TextNow vs. MobileSMS.io - A Comprehensive Comparison of Phone Number Services

TextNow vs MobileSMS.io: A Comprehensive Comparison of Phone Number Services

November 25, 2025 / Guides / By / 11 minutes of reading

Introduction

In today’s digital age, having a reliable phone number is crucial for communication and verification purposes. With online platforms increasingly requiring phone verification to create accounts, the type of number you use matters more than ever. Two popular services offering phone number solutions are TextNow and MobileSMS.io. (Updated November 2025)

This article will provide a comprehensive comparison of TextNow vs MobileSMS.io, highlighting their features, benefits, and limitations to help you decide which one suits your needs best. Whether you need a number for everyday communication or specifically for passing SMS verification checks, understanding these differences will save you time and frustration.

What is TextNow?

Overview of TextNow service with free VoIP and SIM card options
TextNow offers free phone numbers via VoIP and SIM card options for communication.

TextNow is a telecommunications service that provides free phone numbers primarily through VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) technology. Founded in 2009, the company has grown to serve millions of users who want an affordable way to stay connected. Users can make calls and send texts over Wi-Fi using the TextNow app, available on both iOS and Android devices. Additionally, TextNow offers a SIM card service for those who need traditional cellular service.

Here’s a breakdown of what TextNow offers:

  • Free Phone Numbers: Available through the TextNow app, allowing users to call and text over Wi-Fi at no cost.
  • SIM Card Service: Unlocks calling, texting, and essential data on the nation’s largest 5G network for users who need cellular connectivity.
  • Ad-Supported Model: The service is free because it is supported by in-app advertisements that appear during use.
  • Flexible Data Plans: Users can add data on an hourly, daily, or monthly basis directly from the app, with plans starting at just a few dollars.
  • Bring Your Own Device: Users can keep their existing phones and numbers, provided they are unlocked and compatible with TextNow’s network.
  • Voicemail and Call Forwarding: Basic phone features are included with the free service.

Important Note for 2025: TextNow has faced increasing challenges with verification acceptance. Many major platforms have updated their systems to detect and reject VoIP numbers, making TextNow less reliable for account creation and verification purposes than it was in previous years.

What is MobileSMS.io?

Overview of MobileSMS.io phone service features
MobileSMS.io offers premium non-VoIP phone numbers with high reliability.

MobileSMS.io offers premium non-VoIP phone numbers specifically designed for receiving SMS verification codes. Unlike VoIP services, these numbers come from real SIM cards inserted into actual mobile devices, ensuring compatibility with virtually all online services that often reject internet-based phone numbers.

Here’s what MobileSMS.io provides:

  • Temporary Non-VoIP Numbers: Ideal for one-time use, such as receiving SMS verification codes for account signups.
  • Long-Term Rentals: Available for single services or multiple services, with flexible rental periods ranging from 7 days to 90 days or longer.
  • All Services Plan: A 30-day rental option that works with virtually any platform requiring phone verification, perfect for users with multiple verification needs.
  • USA Specialization: While offering phone numbers from multiple countries, MobileSMS.io specializes in USA numbers, which are often required by American platforms and services.
  • Pay-As-You-Go Model: Users only pay for the SMS verifications they successfully receive, eliminating waste and hidden costs.
  • High Reliability: Real SIM-card numbers ensure higher acceptance rates for account verification, making MobileSMS.io a trusted choice for critical verification needs.
  • Privacy Protection: Keep your personal phone number private while still completing verifications for dating apps, social media, freelance platforms, and more.

Pro Tip: If you frequently need phone verification for multiple services, MobileSMS.io’s All Services 30-day rental plan offers the best value and convenience, allowing you to verify as many accounts as needed during the rental period.

Key Differences Between TextNow and MobileSMS.io

Key differences between TextNow and MobileSMS.io
Comparing the key differences between TextNow and MobileSMS.io.

Comparing the key differences between TextNow vs MobileSMS.io highlights their unique strengths and ideal use cases. Understanding these distinctions will help you choose the right service for your specific needs.

Technology and Reliability

  • TextNow: Utilizes VoIP technology for free phone numbers. While convenient for calls and texts, VoIP numbers are often not accepted for SMS verifications on many online platforms. In 2025, platforms like Google, Meta, PayPal, and most banking apps actively block VoIP numbers. The SIM card service offers traditional cellular service but requires a monthly commitment and is not the primary focus of the service.
  • MobileSMS.io: Provides non-VoIP numbers from real SIM cards, ensuring higher reliability and acceptance for SMS verifications. These numbers are specifically designed for receiving SMS verification codes and pass the carrier detection systems that block VoIP numbers. While they do not support voice calls or regular texting, they excel at their intended purpose: verification.

