Tiger SMS vs TextNow: Which Should You Use?
Short answer: for most one-time verification codes, Tiger SMS is the better fit. TextNow has its own niche — a free us number for calls.
Tiger SMS vs TextNow: side by side
| Tiger SMS | TextNow | |
|---|---|---|
| ComparaSMS score | 9.8 / 10 | 6.8 / 10 |
| Number type | One-time and non-VoIP numbers | Free US number (app) |
| One-time codes | ✓ Yes | — |
| Rentals | — Not offered | — |
| Multi-SMS on one number | Yes, for certain countries and services | See provider |
| Non-VoIP | ✓ Yes | — |
| API | ✓ Yes | — |
| Pricing model | Pay only for received SMS, from $0.001 | See provider |
| Payment | Cards, PayPal, AliPay, WeChat Pay, USDT & crypto, Payeer, AdvCash, SBP | Visa & Mastercard, Apple Pay & Google Pay |
| Countries | 260+ | USA |
| Referral program | 5% per activation, up to $50 per referral | See provider |
| Best for | Cheap one-time verification codes for almost any app and professional bulk registration, with instant refunds when a code doesn't arrive | A free US number for calls |
Verdict: Tiger SMS or TextNow?
Choose Tiger SMS for cheap one-time codes on almost any app, with instant refunds when a code doesn't come.
Choose TextNow if you need a free us number for calls.
Get a number: service cards
Tiger SMS
Editor's choiceTiger SMS sells one-time virtual numbers for SMS verification in 260+ countries and for 200+ services, with 800,000+ numbers available every day. Prices start at $0.001, and you pay only when the SMS arrives: if no code comes, press Cancel and the money goes straight back to your balance.
- Receive SMS online
- Non-VoIP numbers
- SMS verification API
- Visa & Mastercard
- PayPal
TextNow
A free, ad-supported VoIP number in the US. It works for calls, but many sites refuse it for verification.
- Free numbers
- Second number apps
- Visa & Mastercard
- Apple Pay & Google Pay
TextNow: pros and cons
Pros
- Free tier
- Calls and texts
Cons
- VoIP — many services refuse it
- Inactive numbers get reclaimed
Tiger SMS vs TextNow: FAQ
Which is cheaper, Tiger SMS or TextNow?
Tiger SMS numbers start at $0.001 and you pay only for SMS you receive. TextNow lists prices from Free number (ad-supported). The final price depends on the app and the country.
Does TextNow offer number rentals?
No rentals are listed for TextNow, and Tiger SMS doesn't offer them either — see services with rentals.
Which has non-VoIP numbers?
Tiger SMS sells non-VoIP numbers; we don't list TextNow as a non-VoIP provider. Why non-VoIP matters.
Do Tiger SMS and TextNow refund failed codes?
Tiger SMS refunds cancelled numbers to your balance instantly. A refund for undelivered SMS is required for every service in our ranking; check TextNow's terms before paying.