Comparison · Noir SMS temporary number vs Google Voice

Temporary virtual number vs Google Voice

People usually reach this comparison after a sign-up form says something like 'this number can't be used' when they enter their Google Voice number. The two tools solve different problems. Google Voice is a free, permanent second number for people in the United States who already have a US phone. Noir SMS rents a temporary mobile number for a single verification code. Below is a side-by-side look at setup, acceptance by apps, cost model, privacy and how long each number lasts, so you can pick the right one for your own account.

Quick answer

Google Voice gives you a free, long-term US number for calls and texts, but you need an existing US phone number to set it up, it is a VoIP line, and many apps refuse VoIP numbers at sign-up. A Noir SMS temporary number is a carrier mobile number for one verification, refunded automatically if no code arrives. Use Google Voice as an everyday second line; use a temporary number when an app rejects VoIP.

Side by side

Noir SMS temporary numberGoogle Voice

What it isSingle-use mobile number for one SMS verificationFree long-term VoIP number for calls, texts and voicemail

Who can get itAnyone with a Noir SMS accountPersonal accounts in the US only; needs an existing US number to set up

Line typeMobile number from a carrierVoIP

Accepted by apps that block VoIPUsually, though not guaranteedOften rejected

CountriesUS, Canada, UK plus 190+ others (stock varies)US numbers only

How long you keep it20-minute reservation, then recycledIndefinitely if you keep using it

Calls and outgoing textsNo, receive SMS onlyYes

Cost modelPay per number, refund if no SMS arrivesFree for personal use

Good as a recovery numberNoYes, if the service accepts it

Why apps reject Google Voice numbers

Many sign-up systems run a line type lookup on the number you enter. Google Voice numbers show up as VoIP, and some platforms block VoIP lines because they are easy to create in bulk. The result is an error at the phone step, even though the number works fine for normal texting.

Acceptance changes over time and differs by app, so a Google Voice number may work on one service and fail on another. If it fails, trying again rarely helps; the block is usually on the line type, not a typo.

How a temporary number works instead

With Noir SMS you choose the service and country in the dashboard and get a mobile number from a carrier. The code appears in the dashboard automatically with a sound alert. The number is reserved for 20 minutes; if no SMS arrives in that time, the charge goes back to your balance. You can also cancel manually 2 minutes after purchase if nothing has arrived.

Because these are mobile numbers rather than VoIP lines, they usually pass where Google Voice is refused. No number is guaranteed to work on every app, which is why the automatic refund exists.

What Google Voice does better

Google Voice is a real long-term number. You can make calls, send texts, get voicemail and keep the number for years as long as you stay active. That makes it a better choice for anything you want to reach you later, such as a contact number you give to people or a recovery number on services that accept it.

Free for personal use in the US
Calls, texts and voicemail across devices
Keeps working as long as you use it
Can be ported in or out in many cases

Long-term account safety

A temporary number is recycled after use, so it cannot receive a password reset or a new login code months later. If you verify an account you plan to keep with a temporary number, add your own number, email or an authenticator app afterwards. Use either option only for your own legitimate accounts, within each platform's terms.

Verdict

Pick Google Voice if you live in the US, already have a US number to link, and want a free second number you will keep for calls, texts and account recovery. It is the better everyday tool. Pick a Noir SMS temporary number when an app rejects your Google Voice number as VoIP, when you are outside the US, or when you just need one code without handing over a number tied to your Google account. For accounts you keep long term, add a permanent recovery method after verifying.

Frequently asked questions

Can I sign up for Google Voice without a US phone number?

Not for a personal account. Google asks you to verify an existing US mobile or landline number during setup, and it generally does not accept other VoIP numbers for this step. Google Workspace offers Voice in more countries, but that is a paid business product.

Why does an app say my Google Voice number is invalid?

The app most likely detected it as a VoIP number and blocks that line type. It is not something you can fix on the Google Voice side. A mobile number, such as your own SIM or a temporary mobile number, is usually required in that case.

Is a Noir SMS number a VoIP number?

No. Noir SMS numbers are mobile numbers from carriers, which is why they usually work where VoIP numbers are rejected. Acceptance is never guaranteed, and if no code arrives within 20 minutes the charge is refunded to your balance.

Can I use a temporary number with Google Voice itself?

You may be able to verify a Google account with a temporary number, but Google Voice setup requires a US number you control long term, so a single-use number is not a good fit. See the Google page for what works.

Can Google Voice numbers be taken back?

Yes. Google may reclaim a free Voice number after a long period of inactivity, typically after warning you by email. Making a call or sending a text from time to time keeps it active.