Published on: April 11, 2024 Updated 2 times since publishing
- 🥇 ExpressVPN : It offers 4 server locations in Canada and 20+ locations in the US, where TextNow is available for free, plus it has servers in 105 countries. It also maintains fast speeds for calling and texting on TextNow and has top-notch security features and intuitive apps.
The best way to securely use the TextNow app is with a VPN. A VPN hides your real IP address and gives you a new one that keeps your location anonymous. It also encrypts your data. TextNow is only available for download and use in the US and Canada. In theory, you could use a VPN to access TextNow in a country where the platform isn’t available, but this goes against the platforms’ Terms of Use and might get your account banned.
The one thing to keep in mind is not all VPNs are good for TextNow. Some don’t have large server networks in the US and Canada, lack user-friendly apps, or fail to deliver fast speeds. Plus, many can’t bypass the block that TextNow uses to prevent VPN usage with the app.
I spent time testing the top VPNs and found the best options to use with TextNow. ExpressVPN is my top choice, as it has server locations spread across both the US and Canada, maintains fast speeds, and has intuitive apps. Editor's Note: ExpressVPN and this site are in the same ownership group.
Quick Summary of the Best VPNs for TextNow
Editor's Note: Intego, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost and ExpressVPN are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company
🥇1. ExpressVPN — Best Overall VPN for TextNow
Basic 12-Months plan: $3.99 / month
1-month plan: $12.99 / month
ExpressVPN is my favorite VPN for TextNow. It has over 20 server locations in the US that are spread out on both coasts and in the middle of the country. In addition, there are 4 server locations in Canada, including 2 in Toronto and one in Montreal and Vancouver. This gives you many server options to find the one closest to your location so you get the fastest speeds for texting and calling on TextNow.
ExpressVPN has advanced security features, including:
- RAM-only servers. These servers run on volatile memory, which means that each server robot erases all data.
- A verified no-logs policy. ExpressVPN’s no-logs policy has been independently audited and confirmed. The VPN doesn’t log your IP address or online activities, which means it won’t be able to share any data about your TextNow activities.
- Perfect forward secrecy. This security feature changes the encryption keys for each VPN session, minimizing the amount of data potential hackers could access.
- Full leak protection. Protects you against DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leaks, which helps ensure your location remains anonymous when you’re using TextNow.
Speaking of speeds, ExpressVPN is the fastest one on the market. My colleagues in the US and Canada were able to send messages and make calls on TextNow without any interruptions while connected to a local VPN server. This is all thanks to its proprietary protocol Lightway, which is designed to provide super fast speeds.
The VPN has obfuscation across all servers and protocols, making your VPN traffic look like regular traffic. This means that you’ll be able to use TextNow on restrictive networks that block the app, such as at school and work.
Bottom Line:
ExpressVPN is the best VPN for TextNow. It has multiple server locations in the US and Canada and has advanced security and privacy features. The VPN maintains fast speeds and has obfuscation on all servers.
Read the full ExpressVPN review
🥈2. Private Internet Access — A Large Server Network in the US
6-month plan: $7.50 / month
1-month plan: $11.99 / month
Private Internet Access (PIA) has servers in each US state, giving you the most server options in the US out of all VPNs on this list. It also has 4 server locations in Canada, including Toronto, Ontario, Vancouver, and Montreal. So, you’ll have no issues finding the fastest server near your location for smooth texting and calling on TextNow.
PIA also has obfuscation via the open-source Shadowsocks proxy servers, allowing you to bypass any VPN blocks. Nobody will know that you’re using a VPN, and you’ll be able to access TextNow on restrictive networks, like at school. While PIA offers these servers in 5+ countries, including the US and Canada, I prefer ExpressVPN because it includes obfuscation on all servers (including all US and Canadien locations), it’s automatically enabled, and it maintains faster speeds.
I’m a fan of PIA’s customization. For example, you change protocols from OpenVPN to WireGuard for faster speeds when making calls on TextNow, as well as choose which encryption level you want (128-bit AES is typically a little faster than 256-bit AES). There are connection preferences, such as allowing you to automatically connect when you launch the app. In addition, the VPN allows unlimited simultaneous connections, so everyone in your household can connect to a PIA server when using TextNow.
Bottom Line:
Private Internet Access comes with servers in every US state and 4 server locations in Canada. Moreover, it maintains fast speeds and offers obfuscation through the Shadowsocks proxy servers. Plus, its apps are highly customizable.
Read the full Private Internet Access review
Editor's Note: Private Internet Access and this site are in the same ownership group.
🥉3. CyberGhost VPN — Beginner-Friendly VPN for TextNow
6-month plan: $6.99 / month
1-month plan: $12.99 / month
CyberGhost VPN has intuitive apps, making it great for VPN beginners. The Smart Rules feature lets you customize and automate your connections. For instance, you can set the TextNow app to open after you connect to the VPN. You can also configure the VPN to connect you to a server in the US or Canada when you open the TextNow app.
Plus, it also has 11 server locations in the US and 3 server locations in Canada, including Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver. While CyberGhost has fewer US server locations than ExpressVPN and Private Internet Access, they cover the entire country.
Unlike ExpressVPN and Private Internet Access, CyberGhost VPN doesn’t work on restrictive networks. So, you might not be able to use TextNow on school or work networks that restrict the app.