Cost and Monetization

  • TextNow: Offers free phone numbers supported by in-app advertisements. Users can also purchase data plans as needed, with prices varying based on duration and data amount. The free tier includes unlimited calls and texts over Wi-Fi but requires watching ads.
  • MobileSMS.io: Operates on a pay-as-you-go model with no hidden fees. Users only pay for the SMS verifications they receive, making it a cost-effective solution for those who need reliable verification codes. Unlike TextNow, MobileSMS.io’s pricing structure is straightforward and ensures that you only pay for what you need. Temporary numbers start at affordable rates, while long-term rentals offer better value for frequent users.

Service Flexibility

  • TextNow: Offers a combination of free VoIP service and paid SIM card options. It provides flexible data plans that can be changed or canceled at any time. However, if you don’t use your TextNow number regularly, it may be reclaimed and reassigned to another user.
  • MobileSMS.io: Specializes in temporary and long-term rental numbers for SMS verification purposes. Users can choose from various rental periods and services, ensuring they get the exact type of number they need for verification. This specialization in SMS verification ensures a more focused and reliable service. Numbers remain active for the entire rental period regardless of usage frequency.

Verification Success Rates

One of the most critical differences between these services is their verification success rates in 2025:

  • TextNow: Estimated 30-50% success rate for verifications. Many platforms now detect and reject TextNow numbers automatically. Services like WhatsApp, Telegram, most banks, and payment apps consistently block VoIP numbers.
  • MobileSMS.io: Estimated 95%+ success rate for verifications. Real SIM card numbers pass carrier checks and are accepted by virtually all platforms, including those with the strictest verification requirements.

This difference in success rates means that while TextNow appears free, the time wasted on failed verification attempts can make it more expensive in terms of frustration and lost opportunities.

Use Cases

TextNow

  • Casual Communication: Ideal for users who need a free phone number for casual calling and texting over Wi-Fi without monthly bills.
  • Ad-Supported Users: Suitable for those who don’t mind viewing ads in exchange for free service and have patience for occasional interruptions.
  • Basic Data Needs: Good for users who need occasional data access for essential apps like email and messaging.
  • Secondary Phone Line: Useful as a backup number for non-critical communications or for separating work and personal calls.
  • Budget-Conscious Users: Perfect for students, travelers, or anyone looking to minimize phone expenses.

MobileSMS.io

  • Account Verification: Perfect for users who need reliable phone numbers for SMS verifications on various online services. MobileSMS.io’s non-VoIP numbers are more likely to be accepted by online platforms, reducing the risk of verification failures.
  • Privacy and Security: Ideal for those who require temporary phone numbers to protect their personal information. By using MobileSMS.io, users can maintain anonymity and protect their personal phone numbers from potential spam and privacy breaches.
  • Long-Term Flexibility: Suitable for users who need a number for an extended period, whether for a single service or multiple services, to receive SMS verification codes. The ability to rent numbers for specific durations ensures that users have access to reliable verification whenever needed.
  • Business and Freelancing: Great for freelancers who need to create accounts on multiple platforms (Upwork, Fiverr, etc.) without exposing their personal numbers.
  • Dating App Privacy: Perfect for those who want to verify dating app accounts while keeping their real phone number private until they’re ready to share it.
  • International Users: Excellent for users outside the USA who need American phone numbers for US-based services and platforms.

Pros and Cons

TextNow

Pros:

  • Free phone numbers for calls and texts with no upfront cost.
  • Flexible, ad-supported service that works on Wi-Fi.
  • Easy to switch and bring your own device.
  • Available on iOS, Android, and desktop platforms.
  • Includes basic features like voicemail and call history.

Cons:

  • VoIP numbers are frequently rejected for SMS verifications on major platforms.
  • Ad interruptions can be annoying and disruptive during calls.
  • Limited to essential data with the free plan.
  • Numbers may be reclaimed if not used regularly.
  • Call quality depends on internet connection strength.
  • Many platforms have blacklisted TextNow number ranges in 2025.

