---
title: "Best Inmate Texting App"
slug: "home"
description: "Best Inmate Texting App compares the messaging apps families use to reach someone in prison or jail (InmateDB, CorrLinks, Securus, JPay and ViaPath) and ranks them by facility type. Made by the team behind InmateDB."
canonical: "https://bestinmatetextingapp.com/"
markdown_url: "https://bestinmatetextingapp.com/index.md"
type: "home"
updated_at: "2026-04-10T13:13:05+00:00"
robots: "index,follow"
---

# 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.

*Updated October 2026. Made by the InmateDB team.*

## Rankings

### 1. InmateDB: Best for federal prisons

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

### 2. CorrLinks: The official federal email system

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. Securus: Common in state prisons and jails

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. JPay: Widely used in state prisons

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. ViaPath (GettingOut): Tablet messaging in state prisons and jails

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

## How they compare

| | 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 |

## FAQ

### 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.