8 Prison Dating Sites & Apps (2025)

In the evolving world of online dating, one corner of the internet continues to grow in popularity, compassion, and human impact: prison dating. As of 2025, millions of people worldwide are using the internet to find love, friendship, and emotional support, and increasingly, this includes individuals on both sides of prison walls. Whether someone is serving a life sentence, temporarily incarcerated, or newly released from prison, the desire for emotional connection remains a fundamental human need. Fortunately, the rise of specialized jail dating websites and apps has created a bridge between free individuals and incarcerated people eager for companionship. These platforms help people build genuine, lasting relationships, despite physical barriers and social stigma. From structured pen pal service platforms to mainstream dating services adapted for prisoners, there’s a world of opportunity to form powerful connections across physical and emotional divides.

Why Prison Dating is Growing in 2025

Many people are surprised to learn just how common and meaningful prison correspondence has become. Today, thousands of incarcerated individuals are using services like Securus, and traditional mail to form heartfelt bonds with people on the outside. For many, a letter from a stranger provides the only reminder that they are still seen as human, worthy of love, and capable of growth. These messages can be a lifeline to hope, helping prison inmates maintain a sense of identity, dignity, and purpose during their incarceration.

Meanwhile, those outside of the prison system find these connections equally enriching. Whether driven by compassion, curiosity, a desire to support rehabilitation, or genuine interest in prisoner dating, more people are choosing to write to inmates as a path to meet new people, discover untold stories, and sometimes find love in the most unexpected place. With tools like GettingOut making it easier to communicate via tablets in federal prisons, the process of becoming a prison pen-pal is more accessible than ever.

How Prison Dating Sites Work

Penal dating services typically operate on a pen-pal model, allowing users to view dating profiles of inmates sorted by gender, age, state, or interest. Some profiles include hobbies, personal essays, artwork, poetry, or even videos. While not all platforms offer direct messaging (due to facility restrictions), many coordinate with third-party services like JPay or offer instructions on how to begin written correspondence. Some are designed specifically for romantic relationships, while others focus on building friendships, spiritual support, or rehabilitation partnerships.

Newcomers to this space will find that most platforms allow you to browse profiles for free, with options to filter based on what kind of relationship you’re seeking. Whether you’re looking to find prison matches for romance, friendship, or emotional healing, each site has its own tone, tools, and user experience that shapes the kind of connection you’ll create. Let’s dive into the top 8 prison dating sites and apps making an impact in 2025.

1. Meet-An-Inmate

Founded in 1998, Meet-An-Inmate remains one of the most recognized jail dating websites for those wanting to initiate genuine, long-form connections with prison inmates across the U.S. This site has helped countless people outside of prison offer hope and companionship to inmates through handwritten letters. The site itself is simple but effective—it showcases profiles (with photos, bios, and mailing addresses), and encourages people to initiate first contact through traditional mail. Profiles are manually submitted and approved, with convicts typically learning about the service from other convicts or print listings distributed in detention center libraries.

While it doesn’t support digital messaging directly, it serves as an important gateway into the pen-pal service space for many. Meet-An-Inmate is especially popular with users seeking sincere, emotionally driven relationships. Many success stories have emerged from the platform, including engagements and long-term friendships that span years.

• User Base: U.S.-based inmates and supporters
• Gender Ratio: ~70% male / 30% female inmates
• Monthly Users: ~120,000 unique visits

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2. WriteAPrisoner.com

WriteAPrisoner.com is one of the most socially impactful platforms in the penal dating space. Established to help reduce recidivism through writing, this site encourages users to write a prisoner not just to connect romantically, but also to offer encouragement, mentorship, and a sense of hope. With robust profile content, including creative writing, essays, and reentry plans, users can engage with inmates on a meaningful level.

It’s especially ideal for those looking to support rehabilitation efforts. Tools include job assistance resources, scholarship sponsorships, and mental health content. Prisinors from federal prison, state prison, and even death row can be found here, offering a wide range of stories and personalities to connect with. The site also integrates with JPay for digital messaging, making it easier to maintain consistent prison correspondence over time.

• User Base: Supporters seeking rehabilitation-based connections
• Gender Ratio: ~65% male / 35% female prosinors
• Monthly Users: ~250,000+ active visitors

3. Inmate Passions

Inmate Passions, part of the niche-oriented Passions Network, offers a more relaxed, community-driven experience for those exploring penal dating. Unlike other platforms that focus on letter writing only, Inmate Passions offers forums, chat rooms, and even blog-style personal pages that give supporters more control over how they engage. It encourages both new friendships and romance.

The platform is especially open to diverse and underrepresented groups, including LGBTQ+ inmates and supporters. Although inmate penpals don’t directly access the site, profiles are often created and maintained by family members or friends who manage correspondence on behalf of the incarcerated person. It’s a good choice for those interested in niche communities or who want a balance between casual conversation and emotional connection.

• User Base: Casual users, community-focused individuals
• Gender Ratio: ~60% male / 40% female inmates
• Monthly Users: ~80,000

4. LoveAPrisoner.com

LoveAPrisoner.com is a focused, romantic-centered dating website built to help incarcerated individuals and free-world supporters connect on a more intimate level. The interface is clean and visually modern, with features like profile photos, bios, filtering by state and gender, and even VIP status options for enhanced visibility. It’s popular with users who want to find romance that transcends a life sentence, incarceration, or social judgment.

Unlike some pen-pal platforms, LoveAPrisoner is optimized for mobile browsing, making it easy for supporters to engage on-the-go. Convicts can receive letters through forwarding services or digital messages via GettingOut or Securus, depending on the prison’s communication system. The platform has become a go-to destination for people looking to build deep romantic bonds across correctional facility walls.

