Protecting your privacy online often means using burner apps to avoid sharing your personal phone number. But not all burner apps are equal when it comes to pricing, reliability, and SMS verification success. Here’s what you need to know:
- MobileSMS.io: best to bypass SMS verification. Offers real SIM-card numbers with a ~99.7% success rate across 1,200+ platforms. Pricing starts at $3.50 per verification or $45/month for unlimited use.
- Burner: Good for temporary numbers and privacy but less reliable for SMS verification (~60% success rate). Plans start at $7.99/month, with a $9.99/month option for verified numbers.
- Hushed: Affordable for long-term use (lifetime plan at $99), but VoIP numbers limit SMS verification success (~70%). Best for casual use or as a secondary phone line.
Quick Tip: If you need numbers for high-security platforms like banking or WhatsApp, choose MobileSMS.io for its real SIM-card reliability. For general privacy or temporary use, Burner or Hushed are more budget-friendly options.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Service | Number Type | SMS Verification Success | Starting Price | Long-Term Plans |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MobileSMS.io | Real SIM | ~99.7% | $3.50/SMS | $45/month |
| Burner | VoIP | ~60% | $7.99/month | $69.99/year |
| Hushed | VoIP | ~70% | $1.99 (7 days) | $99 Lifetime Plan |
Choose based on your budget, verification needs, and whether you need long-term or temporary solutions.
Burner App Comparison 2026: Pricing, Reliability & SMS Verification
1. MobileSMS.io
MobileSMS.io stands out by providing real SIM-card numbers instead of VoIP lines. This distinction is crucial because many platforms – like Tinder, Venmo, and Cash App – block VoIP numbers during verification. Since MobileSMS.io uses numbers tied to actual carrier SIM cards, they’re recognized as authentic mobile devices. This results in an impressive 99.7% acceptance rate across over 1,200 platforms. With such reliability, MobileSMS.io ensures smooth SMS verification for a wide range of services.
Pricing Details
MobileSMS.io uses a credit-based system where charges apply only when an SMS is successfully received. The minimum top-up is $5, and pricing for one-time use numbers starts at $3.50. Specific rates vary by platform:
- Google: $4.25
- Facebook: $4.50
- WhatsApp: $5.50
These one-time use numbers remain active for 10 minutes. For users needing longer access, MobileSMS.io offers rental options:
- Single-Service Rental: Unlimited SMS for one platform at $15 for 7 days or $30 for 30 days.
- All Services Premium: Covers all platforms with unlimited SMS at $45 per month or $450 annually for U.S. numbers.
Here’s a quick look at the pricing:
| Plan | Duration | USA Price | SMS Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| One-Time Use | 10 minutes | From $3.50 | 1 successful SMS |
| Single-Service Rental | 7 days | $15.00 | Unlimited (one platform) |
| Single-Service Rental | 30 days | $30.00 | Unlimited (one platform) |
| All Services Premium | 30 days | $45.00 | Unlimited (all platforms) |
| All Services Premium | 12 months | $450.00 | Unlimited (all platforms) |
Additional Features
The All Services Premium plan includes Slack and Discord webhook integration, allowing verification codes to be forwarded directly to team channels in real time. This feature enhances efficiency and security, especially for collaborative environments.
For payments, MobileSMS.io accepts credit/debit cards and cryptocurrencies (BTC, ETH, USDC), catering to users seeking added privacy. Plus, there’s a 7-day money-back guarantee if a number doesn’t work for its intended purpose, ensuring peace of mind for customers.
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2. Burner: Second Phone Number
With privacy concerns growing and SMS verification becoming more complex, Burner offers a creative solution: disposable phone numbers. This highly rated app (4.7/5 from over 93,000 reviews on the Apple App Store) allows users to create temporary numbers they can "burn" once they’re no longer needed. It’s a great tool for dating, online transactions, or any situation where protecting your privacy is a priority.
