TextBehind vs SmartInmate
SmartInmate offers a more complete digital experience. TextBehind wins on coverage and simplicity.
Quick Verdict: TextBehind vs SmartInmate
A quick summary to help you decide before reading the full comparison.
- Choose TextBehind if you need a simple, low-commitment way to send letters and photos that works at any facility accepting standard mail.
- Choose SmartInmate if you want a full digital platform with messaging, video visits, photos, and money transfers in one modern interface.
- TextBehind is better if your loved one is at a facility without digital messaging infrastructure, or if you prefer a physical letter format.
- SmartInmate offers more services and a better long-term digital communication experience for regular contact.
- Always verify whether each platform serves your specific facility before setting up an account.
Comparison Snapshot
A high-level summary across the four most important categories.
SmartInmate
SmartInmate
TextBehind
Tie
TextBehind vs SmartInmate: Full Comparison
TextBehind and SmartInmate are both focused on messaging and photo communication but take different approaches to delivering that service. TextBehind converts digital messages into physical letters that are mailed to the inmate through the postal system — meaning it works at virtually any facility that accepts standard mail. SmartInmate is a fully digital platform offering electronic messaging, video visits, photo sharing, and money transfers, with a clean interface that many families find more intuitive than larger legacy platforms.
The fundamental tradeoff between these two platforms is coverage versus features. TextBehind works at over 600 facilities because its print-based delivery model does not depend on the facility having installed digital kiosks or tablets. SmartInmate's digital-first approach offers a richer communication experience, but it only serves around 400 facilities across 20 states — meaning it may not be available at the specific facility you need. Checking facility availability for each platform is the critical first step before investing time in setup.
Both platforms are considered alternatives or supplements to the larger legacy providers like JPay and GettingOut. Some families use TextBehind or SmartInmate alongside a primary platform for its specific advantages — TextBehind for the personal feel of physical letters, SmartInmate for its cleaner digital experience. This comparison examines both platforms in detail to help families understand which one fits their situation better.
Feature Scores
Scores are based on service availability, quality, and user experience across both platforms.
| Category | TextBehind | SmartInmate |
|---|---|---|
| Messaging | 7 | 8 |
| Video Visits | 1 | 7 |
| Photo Sharing | 7 | 7 |
| Phone Calls | 1 | 1 |
| Money Transfer | 1 | 7 |
| Coverage | 7 | 5 |
| Ease of Use | 8 | 8 |
| Overall | 4.6 | 6.1 |
Service Comparison
How TextBehind and SmartInmate compare across every major communication service.
Messaging
TextBehind converts typed messages into printed letters sent by postal mail. The physical format has a personal quality that digital messages lack. Delivery takes 3 to 7 days.
SmartInmate delivers messages electronically to participating facility kiosks or tablets. Digital delivery is typically faster and confirmed more reliably.
For speed and delivery confirmation, SmartInmate's digital messaging is more efficient. TextBehind's physical format is preferred by some for its personal quality.
Video Visits
TextBehind does not offer video visitation services.
SmartInmate provides remote video visits at participating facilities, scheduled through the app or website.
TextBehind has no video capability. SmartInmate's video is available at select facilities.
Photo Sharing
TextBehind prints digital photos and mails them as physical photo prints. Works at any facility that accepts standard mail.
SmartInmate delivers photos digitally to participating facility systems after content review.
Both support photo delivery in different formats. TextBehind's print approach works at more facilities; SmartInmate's digital delivery is faster where available.
Phone Calls
TextBehind does not offer phone services.
SmartInmate does not currently offer phone calling services.
Neither platform supports phone calls. For phone, use the facility's contracted phone provider.
Money Transfer
TextBehind does not offer money transfer or commissary deposit services.
SmartInmate supports commissary deposits at participating facilities via the platform.
SmartInmate's money transfer capability is an advantage for families who want to handle multiple services in one account.
Pros and Cons
An honest look at the strengths and limitations of both TextBehind and SmartInmate.
TextBehind
- Works at any facility that accepts standard mail — widest practical coverage.
- Simple and accessible — no technical infrastructure at the facility required.
- Physical letter format has a personal quality that digital messages lack.
- No account required for basic features.
- Physical mail delivery takes 3 to 7 days — not suitable for time-sensitive communication.
- No video, phone, or money transfer services.
- Print-based delivery is not a real-time communication option.
- Per-message pricing with no subscription option for frequent users.
SmartInmate
- Full digital platform covering messaging, video, photos, and money transfer.
- Modern, clean interface frequently praised for ease of use.
- Digital delivery is faster and more reliable than physical mail.
- Single account covers multiple communication needs.
- Smaller coverage than TextBehind — only available at 400 facilities in 20 states.
- No phone calling support.
- Coverage expansion is ongoing but uncertain.
- Less established than major providers like JPay or GettingOut.
Which Is Better For...
Choosing the right platform depends on your specific situation.
Communicating at a facility without digital kiosks or tablets
TextBehind's print-based delivery works at any mail-accepting facility regardless of its digital infrastructure.
Families who prefer a modern digital platform
SmartInmate's clean interface and digital delivery offer a more complete and faster communication experience.
Video visits
TextBehind does not offer video. SmartInmate provides video at participating facilities.
Sending a one-time message without a full account setup
TextBehind allows some features without creating a full account, making it more accessible for occasional use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from families comparing TextBehind and SmartInmate.
What is the main difference between TextBehind and SmartInmate?
Does TextBehind work at federal prisons?
Can SmartInmate replace JPay?
How long does TextBehind delivery take?
Is SmartInmate available at my loved one's facility?
Related Comparisons
Explore more side-by-side provider comparisons.
JPay vs GettingOut
JPay is right for state prisons; GettingOut is right for county jails. Facility type decides.
County JailsGettingOut vs ConnectNetwork
GettingOut leads on video; ConnectNetwork leads on phone and geographic reach.
State vs Multi-SystemJPay vs ConnectNetwork
Depends on your facility type — JPay leads on messaging, ConnectNetwork leads on phone and coverage.
Ready to Get Started?
Review both provider pages for full details on features, facility coverage, and pricing before creating your account.