# Textplug vs Identity Defender

The clearest difference is rating: Textplug at 4.7 against Identity Defender's 2.8. Textplug also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 1) and ratings volume (1.5K vs 13). Identity Defender's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 2 months). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Identity Defender sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $129.99 per year. Textplug asks for nothing beyond the download.

Textplug holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 2.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Textplug has 1.5K ratings behind it against 13, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 21% of Textplug's written reviews are positive against 13% of Identity Defender's.

Textplug ships an update every 2 months, Identity Defender every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 15, 2026 and October 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Textplug | Identity Defender |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (1.5K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/textplug/id6741365879/reviews)** | [2.8 (13 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/identity-defender-expressvpn/id6753066152/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **1.5K** | 13 |
| Positive reviews | **20.9% of reviews** | 12.5% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 59 MB | 117 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.4 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [TEXTPLUG TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED](https://appshunter.io/developer/1793932010) | [Express VPN](https://appshunter.io/developer/1687252195) |

## What reviewers say

### Textplug

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/textplug/id6741365879)

Obtain virtual phone numbers from over 180 countries for app and social media verification. This platform offers a reliable way to get a second number without needing a physical SIM card.

**Highlights:** Virtual second numbers, 180+ countries supported, App verification, Social media verification, Telecommunications platform

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🚫 Fraud and overpricing
- 🚫 Scams and unreliable service
- 🚫 Poor customer service
- 🚫 Lack of transparency and information
- 🚫 Unreliable verification codes

**Reported bugs**

- App not opening
- Purchased services not working as expected
- Verification codes not being delivered

**Requested features**

- Provide clear information about services
- Improve reliability of verification codes
- Allow users to easily withdraw their money


### Identity Defender

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/identity-defender-expressvpn/id6753066152)

This app offers comprehensive identity protection by monitoring the dark web, credit activity, and public records for signs of theft. It helps reduce online exposure and provides alerts for suspicious activities, along with data removal tools and restoration support.

**Highlights:** Dark web monitoring, Credit monitoring, Data removal tools, Identity alerts, ID theft restoration support, Neighborhood Watch alerts

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 12-Month Subscription | $129.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Textplug free?

Textplug is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Identity Defender free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Textplug or Identity Defender?

Textplug is rated higher. Textplug averages 4.7 out of 5 from 1.5K ratings, while Identity Defender averages 2.8 from 13 ratings.

### Do Textplug or Identity Defender have ads?

Neither Textplug nor Identity Defender shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Textplug or Identity Defender?

Textplug ships an update every 2 months, and Identity Defender every 3 weeks. Most recently, Textplug was updated on October 15, 2026 and Identity Defender on October 3, 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.*