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Burner and TextNow both give users another number for calling and texting, but they take different approaches. Burner uses a paid subscription model with an ad-free experience, while TextNow offers an ad-supported version, with paid upgrades for additional features.
That difference ultimately affects more than whether you see ads. The two apps also differ in how you keep or change your number, which features are included from the start, and which privacy and communication tools are available.
Here’s how Burner and TextNow compare across their core features, privacy options, number flexibility, and overall user experience:
Burner vs. TextNow at a Glance
Here’s a quick look at how Burner and TextNow differ before we break down each area in more detail:
Which model works better depends on what you expect from a second phone number and which features you want included.
Paid vs. Ad-Funded: How Burner and TextNow Differ
Burner and TextNow take different approaches to providing a second number. Burner requires a paid subscription for continued use but doesn’t rely on in-app advertising. On the other hand, TextNow offers its basic service for free by displaying ads, with paid upgrades available for users who want to remove them or access additional features.
Neither model is inherently better. A free, ad-supported service may make sense if your priority is basic calling and texting without an additional subscription. A paid service may be worth considering if you prefer an ad-free experience or want more features included with your plan.
Burner vs. TextNow: Key Differences
Calling and Texting
Both Burner and TextNow support calling and texting through a second phone number. Burner subscriptions include unlimited calls and texts, along with picture messaging and separate voicemail for your Burner phone. TextNow’s free service also includes unlimited calling and texting across the U.S. and Canada, with voicemail and picture messaging available through the app.
Ads and the App Experience
Burner is ad-free with a paid subscription, so ads don’t appear within the app while you’re managing your numbers, calls, or messages. TextNow’s free service displays ads throughout the app. Users who prefer an ad-free experience can upgrade to Ad-Free+, which removes ads and includes additional features such as verification codes, call forwarding, and voicemail transcription.
Number Flexibility
Burner is designed to give you flexibility around the numbers you use. Depending on your plan, you can keep a Burner number for ongoing conversations, replace it with a new one, or manage multiple numbers within the same account. You can also delete a number, which deletes its associated calls, texts, and voicemails.
TextNow provides one free number per account. Free numbers can be reassigned after periods of inactivity unless you use TextNow’s paid Lock In Number feature, which lets you keep the number even when it isn’t being used regularly.
Privacy Features
Burner Premium includes additional privacy tools beyond the number itself, including Personal Info Protection, Number Lookup, and a built-in VPN. Personal Info Protection scans data broker sites for your personal information and lets you initiate removal requests through Burner.
TextNow primarily provides privacy by separating your TextNow number from your personal number; it currently doesn’t offer comparable built-in tools for data broker removal or VPN access.
Spam Protection
Burner includes robocall filtering on new numbers by default and offers Nomorobo Connection for additional spam filtering. Nomorobo checks incoming calls against a database of known robocallers and telemarketers to help identify and filter unwanted calls.
TextNow also offers spam protection through its Call Rejection feature, which can automatically block calls identified as spam. Users can also block individual numbers directly within the app.
Verification Codes
Standard virtual numbers aren’t guaranteed to work with every service that sends SMS verification codes, since some platforms restrict VoIP numbers. Burner offers Verified Numbers, which are designed for broader compatibility with third-party verification services. However, they’re not guaranteed to work with every platform.
TextNow limits most verification-code access on its free service. Users can receive eligible verification codes with certain paid subscriptions or add-ons, although individual services may still reject the number.
Is a Free or Paid Second Number Better?
Neither platform is universally better. A free, ad-supported number can make sense if you primarily need it for calling and texting, and you don’t mind ads or paying separately for certain features. A paid option can make more sense if you prefer an ad-free experience or want features such as greater number flexibility and additional privacy tools included with your subscription.
Burner vs. TextNow FAQs
Can Burner and TextNow both use Wi-Fi?
Yes, both apps can use an internet connection for calling and texting, so you can use them over Wi-Fi rather than relying exclusively on your cellular connection.
Can you keep the same number with Burner and TextNow?
Yes, but the policies differ. You can keep a Burner number active as part of your subscription. TextNow free numbers can be reassigned after periods of inactivity, while its paid Lock In Number feature lets you keep a number without regular use.
Do Burner and TextNow work without a second SIM card?
You can use both Burner and TextNow to add another phone number without installing a second physical SIM card. Their standard virtual numbers work through their respective apps, so you can manage your second number on the phone you already use.
Go Beyond Basic Calling and Texting with Burner
A second number can do more than give you another place to call and text. Burner is built to give you more control over the numbers you use and more privacy around the personal information you don’t want to share.
Keep a number when you need consistency, replace it when you no longer need it, and manage multiple numbers depending on your plan. And with Burner Premium, you can add Personal Info Protection, Number Lookup, a built-in VPN, and other privacy tools to the same experience.
