When it comes to choosing a service for long-term, non-VoIP numbers, MobileSMS.io is clearly the better option for reliability and consistent access. While 5SIM offers low-cost, temporary phone numbers for SMS verification, its VoIP-based system often faces platform rejections and lacks long-term support. MobileSMS.io, on the other hand, uses real SIM-card numbers, ensuring higher acceptance rates (95%) and continuous service for up to 12 months.
Key differences:
- 5SIM: Best for short-term, budget users who need one-time verification. Numbers are temporary, and platform acceptance is lower (~60%). Issues with reliability and customer support are common.
- MobileSMS.io: Ideal for long-term use, especially for banking apps, business accounts, or frequent re-verifications. Offers carrier-backed SIM numbers with flexible rental plans, higher reliability, and 24/7 support.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | 5SIM | MobileSMS.io |
|---|---|---|
| Number Type | Virtual/VoIP | Real SIM-card (carrier-backed) |
| Pricing | $0.36-$10 per activation | $15-$450 (rental-based) |
| Acceptance Rate | ~60% | ~95% |
| Lifespan | Single-use only | 7 days to 12 months |
| Support | Email/ticket system | 24/7 live support |
| Best For | Temporary use | Long-term, critical accounts |
If you need secure, long-term access, MobileSMS.io is the more dependable choice.
5SIM vs MobileSMS.io: Complete Feature Comparison for Long-Term Numbers
What is 5SIM?
5SIM is an online service that provides virtual phone numbers for receiving SMS verification codes. It allows users to access numbers from various countries through an automated interface. The platform is particularly useful for those who want to keep their personal numbers private while signing up for social media accounts, messaging apps, or online services.
The platform promotes itself as a low-cost option, offering competitive rates and multiple payment methods, including cryptocurrency. Its primary audience includes users who need temporary access to verification codes, such as social media managers juggling multiple accounts or individuals looking to avoid spam on their personal numbers. While this focus on short-term use appeals to specific needs, it also highlights some of the platform’s shortcomings.
5SIM is designed for temporary use rather than extended service. Users have reported frequent issues, such as numbers being blocked during verifications on major platforms, delayed SMS delivery, and inconsistent availability of numbers. Another common complaint is the platform’s lackluster customer support, with many reviews citing slow response times and unresolved issues.
While 5SIM offers affordable pricing and an easy-to-use interface, its reliability and support challenges make it a less dependable choice.
These drawbacks make 5SIM unsuitable for critical accounts that require ongoing access, like banking apps, business tools, or significant social media profiles. Its temporary nature and reliability concerns pose risks for users needing long-term solutions.
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What is MobileSMS.io?
MobileSMS.io provides physical SIM card numbers designed for receiving SMS verification codes securely and reliably to bypass SMS verification on any platform. Unlike virtual numbers, these are backed by established cellular networks, ensuring they work on platforms that often block VoIP numbers. This includes major services like Google, WhatsApp, Amazon, and banking apps. The service’s reliance on actual SIM cards ensures a dependable experience for users.
Operating since 2018, MobileSMS.io supports over 1,200 platforms and offers flexible rental options. Users can choose one-time disposable numbers (starting at $3.50 per SMS) or long-term rentals. Long-term plans include options like Single-Service rentals (unlimited SMS for one platform) or All Services Premium, which supports multiple platforms and accounts.
What makes MobileSMS.io stand out is its focus on long-term use. Rentals range from 7 days to 12 months, with numbers staying "always active" throughout the period. For example, a 30-day premium U.S. number costs $45, while a 12-month plan is priced at $450. These extended rentals are ideal for applications requiring frequent re-verifications, security checks, or device changes, as they eliminate the hassle of reactivating the number for each message.
The service is designed solely for receiving SMS verification codes, offering a one-way system. Premium long-term rentals come with advanced features like real-time forwarding of codes via Slack or Discord integrations using webhooks. This is especially useful for businesses managing shared accounts or teams that need collaborative access to verification codes.
MobileSMS.io operates on a pay-per-success model, meaning users are charged only when a verification code is successfully received. Payment options include credit cards, debit cards, and cryptocurrency, with a minimum deposit of $5. Credits remain valid for 12 months. For more details, you can explore long-term number options or check the pricing page to find the best plan for your needs.
Direct Comparison: 5SIM vs MobileSMS.io
When it comes to virtual numbers, 5SIM charges per activation, while MobileSMS.io offers carrier-backed SIM numbers with fixed rental terms. For anyone with long-term, non-VoIP needs, a direct comparison reveals why MobileSMS.io often stands out.
