# SMS Virtual vs Receive SMS

The clearest difference is review sentiment: SMS Virtual at 88% against Receive SMS's 0%. SMS Virtual also leads on rating (4.6 vs 3.2) and ratings volume (28 vs 5). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. SMS Virtual sells 4 one-off in-app purchases and Receive SMS sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $8.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

SMS Virtual holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 3.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: SMS Virtual has 28 ratings behind it against 5, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 88% of SMS Virtual's written reviews are positive against 0% of Receive SMS's.

SMS Virtual ships an update every 2 months, Receive SMS every 5 weeks. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | SMS Virtual | Receive SMS |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (28 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sms-virtual-receive-sms/id6473669861/reviews)** | [3.2 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/receive-sms-virtual-number/id6755929647/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **28** | 5 |
| Positive reviews | **88.2% of reviews** | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 5 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 32 MB | 50 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.1** | 17.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Adil Saeed](https://appshunter.io/developer/1872708333) | [NACIYE MEDENI](https://appshunter.io/developer/1800963110) |

## What reviewers say

### SMS Virtual

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sms-virtual-receive-sms/id6473669861)

Receive SMS verification codes online using disposable virtual phone numbers. Protect your personal number while activating accounts and verifying services. Get temporary numbers from various countries instantly.

**Highlights:** Receive SMS verification codes, Disposable virtual phone numbers, Protect personal number privacy, Activate accounts online, Multiple countries and operators, Real-time SMS/OTP viewing

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

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1 Credit | $1.39 | one-time |
| 2 Credit | $2.39 | one-time |
| 5 Credit | $5.39 | one-time |
| 10 Credit | $10.49 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Great app
- 👍 Nice app
- 👍 Very nice app
- 👍 Good
- 👍 Best numbers

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Does not work
- 🐛 Not working after purchasing
- 🐛 Doesn't guarantee 100% service

**Reported bugs**

- Does not work
- Not working after purchasing the number
- App does not guarantee 100% service


### Receive SMS

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/receive-sms-virtual-number/id6755929647)

This app provides temporary virtual phone numbers to receive SMS verification codes online. It helps protect your personal number during signups, logins, or activations, offering a private and efficient way to get codes without exposing your main line.

**Highlights:** Receive SMS online, Protect personal phone number, Fast virtual number access, Organized SMS inbox, Purpose-built for verification, Refund for unused attempts

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly One Time Verification Number | $8.99 | per 7 days |
| 1 Number Use | $9.99 | one-time |
| 3 One Time Number | $24.99 | one-time |
| 5 One Time Sms Verify | $34.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SMS Virtual free?

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

### Is Receive SMS free?

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

### Which has better reviews, SMS Virtual or Receive SMS?

SMS Virtual is rated higher. SMS Virtual averages 4.6 out of 5 from 28 ratings, while Receive SMS averages 3.2 from 5 ratings.

### Do SMS Virtual or Receive SMS have ads?

Neither SMS Virtual nor Receive SMS shows ads.

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

SMS Virtual ships an update every 2 months, and Receive SMS every 5 weeks. Most recently, SMS Virtual was updated on October 24, 2026 and Receive SMS on October 24, 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.*