Text For Free: Best Apps for Android, BlackBerry, and iPhone
Jun 16, 2010 09:59 AM EDT by Marc Flores 
A single text message containing 160 characters is about 140 bytes of data. That’s bytes, not kilobytes. And while it costs carriers virtually nothing to transmit that small amount of data, consumers pay through the nose for this privilege. Individual text messages cost between 10 and 20 cents each, and that adds up quickly on text messaging–friendly phones. Although Sprint includes unlimited messaging in its Simply Everything data plans, T-Mobile charges $10 per month, while AT&T and Verizon Wireless charge $20 for unlimited text messaging—on top of your data fees.
Fortunately, there are applications for Android phones, BlackBerrys, and the iPhone that allow you to send and receive text messages for free.
There are a few caveats: some of the apps themselves cost money, you can’t use your existing phone number, and you’ll likely experience delays in sending or receiving messages in areas with weak data coverage. Nevertheless, using one of these apps is often better than forking over your hard-earned cash to the carriers.
- textPLUS (Android)
This free text messaging app for Android phones may require a data connection , but it still beats paying traditional prices.
- Kik Chat (BlackBerry)
This BlackBerry app is a great tool for sending and receiving free text messages, but it’s not without some limitations.
- TextFree Unlimited (iPhone)
This iPhone app resembles the device’s standard SMS interface and comes with helpful features to boot.
- TextNow (iPhone)
TextNow offers unlimited text messages and a slew of sweet personal customization options for a very good price.
June 16th, 2010 at 12:00 pm
There is the WHATSAPP for IPHONE and BB. This is the best of all !
November 1st, 2010 at 12:26 pm
Please advise if there are any charges to blackberry fones messages to iphones with this application.
November 10th, 2010 at 7:21 pm
There is no charges associated with WhatsApp for BB or iPhone. Love the app. You can send audio notes, video and pics as well. It was free for my iPhone but think the app cost BB users $1 one time fee.
March 24th, 2011 at 3:59 am
Check Free SMS:
- worldwide;
- several providers (a huge number of countries and carriers/operators);
- with replies (for USA/Canada);
- it’s free for the SMS recipient. Some providers do charge for receiving SMS if the recipient sends a confirmation SMS;
- history (removable).
Providers add minor ad block at the end of SMS messages.
June 16th, 2011 at 6:21 pm
how do i download this to my blackberry
July 26th, 2011 at 6:53 pm
what app can i download for texting for androids iRobot?
September 2nd, 2011 at 3:10 pm
Kik is no longer available for BB.
September 26th, 2011 at 10:53 am
Might be a stupid question but is it possible to txt for free across borders between and Android phone and an Iphone?
September 26th, 2011 at 6:54 pm
do you have to have internet connection to send a txt msg for free
October 24th, 2011 at 10:49 am
I live in indonesia n I use bb.. Is it possible to text my friend in usa using this app?and my friend use verizon wireless phone.. Thanks for ur time
January 18th, 2012 at 12:00 am
How Do I Download The app To my andriod
May 21st, 2012 at 3:30 pm
How do i download free texting app to my phone???????
May 27th, 2012 at 9:42 pm
Any better apps?
July 25th, 2012 at 9:24 am
whats app is for blackberry people who have blackberry an other phones.
July 27th, 2012 at 9:49 am
Try breef.it, it’s very simple and free. You also get a personal messaging URL. Has heaps of security features so you can keep your email private. Mine is breef.it/arvin
October 29th, 2012 at 10:35 am
How can I get this for my blackberry? I checked blackberry’s appworld and this app isn’t there.