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iPlum is the best Textline alternative if you’re looking for true HIPAA compliance in business texting and calling.
More on that in a short while.
Before we look at how Textline drops the ball when it comes to HIPAA compliance, let’s start by answering the all-important question.
What is HIPAA Compliance?
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), set in 1996, establishes federal standards to protect sensitive patient health information from unauthorized disclosure.
HIPAA compliance involves adhering to regulations safeguarding the privacy, security, and integrity of Protected Health Information (PHI).
These regulations apply to healthcare providers, insurers, and organizations handling patient data, collectively known as covered entities and business associates.
Why Should You Care About HIPAA Compliance?
If you’re in any of the abovementioned industries, you can’t afford to cut corners with HIPAA compliance.
Here’s why:
- HIPAA violations cost up to $63,973 per incident. Rack up multiple breaches, and you’re looking at millions in fines. Not to mention legal headaches.
- A single data breach can erode patient confidence and shatter your reputation. Once that trust is gone, clients will switch to competitors with better security.
- Standard SMS isn’t encrypted, so it’s an easy target for interception. Without end-to-end encryption, Protected Health Information (PHI) can land in the wrong hands, putting your business at risk.
Back to Texline.
How well does it really protect your business with HIPAA?
Turns out Texline’s HIPAA compliance isn’t perfect.
How Textline Fails to Provide True HIPAA Compliance
Texline drops the ball in some areas when it comes to HIPAA compliance, including:
Admission “Messaging May Not Be Fully Secure”
Textline’s consent message explicitly warns that “text messaging may not be fully secure.” This raises immediate concerns.
HIPAA requires that Protected Health Information (PHI) be encrypted in transit and at rest.
If Textline admits potential security gaps in SMS, its ability to deliver true HIPAA compliance remains questionable.
Lack of End-to-End Encryption
Textline does not mention anywhere that it delivers end-to-end encryption for text messages. Instead, it talks about encryption for data storage.
This means that while stored messages may be secure, messages in transit—especially over traditional SMS networks—are at risk of interception.
HIPAA-compliant messaging should encrypt texts from sender to recipient, which Textline doesn’t confirm.
The Double-Consent Workaround
Sure, Textline’s patented consent feature is a legal safeguard. But, it’s not a security measure.
The platform ensures organizations obtain patient permission to send messages over an insecure channel (SMS). However, HIPAA compliance involves more than consent. It’s also about making sure the actual communication method is secure.
Textline’s process, therefore, shifts liability to the patient instead of offering true HIPAA-compliant texting.
No App Requirement
Textline says that patients don’t need an app to receive messages. While this may be convenient, it also means the platform sends messages via standard SMS.
And, as stated, standard SMS lacks the encryption and security controls required for handling PHI.
For this reason, many HIPAA-compliant platforms require a secure portal or app. Hence, Textline sacrifices security for ease of use and cost-effectiveness.
Top Textline Alternatives
It’s against this backdrop that we’ve rounded up top alternatives to Texline for better HIPAA compliance.
Here’s a quick summary of these alternatives to Textiline compare.
1. iPlum
iPlum is a robust Textline alternative if you’re looking for rock-solid HIPAA compliance and a fully secure business communication platform.
First, where Textline warns of potential security risks, iPlum chooses to solve the problem rather than sidestep it.
iPlum ensures full compliance with HIPAA, HITECH, PIPEDA, and PHIPA through end-to-end encryption for secure texting and calling.
Unlike Textline, which relies on a double-consent workaround, iPlum provides true data protection with encrypted communication that meets HIPAA’s strict security requirements.
Another key difference is that Textline lacks a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) for each number. iPlum, by comparison, includes a BAA with every HIPAA-enabled phone number. This gives users a clear legal framework for compliance and accountability.
Plus, iPlum supports secure app-based messaging and a web portal for protected conversations.
Textline only offers texting, leaving businesses without a compliant calling solution.
iPlum, on the other hand, delivers a fully-fledged cloud mobile phone system for business. The package includes a second phone line with a dedicated business number, voicemail, phone tree, call recording, auto-attendants, and more.
This allows professionals to maintain privacy while keeping work and personal communication separate.
iPlum also supports HIPAA-compliant faxing, a feature Textline doesn’t offer.
Other features include call forwarding, custom greetings, 800 toll-free vanity numbers, and more tools.
See All iPlum’s Unique Features
iPlum’s Pricing vs Texline’s
iPlum offers more features than Texline at a lower price point.
First, Textline’s cheapest plan starts at $20 per agent per month (with a minimum of three agents). This means you must spend at least $60 monthly before sending a single message—and that doesn’t even include messaging costs.
In contrast, iPlum’s Standard Plan is just $8.99 per user per month, with no agent minimums and full access to calling, texting, voicemail, phone trees, and business hours.
For HIPAA compliance, Textline locks that behind its $50 per agent per month Pro plan (minimum five agents, so you must spend at least $250/month).
