Messaging apps like WhatsApp are very popular now because you no longer have to pay to send text messages. The problem with these apps, however, is that both the sender and recipient must have the app installed, which isn’t always convenient. Of course, both users need to be connected to the internet – if the person you’re trying to message is in a location without internet access, you’ll only be able to contact them using text messages.
However, there are some ways you can send text messages for free. Remember, there is no free lunch. Each of these “free” services comes with a catch. Before using any of these services, make sure you are aware that you may start receiving advertisements via email and text messages. If you are going to install any free text messaging app, carefully check the permissions list to see if it will invade your privacy. All of these services may sell your contact information to marketing companies.
We also found a number of online services that claim to let you send and receive text messages online. We tried almost all of them but we couldn’t even send messages and received much less so we can’t recommend any messages. However, the following services run reliably.
Method 2 SMS
We tried a few free text messaging services and found Way2sms to be the most useful. Text messages sent via Way2sms are delivered quickly, but that’s not unique to the service. It works on mobile browsers, desktop browsers, and has an Android app. A fully functional mobile website can be accessed across platforms.
The service will bombard you with ads, and promotional emails will reach us before the verification emails. Additionally, we recommend against using the Way2sms Android app – it requires a number of permissions, including “Modify or delete contents of USB storage”, “Test access to protected storage”, “Read sensitive log data” and “Precise location (GPS and network based)”. The mobile site is fine so you don’t need to use the app at all.
You can send text messages for free using this service in the following ways:
Visit the Way2sms website and create an account. You will receive a password and a verification email on your phone. You need to verify your account and start sending free text messages.
Open the website and log in. Now click on “Send Free SMS”. This will take you to a page where Way2sms asks you to add a contact. It’s not mandatory, but the site makes it seem like you can’t send text messages without saving your contacts on their servers. Click the Send SMS link next to the Home icon at the top.
Enter your friend’s number, enter your message, and click Send SMS.
Another well-known service is 160by2, which used to be a competitor until it was acquired by Way2sms. However, it still runs standalone, and it’s worth mentioning that it has a Chrome extension so you can quickly send messages from the browser. But overall, Way2sms is the better choice because its mobile website is more usable.
Hiking
Hike Messenger is a messaging app available on most platforms, but it has an interesting feature – it allows you to send messages via SMS as well as message other Hike users. After signing up, you will get 20 free text messages, and if the person you refer signs up for Hike, you can also get 50 free text messages. Unlike the services mentioned above, which can only send messages, Hike also allows you to receive messages – your friends just need to reply to the free messages you send, and you’ll receive them in the app. You can also “earn” more free text messages by chatting with Hike Messenger.
The app is available on iOS, Android, Windows Phone, BlackBerry, and Nokia S40 and S60. Here’s how to use Hike to send free text messages.
(See also: Hiking Messenger Review)
Install the app and register your account. Now, click the New Message button, enter the phone number of anyone who is not on the Hike, and send them a message. This will be sent automatically as a text message.
Otherwise, you can go to your Contacts and tap on the contact name who doesn’t have Hike installed (or is currently offline) to chat with them using your SMS balance.
As we said before, there are countless apps and websites that claim to send text messages for free, but these seem to be the most reliable we’ve tried. Feel free to share your favorite way in the comments. As always, you’ll find more helpful articles in our How-To section.
