# ReceiveSMS vs SMS Activate

The clearest difference is ads: SMS Activate at none against ReceiveSMS's shown. SMS Activate also leads on update cadence (every 5 days vs every 3 weeks). On price, in-app purchases, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. ReceiveSMS sells 9 one-off in-app purchases and SMS Activate sells 8 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceiveSMS ships an update every 3 weeks, SMS Activate every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on October 31, 2026 and November 10, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | ReceiveSMS | SMS Activate |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.8 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sms-activate-receive-sms/id6803568639/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **4** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | — | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 82 MB | 28 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.6** | 16.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Ali Emirhan KOLVER](https://appshunter.io/developer/1761762498) | [林辉 朱](https://appshunter.io/developer/6802502074) |

## What reviewers say

### ReceiveSMS

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/receivesms-virtual-number-sms/id6767810001)

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

**In-app purchases (9)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1 Coin Top-Up | $0.99 | one-time |
| 2 Coins Top-Up Pack | $1.99 | one-time |
| 3 Coins Balance Pack | $2.99 | one-time |
| 4 Coins – Activate Now | $3.99 | one-time |
| 5 Coins Value Pack | $4.99 | one-time |
| 8 Coins Power Pack | $7.99 | one-time |
| 11 Coins Premium Pack | $9.99 | one-time |
| 30 Coins Mega Pack | $24.99 | one-time |
| 65 Coins Ultimate Pack | $49.99 | one-time |


### SMS Activate

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sms-activate-receive-sms/id6803568639)

Receive SMS verification codes online using virtual numbers from over 180 countries. Protect your privacy by not sharing your real phone number during account registrations and verifications. Manage your number status and SMS history with clear information and faster input options.

**Highlights:** Receive SMS verification codes online, Virtual numbers for over 180 countries, Temporary and longer-term number rental, Enhanced privacy for account verification, View number status and SMS history, Extended keyboard for faster code input

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

**In-app purchases (8)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1 gold coin | $0.99 | one-time |
| 9 gold coin | $1.99 | one-time |
| 12 gold coin | $2.99 | one-time |
| 25 gold coin | $4.99 | one-time |
| 45 gold coin | $9.99 | one-time |
| 85 gold coin | $19.99 | one-time |
| 200 gold coin | $39.99 | one-time |
| 450 gold coin | $99.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ReceiveSMS free?

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

### Is SMS Activate free?

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

### Do ReceiveSMS or SMS Activate have ads?

ReceiveSMS shows ads; SMS Activate does not.

### Which is updated more often, ReceiveSMS or SMS Activate?

ReceiveSMS ships an update every 3 weeks, and SMS Activate every 5 days. Most recently, ReceiveSMS was updated on October 31, 2026 and SMS Activate on November 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.*