# TCF vs Virtual SMS

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: TCF at none against Virtual SMS's 17. TCF also leads on update cadence (weekly vs every 6 weeks) and iOS requirement (8.1 vs 12.0). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Virtual SMS sells 17 one-off in-app purchases. TCF asks for nothing beyond the download.

TCF ships an update weekly, Virtual SMS every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 2, 2026 and October 6, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | TCF | Virtual SMS |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[3.9 (17 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/virtual-sms-virtual-number/id6499100920/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **17** |
| Positive reviews | — | 77.8% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 6 weeks |
| Monetization | — | Free |
| Size | 20 MB | 43 MB |
| Requires iOS | **8.1** | 12.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [维柱 邓](https://appshunter.io/developer/442896877) | [凤娥 赵](https://appshunter.io/developer/1681548200) |

## What reviewers say

### TCF

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tcf/id1489293180)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Virtual SMS

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/virtual-sms-virtual-number/id6499100920)

This app provides a secure and convenient way to receive temporary SMS messages globally. It allows users to register for various online services without revealing their personal phone number, ensuring digital privacy and protection from spam.

**Highlights:** Global temporary numbers in 200+ countries, No SIM card required for registration, Supports 2000+ mainstream apps, Advanced spam and junk message interception, Local and offline message interception, Protects personal phone number from leaks

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (17)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 一次性号码 | $0.99 | one-time |
| 短信号码单次激活(地区一) | $0.99 | one-time |
| 15 Gold | $1.99 | one-time |
| VIP短信号码按天租用(地区一) | $1.99 | one-time |
| 短信号码单次激活(地区二) | $1.99 | one-time |
| 按天租用(地区二) | $2.99 | one-time |
| 短信号码单次激活(地区三) | $2.99 | one-time |
| 30 Gold | $3.99 | one-time |
| 短信号码按天租用(地区三) | $3.99 | one-time |
| 短信号码单次激活(地区四) | $3.99 | one-time |
| 短信号码租用(套餐D) | $4.99 | one-time |
| 短信号码单次激活(地区五) | $4.99 | one-time |
| 60 Gold | $6.99 | one-time |
| 100 Gold | $9.99 | one-time |
| 短信号码租用(套餐Z) | $17.99 | one-time |
| 200 Gold | $19.99 | one-time |
| 400 Gold | $34.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is TCF free?

TCF is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Virtual SMS free?

Virtual SMS is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do TCF or Virtual SMS have ads?

Neither TCF nor Virtual SMS shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, TCF or Virtual SMS?

TCF ships an update weekly, and Virtual SMS every 6 weeks. Most recently, TCF was updated on October 2, 2026 and Virtual SMS on October 6, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*