HomeWAV
Software-only video visitation and messaging for county jails
- 30+
- States Covered
- 350+
- Facilities Supported
- 3 of 5
- Services Offered
- Yes
- Mobile App Available
HomeWAV Inmate Communication Overview
HomeWAV is a video visitation and messaging platform that takes a different approach from most facility communication providers. Rather than requiring facilities to install proprietary kiosks or hardware, HomeWAV is a software-only system — the facility uses standard tablets or computers already in use, and families connect through the HomeWAV app on their own devices. This lower barrier to adoption has allowed HomeWAV to sign contracts with smaller county jails and regional detention centers that might not have the budget or infrastructure for traditional video visitation hardware installations.
For families, HomeWAV offers remote video visits, electronic messaging, and photo sharing through a single account. Video visits are conducted through the HomeWAV app on iOS or Android, or through a web browser, and are scheduled in advance through the platform. Messaging is delivered digitally to the inmate's device at the facility. Photo sharing allows families to send images that are reviewed for content compliance before being delivered. The platform does not handle phone calls or money transfers — for those services, families need to use the facility's contracted phone provider and separate commissary deposit platform.
HomeWAV is particularly common in smaller county systems across the South, Midwest, and Mountain West. It serves approximately 350 facilities across 30 states. Because it is a newer company compared to Securus or GTL, and because it tends to serve smaller markets, HomeWAV is often the correct platform at facilities that families may not immediately recognize as HomeWAV-contracted. If a family is told their loved one's facility offers remote video visits but GTL, Securus, or GettingOut do not show that facility in their search results, HomeWAV is a strong next candidate to check.
HomeWAV Services
Communication services offered by HomeWAV and what each one includes.
Messaging
Send electronic messages to incarcerated individuals at HomeWAV-contracted facilities. Messages are reviewed before delivery.
Per-message pricing applies. Messaging delivery is digital at HomeWAV-equipped facilities.
Set Up MessagingVideo Calls
Schedule and conduct remote video visits through the HomeWAV app or web browser. No special facility hardware required.
Per-minute or session pricing. Requires a device with a working camera. Must be on the inmate's approved contact list.
Set Up Video CallsPhoto Sharing
Send digital photos through HomeWAV. Photos are reviewed for content compliance before delivery.
Per-photo pricing. Must comply with facility content guidelines.
Set Up Photo SharingPhone Calls
HomeWAV does not handle phone call services.
For phone calls, use the facility's contracted phone provider, typically Securus, ICSolutions, or a regional provider.
Money Transfer
HomeWAV does not process commissary deposits or money transfers.
For commissary deposits, use Access Corrections, TouchPay, or the facility's designated deposit platform.
HomeWAV Coverage
Facility types and geographic regions served by this provider.
Facility Types
Geographic Coverage
30 states, primarily smaller county jails in the South, Midwest, and Mountain West
Coverage Notes
HomeWAV specializes in county jails that have not adopted larger provider platforms. If your loved one is in a smaller county jail and other major providers do not show it in their searches, HomeWAV is worth checking.
HomeWAV Pricing Overview
Approximate pricing for common services. Exact rates may vary by facility and state contract.
HomeWAV Fee Schedule
- Account Registration
- Free
- Video Visit
- Approximate per-minute rate. Varies by facility.
- $0.50/min
- Messaging
- Per-message pricing.
- Varies
- Photo
- Per-photo pricing.
- Varies
Prices are estimates based on publicly available information and may change. Confirm current pricing on the HomeWAV website before use.
HomeWAV — Pros & Cons
An honest look at the strengths and limitations of HomeWAV.
Strengths
- Software-only platform means more county jails can adopt it without expensive hardware upgrades.
- Single account covers video, messaging, and photos.
- Good option for smaller county jails not served by the major national providers.
- Well-rated mobile app for both iOS and Android.
- Growing network with expanding facility coverage across 30 states.
Limitations
- No phone calls or money transfers. Families need additional platforms for those services.
- Smaller facility network than Securus or GettingOut.
- Less name recognition makes it harder for families to discover when searching for their facility's provider.
- Coverage is concentrated in smaller markets, so not useful for families at major urban facilities.
- Not available at state prisons or federal facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions: HomeWAV
Common questions from families about using HomeWAV.
- How is HomeWAV different from GettingOut?
- Both serve county jails with video visitation and messaging, but they serve different facility networks. GettingOut (by Telmate/GTL) requires facilities to install proprietary hardware and is more common at larger county systems. HomeWAV is software-only, making it accessible to smaller jails without hardware budgets. If your loved one's county jail is not on GettingOut, HomeWAV is a strong next option to check.
- How do I schedule a video visit through HomeWAV?
- Download the HomeWAV app on iOS or Android, or visit homewav.com. Create a free account and search for the facility. Select an available time slot and complete the booking. You will need a device with a working camera. You must be on the inmate's approved contact list before scheduling a visit.
- Does HomeWAV offer phone calls?
- No. HomeWAV handles video visits, messaging, and photos only. For phone calls, you need to use the facility's contracted phone provider, which is typically Securus, ICSolutions, or a regional carrier depending on the jail.
- Can I send money through HomeWAV?
- No. HomeWAV does not process commissary deposits or money transfers. For sending money to an inmate at a HomeWAV-served facility, use the facility's designated deposit platform — typically Access Corrections, TouchPay, or a provider specified on the facility's website.
- How do I know if HomeWAV is available at my loved one's facility?
- Visit homewav.com and use the facility search. If the facility appears, HomeWAV is the provider for video visits and messaging at that location. If it does not appear, the facility uses a different provider. GettingOut, Securus, and ICSolutions are common alternatives at county jails.
Related Providers
Other inmate communication providers you may want to consider.
Securus Technologies
45+ states
Phone, video, and messaging for county jails and state prisons
View GuideGet Started with HomeWAV
Visit the official HomeWAV website to create your account, or browse supported facilities and compare alternatives to find the best option for your family.