Disclosure: TelecomExplained is operated by the same team as both GearSMS and CodeBypass. This comparison aims to describe both services factually, including genuine differences and limitations, rather than favoring one over the other.
GearSMS and CodeBypass both offer virtual and temporary phone numbers primarily for SMS verification, and both are part of the same broader team. Since they serve overlapping use cases, here’s a factual look at what distinguishes them.
Quick Comparison
| GearSMS | CodeBypass | |
| Core focus | SMS verification, virtual numbers, USA eSIM | SMS verification, virtual numbers, USA eSIM |
| Number type | Real, carrier-based non-VoIP numbers | Real, carrier-based non-VoIP numbers |
| Countries covered | USA, UK, and additional countries | Primarily USA-focused, with international options |
| API access | Yes, for developer integration | Not a primary stated feature |
| Payment methods | Check current site for accepted methods | Cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, USDT) |
| eSIM offering | Yes, USA eSIM | Yes, USA eSIM |
Where They’re Genuinely Similar
Both services are built around the same core proposition: real, non-VoIP numbers intended to improve platform acceptance compared to VoIP-based alternatives, available as either short-term or long-term rentals. Both also offer a USA eSIM product alongside their number services, aimed at travelers and remote users. For background on how this number/eSIM combination generally works, see our What Is a Virtual Phone Number? and What Is eSIM? guides.
Where They Genuinely Differ
API access. GearSMS offers a stated API specifically for developers who want to integrate verification or number provisioning into their own applications programmatically. This isn’t a prominently stated feature of CodeBypass, making GearSMS the more likely fit if API access is a specific requirement — check both providers’ current documentation to confirm, since offerings can change.
Payment methods. CodeBypass processes payment specifically through cryptocurrency. GearSMS’s current accepted payment methods should be checked directly on their site, since this is the kind of detail that can change over time and matters practically depending on whether you already use cryptocurrency.
Country coverage breadth. Both offer international numbers beyond the USA, but the specific list of supported countries can differ and change — check each provider’s current country list directly rather than assuming parity between them.
What This Means for Choosing Between Them
Since both services share the same underlying approach (real non-VoIP numbers, USA eSIM, temporary/long-term rentals), the practical decision often comes down to secondary factors: whether you specifically need API access (favoring GearSMS), whether cryptocurrency payment is convenient or inconvenient for you (relevant to CodeBypass), or which service’s specific country list matches your needs. Neither service can guarantee acceptance on every platform, regardless of these differences — see our virtual number not accepted troubleshooting guide for why this happens with any provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are GearSMS and CodeBypass the same company?
They’re operated by the same broader team, though they function as separate branded services with some differences in features and payment methods.
Which is better for developers needing an API?
GearSMS states API access as a feature; this isn’t a prominently listed feature for CodeBypass, though it’s worth confirming current offerings directly with both.
Do both services accept the same payment methods?
No — CodeBypass specifically processes payment through cryptocurrency, while GearSMS’s accepted payment methods should be checked directly on their current site.
Is one service more likely to be accepted by verification platforms than the other?
Both state they provide real, carrier-based non-VoIP numbers, which generally improves acceptance compared to VoIP alternatives — but neither can guarantee universal platform acceptance.
Do both offer USA eSIM plans?
Yes, both GearSMS and CodeBypass offer a USA eSIM product alongside their verification number services.
