# Area Code vs VSim

The clearest difference is review sentiment: VSim at 84% against Area Code's 33%. VSim also leads on rating (4.7 vs 4.3) and ratings volume (16K vs 82). Area Code's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 6) and update cadence (monthly vs every 2 months). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. VSim sells 6 one-off in-app purchases. Area Code asks for nothing beyond the download.

VSim holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: VSim has 16K ratings behind it against 82, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 33% of Area Code's written reviews are positive against 84% of VSim's.

Area Code ships an update monthly, VSim every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 30, 2026 and October 10, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Area Code | VSim |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.3 (82 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/area-code/id967936255/reviews) | **[4.7 (16K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vsim-sms-verification-code/id1661720255/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 82 | **16K** |
| Positive reviews | 33.3% of reviews | **84.5% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Monthly** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | **Ad-supported** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 18 MB | 46 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [IDB LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/917634021) | [Elmond](https://appshunter.io/developer/1837068464) |

## What reviewers say

### Area Code

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/area-code/id967936255)

Easily locate area codes by city or find cities associated with a specific area code. This tool offers a simple interface for quick lookups, ideal for travelers, professionals, or anyone needing location-based dialing information.

**Highlights:** Find area code by city, Find city by area code, Simple interface, Intuitive design, Quick lookups

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### VSim

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vsim-sms-verification-code/id1661720255)

Get a temporary virtual phone number to receive SMS verification codes without revealing your personal number. Activate accounts quickly and maintain privacy from unwanted spam. All messages are conveniently stored within the app.

**Highlights:** Receive SMS verification codes, Virtual numbers for account activation, In-app message inbox, Privacy protection, Pay-as-you-go credits, Supports popular platforms

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

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 10 Credit | $0.99 | one-time |
| 30 Credit | $2.99 | one-time |
| 50 Credit | $4.99 | one-time |
| 100 Credit | $9.99 | one-time |
| 250 Credit | $24.99 | one-time |
| 500 credit | $49.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fast and efficient
- 👍 User-friendly
- 💡 Innovative features
- 🔒 Secure and reliable
- 🤝 Great customer support

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Bugs and glitches
- 💰 Expensive pricing
- 📵 Numbers not working as expected
- 🚫 Banned/blocked numbers

**Reported bugs**

- Verification codes not received
- Numbers already in use
- Account bans without explanation

**Requested features**

- Ability to earn free credits
- More number options
- Improved privacy policy
- Better FAQ and community support


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Area Code free?

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

### Is VSim free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Area Code or VSim?

VSim is rated higher. Area Code averages 4.3 out of 5 from 82 ratings, while VSim averages 4.7 from 16K ratings.

### Do Area Code or VSim have ads?

Both Area Code and VSim show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Area Code or VSim?

Area Code ships an update monthly, and VSim every 2 months. Most recently, Area Code was updated on September 30, 2026 and VSim 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.*