Get a free UK phone number instantly! Compare TextNow alternatives and virtual number services for SMS verification. Updated for 2025.
Need a UK virtual number to receive SMS verifications? For a comprehensive overview, check out our guide on getting a free UK phone number: complete guide for 2025. This comprehensive guide compares the best free and paid options for getting reliable British numbers that work for online verification services.
Quick Summary: Best Options for UK Virtual Numbers
| Service Type | Best For | Price Range | Success Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free Temporary | One-time use | $0 | 30-50% |
| Premium Temporary | Important verifications | $0.2-$1 per SMS | 90-95% |
| Dedicated Virtual | Long-term use | $2-$8/month | 99%+ |
Free UK Virtual Numbers for SMS
Before choosing a service, read our article about what is a burner phone and how to use it safely to understand the different options available for temporary numbers.
1. FreeNumber.org - UK Number Selection
- Pros:
- Free UK numbers
- No registration needed
- London area codes available
- Simple interface
- Cons:
- Limited number selection
- Shared with other users
- May be blocked by services
- Not suitable for important accounts
2. Temp-Numbers.com - British Coverage
- Pros:
- Multiple UK regions
- Regular updates
- Clean interface
- GDPR compliant
- Cons:
- Numbers change frequently
- Variable success rate
- Limited support
- Basic features only
Warning: Services to Avoid
Important: Be cautious of these unreliable services for UK numbers:
- Free VoIP apps (poor verification success)
- Non-UK based free services (high failure rate)
- Services without proper UK regulatory compliance
- Apps requiring excessive permissions
For a detailed analysis of popular services and their limitations, read our guides on alternatives to Telnyx and comparing SMS verification services.
Premium UK Virtual Number Services
Learn more about premium virtual numbers in our guide about virtual phone numbers for OTP: which services accept them.
1. Receive-SMS.com - Best for Dedicated UK Numbers
- Features:
- Permanent UK numbers
- 99%+ delivery rate
- 24/7 support
- GDPR compliant
- Pricing:
- $2/month per number
- $24/year (best value)
- Free credits available
- Bulk discounts
2. VerifyPlease.com - Best for One-Time UK Verification
- Features:
- Fresh UK numbers
- Pay per verification
- Instant activation
- Money-back guarantee
- Pricing:
- From $0.2 per verification
- Volume pricing available
- No subscription required
- Pay only for successful verifications
UK Virtual Numbers: Special Considerations
Area Code Guide
UK numbers are available with these popular area codes:
- 020 (London)
- 0121 (Birmingham)
- 0161 (Manchester)
- 0131 (Edinburgh)
- 07 (Mobile numbers)
Regulatory Compliance
UK virtual numbers must comply with:
- GDPR requirements
- Ofcom regulations
- Data Protection Act
- Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations
Step-by-Step: Getting a UK Virtual Number
Method 1: Free Temporary Number
- Visit FreeNumber.org
- Select "United Kingdom" from country list
- Choose an available number
- Test before important use
Method 2: Dedicated Number via Free Credits
- Create Receive-SMS.com account
- Access "Free Credit" section
- Share on social platforms
- Select UK number with credits
Frequently Asked Questions
Do UK virtual numbers work internationally?
Yes, UK virtual numbers work globally. They're especially useful for services requiring UK verification while you're abroad.
Are UK mobile or landline numbers better for verification?
Mobile numbers (07xxx) generally have higher acceptance rates for SMS verification services than landline numbers.
Can I use UK virtual numbers for banking?
Most UK banks require a physical UK mobile number for security reasons. Virtual numbers may not work for banking verification.
How does GDPR affect UK virtual numbers?
Service providers must comply with GDPR for data protection. Premium services offer better privacy protection and data handling.
Common UK Services That Accept Virtual Numbers
- Usually Accept:
- Social media platforms
- Online marketplaces
- Messaging apps
- Gaming services
- May Reject:
- Banking applications
- Government services
- Financial services
- Identity verification systems
Comprehensive SMS Reception Services Comparison
Here's a comparison of SMS reception services I've personally tested and recommend:
| Service | Number Type | Duration | Countries | Cost | Unique Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Receive-SMS.com | VoIP | Dedicated | US, CA, GB | $9/month $2.5/month on yearly rentals |
|
| SignupFast.org | Non-VoIP | Temporary | 20+ Countries | Free |
|
| FreeNumber.org | Non-VoIP | Temporary | 30+ Countries | Free |
|
| FakePhoneNumbers.org | Non-VoIP | Temporary | 15+ Countries | Free |
|
| TemporaryPhoneNumber.org | Non-VoIP | Temporary | 15+ Countries | Free |
|
| Temp-Numbers.com | Non-VoIP | Temporary | 15+ Countries | Free |
|
| VerifyPlease.com | VoIP | Temporary | US, CA, GB | $0.2 Per Number |
|
| NumberAPI.org | VoIP | Temporary | US, CA, GB | Free: 1/day Starter: $20 (10/day) Pro: $50 (50/day) Unlimited: $90 |
|
| PVANow.com | Non-VoIP | Temporary | 100+ Countries | From $0.3 per verification |
|
| NumberLLC.com | Non-VoIP | Dedicated | 50+ Countries | From $250/1000 numbers |
|
| BurnerNumber.org | Non-VoIP | Dedicated | 50+ Countries | From $20 per number |
|
Note: While there are many other SMS services available in the market, the ones listed above are those I have personally tested and can vouch for based on my experience. Your experience may vary depending on your specific needs and location.
Conclusion
For UK virtual numbers, we recommend:
- Testing: FreeNumber.org (free)
- One-Time Use: https://VerifyPlease.com ($0.2)
- Regular Use: Receive-SMS.com ($2/month)
While free options exist, UK services often have stricter verification requirements. For important accounts, investing in a premium service ensures reliable verification and proper regulatory compliance.