Plum, on the other hand, offers HIPAA compliance for only $14.99 per user per month. This includes encrypted messaging, secure web texting, and a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) at no extra cost.
On top of that, iPlum offers call recording and text archiving for compliance industries at $19.99 per user. Textline doesn't provide a built-in calling solution at all.
As the table above shows, iPlum delivers a more affordable, fully equipped, and compliant business communication solution.
Textline, by comparison, ropes you into expensive multi-agent plans without even offering voice capabilities.
How to Port Your Texline Number to iPlum
Want to experience iPlum’s next-level HIPAA compliance and innovative business communication capabilities?
Easy.
Simply transfer your Texline number to iPlum in simple steps. Here’s how:
Step 1: Start the Porting Process
- Go to my.iplum.com
- Click “Port Existing Number.”
- If you have an iPlum account, log in and navigate to:
Dashboard → Users → Click Login ID → More → Port Number.
Step 2: Fill Out the Porting Form
- Choose the iPlum user account for your Texline number.
- Enter details from your Texline account:
- Texline as your current carrier.
- Your business or personal name as listed on Texline.
- Texline account number, billing phone number, and PIN (if required).
- Service address (Texline’s registered address for your number).
Step 3: Wait for Transfer Approval
- iPlum submits your request to Texline.
- If any details don’t match, you’ll get an email alert.
- Porting usually takes 1-7 business days, depending on Texline’s response.
- Your Texline number remains active during the process.
Step 4: Complete the Port
- You’ll receive an email once your Texline number is transferred.
- The ported number will now work in iPlum, replacing any temporary number.
Step 5: Start Using iPlum
- Download the iPlum app from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
- Log in and enjoy secure calling, encrypted messaging, and HIPAA compliance.
Step 6: Confirm Cancellation with Texline
- Contact Texline to ensure your number is disconnected and that billing is stopped.
That’s it! Your number is now on iPlum, ready for business.
Note: Ensure your Texline number is active during the porting process. Also, be sure to unlock your number before proceeding.
Port Your Textline Number to iPlum
2. Dialpad
Dialpad is a good Textline alternative if you’re looking for a solution that can do more than send texts.
Unlike Textline, which only offers SMS, Dialpad provides a unified communications system that includes voice calls, video meetings, and team messaging.
It also integrates with popular platforms like Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, and Salesforce. Hence, it’s a more versatile choice for users who need multi-channel communication.
In addition, Dialpad boasts AI-powered call transcription, customizable call routing, and a web-based softphone, which Textline lacks.
Moreover, its cloud-based infrastructure also provides failover protection, ensuring reliable service even during outages.
However, when it comes to HIPAA compliance, Dialpad falls short in critical areas.
Where Dialpad Drops the Ball on HIPAA Compliance
First, Dialpad encrypts data at rest and in transit. However, it doesn’t provide full end-to-end encryption for calls and text messages, so PHI could still be intercepted during transmission.
This also means Dialpad isn’t fully compliant with HIPAA’s strict security requirements.
Dialpad offers a Business Associate Agreement (BAA). But it’s not automatically included for all users. You must manually request it and properly configure their accounts to avoid compliance gaps.
Thus, if any settings are misconfigured, Dialpad’s HIPAA compliance is no longer guaranteed.
Furthermore, Dialpad doesn’t have a dedicated, encrypted messaging platform for securely exchanging PHI. Instead, it relies on standard messaging channels that may not be fully secure.
iPlum’s HIPAA Compliance vs Dialpad’s
Sure, Dialpad edges Textline in terms of features and communication channels. However, it fails to provide a foolproof HIPAA-compliant solution.
Without end-to-end encryption, a built-in BAA, secure messaging, and HIPAA-compliant faxing, Dialpad leaves critical security gaps for healthcare providers.
iPlum, on the other hand, delivers all these features out of the box, ensuring true HIPAA compliance without extra work.
3. Google Voice
Google Voice is among the popular Textline alternatives primarily due to its integration with Google Workspace.
Notable features include call forwarding, voicemail transcription, spam filtering, and seamless syncing across multiple devices. It also allows users to send and receive SMS messages.
Google Voice's integration with Google Workspace tools like Gmail and Google Calendar adds to its appeal. It suits small businesses and professionals looking for a simple communication platform.
That said, Google Voice lags behind Textline in some areas.
For instance, it lacks bulk messaging and automated workflows, which are important tools for businesses managing high-volume customer interactions. In addition, its analytics aren’t as in-depth as Texline's. Plus, it supports fewer integrations.
Google Voice Compliance Gaps
Google Voice has some serious gaps when it comes to HIPAA compliance.
First, the free version isn’t covered under Google’s Business Associate Agreement (BAA). This means you can’t legally use it to handle patient information.
The paid version, available through Google Workspace, allows users to sign BAAs. But, you have to adjust security settings manually, and even then, Google Voice doesn’t offer end-to-end encryption for calls or texts.
