# SMS Virtual vs VSim

The clearest difference is ads: SMS Virtual at none against VSim's shown. SMS Virtual also leads on update cadence (monthly vs every 2 months) and chart position (#198 vs unranked). VSim's advantage is iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.0). On price, rating, review sentiment and ratings volume there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. SMS Virtual sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per 7 days and VSim sells 6 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.6 for SMS Virtual against 4.7 for VSim. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 29K and 16K respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 89% of SMS Virtual's written reviews are positive against 84% of VSim's.

SMS Virtual ships an update monthly, VSim every 2 months. Both last shipped on September 25, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | SMS Virtual | VSim |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (29K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sms-virtual-receive-sms/id1558276033/reviews) | **[4.7 (16K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vsim-sms-verification-code/id1661720255/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **29K** | 16K |
| Positive reviews | **89.4% of reviews** | 84.2% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Monthly** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#198** | — |
| Size | 46 MB | 46 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Tecrow LLP](https://appshunter.io/developer/1823713456) | [Elmond](https://appshunter.io/developer/1837068464) |

## What reviewers say

### SMS Virtual

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sms-virtual-receive-sms/id1558276033)

**Currently charting:** #198 Top Grossing · Utilities (US App Store)

Get disposable virtual phone numbers to receive SMS messages online. Ideal for account verification and protecting your privacy without needing a physical SIM card. Enjoy transparent pricing and a simple process for temporary number use.

**Highlights:** Disposable virtual numbers, Receive SMS online, Account verification, Privacy protection, Transparent pricing, Temporary number use

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

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 5 Activations Week | $0.99 | per 7 days |
| 1 Activation | $0.29 | one-time |
| 5 Activations | $0.99 | one-time |
| 10 Activations | $1.99 | one-time |
| 15 activations | $2.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Reliable and consistent
- 💰 Very affordable
- 🚀 Fast SMS delivery
- 🔒 Maintains privacy
- 🔥 Excellent customer support

**What reviewers complain about**

- ⏱️ Time limits on phone numbers
- 🔢 Limited number of SMS per number
- 🚫 Some numbers not compatible with certain services
- 📵 Occasional issues with number availability

**Reported bugs**

- Numbers sometimes already registered
- Activation credits not always received

**Requested features**

- Expand number selection for more services
- Increase number of SMS per number
- Extend time limits on phone numbers


### 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 Virtual free?

SMS Virtual 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 Virtual or VSim?

VSim is rated higher. SMS Virtual averages 4.6 out of 5 from 29K ratings, while VSim averages 4.7 from 16K ratings.

### Do SMS Virtual or VSim have ads?

VSim shows ads; SMS Virtual does not.

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

SMS Virtual ships an update monthly, and VSim every 2 months. Most recently, SMS Virtual was updated on September 25, 2026 and VSim on September 25, 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.*