If you’re looking for cheap inmate messaging services, you’ve probably already seen the prices: $0.25 to $0.50 per message on some platforms, or monthly plans that can hit $40 or more. That adds up fast when you’re writing every day. The good news is that there are cheaper ways to stay in touch. This article compares the real options you have—including one that many families don’t know about yet.
Why inmate messaging costs so much
Prison phones and messaging are run by private companies that pay kickbacks to the facility. That’s why a single text can cost more than a postage stamp. The facilities get a cut, so they have little incentive to lower prices. For families, this means every message feels like a small financial decision. You want to write often, but you also have to watch your budget.
Traditional mail: still the cheapest, but slow
Physical letters cost about $0.55 per stamp. That’s the lowest price per message, and you can send photos or drawings if the facility allows. The trade-off is time. A letter can take a week to arrive, get lost in the mail room, or be delayed by security screening. If your loved one needs emotional support quickly, mail won’t cut it. Also, many facilities now restrict paper correspondence—some even require all mail to go through a digital scanning service, which adds a fee anyway.
Official prison messaging apps (Securus, GTL, JPay)
These are the big names. They offer apps where you can send text messages, photos, and sometimes video visits. Prices vary by facility, but you’re usually looking at $0.10 to $0.30 per message sent. Some have monthly subscription plans, but those can be $25 to $40 per month. The catch: you can only message inmates in the same provider’s network. If your loved one’s facility uses Securus, you must use Securus. There’s no shopping around. And the apps are often clunky, with high fees for small transactions.
Email-to-prison services
Some facilities partner with companies that let you send emails that get printed and delivered. These cost around $0.15 to $0.25 per email. Slower than instant messaging, but faster than traditional mail. The downside is that the inmate doesn’t have a device to read on—they receive a paper copy. So you lose the immediacy of a conversation.
InmateDB: a different approach
One service that stands out for cost and features is InmateDB. Instead of charging per message, they offer a flat monthly rate of $19.99 with a 5-day free trial. For that, you get unlimited messages, photos, and letters online. The inmate can also text U.S. and Canada phone numbers. Plus, inmates get access to AI chat, email, Wikipedia, a dictionary, news, sports, lessons, trivia, and a private journal. That’s a lot more than just messaging—it’s a whole communication and education platform. For families on a tight budget, the flat fee makes it easier to plan spending. You write as much as you want without watching the clock or counting messages.
What to watch out for
Before you sign up for any service, check what your inmate’s facility allows. Some facilities restrict which messaging platforms are permitted. Also, look at hidden fees: activation fees, payment processing fees, per-photo charges. InmateDB is upfront about its pricing, but always read the fine print with any provider. And remember: the cheapest per-message price might not be the cheapest overall if you send a lot of messages.
Our recommendation
If you write a lot (more than a few messages a week), a flat-rate service like InmateDB will almost always be cheaper than pay-per-message. At $19.99 per month, it’s one of the most affordable options, especially when you factor in the extra features. If you only send a few messages per month, traditional mail or pay-per-message might be fine. But for most families, the flat fee gives peace of mind and a better connection. You can start with the free trial to see if it works for your facility. Check out InmateDB to see if it’s a fit for your situation.