If you’re searching for “gettingout alternatives,” you’ve probably already figured out that GettingOut isn’t the only game in town. Maybe you’re frustrated with dropped connections, limited message lengths, or the cost of every single stamp. Or maybe you just want to know what else is out there before committing. Here’s a straight answer: several private services offer similar or better features, and some are cheaper or more flexible. The right choice depends on your facility’s rules, your budget, and what kind of communication you want.
Why Look Beyond GettingOut?
GettingOut is widely used, but it’s not perfect. You might have noticed that messages sometimes take hours to deliver, or that you can’t send photos from your phone without jumping through hoops. Some facilities only allow one provider, but many give you a choice. That’s where alternatives come in. The core idea is the same: you send a message or photo via an app or website, it gets printed and delivered to the inmate, and they can reply on a tablet or kiosk. But the details vary a lot.
What to Look for in an Alternative
Before comparing specific services, consider what matters to your situation. Here are a few factors:
- Facility compatibility: Some jails and prisons only work with one vendor. Check the facility’s approved list first.
- Messaging speed: Some services deliver within minutes, others take a day.
- Media support: Can you send photos, videos, or voice clips?
- Pricing: Look at monthly subscriptions versus per-message fees.
- Inmate experience: What can the inmate do on their end—reply, browse content, play games?
InmateDB: A Modern Option
One alternative that’s gaining attention is InmateDB. It’s a service that lets you send messages, photos, and letters online. Inmates can text U.S. and Canada phone numbers, which is a big deal if you want them to reach family members who aren’t on the service. On the inmate side, they get AI chat, email, Wikipedia, dictionary, news, sports, lessons, trivia, and a private journal. So it’s not just messaging—it’s a full package of content. Pricing is $19.99 per month with a 5-day free trial, which is competitive with other subscription services. The catch: check if your facility supports InmateDB. Not all do.
Other Alternatives Worth Knowing
Besides InmateDB, here are a few other services you might encounter:
- Corrlinks: Popular in federal facilities. Email-based, often free for basic use. Inmates get limited access to news and education content. Good if your loved one is in a facility that uses it.
- JPay: Very common in state prisons. Offers email, video visits, and money transfers. The app is clunky, but it’s widely accepted.
- Securus Technologies: Parent company of GettingOut, but also offers its own platform. If your facility uses Securus, you might be stuck with their ecosystem.
- GTL (Global Tel*Link): Another big player with messaging, video visits, and phone services. Like Securus, it’s often facility-mandated.
Each has pros and cons. Corrlinks is affordable but limited to text. JPay has lots of features but can be pricey per message. Securus and GTL are reliable but often monopolistic.
How to Choose the Right One
Start by looking up your facility’s approved communication vendors. You can usually find this on the facility’s website or by calling. If multiple options are available, compare the features that matter most. For example, if your loved one enjoys learning, InmateDB’s Wikipedia and lessons might be a plus. If you just want cheap email, Corrlinks could work. If you need video visits, JPay or GettingOut might be your only choice. And don’t forget to factor in your own comfort with the app—some are easier to use than others.
Final Thoughts: What I’d Recommend
There’s no single best alternative to GettingOut. It depends on your facility and your needs. But if you’re looking for a service that does more than just messaging—something that gives the inmate access to educational content, news, and a way to text outside numbers—InmateDB is worth a serious look. The free trial lets you test it before paying. Whatever you choose, the most important thing is staying connected. Don’t get stuck with a service that frustrates you. Find the one that fits, and focus on the conversations that matter.