Purple Post vs Email a Prisoner
The short answer
A message with 3 photos and a reply costs from 50p with Purple Post, and £1.64 with Email a Prisoner. Purple Post is available at HMP Parc, HMP Five Wells and HMP Rye Hill. Email a Prisoner covers many more prisons.
Side by side
| Feature | Purple Post | Email a Prisoner |
|---|---|---|
| Message, 3 photos and a reply | From 50p (£1.25 if you buy a single credit) | £1.64 (42p + 3 photos at 32p + 26p reply) |
| Photos | Up to 3 included | 32p each, up to 4, at participating prisons |
| Reply | 1 included | 26p, at participating prisons |
| Message length | 3,000 characters | 2,500 characters or 50 lines per page; each extra page costs 37p |
| Prisons | HMP Parc, HMP Five Wells and HMP Rye Hill | Many UK prisons |
| How it arrives | In-cell tablets at HMP Parc and HMP Five Wells; printed on site at HMP Rye Hill | Usually printed and delivered with the daily post; on kiosks or in-cell devices at some prisons |
| Legal letters | Not suitable | Must not be used |
Email a Prisoner's own website lists its message price as 42p. GOV.UK says 40p. We have used the price on its website. Both services check content, and neither is suitable for legally privileged mail. See all Purple Post credit packs.
Which is right for you?
Purple Post may suit you if
- The person you're writing to is at HMP Parc, HMP Five Wells and HMP Rye Hill
- You want to include photos and get a reply
- You want photos and a reply included in the price
Email a Prisoner may suit you if
- The person you're writing to is at another prison
- You want to send 4 photos with a message
Get started with Purple Post
Available at HMP Parc, HMP Five Wells and HMP Rye Hill. If your loved one is at another prison, register your interest.
Last checked: 8 November 2026. Rules and prices can change, so please check with the prison or provider.