Best Inmate Texting App
Updated October 2026

The best inmate texting apps, ranked.

We compared the apps families actually use to message someone in prison or jail. The right pick depends on the facility, so we rank them by situation.

Made by the InmateDB team. How we rank

Rankings

The 5 inmate texting apps worth knowing.

Ranked for families who want the easiest way to stay in touch. The facility decides which ones you can use.

  1. 1
    Best for federal prisons

    InmateDB

    Our pick

    The only option where a federal inmate can text your real phone number. They write from CorrLinks, you get a normal text and reply from your phone.

    Good

    • Texts arrive on your phone as regular texts
    • Optional personal number anyone can text first
    • Photos and letters printed and mailed
    • AI chat, news and sports apps for the inmate
    • 3-day free trial, plans from $9.99/month

    Watch out

    • Federal prisons only (CorrLinks facilities)
    • Monthly plan rather than pay-per-message
    Find your loved one on InmateDB We make InmateDB.
  2. 2
    The official federal email system

    CorrLinks

    Every federal prison with messaging runs on CorrLinks. Families read and write messages on the CorrLinks website; the inmate uses a TRULINCS kiosk inside.

    Good

    • Free for families to use
    • Works in every federal facility with messaging

    Watch out

    • Messages stay in an email-style inbox, not your phone’s texts
    • You have to log in to check for replies
  3. 3
    Common in state prisons and jails

    Securus

    Securus runs eMessaging for many state prisons and county jails. You use the Securus app or website and pay per message.

    Good

    • Apps for iPhone and Android
    • Photo attachments in many facilities

    Watch out

    • Only works where the facility contracts Securus
    • Paid per message; prices set by facility
  4. 4
    Widely used in state prisons

    JPay

    JPay handles email and money transfers for many state prison systems. Messages are paid with prepaid stamps.

    Good

    • Familiar to many state prison families
    • Photo attachments in many facilities

    Watch out

    • Only works in states that use JPay
    • Stamp-based pricing varies by state
  5. 5
    Tablet messaging in state prisons and jails

    ViaPath (GettingOut)

    ViaPath, formerly GTL, provides tablets and messaging through its GettingOut app in many state and county facilities.

    Good

    • Messages reach the inmate’s tablet
    • One account for messaging and other facility services

    Watch out

    • Only works where the facility contracts ViaPath
    • Pricing set by each facility
Side by side

How they compare.

Feature InmateDB CorrLinks Securus JPay ViaPath (GettingOut)
Federal prisons Yes Yes No No No
State prisons and county jails No No Where contracted Where contracted Where contracted
Texts arrive on your phone Yes No No No No
Photos Printed and mailed No Many facilities Many facilities Varies
Pricing From $9.99/mo Free for families Per message Per message Per message

Prices for Securus, JPay and ViaPath are set by each facility, so we don't list a single number.

Which app do I need?

Start with where they are.

You can’t pick any app you like. The facility decides, so this is the only question that matters first.

Federal prison

They have a BOP register number like 12345‑678.

Use InmateDB to text your real phone, or CorrLinks for free inbox messages.

State prison

They are in your state department of corrections system.

Use the app your state contracts with. The DOC website names it.

County jail

They are on a county jail roster.

Check the jail website or call the front desk for its messaging provider.

Guides

Reviews and how-tos.

Deeper looks at inmate texting apps, costs and common problems.

All guides
How we rank

What we look at, and who we are.

  • Does it reach them? An app that doesn’t work at their facility is useless, so we sort by facility type first.
  • How easy is it for the family? Fewer accounts, fewer logins, replies that come to you.
  • What does it really cost? Monthly plans versus per-message pricing, and what is free.
  • What can the inmate do? Photos, letters and tools beyond plain messages.

Best Inmate Texting App is made by the team behind InmateDB, which we rank first for federal prisons. We are not affiliated with CorrLinks, Securus, JPay or ViaPath. We name them so you can compare, and we only state things that are true across facilities.

FAQ

Questions about inmate texting apps.

What is the best inmate texting app?

For federal prisons, InmateDB, because it is the one where your loved one can text your real phone number. For state prisons and county jails, the best app is the one the facility contracts with, usually JPay, Securus or ViaPath, because other apps will not reach them.

Can I choose any app I want?

No. The facility decides. Federal prisons use CorrLinks, and services like InmateDB work on top of it. State prisons and jails each contract one provider, and you have to use that one.

Which app lets an inmate text my real phone number?

In federal prison, InmateDB. They write from CorrLinks and it arrives on your phone as a normal text. State and jail apps keep messages inside their own app.

How much do inmate texting apps cost?

State and jail providers usually charge per message with prepaid credits or stamps, and prices vary by facility. CorrLinks is free for families. InmateDB is $9.99, $14.99 or $19.99 a month after a 3-day free trial.

Is this site independent?

No. Best Inmate Texting App is made by the team behind InmateDB, which we rank first for federal prisons. We explain why, list its limits, and name the other apps for comparison. We are not affiliated with them.