HomeWAV vs TextBehind
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
HomeWAV
Connect with incarcerated loved ones through phone calls, video calls, and messaging. Manage funds, schedule visits, and receive notifications when they are available. This app facilitates communication and connection with inmates.
- Create free account
- Add and manage inmate contacts
- Manage funds and payment information
- Initiate phone and video calls
- Send messages to inmates
- Schedule onsite and remote visits
- Receive inmate login notifications
Read full descriptionHide full description
HomeWAV Mobile App Features: - New to HomeWAV? Create a free account. - Returning visitor? Login with your username and password. - Fully registered and approved visitors will be able to choose the facility and add inmate. - See available funds, add funds or transfer funds. - Add, update or change credit/debit information. - Only pay for the minutes you use. No plans or packages. - Once logged in, the inmate will see you are available and can initiated a phone call, video call or message (*If allowed by facility). - Visitor will receive notification once inmate is logged in. - Easily schedule onsite visits (*If allowed by facility). - No scheduling required for remote video visitations. For best results, a WIFI connection and use of headset are suggested. Note: Not available at all facilities. Phone and video costs will vary.
TextBehind
Easily connect with incarcerated individuals through text messages, photos, and custom greeting cards. Receive unlimited electronic replies directly to your phone and email, eliminating the need for traditional mail services.
- Text messages with photos
- Custom greeting cards
- Electronic money orders
- Unlimited inmate reply letters
- Secure communication service
- Convenient and affordable
Read full descriptionHide full description
TextBehind® connects you with every inmate across America using text messages with photos, custom greeting cards and electronic money orders. Unlimited inmate reply letters will be electronically delivered right to your smart phone and email address wherever you are in the world. This reply service is absolutely FREE and UNLIMITED. TextBehind® is a secure nationwide communication service for families, friends and TextPals (pen pals) to consistently stay in touch with their incarcerated loved ones conveniently and affordably. - No more buying envelopes, stamps, paper, print photos or visit the post office and photo print shops. - No visits to money order shops or to hand-write letters by hand.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is review sentiment: TextBehind at 89% against HomeWAV's 8%. TextBehind also leads on rating (4.2 vs 3.8) and monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases). HomeWAV's advantage is ratings volume (11K vs 467) and chart position (#118 vs unranked). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
TextBehind holds the better App Store score, 4.2 against 3.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: HomeWAV has 11K ratings behind it against 467, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 8% of HomeWAV's written reviews are positive against 89% of TextBehind's.
HomeWAV ships an update every 5 weeks, TextBehind monthly. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 4, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | HomeWAV | TextBehind |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 3.8 (11K ratings) | 4.2 (467 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 8.4% of reviews | 89.2% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 11K — better | 467 |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | Monthly — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free — better |
| Best chart rank | #118 — better | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | 12.1 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 94 MB | 55 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | HomeWAV | TextBehind, Inc |
Customer experience
HomeWAV
TextBehind
User reviews
HomeWAV
From 11K App Store ratingsWhat we love
- 🚀 Able to communicate with loved ones
- 👍 Appreciate having the app to use instead of in-person visits
- 🤗 Great customer service
Room to improve
- 🐛 Constant login issues and app crashes
- 💰 Expensive and overpriced for the service provided
- 🔥 Unreliable video/audio quality and frequent disconnections
- 🤯 Frustrating and disappointing experience overall
TextBehind
From 467 App Store ratingsWhat we love
- 🚀 Fast and reliable delivery
- 👍 Convenient and easy to use
- 💡 Wide range of communication options (letters, photos, cards)
- 🔒 Responsive and helpful customer service
- 🚀 Timely processing of messages
Room to improve
- 🐛 Occasional issues with message/photo delivery
- 💰 Concerns about pricing and value
- 🔍 Lack of transparency around processes
Bugs and requests
HomeWAV
Reported bugs
3 issues- App frequently logs users out unexpectedly
- Video calls often freeze or disconnect
- Inability to receive notifications of incoming calls
Requested features
3 requests- Keep users logged in to avoid constant re-logins
- Improve video/audio quality and reliability
- Provide more affordable pricing options
TextBehind
Reported bugs
2 issues- Login/account issues
- Problems with facility information and updates
Requested features
3 requests- More up-to-date greeting card options
- Ability to create custom greeting cards
- Faster processing and delivery times
In-app purchases
HomeWAV
No in-app purchases
TextBehind
No in-app purchases
