--- title: "GettingOut Alternatives: What to Use Instead" slug: "gettingout-alternatives" description: "Looking for a GettingOut alternative? Compare costs, features, and what actually matters for staying in touch with someone incarcerated." canonical: "https://parakeetinmate.com/gettingout-alternatives/" markdown_url: "https://parakeetinmate.com/gettingout-alternatives.md" type: "blog" category: "Blog" published_at: "2026-08-31T23:11:58+00:00" updated_at: "2026-10-08T16:44:08+00:00" robots: "index,follow" --- # GettingOut Alternatives: What to Use Instead If you've searched for “GettingOut alternatives,” you're probably frustrated with the costs or the app's limitations. You want a way to send messages, photos, and letters to someone inside without breaking the bank or dealing with constant glitches. The good news: there are other services. One of the most practical is InmateDB, which offers messaging, photo sharing, and even educational tools for a flat monthly fee. But before you switch, let's walk through what to look for and how to compare your options. ## Why People Look for GettingOut Alternatives GettingOut is one of the most widely used platforms for inmate communication, but it's not the only one. Families often start with it because the jail recommends it or because it's the first result in a search. Then they hit the paywall: per-message fees, per-photo fees, and add-ons that make a short conversation surprisingly expensive. It's also common to hear complaints about delivery delays, confusing billing, or the app crashing at the worst moment. When that happens, you start hunting for something better. The problem is that every facility has its own approved vendor list, so you can't just pick any service. You need to check with the jail first to see which options are allowed. ## What to Look for in an Alternative Before you commit to a new service, ask yourself a few questions. What does the service cost per month, and are there hidden fees? Does it support the type of communication you need—messages, photos, video calls? Can the inmate access it easily, or does it require a tablet they may not have? And most importantly, is it approved by the facility where your loved one is housed? Here's a quick checklist to guide you: - Flat monthly pricing vs. per-message charges - Photo and letter sending features - Additional tools like educational content or news - Customer support and reliability - Facility approval status If a service checks most of these boxes, it's worth a trial run. Just remember that the cheapest option isn't always the best if it doesn't work reliably. ## InmateDB: A Strong GettingOut Alternative One alternative that has gained traction is InmateDB. It lets you send messages, photos, and letters online, and inmates can text U.S. and Canada phone numbers. That means a federal inmate can text your real phone number from TRULINCS, and you reply like any other text. InmateDB also includes a bundle of extras that might surprise you: AI chat, email, Wikipedia access, a dictionary, news, sports, lessons, trivia, and even a private journal. For families, the educational aspect can be a nice bonus—your loved one can use the time to learn something new or keep up with current events. Pricing is straightforward: plans at $9.99, $14.99 and $19.99 per month, with a 3-day free trial. No per-message fees, no surprise charges. That flat rate can be a relief if you've been nickel-and-dimed by other services. ## Other Options to Consider InmateDB isn't the only player. There are other companies like JPay, GTL, and Access Corrections that operate in many jails and prisons. Each has its own pricing structure and features. JPay, for example, is well-known in state prison systems, while GTL (now ViaPath) handles many county jails. Access Corrections is another common one. The key is to check what your facility supports. You can often find a list of approved vendors on the jail's website or by calling the administration. Don't assume that a service that works for a friend in another state will work for you—jails have individual contracts. Also, consider the communication methods. Some facilities allow video visits through specific apps, while others only offer messaging. If video calls are important to you, make sure the alternative you choose supports that feature for your facility. ## How to Make the Switch Smoothly Once you've picked a new service, switching isn't hard, but it does require some coordination. First, confirm the facility's approval. Then set up your account and verify the inmate's information—usually their booking number or ID. Finally, let your loved one know to expect messages through the new platform so they don't miss anything. If you're coming from GettingOut, you might have a balance left on that account. Check if you can get a refund or transfer it, though policies vary. It's also a good idea to test the new service during the trial period to make sure it works reliably in your situation. One thing to keep in mind: no service is perfect. There will be occasional delays or technical hiccups. What matters is how the company handles them. Look for responsive customer support and clear communication. ## Why a Flat Fee Might Save You Money If you're used to paying per message, the flat-fee model is a breath of fresh air. With InmateDB's monthly plans from $9.99, you can text without watching the meter run, and photos are simply paid per order. That can make a real difference for families who communicate daily. Of course, you should still set a budget. If you're only sending a few messages a week, a pay-per-use service might be cheaper. But if you're like most families—sending multiple messages and photos daily—a flat fee usually wins out. Do the math based on your actual usage. Also, consider the extras. Getting news and educational content might not seem essential, but it can help your loved one feel connected to the outside world. That's worth something. ## Final Thoughts: Choose What Works for Your Family The right alternative to GettingOut depends on your facility's rules, your budget, and how often you communicate. There's no one-size-fits-all answer. But if your loved one is in a federal prison and you're looking for flat monthly texting, plus photos and letters when you want them, InmateDB is worth trying, especially with the 3-day free trial. Before you decide, confirm your loved one is in a federal prison, since that is where InmateDB works, and then test it out. You can start your free trial at [InmateDB](https://inmatedb.com). If it works, great. If not, you've lost nothing but a few minutes. Staying in touch with someone inside is important, and you deserve a tool that makes it easier, not harder.