MobileSMS.io

Pros:

  • High acceptance rate (95%+) for SMS verifications, reducing the risk of failed verifications.
  • Flexible rental options for temporary and long-term needs, catering specifically to users’ verification requirements.
  • Real SIM-card numbers provide reliable service, ensuring compatibility with more online platforms.
  • USA-specialized numbers work with American platforms and services.
  • No ads or interruptions during use.
  • Privacy protection keeps your personal number secure.
  • All Services 30-day plan offers excellent value for multiple verifications.

Cons:

  • Not free; users pay per successful SMS verification or rental period.
  • Not designed for voice calls or regular text messaging.
  • May be more expensive for casual users who do not need high reliability for verifications.

Which Service Should You Choose?

The choice between TextNow and MobileSMS.io ultimately depends on your primary needs:

Choose TextNow if:

  • You need a free phone number primarily for calls and texts.
  • You don’t mind watching ads to keep the service free.
  • Verification success isn’t critical to your use case.
  • You’re on a tight budget and need basic communication.

Choose MobileSMS.io if:

  • You need phone numbers specifically for SMS verification.
  • Verification success is critical (account creation, banking, etc.).
  • You want to protect your personal phone number’s privacy.
  • You need USA phone numbers that actually work with American services.
  • You’re tired of wasting time with VoIP numbers that get rejected.

Pro Tip: Many users find that using both services strategically works best—TextNow for everyday communication and MobileSMS.io specifically when reliable verification is needed. This approach maximizes value while ensuring verification success when it matters most.

Conclusion

In conclusion of this TextNow vs MobileSMS.io comparison, both services offer valuable solutions tailored to different user needs. TextNow is an excellent choice for those seeking a free, ad-supported phone number for casual use, while MobileSMS.io provides a more reliable solution for users needing non-VoIP numbers specifically for SMS verifications and privacy.

MobileSMS.io’s focus on verification services ensures that users have access to numbers that are more likely to be accepted across various platforms, providing peace of mind for those concerned about privacy and security. With verification requirements becoming stricter in 2025, having access to real SIM card numbers has become more valuable than ever.

Understanding your specific requirements will help you choose the best service for your needs. If verification success is important to you, the small investment in MobileSMS.io can save significant time and frustration compared to repeatedly failing with free VoIP alternatives.

FAQ

Q: Can I use TextNow for SMS verification?
A: TextNow uses VoIP numbers, which may not be accepted for SMS verifications on many platforms. In 2025, success rates have decreased significantly as more services actively block VoIP numbers.

Q: Does MobileSMS.io offer free phone numbers?
A: MobileSMS.io does not offer free phone numbers. It provides premium non-VoIP numbers on a pay-as-you-go or rental basis for receiving SMS verification codes. The cost ensures high-quality, real SIM card numbers with excellent acceptance rates.

Q: Can I keep my existing phone number with TextNow?
A: Yes, TextNow allows you to bring your existing phone number if your device is unlocked and compatible with their network.

Q: What types of phone numbers does MobileSMS.io offer?
A: MobileSMS.io offers temporary non-VoIP numbers and long-term rentals specifically for receiving SMS verification codes, specializing in USA numbers. They also offer an All Services 30-day plan for users with multiple verification needs.

Q: How does TextNow keep its service free?
A: TextNow’s service is supported by in-app advertisements, which allow them to offer free calling and texting to users who don’t mind ad interruptions.

Q: Can I use MobileSMS.io numbers for multiple services?
A: Yes, MobileSMS.io offers long-term rental numbers that can be used for multiple services during the rental period to receive SMS verification codes. The All Services plan is specifically designed for this purpose.

Q: Why do some platforms reject TextNow numbers?
A: Many platforms have implemented systems to detect VoIP numbers because they’re often associated with spam accounts and fraud. These detection systems block entire ranges of VoIP numbers, including those from TextNow.

Q: Is MobileSMS.io safe to use?
A: Yes, MobileSMS.io is safe and legitimate. The service uses real SIM cards to provide phone numbers, ensuring reliability and privacy. Your personal information remains protected when using their verification numbers.

Q: Can I make phone calls with MobileSMS.io numbers?
A: No, MobileSMS.io numbers are specifically designed for receiving SMS verification codes only. They do not support voice calls or outgoing text messages.

Q: Which service is better for creating social media accounts in 2025?
A: MobileSMS.io is significantly more reliable for social media account verification in 2025. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Twitter/X, and others have implemented strict VoIP detection, making TextNow numbers frequently rejected while MobileSMS.io’s real SIM card numbers pass verification consistently.