JPay vs GettingOut
JPay is right for state prisons; GettingOut is right for county jails. Facility type decides.
Quick Verdict: JPay vs GettingOut
A quick summary to help you decide before reading the full comparison.
- Choose JPay if your loved one is in a state correctional facility — it is the standard messaging and money transfer platform for state prisons across 35 states.
- Choose GettingOut if they are in a county jail — it serves over 2,200 county facilities and is particularly strong for video visitation.
- GettingOut generally has the better video visit experience; JPay has the better messaging and photo platform.
- If your loved one is transferred from a county jail to a state prison after sentencing, your GettingOut account will no longer apply — you will need a new JPay account.
- If you are unsure whether the facility is a county jail or state prison, check the operating agency online before setting up either account.
Comparison Snapshot
A high-level summary across the four most important categories.
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JPay vs GettingOut: Full Comparison
JPay and GettingOut serve different parts of the correctional system, and the choice between them is almost always determined by one factor: facility type. JPay is the dominant platform for state prisons, contracted with departments of corrections across more than 35 states. GettingOut — operated by Telmate, part of the GTL/ViaPath family — serves over 2,200 county jails across 45 states and is best known for its video visitation product. If you know whether your loved one is in a state prison or a county jail, you can likely determine the right platform immediately.
That said, comparing the two platforms is still worthwhile because the distinction between a state prison and a county jail is not always obvious to families navigating the system for the first time. County jails are operated by county sheriff's offices and typically hold people in pretrial detention or serving shorter sentences. State prisons hold people convicted of felonies with longer sentences and are operated by the state department of corrections. The facility's formal name and website are usually the fastest way to determine which category applies.
Beyond the facility type question, there are genuine feature differences worth understanding. GettingOut's video visitation platform is widely regarded as the best in the county jail space, making remote visits particularly accessible. JPay's messaging, photo sharing, and money transfer capabilities are among the strongest in state prison systems. This comparison covers both platforms in detail to help families understand the full picture.
Feature Scores
Scores are based on service availability, quality, and user experience across both platforms.
| Category | JPay | GettingOut |
|---|---|---|
| Messaging | 9 | 7 |
| Video Visits | 7 | 9 |
| Photo Sharing | 9 | 7 |
| Phone Calls | 6 | 8 |
| Money Transfer | 9 | 8 |
| Coverage | 7 | 8 |
| Ease of Use | 7 | 8 |
| Overall | 7.7 | 7.9 |
Service Comparison
How JPay and GettingOut compare across every major communication service.
Messaging
JPay's stamp-based messaging is a mature, widely-used system at state facilities. Digital photos can be included, and the mobile app makes composing messages easy.
GettingOut offers electronic messaging at participating county jails. Messages are delivered digitally. Not all GettingOut facilities use it for messaging — availability varies by contract.
JPay's messaging is more consistent across facilities and includes better photo integration.
Video Visits
JPay video visits are available at participating state facilities but are not the platform's primary strength.
GettingOut is widely recognized as one of the strongest video visitation platforms available. Remote visits are easy to schedule through the mobile app and work well on standard consumer devices.
GettingOut's video platform is a significant differentiator and one of the main reasons families choose it.
Photo Sharing
JPay's digital photo service is strong — photos are uploaded through the app and delivered electronically after review.
GettingOut offers photo services at participating facilities. Digital or print-based delivery depending on the county jail's setup.
JPay's photo experience is more consistent and better integrated with the main messaging platform.
Phone Calls
Phone services at JPay state facilities are often handled separately by GTL or Securus. JPay handles phone at select facilities.
GettingOut/Telmate manages phone calling at county jails under its contracts. Prepaid accounts are easy to fund through the app.
GettingOut typically manages the full phone and video experience at county jails under a single contract.
Money Transfer
JPay money transfers are integrated, reliable, and widely used at state facilities. Multiple funding methods supported.
GettingOut handles commissary deposits at county jail facilities. The process is similar to JPay and can be completed through the app.
Both handle money transfers adequately for their respective facility types.
Pros and Cons
An honest look at the strengths and limitations of both JPay and GettingOut.
JPay
- Dominant platform for state prison communication in 35+ states.
- Strong messaging, photo, and money transfer integration.
- Trusted by millions of families for state prison communication.
- Good mobile app experience.
- Does not serve most county jails.
- GettingOut account required when loved one is in county jail pre-sentencing.
- Video not as strong as GettingOut.
- Phone services often managed by a separate platform.
GettingOut
- Best-in-class video visitation experience.
- Largest county jail network with 2,200+ facilities.
- Manages phone, video, messaging, and money in one account at county facilities.
- Highly rated mobile app.
- Does not carry over to state prisons after sentencing.
- Messaging not available at all GettingOut county facilities.
- Video pricing can add up for frequent visits.
- Useful only at county jails, not state prisons.
Which Is Better For...
Choosing the right platform depends on your specific situation.
Staying connected with state prison inmates
JPay is the standard messaging, photo, and money transfer platform across state correctional systems.
Video visits with county jail inmates
GettingOut has the strongest video visitation product in the county jail space and the widest county facility coverage.
Managing all communication from one platform
At county jails, GettingOut typically manages phone, video, messaging, and money under one contract — simpler than managing two accounts.
Sending photos to a state prison inmate
JPay's digital photo delivery is consistently available and well-integrated at state facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from families comparing JPay and GettingOut.
What happens to my GettingOut account when my loved one is sentenced and transferred to a state prison?
How do I know if my loved one is in a county jail or state prison?
Does GettingOut work at state prisons?
Can I use both platforms for the same person?
Which platform is easier to set up?
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County JailsGettingOut vs ConnectNetwork
GettingOut leads on video; ConnectNetwork leads on phone and geographic reach.
Messaging FocusedTextBehind vs SmartInmate
SmartInmate offers a more complete digital experience. TextBehind wins on coverage and simplicity.
Ready to Get Started?
Review both provider pages for full details on features, facility coverage, and pricing before creating your account.