Here’s a breakdown of how these two platforms compare:
| Feature | 5SIM | MobileSMS.io |
|---|---|---|
| Number Type | Virtual/VoIP operators | Real SIM-card (carrier-backed) |
| Pricing Model | Per-activation ($0.36-$10.00) | Rental-based ($15-$450) |
| USA 30-Day Cost | N/A (pay per SMS) | $30 (Single) / $45 (Premium) |
| Countries Covered | 190+ countries | 100+ countries (USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, France) |
| Platform Acceptance | ~60% (VoIP detection issues) | ~95% (carrier-grade numbers) |
| Number Lifespan | Single-use per activation | 7 days to 12 months, renewable |
| Support Channels | Email/ticket system | 24/7 live support + 7-day refund guarantee |
| Team Features | Not available | Slack/Discord webhooks for Premium |
| Best For | One-time verifications, high-volume budget users | Long-term accounts, business use, frequent re-verifications |
Pricing
5SIM uses a per-activation pricing model, charging for each successful SMS received. Costs vary widely depending on the country and service, ranging from $0.36 to $10 per activation. While this can work for occasional use, it gets expensive quickly. For example, receiving 60 SMS codes in a month for U.S. numbers would cost between $44.40 and $46.20.
MobileSMS.io, on the other hand, offers fixed rental pricing. A 30-day U.S. Single-Service number (unlimited SMS for one platform like WhatsApp) costs $30. For broader usage, the All Services Premium plan is $45 per month or $450 annually. UK rentals offer even better value at $40 monthly or $250 yearly. With a $5 minimum deposit and a 12-month validity for credits, MobileSMS.io provides dedicated access rather than charging per message.
This pricing difference highlights MobileSMS.io’s better value for users who need consistent, long-term access.
Countries Covered
5SIM boasts coverage in over 190 countries. However, this wide reach often comes at the expense of number quality and platform acceptance rates.
MobileSMS.io focuses on quality over quantity, covering 100+ countries through verified carrier partnerships. These include major carriers like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile in the U.S. The platform excels in regions like the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, and France, where acceptance rates remain consistently high.
VoIP vs Real SIM-card Numbers
The biggest distinction lies in the type of numbers provided. 5SIM relies on VoIP numbers, which often face lower acceptance rates on platforms. In contrast, MobileSMS.io offers carrier-backed numbers tied to physical SIM cards. These numbers are encrypted and linked to real geographic locations, meeting the stringent requirements of platforms that reject VoIP numbers. This makes MobileSMS.io’s numbers far more dependable for verification purposes.
Customer Support
Customer support is another area where these platforms differ significantly. 5SIM offers basic email and ticket-based support, which is common for low-cost services. However, response times depend on ticket queues and can be slow.
MobileSMS.io provides 24/7 live customer support, along with a 7-day money-back guarantee. If a number doesn’t work for your intended platform, you can request a refund or replacement within the first week. Premium rentals even include Slack and Discord webhook integrations, allowing teams to manage verification codes efficiently in real time.
This robust support system makes MobileSMS.io a better choice for users needing reliable, ongoing access.
Number Lifespan and Renewal Options
With 5SIM, numbers are single-use only. Once you receive an SMS code, the number goes back into the pool. If you need another verification for the same platform, you’ll need to purchase a new activation, which offers no continuity.
MobileSMS.io numbers remain active for the full rental period, whether it’s 7 days ($15), 30 days ($30-$45), or 12 months ($250-$450). These numbers can receive SMS at any time without requiring manual session starts. Renewals are automatic if you pay by card, or they can be done manually using account credits. This ensures uninterrupted service for critical accounts.
Best For
5SIM is ideal for one-time verifications on a budget or situations where you need numbers from less common countries and don’t mind lower acceptance rates. It’s a practical option for creating temporary accounts or testing services where occasional failures are acceptable.
MobileSMS.io is designed for serious, long-term use cases. It’s perfect for managing business accounts that require frequent re-verifications, maintaining multiple social media profiles, handling e-commerce seller accounts, or any scenario where losing access to your number would cause major issues. The Single-Service plan works well for users focused on one platform, while the All Services Premium plan supports multiple accounts across different services.
For anyone prioritizing reliability, consistency, and security, MobileSMS.io delivers dependable results every time.
5SIM for Long-Term Use: Pros and Cons
5SIM positions itself as a budget-friendly SMS verification service, tailored for short-term needs. Its main selling points include low pricing and an automated system for delivering numbers, making it convenient for quick, casual verifications on platforms with lower security demands.
However, these benefits come with significant drawbacks for long-term use. Many users report high failure rates on major platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, where advanced VoIP detection systems often reject temporary numbers outright. Worse, numbers can be blocked mid-verification, disrupting the signup process entirely. The service’s availability can also be erratic, making it unreliable for recurring or scheduled verifications.
Customer support is another weak spot. Response times are slow, communication can be hindered by language barriers, and securing refunds for failed verifications is often a frustrating process. For individuals managing critical accounts – like business profiles or platforms where losing access would be a major setback – these issues make 5SIM a risky option.
That said, 5SIM works well for cost-conscious users who need one-time verifications on low-priority websites and are okay with occasional failures. If you’re signing up for a newsletter, testing a service, or creating an account where losing access won’t cause any headaches, the low cost might outweigh the risks. But for accounts requiring future re-verification – such as after device changes or security checks – the temporary nature of these numbers could leave you locked out permanently.
