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Our experts have reviewed 53 VPN providers, which were put through extensive rounds of testing. To learn more about that process, here’s how we review VPNs, where we explain our criteria and our policy of being fully transparent.
TextNow is a popular messaging and calling app. However, it's not available globally and uses geo-blocks to restrict users who do not live in Canada or the USA. Even if you already have an account, you won’t be able to access its services while traveling outside these two countries.
Even though TextNow uses encryption, some users want extra protection from surveillance. A VPN can solve all these issues. More precisely, a capable VPN can reliably bypass geo-restrictions and unblock TextNow from anywhere, which is handy for traveling. It also protects your online data with encryption and other security features.
This article will highlight the 5 best VPNs for TextNow and show you how to use one. We'll also compare the best options, explain TextNow's basics, and explain why you need a VPN. Then, we'll provide a guide on picking the best option and resolving technical issues, and we'll go over some FAQs.
Your goal should be to connect to a VPN server in the USA or Canada to bypass the app's geo-blocks. So, you'll need to sign up for a VPN and download it on your device - like so:
To streamline your search for the best VPN, it’s important to focus on a few key criteria. The first thing your VPN should have is the ability to bypass geo-restrictions imposed by TextNow and other similar platforms. It must have a global server network with multiple servers in the US and Canada, where the app is available.
Only choose a VPN with robust security features like military-grade encryption, a kill switch, and a no-logs policy. Look for strong VPN protocols and advanced security features like obfuscation to access TextNow on restrictive networks with firewalls. Your VPN must support devices like computers, tablets, and mobiles, plus allow multiple simultaneous connections.
To access TextNow reliably, ensure that your VPN has fast speeds and stable overall performance. Opt for a VPN that offers a good price and a money-back guarantee. In addition, it should offer 24/7 customer support to assist you around the clock.
Based on the above criteria, here are the 5 best VPN services that are compatible with TextNow:
NordVPN is an ultra-powerful VPN that can easily unblock TextNow. It has 1,970+ servers in 15 US locations and 480+ servers in 3 Canadian locations, plus a global server network of 7,400+ servers in 118 countries. You can connect to any of these servers to unblock other popular messaging and VoIP platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram from anywhere.
You don’t have to worry about your online security as NordVPN offers military-grade encryption (AES-256-GCM and ChaCha20 , an automatic kill switch, and a strict no-logs policy. Plus, it has NordLynx, NordWhisper, IKEv2/IPsec, and OpenVPN VPN protocols. In addition, it offers obfuscated servers that mask your VPN traffic as regular HTTPS traffic to bypass firewalls.
NordVPN's Threat Protection feature effectively blocks malware, trackers, and ads. It also has a Double VPN option that doubles the encryption and increases your online security by routing your data through two VPN servers. On top of that, it owns its entire DNS network, eliminating all third parties that could otherwise compromise your online privacy.
Moreover, you can protect 10 of your devices simultaneously with NordVPN. It has fast speeds and highly stable performance. Plus, it can support all popular devices like computers, tablets, smartphones, and routers, as reported in our comprehensive review of NordVPN.
All that can be yours for only $3.09 per month (24 months). Lastly, there's a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can test all its features without any financial risk, as well as 24/7 customer support to help you anytime.
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Surfshark can easily bypass TextNow’s geo-restrictions from anywhere with its 600+ servers in 25 US locations and 120+ servers in 3 Canadian locations. In addition, its global server network of 3,200+ servers in 100 countries can unblock other similarly restricted messaging and calling apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Skype.
This VPN safeguards your online privacy by adhering to a strict no-logs policy and protects your data with AES-256-GCM and ChaCha20 encryption and a kill switch. You can also choose between WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN protocols, with Wireguard offering very fast speeds and stable connections. Plus, Sufshark delivers consistent overall performance.
You can use it on networks with VPN-blocking firewalls thanks to its Camouflage Mode that automatically obfuscates your online traffic. It can also block all intrusive ads, malware, or harmful trackers with its CleanWeb feature. Moreover, Surfshark’s dynamic Multi-Hop can double your online security—with the option to choose both VPN servers.
In addition, you can use Surfshark on computers, tablets, and mobiles. It's an ideal option for large households as it can protect all your devices with unlimited simultaneous connections.
This VPN is also affordable - $1.99 per month for its 24 months. Lastly, it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and highly responsive 24/7 customer support.
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ExpressVPN features a global server network of an undisclosed number of servers in 105 countries. It can easily help you access TextNow outside the US and Canada. Plus, it allows you to access other apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Skype if they are blocked in your region.
This VPN has military-grade encryption (AES-256 and ChaCha20/Poly1305) with an automatic kill switch and adheres to a no-logs policy to safeguard your online security and privacy. In addition, ExpressVPN offers multiple VPN protocols, including OpenVPN, Lightway, and IKEv2.
ExpressVPN’s automatic obfuscation allows you to download and sign up for TextNow, even in countries or regions with high internet censorship. Its Threat Manager feature can block ads, malware, and trackers. Plus, its parental controls allow you to block adult content. Furthermore, it has very fast speeds. All these features allow it to deliver reliable performance.
You can use ExpressVPN on all popular devices like computers, tablets, and smartphones with native apps. In addition, ExpressVPN offers 8 simultaneous connections to provide you with overall coverage.
To get started, you'll need to pay $4.99 per month (24 months plan). Lastly, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee to test ExpressVPN risk-free and 24/7 customer support to assist you around the clock.
