Nextplus: Phone # Text + Call
Overview
Standard cellular plans can be costly for users who primarily need basic messaging and calling. Addressing this demand, Nextplus provides a cloud-based voice-over-IP (VoIP) service that functions without requiring a traditional mobile carrier contract. Developed by the team behind textPlus, Nextplus issues users a real, customizable US phone number to send texts and make calls over Wi-Fi or mobile data.
The app operates on a cloud-based session initiation protocol (SIP), using telecommunications partnerships to route digital voice packets to the public switched telephone network (PSTN). To keep the core service free, Nextplus utilizes an ad-supported model. The carrier interconnection fees required to route calls to traditional phone networks are offset by in-app video and banner ads. For users who prefer an ad-free experience, the app offers monthly and annual subscriptions to remove ads and unlock advanced calling bundles. It requires simple email/social login.
Because Nextplus runs over standard internet protocols, call quality depends heavily on network stability. The number expires after inactivity unless paid to retain. Packet loss or jitter can cause audio delays, echo, or dropped calls. Additionally, background process limitations on some Android devices can cause incoming call notifications to fail, leaving users with only a missed call alert.
Pros & Cons
Free Virtual US Number Selection: Allows users to select a custom US phone number with their choice of area code during setup.
Free Unlimited Inbound Calls and SMS: Provides free unlimited inbound calling and text messaging without requiring a cellular plan.
Independent Wi-Fi and Data Operation: Runs entirely over Wi-Fi or mobile data, making it useful for tablets, older smartphones, and devices without a SIM card.
Cross-Device Account Syncing: Keeps message histories and contacts synced across multiple active devices.
Rich Media and GIF Messaging: Supports modern messaging features, including custom avatars, animated GIFs, and customizable notification sounds.
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Frequent In-App Advertisements: The free tier includes persistent banner ads and auto-playing video ads that can disrupt navigation.
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System-Level Call Ringing Failures: Background performance issues on Android can cause incoming calls to drop, sending them directly to voicemail.
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No Emergency 911 Support: The app does not support emergency calls, meaning it cannot replace a primary phone line for critical safety needs.
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Aggressive Video Compression: Videos and photos sent via MMS are heavily compressed, which can impact image quality.
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FAQs
How does Nextplus offer free calling and texting?
Nextplus displays banner and video advertisements within the app to offset the carrier connection fees required to route calls to traditional networks.
Can I use Nextplus on an Android tablet without a SIM card?
Yes. The app runs over any stable Wi-Fi connection, allowing users to turn non-cellular tablets into functional phones.
Will my selected phone number expire if I don't use it?
Yes. Free numbers can be reclaimed due to inactivity, though users can purchase a subscription to reserve their number permanently.
Can I make emergency 911 calls using Nextplus?
No. Nextplus does not support emergency calling, and users must use a standard landline or cellular network to contact emergency services.
Is international calling supported on the app?
Yes. Nextplus provides competitive international rates, and users can purchase dedicated calling bundles for countries like Mexico within the app.
Hot Reviews
Users find the app highly useful for setting up a secondary phone number or turning Wi-Fi-only tablets into messaging devices.
Many reviewers note that the volume of video ads has increased, making the free version of the app harder to navigate.
Some users report that incoming calls often fail to ring in real time, showing up only as delayed missed call notifications.
Technical reviews note that short SMS and basic text exchanges are highly reliable, even when the local data connection is weak.