# SMS Mobile API vs SMS io

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: SMS Mobile API at none against SMS io's 20. SMS Mobile API also leads on ads (none vs shown). SMS io's advantage is update cadence (weekly vs every 3 months) and review sentiment (11% vs 0%). On price, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. SMS io sells 20 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. SMS Mobile API asks for nothing beyond the download.

SMS Mobile API ships an update every 3 months, SMS io weekly. The most recent releases landed on September 12, 2026 and September 23, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SMS Mobile API | SMS io |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.4 (78 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sms-io-virtual-verification/id6756608507/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **78** |
| Positive reviews | 0.0% of reviews | **11.1% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 55 MB | 61 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 15.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Thomas Bernimont](https://appshunter.io/developer/1751994942) | [APPLOX](https://appshunter.io/developer/1843634912) |

## What reviewers say

### SMS Mobile API

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sms-mobile-api/id6667092442)

This app transforms your phone into an SMS gateway for managing local and international messages. It allows you to send SMS abroad without incurring roaming charges by routing them as if you were in your home country. Enjoy a simplified and cost-effective communication experience.

**Highlights:** Default SMS handler, International SMS without fees, Simplified SMS management, Cost-effective communication, User-friendly interface

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### SMS io

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sms-io-virtual-verification/id6756608507)

This app provides temporary virtual phone numbers to receive SMS verification codes online. It's useful for sign-ups, protecting your personal number, and verifying accounts on various internet platforms without using your real SIM card.

**Highlights:** Receive SMS verification codes online, Temporary virtual phone numbers, Protect personal number privacy, Supports over 160 countries, Coin-based pay-as-you-use system, Fast and secure SMS delivery

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

**In-app purchases (20)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly 4 Credits | $3.99 | per month |
| SMS Verification - Weekly Lite | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly 5 Credits | $4.99 | per month |
| Monthly 7 Credits | $6.99 | per month |
| Monthly 8 Credits | $7.99 | per month |
| Monthly 9 Credits | $8.99 | per month |
| Monthly Subscription for 10 Coins | $9.99 | per month |
| Weekly Subscription for 10 Coins | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Virtual Number - Weekly 15 Credits | $14.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly 25 Credits | $24.99 | per month |
| Get 1 SMS Verification Coin | $0.99 | one-time |
| Receive SMS Code: 3 Coins | $2.99 | one-time |
| Get 4 Verification Coins | $3.99 | one-time |
| 5 Coins: SMS Number Code | $4.99 | one-time |
| Get 6 Virtual SMS Coins | $5.99 | one-time |
| Receive SMS Number: 7 Coins | $6.99 | one-time |
| 8 Coins to Verify Code | $7.99 | one-time |
| 9 Virtual Verification Coins | $8.99 | one-time |
| Get 10 SMS Code Coins | $9.99 | one-time |
| 25 Credits | $24.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SMS Mobile API free?

SMS Mobile API is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is SMS io free?

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

### Do SMS Mobile API or SMS io have ads?

SMS io shows ads; SMS Mobile API does not.

### Which is updated more often, SMS Mobile API or SMS io?

SMS Mobile API ships an update every 3 months, and SMS io weekly. Most recently, SMS Mobile API was updated on September 12, 2026 and SMS io on September 23, 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.*