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CyberGhost offers an undisclosed number of servers in 100 countries, including the US and Canada. These servers can easily unblock TextNow and other similarly restricted messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Skype. Its server network also includes NoSpy servers for increased privacy and specialty servers for streaming, torrenting, and gaming.
CyberGhost safeguards your online data with military-grade encryption (AES-256-GCM and ChaCha20)and a kill switch. It also has a no-logs policy and offers OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard protocols. Although it doesn’t offer obfuscation, it still delivers dependable performance.
CyberGhost’s Smart Rules include automatic Wi-Fi protection to help users safely use unprotected networks like public Wi-Fi. Plus, you can enable the VPN to connect automatically whenever you open the TextNow app. Its Content Block feature can block trackers, malware, and ads.
Moreover, it has medium-fast speeds and allows 7 simultaneous connections. You can use CyberGhost on all your devices, like computers, tablets, and smartphones.
Right now, this VPN is priced at $2.29 per month (3 years plan), which comes with an extended 45-day money-back guarantee to test all its features. Finally, it also offers 24/7 customer support in case you need help anytime.
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Private Internet Access (PIA) can access TextNow from anywhere while traveling with tons of servers in all 50 US states and 3 locations in Canada. Plus, its global server network has undisclosed number of servers in 91 countries to unblock other restricted apps like Telegram, WhatsApp, Skype, and more.
PIA allows you to customize many of its security features, like choosing between AES-128-GCM, AES-256-GCM, AES-128-CBC, AES-256-CBC, and ChaCha20 encryption. You can also choose between its regular or advanced kill switch, which blocks your Internet until you connect to a VPN server. Plus, it allows you to select between SOCKS5 or Shadowsocks proxies, the latter of which provides obfuscation.
In addition, PIA offers WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IPsec (IKEv2) protocols and follows a strict no-logs policy to keep you safe online. It blocks all types of ads, malware, and trackers with its MACE feature.
It also allows you to connect all your devices, such as computers, tablets, and mobile phones, with unlimited simultaneous connections. In terms of speed, PIA delivers moderate connections and satisfactory overall performance. You can learn more in our in-depth review of Private Internet Access.
PIA's 24 months subscription plan costs $2.03 per month only. It offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test all its features without any financial risk. Lastly, it has 24/7 customer support in case you face any issues.
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TextNow is a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) that uses other cellular networks and Wi-Fi to provide wireless coverage for your phone. It's popular due to its free plan, which comes with unlimited calling and texting. More precisely, it's an ad-supported tier.
You interact with TextNow through its mobile app, available on Android and iOS. Upon activating the mobile app, you'll be assigned a new phone number, meaning you'll have two numbers associated with a single phone. TextNow supports voice and video calls, as well as rich messaging features that include emojis, stickers, and media.
You can also opt for a paid plan, which goes up to $40 per month for unlimited data, making TextNow a more affordable alternative to major wireless carriers.
A VPN will help you unblock TextNow outside the US and Canada, as well as give you access to other geo-restricted VoIP apps. Plus, you'll get privacy protection. Here's more information:
The first thing to look for is the VPN's ability to unblock the VoIP app from anywhere. For that, you'll need plenty of servers, strong VPN protocols, and a no-logs policy, but also pay attention to the price you'll need to pay and the type of customer support you'll get. Let's go over everything:
If you encounter technical issues while using your VPN with TextNow, we recommend checking your Wi-Fi connection, restarting your device, switching to another server, or using a more capable VPN protocol. Let's go over some actionable tips:
Whether you're traveling, studying, or living abroad, knowing where TextNow is supported can help you stay connected, especially if you're using a VPN. TextNow primarily operates in the US and Canada, but it's also accessible in several other countries. Here’s a list of regions where TextNow services are currently available:
Even though you'll find some free VPNs for TextNow, you shouldn't use them. That's because they come with all kinds of limitations and potential dangers, leading to a very restrictive experience.
Free VPNs impose bandwidth limitations and they typically offer a handful of servers only. You'll get very slow speeds and no simultaneous connections. Also, free VPNs typically use low-end protocols, so you'll risk your privacy. Plus, most of them collect and sell your sensitive information, and some may even implant malware and trackers.
All in all, a free VPN is never a good idea. Instead, stick to the paid versions of these best VPN providers. Even though they're premium-priced, they'll let you unblock TextNow without slowdowns while ensuring the protection of your sensitive information online. Plus, they won't take advantage of your trust, as high-end VPNs stick to audited no-logs policies.
TextNow is only available in the USA and Canada and uses geo-restrictions to block any users who do not have a Canadian or US IP address. This means you won’t be able to access your account while traveling abroad. Plus, despite all its security measures, TextNow is vulnerable to threats like any other software. You can bypass all these issues with a trusty VPN.
You should go for NordVPN, as it offers multiple servers inside the US and Canada to unblock TextNow reliably from anywhere. In addition, it has fast speeds and stellar overall performance, allowing users to use the Web with VPN protection effortlessly, making it the best VPN for TextNow overall.
Surfshark is ideal for those looking for an affordable solution with unlimited simultaneous connections, fast speeds, and strong privacy features. Surfshark offers affordability, unlimited connections, fast speeds, and strong privacy. ExpressVPN excels in privacy with automatic obfuscation and fast performance. CyberGhost provides optimized servers for seamless TextNow access, while Private Internet Access (PIA) delivers advanced customization and enhanced security with Shadowsocks proxy for more control.
That's all for our guide on picking a VPN to unblock the TextNow app. If you have any questions, please leave a comment below. Thank you for reading!