GotSMS vs. TextNow
Good free option for a casual personal second number; not a fix for platforms that specifically reject VoIP lines.
GotSMS
- Every line is a dedicated physical carrier connection, never shared
- Self-service refund button — no support ticket required, available for 24 hours after rental
- Full REST API for CI/CD and automation workflows
From $1.00/day, tiered rentals up to 1 year
TextNow
- Genuinely free tier available
- Full calling + texting, not just OTP receipt
- Large existing user base
- VoIP line type — blocked by carrier-lookup checks on strict platforms
- Free-tier numbers can be recycled/reassigned after inactivity
- US/Canada coverage only
Free tier available; paid tier removes ads/adds features
| Founded | 2023 | 2009 |
| Line type | Physical carrier | Mixed / virtual pool |
| Coverage | USA only (100% physical cellular infrastructure) | US & Canada only |
| API access | ||
| Refund policy | Self-service refund button, available within 24 hours of leasing if SMS not received | N/A (free tier) / standard subscription refund for paid tier |
Bottom line
Good free option for a casual personal second number; not a fix for platforms that specifically reject VoIP lines.
Try a dedicated line yourself
First activation from $1.00, no KYC.
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Reviewed by Victor Reyes, Head of Telecom Infrastructure & SEO, GotSMS. Comparison based on publicly available provider documentation, last reviewed January 2026.