Best Alternative Option For Text Messaging?

[PM5K]

If I can cut out my text messaging plans I can probably get some other services I'd rather have.

So the question is: What alternative options do I have for text messaging? I know all of them have some type of downside, but if it can save me twenty+ dollars per month I'll have to consider it, but hopefully I can get the best option that's closest to regular text messaging.

TIA!

[Nothingface420]

I recommend Textfree by Pinger

It gives you your own phone number & it's still free in the app store.
The only downside is you can't send/receive photos or videos.

[protectmyphone]

textfree is nice other than no picture messages

[kmmxracer]

I also use textfree. Have been for almost a year now, its pretty solid, besides the no SMS like the others say.

[talbott]

what's the catch with textfree？

[fetchbeans]

Another free option is to get a Google Voice number. You can forward incoming texts to your Gmail and reply to them thru your iPhone's mail app.

[wvcachi]

I use Textnow. Used Textfree before, but I personally prefer Textnow's interface; plus it has picture msgs.

I don't think they give the option of a number, so this is probably better if you're using it mostly with someone else who also uses the app.