# SMS Instant vs VSim

The clearest difference is review sentiment: VSim at 85% against SMS Instant's 12%. VSim also leads on rating (4.7 vs 4.0) and ratings volume (16K vs 60). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. SMS Instant sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month and VSim sells 6 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

VSim holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: VSim has 16K ratings behind it against 60, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 12% of SMS Instant's written reviews are positive against 85% of VSim's.

SMS Instant ships an update every 5 months, VSim every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 7, 2026 and October 15, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SMS Instant | VSim |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.0 (60 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sms-instant/id1504179579/reviews) | **[4.7 (16K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vsim-sms-verification-code/id1661720255/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 60 | **16K** |
| Positive reviews | 11.8% of reviews | **84.5% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 68 MB | 46 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 13.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Hayato Shimizu](https://appshunter.io/developer/1207195348) | [Elmond](https://appshunter.io/developer/1837068464) |

## What reviewers say

### SMS Instant

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sms-instant/id1504179579)

Receive SMS messages anonymously with temporary phone numbers. Protect your private number by using disposable digits for service registrations and urgent SMS needs. Get a new number each time you open the app.

**Highlights:** Disposable phone numbers, Receive registration messages, Anonymous SMS reception, No registration required, Secure private number protection, New number on each launch

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium (Monthly plan) | $1.99 | per month |
| Premium (Buying out) | $19.99 | one-time |


### VSim

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vsim-sms-verification-code/id1661720255)

Get a temporary virtual phone number to receive SMS verification codes without revealing your personal number. Activate accounts quickly and maintain privacy from unwanted spam. All messages are conveniently stored within the app.

**Highlights:** Receive SMS verification codes, Virtual numbers for account activation, In-app message inbox, Privacy protection, Pay-as-you-go credits, Supports popular platforms

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

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 10 Credit | $0.99 | one-time |
| 30 Credit | $2.99 | one-time |
| 50 Credit | $4.99 | one-time |
| 100 Credit | $9.99 | one-time |
| 250 Credit | $24.99 | one-time |
| 500 credit | $49.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fast and efficient
- 👍 User-friendly
- 💡 Innovative features
- 🔒 Secure and reliable
- 🤝 Great customer support

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Bugs and glitches
- 💰 Expensive pricing
- 📵 Numbers not working as expected
- 🚫 Banned/blocked numbers

**Reported bugs**

- Verification codes not received
- Numbers already in use
- Account bans without explanation

**Requested features**

- Ability to earn free credits
- More number options
- Improved privacy policy
- Better FAQ and community support


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SMS Instant free?

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

### Is VSim free?

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

### Which has better reviews, SMS Instant or VSim?

VSim is rated higher. SMS Instant averages 4.0 out of 5 from 60 ratings, while VSim averages 4.7 from 16K ratings.

### Do SMS Instant or VSim have ads?

Both SMS Instant and VSim show ads.

### Which is updated more often, SMS Instant or VSim?

SMS Instant ships an update every 5 months, and VSim every 2 months. Most recently, SMS Instant was updated on October 7, 2026 and VSim on October 15, 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.*