• User Base: Romantic seekers, emotionally driven connections
• Gender Ratio: ~60% male / 40% female inmates
• Monthly Users: ~95,000

5. Adult Friend Finder

Adult Friend Finder (AFF) is one of the most established adult dating websites in the world. Although not designed specifically for convict dating, it’s increasingly used by supporters and intermediaries to create profiles for inmates seeking sensual, flirtatious, or fantasy-driven conversations. The platform supports erotic photo galleries, chat rooms, video content, and kinky forums, making it one of the more expressive tools for building meaningful connections with lonely prisoners.

Users must get creative when using AFF for prisoner dating. Some manage convict can receive lprofiles through permission-based account sharing, while others use it as a supplement to their pen-pal relationships. It’s not suitable for everyone, but for those seeking high-energy, adult-centered engagement, AFF is an effective tool.

• User Base: Adults seeking flirty or erotic connections
• Gender Ratio: ~65% male / 35% female users
• Monthly Users: Over 25 million globally

6. BeNaughty

BeNaughty is built for people who want quick flirtation without heavy emotional commitment. While it’s not a dedicated convict dating service, it is occasionally used by proxies to manage dating profiles for convicts or those exploring open-ended pen-pal relationships. The site includes a playful profile builder, visual messaging, and a mobile-friendly interface, which makes it easier for supporters to maintain communication discreetly.

The platform is good for users who prefer to explore boundaries, test comfort zones, and engage with light, fun dialogue. For some, it serves as a starting point before transitioning into deeper communication via a traditional pen-pal service.

• User Base: Flirtatious users, casual conversation
• Gender Ratio: ~55% male / 45% female
• Monthly Users: ~13 million

7. OneNightFriend

Designed for one-time or casual encounters, OneNightFriend is another mainstream site that has found an audience within the prisoner pen pal community. Some supporters create profiles for incarcerated people and manage their interactions, especially for convicts who are seeking flirtation or emotional escape. It features quick-match filters, a simple swiping-style UX, and fun icebreakers that allow users to skip small talk.

While it’s not ideal for those seeking long-term pen-pal relationships, it works well for spontaneous engagement and emotional release—especially for those who want to keep things simple and low-pressure.

• User Base: Casual daters, flirty chats
• Gender Ratio: ~60% male / 40% female
• Monthly Users: ~500,000

8. Flirt.com

Flirt.com has gained traction for its user-friendly interface and playful design, making it one of the easiest platforms for beginners exploring convict dating. While not exclusively for inmate penpals, Flirt.com has served as a casual gateway for writing to an inmate, especially for users who later transition into platforms like Friends Beyond the Wall or Canadian Inmates Connect.

Flirt’s automated flirt tools, real-time messaging, and wide user base make it approachable for people uncertain about how to start their journey. It’s ideal for starting light conversations and gradually deepening your connection—whether your end goal is romance or friendship.

• User Base: First-time daters, casual users
• Gender Ratio: ~52% male / 48% female
• Monthly Users: ~1 million

FAQs: What Apps Do Prisoners Use?

Prisoners generally have restricted access to mobile devices while incarcerated, but in many facilities, approved apps are available on secure tablets for well-behaved inmates to use during designated times.

GettingOut is one of the most commonly used apps for staying in touch with people outside of prison walls. It supports messaging, photo sharing, and even phone or video calls, helping maintain relationships across distance.

JPay is another popular platform used to send money to convicts. It also allows users to send emails and short video messages. In addition, this platform offers entertainment and educational tools for convicts to access while serving time.

What Is the PandoApp?

PandoApp is a faith-based platform developed to support Christian outreach within the prison system. It connects volunteers and ministries with convicts who are open to learning about the Bible and pursuing a Christ-centered life while imprison, much like a faith-based pen pal site focused on spiritual growth and support.

The app allows supporters to sponsor tablets for inmates, enabling them to send encouraging messages, join virtual worship services, and access scripture-based materials. It’s designed to offer both spiritual guidance and emotional support.

For many incarcerated individuals, PandoApp becomes a vital resource—offering access to devotionals, inspirational podcasts, and uplifting Christian media that promote healing, reflection, and spiritual transformation during the challenges of prison life. 

Is the PenMate App Legit?

PenMate is a communication app designed to bridge the gap between people in prison and their loved ones on the outside, functioning as a modern alternative to a traditional prison pen pal experience. Through the app, users can locate an inmate, exchange emails, send photos, and even mail printed postcards.

While the app is functional, it has received mixed feedback. Some users appreciate the ease of sending digital content, but others have raised concerns about pricing—particularly additional fees for mailing physical items or gifts.

One App Store reviewer shared, “It’s great for staying in contact, but the cost can add up quickly.” Despite this, PenMate remains a useful tool for those looking to stay connected with someone behind bars in a modern, digital format.

Love Knows No Limits Thanks to Prison Dating Platforms

Technology and compassion have revolutionized the way we connect with incarcerated people, proving that love has no bars. For many lonely prisoners, something as simple as a letter or a message can provide a lifeline to hope and humanity. Whether you’re looking to build a spiritual friendship through PandoApp, exchange letters via WriteAPrisoner, or explore romance on platforms like LoveAPrisoner or Inmate Passions, the opportunity to form deep and meaningful relationships is very real.

Using a convict dating site could be the start of a lifelong bond. These platforms allow people to meet an inmate, understand their story, and offer support that can change lives. By taking the time to message someone behind bars, you’re not just offering company—you’re offering dignity, compassion, and a bridge to the world outside of correctional facility walls.

With the right dating advice, a little patience, and an open heart, you might just discover that some of the most powerful relationships start where you least expect them. One message, one shared story, one open heart is all it takes to find prison connections that transform both your life and theirs.