If you have a family member in prison, you have two main ways to stay in touch: phone calls and messaging apps. Each has its own strengths and headaches. Here is a straightforward comparison to help you decide which route makes more sense for your situation.
The Basics: What You Are Actually Choosing
Inmate phone calls are the traditional option. You set up an account with the facility’s phone provider, add money, and then your loved one calls you at scheduled times. Calls are recorded and usually cost a few dollars for a 15-minute conversation. Messaging apps, on the other hand, let you send text messages, photos, and sometimes letters online. The inmate reads them on a tablet or kiosk and can reply. Some apps also include extras like email or educational content.
Cost Comparison: Which One Hurts Your Wallet Less?
Phone calls add up fast. A single 15-minute call can cost $3 to $5, and if you talk daily, that is $90 to $150 per month. Many families limit calls because of the expense. Messaging services often have a flat monthly fee. For example, InmateDB charges $19.99 per month for unlimited messaging, photos, and letters. That is less than a week of daily phone calls. However, some facilities charge per message, so check your facility’s rules before committing.
Convenience and Flexibility
Phone calls require both of you to be free at the same time. If your loved one can only call during a specific hour, you have to be near your phone. Missed calls mean waiting until the next day. Messaging apps are asynchronous—you send a message when it is convenient for you, and the inmate replies when they can. This works better for families with irregular schedules or time zone differences. Also, messaging apps let you include photos and keep a written record of your conversations.
Quality of Communication
Hearing a loved one’s voice is powerful, and phone calls feel more personal. But prison phone lines can be noisy, and calls are often cut short. Messaging lacks vocal tone but gives you time to think before you respond. Some services, like InmateDB, include features like AI chat, news, or educational content that can make the inmate’s time more productive.
Privacy and Security Concerns
Both phone calls and messages are monitored by the facility. Nothing you say is private. However, messaging apps often store your conversations, so you can review them later. Phone calls are not saved unless you record them yourself. If you are worried about sensitive topics, be careful with both. Never discuss illegal activity or share personal account information.
What to Check Before You Choose
- Does your facility allow messaging apps? Not all do.
- What is the cost per message or per minute?
- Are there limits on message length or photo size?
- How quickly does the inmate receive the message?
Call the facility or check their website for specific rules. Some places allow only one provider, so your choice may be made for you.
Our Recommendation: Start with a Messaging App
For most families, a messaging app like InmateDB is the better option. It costs less, works around your schedule, and keeps a record of your conversations. You can send messages, photos, and letters online, and inmates can reply to U.S. and Canada phone numbers. InmateDB also gives inmates access to AI chat, email, Wikipedia, news, sports, and more for $19.99 per month with a 5-day free trial. If your facility supports it, give it a try. You might find that staying in touch becomes easier and cheaper than you expected.