Compare Inmate Communication Providers
Not sure which platform is right for your situation? Browse side-by-side comparisons across features, facility coverage, pricing, and ease of use.
The right provider depends on whether your loved one is in a state prison, county jail, or federal facility. Use these comparisons to find the best match before creating an account.
Every correctional facility contracts with specific providers for communication services. You cannot choose your preferred provider: you must use whichever company the facility has selected. However, understanding how providers compare helps you know what to expect when you find out which one your loved one facility uses.
These comparison guides cover the most commonly asked questions families have when deciding how to communicate with an incarcerated loved one. Each guide explains the key differences between two providers across messaging, phone calls, video visits, cost, and ease of use.
Most Searched Comparisons
JPay vs CorrLinks
JPay serves state prisons. CorrLinks serves federal prisons only. If your loved one is in a federal facility, you need CorrLinks. If they are in a state prison, JPay is most likely.
JPay vs ConnectNetwork
Both serve state prisons and county jails but under different state contracts. JPay uses stamps for messaging. ConnectNetwork uses credits. Check which one your facility uses first.
GettingOut vs ConnectNetwork
Both are GTL ViaPath platforms serving county jails. GettingOut focuses on video visits and messaging. ConnectNetwork has broader coverage including state prisons and federal facilities.
JPay vs Securus
Both are owned by Aventiv Technologies. JPay is more common at state prisons. Securus is more common at county jails. The facility contract determines which one you must use.
Most Popular Comparisons
The comparisons families search for most often.
JPay vs CorrLinks
JPay offers significantly more services, though CorrLinks is mandatory for federal inmates.
State vs Multi-SystemJPay vs ConnectNetwork
Depends on your facility type, JPay leads on messaging, ConnectNetwork leads on phone and coverage.
State vs CountyJPay vs GettingOut
JPay is right for state prisons; GettingOut is right for county jails. Facility type decides.
Federal FocusedCorrLinks vs ConnectNetwork
ConnectNetwork provides more services. For federal families, both platforms are typically needed.
More Comparisons
TextBehind vs SmartInmate
SmartInmate offers a more complete digital experience. TextBehind wins on coverage and simplicity.
County JailsGettingOut vs ConnectNetwork
GettingOut leads on video; ConnectNetwork leads on phone and geographic reach.
Same Parent CompanyJPay vs Securus Technologies
JPay and Securus serve complementary roles, JPay for messaging and money transfers, Securus for phone calls, so most families need both rather than choosing one.
Two Largest ProvidersSecurus Technologies vs ConnectNetwork
Securus and ConnectNetwork offer functionally similar phone, video, and messaging services; which one you use is determined entirely by the facility's exclusive contract, not by product quality.
County JailsGettingOut vs Securus Technologies
GettingOut and Securus serve overlapping county jail markets with different strengths, GettingOut on video, Securus on breadth of services, so the facility contract determines which one applies.
Print and Mail ServicesPigeonly vs TextBehind
Pigeonly offers a free plan, facility-specific compliance rules, and a larger network of over 4,000 facilities, giving it a practical edge over TextBehind's simpler per-page model.
Federal vs CountyCorrLinks vs Securus Technologies
CorrLinks and Securus serve almost entirely different facility types, so the winner depends entirely on whether your loved one is in a federal prison or a county jail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which inmate communication provider is the best?
There is no single best provider because you cannot choose: the facility decides which provider to use. Among the providers, GettingOut has the best-reviewed mobile app. CorrLinks is the most reliable because it is the only federal option. JPay has the widest state prison coverage. The best provider is whichever one serves your loved one facility.
Can I use JPay if my loved one is in a federal prison?
No. JPay does not serve federal Bureau of Prisons facilities. Federal inmates use CorrLinks exclusively for messaging. If your loved one is in a federal prison, create a CorrLinks account and wait for their invitation. Do not sign up for JPay for a federal inmate as it will not work.
Is ConnectNetwork the same as GTL?
ConnectNetwork is the consumer platform operated by GTL, now part of ViaPath Technologies. GTL holds the facility contracts and ConnectNetwork is the website and app families use to access those services. GettingOut is also a GTL platform, operated through their Telmate subsidiary, primarily for county jails.
What is the cheapest way to communicate with an inmate?
The cheapest option depends on your facility. Physical mail is free to send but slow. Electronic messaging costs between $0.25 and $0.50 per message depending on the provider. Phone calls cost $0.11 per minute under current FCC caps for interstate calls. Some states and counties offer free calls entirely. Check our facility directory to see what is available at your specific location.