# Securus Mobile vs Inmate Canteen

The clearest difference is rating: Securus Mobile at 4.6 against Inmate Canteen's 1.2. Securus Mobile also leads on ads (none vs shown) and ratings volume (66K vs 86). Inmate Canteen's advantage is monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases). On price, update cadence, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Securus Mobile holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 1.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Securus Mobile has 66K ratings behind it against 86, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 13% of Securus Mobile's written reviews are positive against 0% of Inmate Canteen's.

Securus Mobile ships an update every 6 weeks, Inmate Canteen monthly. Both last shipped on November 8, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Securus Mobile | Inmate Canteen |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (66K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/securus-mobile/id1059629706/reviews)** | [1.2 (86 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/inmate-canteen/id6737781368/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **66K** | 86 |
| Positive reviews | **13.5% of reviews** | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Best chart rank | **#44** | #183 |
| Size | 101 MB | 95 MB |
| Requires iOS | **18** | 18.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [SECURUS TECHNOLOGIES LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1059629705) | [TWVending Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/624033121) |

## What reviewers say

### Securus Mobile

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/securus-mobile/id1059629706)

**Currently charting:** #44 Top Free · Social Networking (US App Store)

Stay connected with incarcerated loved ones through video calls, messaging, and photo sharing. Manage your account, send money for purchases, and receive balance alerts. Services may vary by location.

**Highlights:** Video calling, Digital messaging, Photo/video/eCard sharing, Prepaid calling, Account management, Fund incarcerated accounts

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Convenient video visits
- 💡 Helpful for staying connected with incarcerated loved ones
- 👍 Appreciate the service despite issues

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent technical issues and app crashes
- 💰 Expensive fees and charges
- 🤖 Poor customer service and lack of support
- 🔌 Unreliable connectivity and call quality
- 📤 Difficulty sending messages and photos

**Reported bugs**

- Login issues and account problems
- Scheduled video visits not working
- Messages and photos not being delivered
- Frequent app crashes and technical difficulties

**Requested features**

- Improve video call quality and reliability
- Provide better customer support and communication
- Reduce fees and make service more affordable
- Add notification features for messages
- Improve app stability and reduce bugs


### Inmate Canteen

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/inmate-canteen/id6737781368)

**Currently charting:** #183 Top Free · Social Networking (US App Store)

Connect with incarcerated individuals through a dedicated communication platform. Send messages, make video calls, and conduct voice calls to stay in touch with loved ones.

**Highlights:** Message inmates, Video calls, Voice calls, Inmate communication

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Apple Wallet

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Securus Mobile free?

Securus Mobile is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Inmate Canteen free?

Inmate Canteen is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Securus Mobile or Inmate Canteen?

Securus Mobile is rated higher. Securus Mobile averages 4.6 out of 5 from 66K ratings, while Inmate Canteen averages 1.2 from 86 ratings.

### Do Securus Mobile or Inmate Canteen have ads?

Inmate Canteen shows ads; Securus Mobile does not.

### Which is updated more often, Securus Mobile or Inmate Canteen?

Securus Mobile ships an update every 6 weeks, and Inmate Canteen monthly. Most recently, Securus Mobile was updated on November 8, 2026 and Inmate Canteen on November 8, 2026.

### Which is more popular, Securus Mobile or Inmate Canteen?

Securus Mobile currently peaks at #44 in the App Store charts, and Inmate Canteen at #183. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*