Bottom Line:
CyberGhost VPN has a Smart Rules feature which allows you to automate your connections. It also has decent speeds and multiple server locations in Canada and the US but doesn’t work on restrictive networks.
Read the full CyberGhost VPN review
Editor's Note: CyberGhost and this site are in the same ownership group.
4. NordVPN — Blocks Malicious Sites + Interactive Map
Plus 24-month plan: $3.59 / month
Complete 24-month plan: $4.99 / month
Prime 24-month plan: $6.99 / month
NordVPN has a great ad blocker called Threat Protection. It blocks ads, trackers, and prevents connections to malicious sites. My colleague in Canada informed me that though it wasn’t great at blocking ads, it successfully protected her from a malicious link to a shady website she received through the TextNow app.
Moreover, the VPN has servers in 3 locations in Canada and 16 in the US. However, ExpressVPN and Private Internet Access offer more server locations in the US. I’m a big fan of the interactive digital map, which lets you use location bubbles to connect to specific cities, like Montreal, Vancouver, and Toronto. Plus, you can use country pins on the Windows app to pick servers.
Moreover, I like that the VPN has obfuscation on 100 servers in 15+ countries, including the US (in at least 5 locations) and Canada (in Toronto). This will prevent the restrictive network administrators from seeing that you’re using TextNow.
Bottom Line:
NordVPN’s ad blocker is great at blocking malicious sites and downloads on the free version of TextNow. In addition, it’s good for fast texting and calling. Plus, it allows obfuscation and has an interactive digital map that allows you to connect to specific cities.
5. Surfshark — Intuitive VPN With Affordable Plans
One 24-month plan: $2.49 / month
One+ 24-month plan: $4.19 / month
Surfshark has user-friendly apps that are easy to navigate. You can easily connect to servers with one click and all features come with explanations. Plus, Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous connections (like Private Internet Access).
This VPN has servers in 25 US cities and multiple servers across Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver.
When it comes to obfuscation, Surfshark uses Camouflage Mode, which turns on automatically when the VPN detects that you’re using a restrictive network with TextNow — you just have to use OpenVPN.
Bottom Line:
Surfshark has an intuitive interface, making it easy to connect to servers. In addition, its Camouflage Mode feature circumvents network restrictions.
Read the full Surfshark review
Quick Comparison Table
Editor's Note: Intego, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost and ExpressVPN are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company
Testing Methodology: Comparison & Ranking Criteria
I applied our testing methodology to guarantee that the VPNs on this list meet our strict standards. I checked each VPN for ease of use, their server network in the US and Canada, and the obfuscation feature. Every VPN exceeded my expectations and proved that it provides more value than the other VPNs on the market. Here are my testing criteria that helped me determine which VPNs to include on this list:
- I checked each VPN’s server network. The VPN should have server locations in the US and Canada, where TextNow is available. All the VPNs on this list have multiple server locations in the US and Canada.
- I evaluated the VPN’s speeds. All VPNs slow down your speeds due to the encryption process, but top VPNs can maintain fast speeds across all servers. ExpressVPN is the fastest one on this list.
- I considered security features. I only recommend VPNs that come with industry-standard security features, like 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch that disconnects you from the internet if your VPN connection fails to prevent traffic leaks, a no-logs policy, and DNS leak protection.
- I looked for VPNs that are easy to use. The VPNs on this list have an intuitive interface, which makes it easy to find the fastest server for TextNow. Plus, they have apps for most major devices.
- I made sure the VPNs offered a good value. I ensured that the VPNs listed above have affordable pricing plans and deals and offer generous money-back guarantees. So, you can try them risk-free.
Top Brands That Didn’t Make the Cut
- TunnelBear. TunnelBear is mostly good, but I don’t like that it doesn’t let you select a specific city’s server, only the country. Plus, it doesn’t offer a money-back guarantee.
- VyprVPN. It has a much smaller server network compared to the VPNs on this list. Plus, it lacks some extra features, like an ad blocker.
- IPVanish. IPVanish is one of my favorite VPNs, but it falls a bit short. Although it has servers spread around the world, it only has servers in 112 locations. This is less than many of the top competitors. Plus, its ad blocker isn’t available on most devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best VPN for TextNow?
ExpressVPN is the best VPN for TextNow. It has 20+ server locations in the US and 4 server locations in Canada. Plus, it has obfuscation on all servers and protocols, allowing you to chat and call on networks that restrict the app. The VPN also has very intuitive apps and super fast speeds.
Which countries support TextNow?
TextNow is available for free in the US and Canada. If you’re located outside of these countries, you won’t be able to chat and call via TextNow.
Can I use a free VPN with TextNow?
Maybe, but I don’t recommend it. Many free VPNs have a small server network, so you might not have many server options in the US and Canada. Plus, most of them have buggy apps. Instead, I recommend purchasing a premium VPN, like ExpressVPN. It has multiple server locations in the US and Canada and is very intuitive to use.
Will using a VPN affect my TextNow usage experience?
A good VPN should not significantly affect your TextNow usage experience. However, slower overcrowded servers may result in decreased call quality or messaging delays. That’s why I recommend getting one of the VPNs on this list. They have multiple server locations in the US and Canada, so you’ll easily find the fastest server and avoid overcrowded ones.
Editor's Note: ExpressVPN and this site are in the same ownership group.
