs, then this might appeal – as might ExpressVPN’s Smart DNS feature.

ExpressVPN is consistently able to access streaming platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and Disney+. Moreover, it’s fast enough to stream without buffering – even in 4K.

Apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. There’s a command-line Linux app, too. ExpressVPN has a comprehensive no-logs policy that’s been tested in court and verified through multiple third-party audits.

SECURE CALLING:ExpressVPN is great for both security and privacy. It has servers in 105+ countries and works exceptionally well with both VoIP and streaming services. It has its own router firmware and a lightweight connection protocol. Plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

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4. CyberGhost

CyberGhost is most notable for its network of 11,000+ servers, which are spread over 100+ countries. The company has 2,500+ servers in North America alone, making it easy to find one that isn’t heavily loaded before placing a TextNow call.

The service works with all popular streaming platforms and simplifies connections by labeling individual servers with the platform they work best with. It’s one of the fastest VPNs on the market and will let you stream in HD and 4K without buffering interruptions.

Easy-to-use apps are available for Windows, iOS, Android, macOS, and Linux. These come with a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and an ad and tracker blocker. They’re relatively light on advanced features, but this may not be an issue for many users – particularly when the low subscription costs are taken into consideration.

CyberGhost is based in Romania, which has strong privacy laws. The company adheres to a no-logs policy that’s been independently audited, and it issues quarterly transparency reports where it details external requests for user information.

IMPRESSIVE SPEEDS:CyberGhost impresses with its gargantuan network of servers and hard-to-beat speeds. It works well with TextNow as well as a host of streaming platforms. Its long-term plans are hard to beat on price and come with a 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full CyberGhost review.

5. IPVanish

IPVanish has been around for more than two decades, during which time it has managed to buy the majority of the hardware used in its server network. This ensures that no potentially malicious third-parties have access to its servers, which is a definite plus for security.

It has an independently audited no-logs policy to protect user privacy, and uses strong encryption and trustworthy connection protocols. One down-side is that it’s based in the US, which is able to compel VPN providers to secretly collect user data.

IPVanish has more than 2,200 servers in its network, with plenty of options in North America for TextNow. Users can connect to Canada using servers in Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver. For the US, servers are available in 21 cities, including New York, Los Angeles, and Miami.

The provider is easily fast enough for placing VoIP calls, average 277 Mbps in our most recent speed tests. While it’s certainly also fast enough for streaming, it’s not the best at accessing geo-restricted content. It does work well with US Netflix, which may be good enough for some people.

Apps are available for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Apple TV and Fire TV. These come with a built-in kill switch; and an ad, tracker and malware blocker. You can download apps for all of your devices as IPVanish places no limit on the number of simultaneous connections.

FAST AND SECURE:IPVanish has the servers and speed to work well with TextNow. It uses strong encryption, and doesn’t limit the number of device connections. You can try it risk-free thanks to a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full IPVanish review.

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6. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN offers secure and, yes, private, connections to services like TextNow. It has servers available in 63+ countries, including the US and Canada. These offer decent speeds suitable for streaming and VoIP calls.

Although its server network is relatively modest, PrivateVPN works with an impressive number of streaming platforms. It can access 11+ Netflix libraries as well as content from Hulu, Max, BBC iPlayer, ITVX, and NBC.

Torrenters will appreciate that it allows port forwarding, while those living in restrictive countries – such as China – can make use of the stealth feature that disguises VPN traffic as regular HTTP traffic.

Other features include auto connect, access to static IP addresses, and a kill switch. PrivateVPN allows up to 10 simultaneous device connections and has apps available for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Fire TV. It provides instructions for manually configuring a connection for Linux and with compatible routers.

PrivateVPN has a 24/7 live chat function. In addition, its support team provides remote control assistance to users who struggle with their devices. If that’s not enough to sway you, note that PrivateVPN subscriptions are some of the cheapest on the market, costing as little as $2 a month.

GREAT FOR STREAMING:PrivateVPN is a capable, low-cost provider that’s well-suited to VoIP services like TextNow. It’s strong on privacy and security, and has servers offering decent speeds in both the US and Canada.

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

How to use TextNow with a VPN

If you want to use TextNow with a VPN, just follow the instructions below.

Here’s how to access TextNow with a VPN:

1. Sign up for one of our recommended VPN providers. NordVPN is the best option for TextNow.
2. Download and install the VPN app for your device.
3. Open the app and select a server in the US for an American IP address or Canada for a Canadian IP.
4. Press the “Connect” button.
5. Download the relevant TextNow app for your device (if you haven’t done so already).
6. Open the TextNow app and place a call or send a message.

Methodology: Choosing the best VPNs for TextNow

Not every VPN is suitable for accessing TextNow from abroad. To find those that had all the requisite features, we compared individual providers against our list of criteria. We discuss our requirements in more detail below.

• Servers in North America: Anyone who doesn’t live in North America will need to connect to a server in the US or Canada if they want to access TextNow. All of our recommended VPN providers have multiple servers in the two countries. This makes it easier to find one that is near – or at least nearer – your actual location.
• Fast speeds: There’s little point signing up to a VPN provider that’s too slow to support TextNow calls. We perform regular speed tests to ensure that we only recommend providers that work well with VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services likeTextNow.
• Robust security & privacy: Canada and the US are key players in the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance, so it’s a good idea to choose a VPN that protects your privacy while connected to servers in those countries. This means choosing one that uses 256-bit encryption and doesn’t store logs that could be used to identify you. VPNs should also come with a kill-switch and protect against IP and DNS leaks.
• Easy-to-use apps: Note everyone wants to fiddle around with the configuration settings of their software, which is why we look for VPNs that anyone can use – regardless of their technical proficiency. We also prefer providers that can resolve any issues quickly via 24/7 live chat.
• Value for money: If you’re eager to use TextNow, then you’re probably into saving money wherever possible. With this in mind, we’ve looked for VPN services that give you the most bang for your buck. We don’t recommend using free VPNs as they tend to be slow and lacking in key security and privacy features.

FAQs: Best TextNow VPNs