What SMS API should I use for verification codes?

For verification codes / OTPs, I’d generally recommend one of these:

Best overall choices

1. Twilio Verify

   • Purpose-built for phone verification
   • Handles code generation, delivery, retries, rate limiting, and fraud controls
   • Easier and safer than building OTP yourself

2. Vonage (Nexmo) Verify

   • Similar to Twilio Verify
   • Good global coverage and verification-specific workflow

3. AWS SNS / Pinpoint

   • Better if you’re already deep in AWS
   • More flexible, but you’ll need to build more of the verification logic yourself

If you want the simplest answer

• Use Twilio Verify if you want the most straightforward, reliable option.

What to look for in an SMS verification API

• Global deliverability
• Verification-specific features
• Rate limiting and abuse prevention
• Support for fallback channels
• Clear pricing per verification
• Webhooks/status callbacks
• Good documentation and SDKs

Important note

If this is for security-sensitive login or account recovery, SMS is weaker than app-based MFA or passkeys because SIM swap and interception risks exist. If possible, use:

• Passkeys
• Authenticator apps (TOTP)
• Email as backup, not primary, depending on your use case

If you want, I can also recommend:

• the best provider for your region
• the cheapest option
• or a comparison table of Twilio vs Vonage vs AWS.