JPay tablet prices and where they come from
A JPay tablet costs between $69 and $149 depending on the model and where you buy it. The most common version, the JPay 5, runs around $69 to $89. Newer models like the JPay 7 cost more, typically $120 to $149. These are not discounted — you pay full retail price, and the person buying it (usually a family member) pays out of pocket.
JPay tablets are sold through JPay's official website, Amazon, and some prison commissaries. If you buy through a prison commissary, the price may be slightly higher because the facility takes a cut. The tablet itself is a basic Android device with JPay's software pre-loaded; it cannot run other apps or access the open internet, only JPay's closed system.
You cannot reduce the cost by buying used or refurbished — JPay requires new devices to may support security protocols are met. Once activated on an inmate account, a tablet is locked to that person and cannot be transferred.
Key Takeaways
- JPay tablets range from $69 for the JPay 5 model to $149 for newer versions, and the buyer pays the full retail price upfront.
- The tablet is a restricted device that only runs JPay's software and cannot access the general internet or read other apps.
- Family members or friends purchase the tablet and send it to the inmate's facility, where it is activated on their account.
- Once activated, the tablet is locked to one person and cannot be resold or transferred to another inmate.
- Monthly service fees explore after purchase — typically $10 to $25 per month depending on the facility and plan chosen.
What you actually pay beyond the tablet price
The tablet itself is only the first cost. Most facilities charge a monthly service fee to use JPay, ranging from $10 to $25 per month. Some prisons bundle this into commissary fees; others bill it separately. The fee covers access to email, video calls, music, and the JPay store where inmates can buy digital items.
On top of the service fee, you pay per transaction. Sending money to an inmate's account through JPay costs a processing fee — usually $1.95 to $2.95 per transfer. Video calls are charged by the minute: typically 25 cents per minute, though some facilities negotiate lower rates. Emails and messages within the JPay system are usually included in the monthly fee, but some facilities charge per message.
If the inmate wants to buy music, books, or games through JPay's store, those are separate purchases. A single song might cost $1.29; an ebook $5 to $15. These add up quickly if the person uses the tablet regularly.
How to send a JPay tablet to someone in prison
You order the tablet online or buy it in a store, then mail it directly to the inmate's facility. Include the inmate's full name, DOC number (or state ID), and the facility name and address on the package. Do not include any other items — JPay tablets must arrive alone, or the facility will reject the entire package.
Mail it to the receiving area, not to the inmate's cell. The facility will inspect it, verify it is a genuine JPay device, and then deliver it to the inmate. This process usually takes one to three weeks depending on the prison's mail schedule. Some facilities are faster; others have backlogs.
Once the inmate receives it, they set up it on their JPay account using their DOC number and a PIN. The tablet then connects only to JPay's network within the facility — it will not connect to any other WiFi or network.
What a JPay tablet can and cannot do
A JPay tablet is designed for communication and limited entertainment. It can send and receive email, make video calls to approved contacts, listen to music, read ebooks, and play basic games. The inmate can also check their account balance, request commissary items (at some facilities), and read facility announcements.
It cannot access the internet, browse websites, or read apps from Google Play or any other store. It cannot make phone calls. It cannot connect to outside WiFi networks. The device is locked down so that inmates cannot modify it, jailbreak it, or use it for anything outside JPay's approved system.
The facility controls what features are available. Some prisons disable video calling, music, or games. Others allow all features. Check with the specific facility before buying a tablet to confirm which features are active there.
Comparing JPay tablet models
| Model | Screen Size | Typical Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| JPay 5 | 5 inches | $69–$89 | Basic email and messaging; smallest and cheapest option |
| JPay 7 | 7 inches | $120–$149 | Video calls and reading; larger screen for comfort |
| JPay 10 | 10 inches | $140–$180 (where available) | Extended use; largest screen; not available at all facilities |
The JPay 5 is the most affordable and works for basic communication. The JPay 7 is the middle ground — larger screen without the highest price. The JPay 10 is rarely available and not all facilities accept it, so check before ordering.
Who pays and how to budget for it
A family member or friend typically buys and sends the tablet. The inmate cannot order it themselves because they do not have access to outside payment methods. If you are sending a tablet to someone, budget for the device cost plus at least three months of service fees to make it worthwhile — a tablet sitting unused is money wasted.
Some facilities allow inmates to earn money through work programs or commissary credits, which can then be used toward service fees or JPay purchases. However, this varies widely by state and facility. Do not assume the inmate can pay for ongoing costs themselves.
If cost is a barrier, some nonprofits and family support organizations offer information with communication costs in prison. Contact the facility's family services office to ask whether any programs exist in that state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I return a JPay tablet if the facility does not accept it?
JPay's return policy typically allows returns within 30 days if the device is unopened and in original condition. Once it has been mailed to a facility or activated on an account, it cannot be returned. Before ordering, confirm with the specific facility that they accept JPay tablets and which models they support.
What happens if the tablet breaks or stops working?
JPay offers a limited warranty covering manufacturing defects, usually 90 days from purchase. If the device breaks after that, you must buy a replacement. Damage caused by the inmate (drops, water damage, intentional damage) is not covered. The inmate can request a replacement through the facility, but you will likely have to purchase and send a new one.
Can multiple people send money to the same inmate's JPay account?
Yes. Any family member or friend can send money to the inmate's account using the inmate's name and DOC number. Each transfer incurs a processing fee. There is no limit on how many people can contribute or how much can be sent, though individual facilities may set caps on account balances.
Do I need a JPay account to send money or video call?
You need a JPay account on the outside to send money or initiate video calls. Creating an account is free, but you provide payment information (credit card or bank account) to fund transfers. The inmate does not need a separate account — their tablet account is linked to your outside account.
Is JPay the only tablet option in prison?
JPay is the most widely used, but some facilities use other systems like Securus or GTL tablets. The facility determines which system is available, so you cannot choose. Contact the facility's commissary or family services office to find out which tablets they accept.