A side-by-side look at two popular options for temporary phone numbers.
TextNow is a communication app that provides free US and Canadian virtual phone numbers for calling and texting over Wi-Fi. While it can be used for some SMS verifications, it was not designed as a dedicated verification service. TextNow numbers are VoIP-based, which means many platforms reject them during the verification process. Verification codes are only available on paid plans ($9.99/month or higher), and the app must be installed on your device.
| Feature | Quackr | TextNow |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Free numbers + paid from ~$3 | Free (no codes) or $9.99/mo |
| Countries | 15+ countries | 2 (US & Canada only) |
| Number Type | Real carrier (non-VoIP) | VoIP numbers |
| Registration Required | No (free numbers) | Yes + app download |
| Payment Methods | Card, PayPal, Crypto | App store purchases only |
| API Available | Yes + MCP for AI agents | No |
| Free Numbers | Yes, 5000+ across 36 countries | Yes, but no verification codes |
| Works With All Services | Yes (non-VoIP) | No (VoIP rejected by many) |
VoIP Numbers Rejected by Many Platforms
TextNow uses VoIP numbers that are frequently blocked by platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, banks, and social media services. Many services have started rejecting VoIP numbers entirely to prevent spam and abuse.
App Download Required
You must download the TextNow app on iOS or Android to use the service. There is no simple web-based interface for quick SMS verification — you need to install software and create an account first.
Limited to US & Canada
TextNow only provides phone numbers from the United States and Canada. If you need a number from the UK, Germany, Brazil, or any other country, TextNow simply cannot help.
Free Tier Cannot Receive Verification Codes
While TextNow advertises a free plan, verification codes are blocked on free accounts. You must upgrade to the Ad-Free+ plan at $9.99/month or purchase a SIM card to receive SMS verification codes.
Quackr provides real, non-VoIP phone numbers trusted by over 2 million users worldwide. Whether you need a free temporary number for a quick verification or a private number for long-term use, Quackr delivers reliability, global coverage, and flexible payment options.
Quackr provides real carrier numbers that are accepted by virtually every platform — WhatsApp, Telegram, banking apps, and more.
Choose numbers from the US, UK, Germany, Brazil, India, and 20+ other countries. TextNow only offers US and Canadian numbers.
Use Quackr directly from your browser. No app installation, no account creation required for free numbers. Just visit the site and start receiving SMS.
Get a working phone number in seconds. No sign-up process, no waiting for app downloads, no account verification hoops to jump through.
Temporary phone numbers aren't just for tech-savvy users — millions of people rely on them every day to stay private, save money, and avoid spam.
Sign up for apps and websites without handing over your real phone number. Use a temporary number to receive the verification code, then move on — no strings attached.
Tired of promotional texts after signing up for a free trial? Use a disposable number so your real inbox stays clean and spam-free.
Buying or selling on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or similar platforms? Use a temporary number to communicate with strangers without revealing your personal line.
Need a local number while traveling abroad? Get a temporary number from 15+ countries to access local services, register for apps, or receive important codes without roaming fees.
Keep your personal number private when setting up dating profiles or new social media accounts. If things don't work out, there's no trace back to your real number.
Building an app that requires SMS verification? Use Quackr's API and MCP server to automate testing with real phone numbers — no personal numbers needed.