Therefore, PHI is still vulnerable to interception during transmission with the paid upgrade.
iPlum’s HIPAA Compliance vs. Google Voice
Sure, you can configure Google Voice for HIPAA compliance. Still, as stated above, the platform doesn’t meet the highest security standards for handling sensitive data.
iPlum, by comparison, is HIPAA-compliant right from the start. It includes encrypted messaging, dedicated business phone lines, and built-in safeguards that don’t require extra configuration.
4. Nextiva
Nextiva is one of the Textline alternatives you can consider for a more extensive suite of communication tools.
Like Textline, Nextiva offers text messaging, allowing you to send and receive SMS messages using your business phone number.
In addition, Nextiva provides a unified communications platform that includes voice calls, video meetings, and team collaboration tools.
You can use it to manage calls with features like auto-attendants, call routing, and voicemail-to-email transcription, making it a more versatile option.
Nextiva also integrates with CRM platforms, like Hubspot and Salesforce, enabling you to streamline customer interactions across multiple channels.
It is worth noting that Textline can integrate with Nextiva. This means Nextiva users can leverage Textline's specialized SMS if it makes business sense.
Nextiva HIPAA Compliance Limitations You Need to Know
Nextiva presents itself as a HIPAA-compliant communication platform for phone service, video conferencing, and virtual fax. To its credit, it offers some important safeguards.
In addition, healthcare providers can sign a BAA. However, Nextiva’s HIPAA compliance comes with several limitations.
First, Nextiva turns off key features such as visual voicemail, transcription, and voicemail-to-email to meet HIPAA requirements. This means healthcare professionals lose convenient tools that could otherwise streamline communication.
In addition, although Nextiva encrypts data at rest and in transit, it doesn’t provide end-to-end encryption for calls and messages. It, therefore, leaves patient information potentially vulnerable during transmission.
Furthermore, you must manually manage security settings and ensure they follow best practices for handling Protected Health Information (PHI).
Nextiva’s HIPAA Compliance vs. iPlum’s
Nextiva meets HIPAA standards but requires disabling key features like voicemail-to-email. Besides, users must also configure security settings manually.
iPlum, on the other hand, delivers built-in HIPAA compliance without limiting functionality. It encrypts calls and texts end-to-end, ensuring more robust, stronger data protection.
5. Grasshopper
Grasshopper is a virtual phone system with features tailored to small businesses. These include call forwarding, voicemail transcription, and VoIP/Wi-Fi calling. And, like Textline, it also supports business texting.
That said, Grasshopper offers a more comprehensive suite of communication tools, including voice services and virtual fax, for businesses seeking an all-in-one communication solution.
Grasshopper’s HIPAA Compliance
According to its website, Grasshopper isn’t HIPAA compliant.
Instead, its support team can access customer messages, including voicemails and texts, to assist with troubleshooting. This unrestricted access, combined with a lack of encryption and controlled data handling, makes Grasshopper unsuitable for managing protected health information.
Additionally, Grasshopper does not provide a standard Business Associate Agreement, which HIPAA requires for compliant communication services.
Thus, if your business needs secure, HIPAA-compliant communication, Grasshopper isn’t the best Texline alternative.
Grasshopper’s HIPAA Compliance vs. iPlum
Grasshopper isn’t HIPAA compliant as its system permits access to sensitive messages and doesn’t include a default BAA.
iPlum offers a fully compliant alternative to Textline with encrypted calls, texts, and voicemails, ensuring patient data protection.
Best Alternatives to Textline—Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
What is Similar to Textline?
iPlum is similar to Textilne, offering comparable business texting tools. However, iPlum pushes the envelope with full HIPAA compliance, 800 toll-free vanity numbers, call recording, and more.
What Does Textline Do?
Textline is a business texting platform that enables teams to send and receive SMS messages. It supports shared inboxes, automation, and CRM integrations for customer communication.
How Much Does Textline Cost Per Month?
Textline starts at $20 per month for a single user. However, you must purchase three seats, pushing Textline's monthly pricing to $60.
Alternatives to Textline —You Don’t Have to Compromise Compliance
Secure communication is paramount in heavily regulated industries, from healthcare to finance and legal services.
You’ll, therefore, want to make sure you’re using a business texting solution that treats HIPAA compliance as a key capability, not an option.
Although Textline has good texting features for business, it doesn’t meet the HIPAA threshold for safeguarding sensitive customer data,
But you can always opt for iPlum, a Textline alternative that offers overlapping features and more.
With iPlum, you get built-in HIPAA compliance, so you’ll never have to second-guess the safety and privacy of your client’s number.
The best part?
iPlum is more cost-effective, going for $8.99 per month per user, and doesn’t lock HIPAA compliance to expensive tiers.
Sounds good?
Click the button below to access iPlum's innovative features and true HIPAA compliance.
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