Pigeonly vs TextBehind
Pigeonly offers a free plan, facility-specific compliance rules, and a larger network of over 4,000 facilities, giving it a practical edge over TextBehind's simpler per-page model.
Quick Verdict: Pigeonly vs TextBehind
A quick summary to help you decide before reading the full comparison.
- Pigeonly is the stronger option for most families due to its free plan, facility-specific compliance rules, and larger network.
- TextBehind is a simpler per-page option for occasional use.
- Both are useful alternatives when electronic messaging is unavailable or when physical mail quality is preferred over digital delivery.
Comparison Snapshot
A high-level summary across the four most important categories.
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Pigeonly vs TextBehind: Full Comparison
Pigeonly and TextBehind both convert digital messages and photos into physical printed letters delivered to inmates through the postal system. They work at nearly any facility that accepts mail, making them useful when electronic messaging is unavailable or when physical print quality is preferred. Pigeonly has a free plan and has sent over 15 million pieces of correspondence. TextBehind charges approximately $0.49 per page.
Both Pigeonly and TextBehind accept digital uploads of letters and photos, print them on physical paper, and mail them to the facility address on your behalf. Because they deliver as standard mail rather than through a provider platform, they work at virtually any facility that accepts incoming mail. This makes them particularly useful at facilities without JPay or ConnectNetwork contracts.
Pigeonly serves over 4,000 facilities and maintains current compliance rules specific to each. When uploading content, Pigeonly shows the rules for your specific facility. TextBehind works at any facility that accepts mail. Both handle addressing and mailing on your behalf. Mail rejection rates are lower with these services compared to sending directly because they handle formatting to meet facility requirements.
Feature Scores
Scores are based on service availability, quality, and user experience across both platforms.
| Category | Pigeonly | TextBehind |
|---|---|---|
| Messaging | 8 | 7 |
| Video Visits | 1 | 1 |
| Photo Sharing | 8 | 6 |
| Phone Calls | 6 | 1 |
| Money Transfer | 1 | 1 |
| Coverage | 8 | 7 |
| Ease of Use | 8 | 7 |
| Overall | 5.7 | 4.3 |
Service Comparison
How Pigeonly and TextBehind compare across every major communication service.
Messaging
Pigeonly converts digital messages into printed letters and offers a Forever Free Plan for a limited number of monthly communications, with paid plans for unlimited use.
TextBehind converts digital messages into printed letters at approximately $0.49 per page with no free tier.
Pigeonly's free plan gives it a cost advantage for families who send letters occasionally.
Video Visits
Pigeonly does not offer video visitation; it focuses on physical mail conversion.
TextBehind does not offer video visitation either.
Neither service is a video visitation platform.
Photo Sharing
Pigeonly prints and mails photos, recommending no more than five per envelope unless the facility allows more, with facility-specific rules shown at upload.
TextBehind also prints and mails photos as part of its standard letter service.
Pigeonly's facility-specific compliance checking at upload reduces the chance of photo rejection compared to TextBehind's more general approach.
Phone Calls
Pigeonly also offers low-cost calling services in addition to its mail conversion business.
TextBehind does not offer phone call services; it is focused exclusively on mail conversion.
Pigeonly is the more complete platform, offering calling as an additional service.
Money Transfer
Pigeonly does not offer money transfer services.
TextBehind does not offer money transfer services.
Neither service handles trust account deposits; both are focused on mail and messaging conversion.
Pros and Cons
An honest look at the strengths and limitations of both Pigeonly and TextBehind.
Pigeonly
- Forever Free Plan for occasional use.
- Facility-specific compliance rules shown at upload, reducing rejection risk.
- Serves over 4,000 facilities.
- Also offers low-cost calling as an additional service.
- Paid plans required for unlimited or frequent use.
- Facility-specific rules add a step compared to TextBehind's simpler flat pricing.
TextBehind
- Simple flat per-page pricing of about $0.49.
- Works at nearly any facility that accepts standard mail.
- No account tier decisions needed.
- No free plan.
- No facility-specific compliance display at upload.
- Does not offer phone call services.
Which Is Better For...
Choosing the right platform depends on your specific situation.
Sending letters occasionally at no cost
Pigeonly's Forever Free Plan covers a limited number of monthly communications at no charge.
Sending mail to a facility with strict photo or content rules
Pigeonly shows facility-specific compliance rules at upload, reducing the chance of rejection.
Wanting the simplest possible flat-rate pricing
TextBehind's flat per-page rate is straightforward with no plan tiers to evaluate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from families comparing Pigeonly and TextBehind.
Is Pigeonly free?
Which is better for sending photos, Pigeonly or TextBehind?
Do Pigeonly and TextBehind work at federal prisons?
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JPay and Securus serve complementary roles — JPay for messaging and money transfers, Securus for phone calls — so most families need both rather than choosing one.
Federal vs CountyCorrLinks vs Securus Technologies
CorrLinks and Securus serve almost entirely different facility types, so the winner depends entirely on whether your loved one is in a federal prison or a county jail.
Ready to Get Started?
Review both provider pages for full details on features, facility coverage, and pricing before creating your account.