If you’re considering 5SIM, it’s a good idea to test a single number on your target platform before committing to larger credit purchases. Ultimately, this service is best suited for low-risk scenarios where long-term reliability isn’t a priority.
MobileSMS.io for Long-Term Use: Key Advantages
MobileSMS.io uses physical SIM cards instead of VoIP services, which ensures carrier-grade authentication and genuine geographic anchoring. This setup makes it far less likely for numbers to be flagged, offering improved success rates for verification on platforms with strict security measures.
For long-term users, number retention is a key feature. You keep the same number throughout your subscription period, which is crucial for platforms that require re-verification after events like password resets, device changes, or security checks. Plus, with automatic renewal options, you won’t lose access to your number due to a missed payment or forgotten renewal date. This reliability is further supported by flexible rental plans tailored to different needs.
The All Services Premium plan is ideal for users managing multiple accounts or platforms. With this plan, a single number can handle verification codes from over 1,200 platforms at the same time. SMS codes are forwarded directly to Slack or Discord, making it easy for teams to access them without manual activation or constant dashboard refreshing. Codes arrive instantly where your team already works. Pricing starts at $45 for 30 days or $450 annually for US numbers, with options for UK and Netherlands numbers available at $40 per month. This plan ensures smooth and consistent access for team-based verification needs.
For users who need platform-specific numbers, the Single-Service rental option is perfect. At $30 per month, it provides unlimited SMS for one platform, making it a great choice for managing accounts that require frequent security checks. This option emphasizes long-term stability for critical accounts. You can explore long-term number options to choose the rental duration and country that best fits your requirements, with periods ranging from 7 days to 12 months.
The benefits are clear: MobileSMS.io’s high platform acceptance and pay-per-success model ensure you’re only charged when verification codes are successfully delivered. No wasted credits. You can compare pricing to see how this approach delivers both reliability and value.
Why MobileSMS.io is Better for Long-Term Numbers
If you need consistent, long-term verification without interruptions, MobileSMS.io stands out from typical virtual number services. By using physical SIM cards instead of internet-based systems, MobileSMS.io ensures its numbers are recognized as genuine mobile devices. This approach leads to an almost perfect acceptance rate on platforms with strict security measures, like banking apps, government portals, and social media networks. This solid foundation guarantees reliable and ongoing account access.
With MobileSMS.io, you get a dedicated private number for the entire rental period – whether it’s 30 days or up to 12 months. Plus, there’s a 7-day grace period to renew your number before it becomes available to others.
For teams handling multiple verifications, MobileSMS.io offers Slack and Discord integration with Premium plans. This feature delivers verification codes directly to your team’s channels in real time, making it an excellent tool for businesses managing customer accounts or streamlining verification workflows.
Another standout feature is the pay-per-success model. You’re only charged when verification codes are successfully delivered, so you never lose credits on failed attempts. Along with priority support and access to a detailed Knowledge Base, MobileSMS.io ensures dependable performance and responsive assistance – perfect for users who can’t afford any downtime.
Final Recommendation
For dependable, long-term verification, MobileSMS.io stands out as the top choice. Its real SIM infrastructure ensures your number won’t get flagged or blocked by platforms with strict security measures. Plus, you can rent dedicated numbers for flexible periods ranging from 30 days to 12 months.
The features and pricing options make MobileSMS.io a strong contender for anyone needing reliable verification. If you’re managing one or two accounts, the Single-Service rental at $30.00 for 30 days offers a practical solution. For teams handling multiple accounts, the All Services Premium plan at $45.00 per month (or $450.00 annually) provides unlimited SMS access across 1,200+ services. It also includes Slack and Discord integration for real-time code sharing, making collaboration seamless.
On top of that, the pay-per-success model ensures you’re only charged when codes are successfully delivered. The 7-day renewal grace period helps avoid service interruptions, while 24/7 priority support and a comprehensive Knowledge Base add an extra layer of reliability. Whether you’re focused on business, privacy, or juggling multiple accounts, MobileSMS.io offers the tools you need for consistent access.
Check out their long-term number options or visit the pricing page to find the plan that fits your needs best.
FAQs
Will this number work for banks and major apps?
Yes, a real, non-VoIP SIM-based number from MobileSMS.io is compatible with banks and major apps. These numbers are commonly accepted for online verification and are far less likely to be flagged or blocked compared to VoIP numbers. This makes them a dependable option for secure and long-term use.
What happens if I need re-verification later?
If you ever need to re-verify accounts later, MobileSMS.io has you covered with long-term rental options. These rentals provide stable, reusable, real SIM-based numbers, making them ideal for ongoing verification needs. It’s a dependable solution for repeat use.
Can my team share codes via Slack or Discord?
Yes, your team can safely share verification codes through Slack or Discord by using MobileSMS.io’s long-term mobile numbers. These numbers are designed for extended use, allowing SMS verification codes to be sent directly to your collaboration platforms. This simplifies team workflows while ensuring secure and efficient handling of verification processes for group activities.