# Virtual SMS vs Virtual Number

The clearest difference is rating: Virtual Number at 4.5 against Virtual SMS's 3.9. Virtual SMS's advantage is update cadence (every 6 weeks vs every 8 months) and monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases). On price, review sentiment, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Virtual SMS sells 17 one-off in-app purchases and Virtual Number sells 8 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Virtual Number holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 3.9. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 18 and 39 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 78% of Virtual SMS's written reviews are positive against 82% of Virtual Number's.

Virtual SMS ships an update every 6 weeks, Virtual Number every 8 months. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Virtual SMS | Virtual Number |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.9 (18 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/virtual-sms-virtual-number/id6499100920/reviews) | **[4.5 (39 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/virtual-number-receive-sms/id6743655247/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 18 | **39** |
| Positive reviews | 77.8% of reviews | **81.9% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 6 weeks** | Every 8 months |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 43 MB | 41 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 16.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [凤娥 赵](https://appshunter.io/developer/1681548200) | [Hakan YILMAZ](https://appshunter.io/developer/1799950361) |

## What reviewers say

### 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 |


### Virtual Number

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/virtual-number-receive-sms/id6743655247)

This app provides a temporary, private phone number for verifying online accounts. Receive SMS messages without sharing your personal number, ensuring security and anonymity on various platforms.

**Highlights:** Instant virtual numbers, Secure SMS reception, Easy account verification, Privacy protection, Unlimited SMS reception, Transparent pricing

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

**In-app purchases (8)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Token for Virtual Number | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| Token for Virtual Number | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Token for Virtual Number | $12.99 | per 7 days |
| Token for Virtual Number | $17.99 | per month |
| Token for Virtual Number | $6.99 | one-time |
| Token for Virtual Number | $9.99 | one-time |
| Token for Virtual Number | $14.99 | one-time |
| Token for Virtual Number | $24.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Virtual SMS free?

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

### Is Virtual Number free?

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

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

Virtual Number is rated higher. Virtual SMS averages 3.9 out of 5 from 18 ratings, while Virtual Number averages 4.5 from 39 ratings.

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

Neither Virtual SMS nor Virtual Number shows ads.

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

Virtual SMS ships an update every 6 weeks, and Virtual Number every 8 months. Most recently, Virtual SMS was updated on October 24, 2026 and Virtual Number on October 21, 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.*