Pricing Models
Burner provides four different payment options, and where you subscribe makes a difference. By signing up directly on the Burner website, you can save about 20% compared to in-app purchases through the App Store or Google Play.
| Plan | Monthly (Web) | Annual (Web) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | $7.99 | $47.99 ($3.99/mo) | Unlimited calls/SMS, 1 private number, free number swapping |
| Premium | $12.99 | $69.99 ($5.83/mo) | Includes Standard features + VPN, AI voicemail transcription, video messaging |
| Verified Number | $9.99 | $59.99 ($5.00/mo) | Mobile-classified number for secure platform verification |
| Prepaid | 8 credits | N/A | 50 minutes and 100 texts; expires in 30 days |
The Prepaid option is credit-based and works separately from the subscription plans. Each prepaid number costs 8 credits and remains active for 30 days. Android users can extend their prepaid number by purchasing additional credits, but iOS users need to switch to a subscription once the prepaid period ends.
Let’s take a closer look at how these plans perform when it comes to SMS verification.
SMS Verification Limits
Using Burner for SMS verification has its challenges. Since Standard numbers are VoIP-based, platforms like Instagram, WhatsApp, and Facebook often reject them. In tests conducted in April 2026, Burner achieved a 6/10 pass rate for SMS verification across major platforms, meaning about 40% of attempts were unsuccessful.
For stricter platforms, Burner offers its Verified Number plan at $9.99 per month. These numbers are classified as mobile in carrier databases, which increases their acceptance for verification purposes.
"Verified Numbers are numbers that work similarly to mobile numbers and can be used on more 3rd party sites." – Burner Support Center
However, there’s an important limitation to note: Burner numbers cannot receive SMS short codes. These are the 5- or 6-digit numbers that banks and many apps use for sending verification codes. This restriction makes Burner unsuitable for certain two-factor authentication (2FA) needs, regardless of the plan you choose.
3. Hushed
Hushed has been around for nearly a decade, with over 25 million downloads, making it one of the most established burner apps available. Unlike many apps that focus on quick verifications, Hushed is designed to function as a long-term second phone line. This distinction is worth considering when selecting the right plan for your needs.
Pricing Models
Hushed offers several pricing plans to accommodate different usage patterns. The standout is the $99 Lifetime plan, a one-time payment that averages out to about $2.75 per month over three years. However, there’s an important catch: the terms of service allow the company to reclaim your number if it hasn’t been used for 90 consecutive days.
Important: To keep your Lifetime plan active, you must use it at least once every 90 days. For users relying on SMS verification for Google or other services, this requirement is an essential consideration.
| Plan | Price (USD) | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7-Day Pass | $1.99 | 7 days | Entry-level, non-renewable |
| Unlimited (US/CA) | $6.99/mo | 30 days | Auto-renews; unlimited local talk & text |
| Prepaid (30-Day) | $7.99 | 30 days | 50 minutes or 150 SMS; no auto-renew |
| Prepaid (90-Day) | $20.99 | 90 days | 100 minutes or 250 SMS |
| Prepaid (Annual) | $55.99 | 365 days | 500 minutes or 1,100 SMS |
| Lifetime | $99.00 | "Forever" | Requires usage every 90 days |
These options offer flexibility, but it’s important to understand how Hushed performs when it comes to SMS verification.
SMS Verification Limits
Hushed numbers are classified as VoIP, which can pose challenges with platforms that have stricter verification protocols. In testing conducted in April 2026, Hushed achieved a 70% success rate for U.S. SMS verifications. However, performance varied widely depending on the platform. For instance:
- Discord: 50% success rate
- Telegram: 25% success rate
- High-security platforms like Chase, Wells Fargo, Uber, and Lyft consistently rejected Hushed numbers.
"Hushed’s general Risk Score (10/12) reflects company stability – but platform-specific pass rate has dropped because Discord, Telegram, and Tinder have all increased VoIP filtering on Hushed’s specific prefix ranges." – TwoLine Editorial
For general use, such as maintaining a second line for work or privacy on less critical platforms, Hushed is a reliable choice. However, if you need consistent two-factor authentication for sensitive accounts like banking or fintech apps, the VoIP classification may limit its effectiveness. If you’re on the Lifetime plan, setting a reminder to send at least one text every 90 days will help protect your $99 investment.
