Is hushed.com worth the subscription? Our 2025 review reveals why their app-dependent model and limited trial make it less appealing than other options.

Introduction

Looking for a reliable second phone number service? Before subscribing to hushed.com, read our detailed review to understand why you might want to explore other options. While this app-based service offers multiple features, there are several important limitations you should consider.

What is Hushed?

Hushed offers private, second phone numbers for calling and texting through their mobile app. While they provide multiple number options and a high-quality app interface, the service has significant drawbacks that could affect your communication needs.

Key Features

  • Mobile app interface
  • Multiple number options
  • Calling and texting
  • Privacy features

Critical Weaknesses

1. Subscription-Based Model

One of the biggest drawbacks of hushed.com is their subscription-only model. Users must commit to recurring payments, even for basic features that other services offer more flexibly.

2. Limited Free Trial

The free trial period is very restrictive, making it difficult to properly evaluate the service before committing to a paid subscription.

3. App Dependency

The service requires using their mobile app, which may not be ideal for users who prefer web-based solutions or need to use numbers across different devices.

Better Alternatives

Free Temporary Number Services

If you need reliable free temporary numbers, here are our top recommended alternatives:

  • FreeNumber.org
    • 30+ countries available
    • Largest free number selection
    • No app required
    • Better success rates
  • FakePhoneNumbers.org
    • 15+ countries coverage
    • Private message viewing
    • Perfect for online signups
    • Web-based solution

Premium Services

For users who need dedicated numbers and professional features:

  • Receive-SMS.com
    • Dedicated numbers from $9/month
    • Best value: $30/year per number
    • 12+ years of reliable service
    • Complete number ownership
  • BurnerNumber.org
    • 50+ countries available
    • Flexible pricing options
    • No app required
    • Professional features

Business Solutions

For businesses needing comprehensive communication tools:

  • NumberLLC.com
    • 50+ countries coverage
    • Enterprise-grade service
    • Dedicated support
    • Bulk number options
  • VerifyPlease.com
    • Cost-effective pricing
    • No subscription required
    • Instant activation
    • 24/7 availability

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
  • 12+ years of service history
  • Best yearly rental pricing
SignupFast.org Non-VoIP Temporary 20+ Countries Free
  • Random user info generator
  • Free temporary email included
FreeNumber.org Non-VoIP Temporary 30+ Countries Free
  • Largest free numbers provider
  • Wide country coverage
FakePhoneNumbers.org Non-VoIP Temporary 15+ Countries Free
  • Working fake numbers
  • Perfect for online signups
TemporaryPhoneNumber.org Non-VoIP Temporary 15+ Countries Free
  • Simple and easy to use
  • Quick number generation
Temp-Numbers.com Non-VoIP Temporary 15+ Countries Free
  • Instant number availability
  • No registration required
VerifyPlease.com VoIP Temporary US, CA, GB $0.2 Per Number
  • Cheap & unlimited numbers
  • Bulk verification support
NumberAPI.org VoIP Temporary US, CA, GB Free: 1/day
Starter: $20 (10/day)
Pro: $50 (50/day)
Unlimited: $90
  • Developer-friendly API
  • Flexible pricing tiers
PVANow.com Non-VoIP Temporary 100+ Countries From $0.3 per verification
  • Pay per success
  • Extensive country coverage
NumberLLC.com Non-VoIP Dedicated 50+ Countries From $250/1000 numbers
  • Bulk number packages
  • Wide range availability
BurnerNumber.org Non-VoIP Dedicated 50+ Countries From $20 per number
  • Universal acceptance
  • Premium quality numbers

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

While hushed.com offers a polished mobile app, its subscription-based model and app dependency make it less appealing than other options. For casual users, we recommend FreeNumber.org or FakePhoneNumbers.org for free, web-based solutions. For business or long-term needs, consider Receive-SMS.com or BurnerNumber.org that offer more flexible and cost-effective options.

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