Prison Call vs Locked Talk

Staying in touch with someone inside prison can be emotionally challenging and financially draining. Phone calls remain one of the few consistent ways for families to stay connected, but with standard prison-to-mobile call rates historically reaching up to 25p per minute, the costs can quickly build up.

That’s why more and more families are turning to virtual landline services like Prison Call and Locked Talk. These services make it cheaper for prisoners to call their loved ones by providing local landline numbers that are charged at a much lower rate than mobile numbers.

Both providers aim to help families reduce their costs, but they do it in different ways — and the quality, reliability, pricing transparency, and overall experience can vary. In this guide, we’ll break down Prison Call vs Locked Talk so you can make the most informed decision possible.

What These Services Do...

Prison Call is a trusted UK service created specifically for families with loved ones in prison. It works by giving customers a virtual landline number. That number is added to the prisoner’s approved PIN list, allowing them to call it at the much cheaper landline rate.

The service is built around transparency, affordability, and simplicity. There are no hidden charges, setup is fast, and the call quality is reliable. Prison Call has grown quickly in popularity because of its clear pricing structure and excellent customer support.

Locked Talk offers a similar concept: they also provide virtual landline numbers that forward calls to a mobile or landline outside of prison. By doing this, prisoners can call their families at the lower landline rate, saving them money.

While the core service is similar to Prison Call, user experiences with Locked Talk vary more. Some customers report positive results, but others mention issues with pricing transparency, technical reliability, and customer support response times.

How Much Can You Really Save?

One of the most important factors when choosing between services is cost.

A standard call from a UK prison to a mobile costs around 25p per minute. Over time, this can lead to families spending hundreds of pounds each year just to stay in touch.

With Prison Call, that same call can cost as little as 3p per minute, depending on the prison’s system. There are no connection fees, no complicated billing structures, and no contracts. Everything is pay-as-you-go, so families are always in control of their spending.

Locked Talk also offers cheaper rates than direct mobile calls, but its pricing structure is less clear. Some users have reported setup fees, extra charges for certain features, or costs that weren’t fully explained during sign-up. While Locked Talk can still save money, Prison Call’s transparent pricing makes budgeting much easier and more predictable.

Ease of Setup and Getting Started

Many families set up these services during stressful periods, often shortly after a loved one has been sent to prison. In those moments, simplicity matters.

Prison Call has made the sign-up and setup process as smooth as possible. Users can register online in minutes, pick their local virtual landline number, top up their account, and have the number working the same day. Clear step-by-step instructions are provided to help the prisoner add the number to their PIN.

Locked Talk also allows users to sign up online, but customer feedback suggests the setup process can sometimes be less straightforward. