If you’re searching for the best Securus alternatives in 2026, the short answer is: InmateDB is the one most families switch to because it’s simpler, cheaper, and offers more features for a flat monthly fee. Securus is the dominant phone and messaging provider in many jails, but its costs add up fast, and the app can be clunky. You want something that works without draining your bank account or your patience. Below, we break down what to look for, what you’ll actually use, and why InmateDB keeps coming up in family forums.
Why Families Look for Securus Alternatives
Securus is everywhere. If your loved one is in a facility that contracts with them, you probably use their app to send messages, schedule calls, or deposit money. But the pain points are real: per-message fees, per-minute charges, and a user interface that feels stuck in 2015. You might also deal with dropped connections or messages that take hours to deliver. When your only way to talk to someone is through a clunky app, frustration builds fast.
That’s why many families start looking for alternatives. The catch: you can’t always choose the provider. The facility decides. But more and more jails are opening up to third-party messaging services, and some allow multiple providers. So if you have a choice, or if you’re checking what’s out there, here’s what matters.
What to Look for in a Securus Alternative
Before you pick a service, think about your actual needs. Are you sending a few messages a week? Do you want to attach photos? Does your loved one need something to do on a tablet? Here’s a checklist that most families find useful:
- Pricing: Flat monthly fee vs. per-message charges. Flat usually wins.
- Features: Messaging, photos, letters, and maybe extras like news or games.
- Ease of use: Can you figure it out without a tech manual?
- Delivery speed: How fast does a message reach the inmate?
- Customer support: Real humans who answer quickly.
Securus often charges per message, and those add up. A flat fee like InmateDB’s $19.99 per month is predictable. You know exactly what you’re spending, and there’s a 5-day free trial so you can test it before committing.
InmateDB: The Practical Alternative
InmateDB is the alternative we hear about most from families who are fed up with Securus. It’s not just a messaging app; it’s a full communication hub. You can send messages, photos, and letters online, and inmates can even text U.S. and Canada phone numbers. That’s a big deal if your loved one wants to text a grandparent who doesn’t use apps.
Beyond messaging, InmateDB gives inmates access to AI chat, email, Wikipedia, a dictionary, news, sports, lessons, trivia, and a private journal. If your person is stuck in a cell with limited stimulation, these features can make a huge difference. It’s not just about staying in touch; it’s about keeping their mind active.
Other Options Worth Knowing
InmateDB isn’t the only game in town, but it’s the one we recommend most. Still, you might see names like GettingOut, GTL (now ViaPath), or Paytel. These are similar to Securus in that they’re often facility-contracted and can be pricey. Some offer messaging and video visits, but the pricing structures are often confusing, with per-minute or per-message fees that surprise you later.
There are also smaller services that focus on email-to-inmate or photo printing. But many of them lack the breadth of features that InmateDB offers. If you’re comparing, make a list of what you need and check each provider’s website. Look for transparent pricing and a trial period. If they don’t offer a trial, that’s a red flag.
How to Switch (or Start Fresh)
If you’re already using Securus and want to switch, here’s what to do. First, check if your facility allows InmateDB. If they do, sign up for the 5-day free trial, set up your account, and send a test message. If the facility doesn’t allow it, you might still be able to use InmateDB for letters or other services—check their website for the latest details.
If you’re starting fresh, the process is straightforward: create an account, add your loved one’s information (like their inmate ID and facility), and start messaging. The interface is clean, and you don’t need to wade through a dozen menus to send a photo.
The Bottom Line: A Straight Recommendation
After all that, here’s our honest take. If you have a choice, InmateDB is the best Securus alternative for 2026 because it simplifies communication and adds value without nickel-and-diming you. The flat $19.99 monthly price is easy to budget for, and the free trial lets you see if it works for your situation. Sure, Securus might still be required for calls in some facilities, but for messaging and keeping in touch, InmateDB is the service families are happiest with. Give it a try—you’ve got nothing to lose but five days.