You’re tired of the phone call that lasts ten minutes, costs a small fortune, and leaves you feeling like you didn’t really talk. You’ve heard about messaging apps that let you send photos and letters online, but you’re not sure if they’re worth the hassle. Here’s the straight answer: for most families, messaging apps are a better way to stay in touch than phone calls—but only if you pick a service that works with your facility’s rules and your budget.
Why Phone Calls Fall Short
Phone calls from a correctional facility are expensive, often costing several dollars for a short call. They’re also limited by time—usually 15 or 20 minutes—and by the facility’s schedule. You might wait for a call that never comes, or you might get a call at 7 a.m. when you’re not ready to talk. Even when you connect, the conversation is often rushed, and you can’t send a photo or a quick note when you think of something later.
Phone calls also require both of you to be available at the same time. If you work nights or have kids, that’s hard. And if your loved one is in a facility with strict phone hours, you might go days without hearing their voice.
What Messaging Apps Offer (and What They Don’t)
Messaging apps are designed to fill the gaps that phone calls leave. You can send a message whenever you want—at lunch, after work, in the middle of the night—and your loved one can read it when they have tablet time. Many services also let you send photos and letters, which is a huge plus for families with kids.
But not all messaging apps are the same. Some are tied to a specific tablet provider, like GTL or Securus, and only work with facilities that use that provider. Others are independent and work with many facilities. You need to check if your facility supports the app you’re considering.
What to Look For
- Cost: Some apps charge per message, others have a flat monthly fee.
- Features: Can you send photos? Letters? Are there tools like news or games that your loved one can use?
- Ease of use: Is the app easy to set up and navigate?
- Reliability: Does it actually deliver messages promptly?
The Hidden Costs of Phone Calls
Phone calls from correctional facilities are notorious for hidden fees. You might pay a connection fee, a per-minute rate, and a third-party billing fee—all on top of the actual call cost. A 15-minute call can easily cost $10 or more, and if you’re calling several times a week, that adds up fast.
Messaging apps, on the other hand, often have a flat monthly rate. For example, InmateDB charges $19.99 per month with a 5-day free trial, and that includes unlimited sending of messages, photos, and letters, plus other features like news, sports, and educational content. For families on a budget, that’s a predictable cost.
When Phone Calls Still Make Sense
There are times when you need to hear a voice. A phone call can be more reassuring than a text, especially after a hard day. And some facilities have strict rules about messaging apps—they might not allow them at all, or they might block certain features.
If your facility limits messaging apps, you may have no choice but to use the phone. But even then, you can supplement with letters and photos sent through a service like InmateDB, which delivers physical mail digitally. That way, you get the best of both worlds.
How to Choose the Right Messaging App
Start by asking your loved one what apps their facility supports. They’ll know from the tablet or kiosk options. Then check the app’s website for compatibility and pricing. Look for reviews from other families—not just the app’s own testimonials.
Also consider the whole package. InmateDB, for example, doesn’t just send messages. It also gives inmates access to AI chat, email, Wikipedia, a dictionary, news, sports, lessons, trivia, and a private journal. That’s a lot of value for the monthly fee, and it can make the time between calls more meaningful.
The Bottom Line: A Balanced Approach
No single method will replace a hug or a shared laugh, but you can build a communication routine that works for your family. Use phone calls for the important moments—birthdays, anniversaries, or when you need to hear their voice. Use messaging apps for the daily check-ins, the funny memes, the photos of the kids, and the long letters you can write at your own pace.
Most families find that a mix of both is the most sustainable. And if you’re looking for a messaging app that’s affordable and feature-rich, take a look at InmateDB. With a 5-day free trial, you can see if it fits your needs without committing right away. Whatever you choose, the goal is to keep the connection strong—and that’s always worth the effort.