# SMS Virtual vs SMS io

The clearest difference is monetization model: SMS io at free with in-app purchases against SMS Virtual's subscription. SMS io also leads on device support (3 vs 1). SMS Virtual's advantage is ads (none vs shown). On price, rating, review sentiment and ratings volume there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. SMS Virtual sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days and SMS io sells 20 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.3 for SMS Virtual against 4.4 for SMS io. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 121 and 78 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 11% and 11% positive.

SMS Virtual ships an update every 5 days, SMS io weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 9, 2026 and October 10, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SMS Virtual | SMS io |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.3 (121 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sms-virtual-code-verification/id6754453453/reviews) | **[4.4 (78 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sms-io-virtual-verification/id6756608507/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **121** | 78 |
| Positive reviews | 11.1% of reviews | 11.1% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 5 days** | Weekly |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 121 MB | 61 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **15.6** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Volodymyr Demianchuk](https://appshunter.io/developer/1848337590) | [APPLOX](https://appshunter.io/developer/1843634912) |

## What reviewers say

### SMS Virtual

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sms-virtual-code-verification/id6754453453)

This app allows users to receive, organize, and securely store SMS messages. It offers a clean interface for managing multiple accounts and ensuring no message is missed. Designed for both personal and professional use, it prioritizes privacy by keeping data on the device.

**Highlights:** Receive and view SMS messages instantly, Secure log of all text messages, Organize messages by sender or time, Clean and intuitive user interface, Lightweight and fast performance, Manage multiple SMS accounts

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

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Smart SMS Receiver | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Smart SMS Receiver | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Smart SMS Receiver | $19.99 | per year |
| Smart SMS Receiver | $24.99 | per year |
| Smart SMS Receiver | $29.99 | per year |
| Smart SMS Receiver | $39.99 | per year |
| Smart SMS Receiver | $3.99 | one-time |
| Smart SMS Receiver | $6.99 | one-time |
| Smart SMS Receiver | $9.99 | one-time |
| Smart SMS Receiver | $14.99 | one-time |


### 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 Virtual free?

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

### Is SMS io free?

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

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

SMS io is rated higher. SMS Virtual averages 4.3 out of 5 from 121 ratings, while SMS io averages 4.4 from 78 ratings.

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

SMS io shows ads; SMS Virtual does not.

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

SMS Virtual ships an update every 5 days, and SMS io weekly. Most recently, SMS Virtual was updated on October 9, 2026 and SMS io on October 10, 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.*