Pros and Cons
Here’s a quick breakdown of the main differences in pricing, reliability, and features among MobileSMS.io, Burner, and Hushed:
| Category | MobileSMS.io | Burner | Hushed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number Type | Real SIM (Non-VoIP) | VoIP | VoIP |
| Starting Price | $3.50 per verification | $4.99/month | $1.99 (7-day pass) |
| SMS Verification Reliability | ~99.7% acceptance rate | ~60% pass rate (2026) | ~70% pass rate (2026) |
| Country Coverage | 80+ countries | US & Canada only | US & Canada only |
| Outbound Calling/Texting | No | Yes | Yes |
| Platform Compatibility | Web-based (supports 1,200+ platforms) , including ways to bypass SMS verification on Temu | iOS & Android | iOS & Android |
| Long-Term Use | Rental plans available | Subscription-based | Lifetime plan available |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 7 days | No | No |
MobileSMS.io stands out with its nearly perfect verification success rate (~99.7%). This is largely due to its use of real SIM-card numbers, which avoid the blocklists that often trip up VoIP-based services. However, since it only supports receiving SMS and doesn’t allow outbound calls or texts, it’s not ideal if you need a fully functional secondary phone line.
Burner caters well to users prioritizing privacy, especially for social platforms or dating apps. It also offers convenient number swaps within 24–48 hours if a number gets rejected. That said, its verification success rate (~60%) falls short compared to MobileSMS.io, making it less reliable for high-security platforms.
Hushed offers the most affordable entry point with its $1.99 7-day pass, and its $99 Lifetime plan is a standout option for long-term use. However, as highlighted by TwoLine Editorial:
"Platform-side anti-spam tightening through 2025–2026 has caught Hushed’s VoIP-class routing pool more aggressively than other providers."
This reliance on VoIP routing results in less consistent performance for SMS verification on platforms with stricter security measures. Ultimately, Hushed is better suited for casual use rather than critical verifications.
These comparisons should help you decide which service aligns best with your specific needs. Whether it’s affordability, reliability, or privacy, there’s an option tailored for you.
Conclusion
When deciding on a burner app, it all comes down to what you need for verification and how much risk you’re willing to take. The right choice depends entirely on your specific requirements.
If you’re dealing with strict verification processes on platforms like Google, WhatsApp, or banking apps, a service offering real SIM numbers is your best bet. MobileSMS.io stands out here, providing real SIM-card numbers with an impressive ~99.7% success rate. Yes, it’s pricier, but the pay-per-success model ensures you’re only paying for results. For those who value reliability above all else, the cost is worth it. If you’re on a budget, you can also try free SMS verification using public numbers.
For more basic privacy needs, options like Burner or Hushed might fit the bill. Burner gives you a straightforward second line for calls and texts, while Hushed works well for short-term or long-term privacy without strict verification concerns. These are solid choices for general use without breaking the bank.
One thing to keep in mind: VoIP-based numbers are becoming increasingly unreliable for verifications as platforms tighten their filters. As one reviewer aptly noted:
"If you are paying and still getting VoIP numbers, you are paying for nothing." – Snipstack
FAQs
Which plan is best for banking or WhatsApp verification?
For tasks like banking or WhatsApp verification, a long-term rental plan is a smart choice. These plans rely on real, carrier-backed SIM numbers, which can bypass the strict security filters used by financial institutions and messaging platforms. Choosing an All Services Premium long-term rental ensures consistent, reliable access to verification codes whenever you need them. This is especially helpful for time-sensitive activities like account recovery, as it guarantees instant code delivery. Pricing begins at $45.00 per month, varying based on the country.
How do credits work, and when am I charged for an SMS?
Credits act as the payment method for MobileSMS.io services, offering a pay-as-you-go system without requiring subscriptions. For one-time numbers, credits are only deducted after an SMS is successfully received. For long-term rentals, credits are charged at the start of the rental or during auto-renewal. Failed SMS attempts won’t cost you any credits, ensuring fair and transparent usage.
Why do some burner numbers fail SMS verification?
Burner numbers often struggle with SMS verification because platforms rely on carrier lookup databases to weed them out. These databases determine whether a number is linked to a legitimate mobile carrier. If a number is flagged as VoIP or virtual, it’s usually rejected without question. On top of that, numbers associated with spam activity, a poor reputation, or bulk registrations are frequently identified and blocked.