JPay tablet prices range from $69 to $149 depending on the model and where you buy it
JPay tablets sold through the company's official channels typically cost between $69 and $149. The exact price depends on which model you choose — older or refurbished units sit at the lower end, while newer devices with more storage or processing power cost more. Some facilities also sell JPay tablets through their commissary systems, and those prices can be higher because the facility adds a markup.
The real cost to you is often higher than the sticker price. Many facilities charge transaction fees when you load money onto a JPay account, and those fees can range from 3 to 5 percent of the amount you deposit. If you're buying a tablet for someone incarcerated, you also need to factor in the cost of the JPay service plan itself — that's separate from the device.
Key Takeaways
- JPay tablets sold directly cost between $69 and $149, with older models at the lower end and newer ones higher.
- Facility commissaries often mark up JPay tablets above the official price, sometimes by $20 to $40 or more.
- Loading money onto a JPay account typically includes a transaction fee of 3 to 5 percent, which adds to your total cost.
- The device itself is only part of the expense — you also pay for the service plan and any content or features you want to use.
Where JPay tablets are sold and how prices differ
JPay sells tablets directly through its website and through authorized retailers. The official JPay website lists current models and their prices, and ordering online usually gives you the lowest per-unit cost. However, if someone incarcerated needs a tablet quickly, the facility's commissary is often the only option — and commissaries routinely charge 20 to 40 percent more than the official price because they control the supply inside the facility.
Some facilities have contracts with JPay that allow them to sell tablets at a set markup. Others negotiate their own rates. There's no standard markup across all prisons and jails, so the price at one facility may be significantly different from another. If you're buying for someone at a specific facility, call their commissary directly to ask what they charge and whether they have JPay tablets in stock.
What's included in the tablet price versus what costs extra
The tablet itself — the physical device — is what costs $69 to $149. That gets you the hardware. What you don't get included is the service plan. JPay charges a monthly or annual subscription fee to use email, video calls, music, and other features on the tablet. Those fees vary depending on which plan you choose and which facility the person is in.
Content also costs extra. If someone wants to read music, movies, or books through JPay, those purchases come out of their JPay account balance on top of the service fee. Some facilities also charge their own fees for using JPay services — a few dollars per month on top of what JPay itself charges. Ask the facility what their specific fees are, because they vary widely.
How to fund a JPay account and what those costs are
To use a JPay tablet, the person needs money in their JPay account. You load money by going to the JPay website or using their app, entering the person's information, and choosing how much to deposit. JPay charges a transaction fee for this deposit — typically 3 to 5 percent of the amount you send, though some facilities charge additional fees on top of that.
If you send $50, you might pay $2.50 to $3.75 in JPay's fee alone. Some facilities add their own processing fee on top, which can be another $1 to $3. The person receives the full amount you sent, but you pay the fee. Different payment methods sometimes have different fee rates — credit card deposits may cost more than bank transfers, for example.
Refurbished and used JPay tablets as a lower-cost option
JPay occasionally sells refurbished tablets at a discount — usually $20 to $40 less than new models. These are devices that were returned, repaired, and tested to work like new. They come with the same warranty as new tablets and function identically. If cost is your main concern, refurbished models are worth considering.
Used JPay tablets from private sellers are another option, though you take on more risk. A used tablet might have battery wear, screen damage you can't see in photos, or software issues that only show up after you buy it. If you go this route, buy only from someone you can return it to if it doesn't work, and test it thoroughly before sending it to a facility.
Comparing JPay tablet costs to other prison communication options
Some facilities offer phone or video calling through other systems that don't require buying a tablet. These might be cheaper per use, but they're usually limited to scheduled times and shorter call lengths. Email through JPay costs less per message than collect calls, and video visits through JPay are often cheaper than in-person visits if you live far away.
The trade-off is convenience and control. A JPay tablet lets the person use it whenever they want during allowed hours, whereas phone systems operate on the facility's schedule. If someone is going to use communication services regularly, the tablet often pays for itself within a few months compared to collect calls or video visit fees.
Hidden costs and fees you should know about
Beyond the tablet price and service plan, watch for these additional charges: some facilities charge a "tablet fee" just for having one in your cell, usually a few dollars per month. A few facilities charge for technical support or device replacement if the tablet breaks. Some JPay plans charge extra for video calls beyond a certain number per month.
Read the facility's rules about JPay before you buy. Some places restrict when tablets can be used, charge for charging time, or have rules about what content can be downloaded. These restrictions don't cost money directly, but they affect how useful the tablet actually is.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a JPay tablet and have it shipped directly to a facility?
No. JPay tablets must be purchased by the person incarcerated or sent through the facility's commissary system. You cannot mail a tablet directly to a facility — it will be confiscated. Buy it through the commissary or have the person order it themselves if they have account access.
Do JPay tablets work at every prison and jail?
Most large state prisons and many county jails use JPay, but not all facilities do. Some use different systems like Securus or GTL. Call the facility where the person is incarcerated and ask which system they use before you spend money on a JPay tablet.
What happens if the tablet breaks or stops working?
JPay tablets typically come with a one-year warranty covering defects. If it breaks within that period, you can contact JPay for a replacement. After the warranty expires, repair or replacement costs vary — some facilities offer discounted replacements, others charge full price.
Is there a monthly cost to use a JPay tablet after I buy it?
Yes. The tablet itself is a one-time purchase, but using JPay's services requires a monthly or annual subscription plan. These plans range from basic email-only options to full plans with video, music, and other features. Costs vary by facility and plan type.
Can I return a JPay tablet if the person doesn't want it?
Return policies depend on where you bought it. JPay's official website has a return window, usually 30 days. Facility commissaries rarely accept returns. Check the return policy before you buy, especially if you're purchasing through a commissary.