Cross-border Studio Test: Delivery Rates & Costs of Different Code-receiving Solutions

We tested different code-receiving solutions and compared their delivery rates and costs to help you choose the most suitable one.

Our cross-border studio test found significant differences in delivery rates and costs among various code-receiving solutions, which need to be considered comprehensively. Industry retention rates in 2026 generally range from 50% to 70%.

Common Types and Features of Code-receiving Solutions

Currently, the common code-receiving solutions in the market mainly include virtual number code-receiving, physical SIM card code-receiving, and cloud code-receiving services.

• Virtual Number Code-receiving: Receives SMS by simulating numbers through software. It has a low cost but poor stability.
• Physical SIM Card Code-receiving: Uses real SIM cards. It has a high delivery rate but relatively high management and maintenance costs.
• Cloud Code-receiving Service: Based on cloud computing technology, it provides convenient code-receiving services with good flexibility and scalability.

For example, a cross-border e-commerce studio using virtual number code-receiving had a delivery rate of about 60%, while using physical SIM card code-receiving could reach around 85%.

Test Data and Cost Analysis

We conducted a one-month test on several mainstream code-receiving solutions, and the results are as follows:

From the test data, virtual number code-receiving has a low cost but an unreliable delivery rate; physical SIM card code-receiving has a high delivery rate but also a relatively high cost; cloud code-receiving service strikes a balance between the two.

How to Choose a Suitable Code-receiving Solution

When choosing a code-receiving solution, multiple factors need to be considered comprehensively.

• Business Needs: If a high delivery rate is required, such as for important verification code reception, physical SIM card code-receiving may be more appropriate; if cost-sensitive and not overly demanding on delivery rate, virtual number code-receiving can be considered.
• Budget Constraints: Choose according to your own budget to avoid affecting normal business operations due to high costs.
• Stability and Reliability: Understand the reputation and technical strength of different solution providers to ensure service stability and reliability.

For instance, a small cross-border studio with limited budget and not extremely high delivery rate requirements chose virtual number code-receiving. However, during use, it found the delivery rate was unstable, affecting some business, and later had to switch to cloud code-receiving service.

Summary and Recommendations

Through testing and analysis of different code-receiving solutions, we can see that each has its pros and cons.

• If your business requires an extremely high delivery rate and you have sufficient budget, physical SIM card code-receiving is a good choice.
• If you want to find a balance between cost and delivery rate, cloud code-receiving service may be more suitable for you.
• If you are very cost-sensitive and can accept a certain delivery rate risk, virtual number code-receiving can be considered, but you need to closely monitor its stability.

In practice, it is recommended to conduct small-scale tests first and then decide whether to adopt a certain code-receiving solution on a large scale based on actual results. At the same time, pay attention to choosing regular and reliable service providers to ensure service quality and security.