1) By definition, if your 2FA device gets stolen, you’re screwed anyway. Goodbye Authenticator. At least with SMS you can get the same number by contacting your carrier.

2) Roaming. Often free to receive texts abroad.

3) True

4) True, but it’s easy to keep it active assuming you at least have data on it

5) True, but it can cost peanuts with the right setup. I’m holding onto my European and Thai SIM cards with less than $5/year. My Google Voice number is free since 2009.

I agree I’d just prefer using Authenticator and Passkeys, but let’s not lie about the advantages of SMS.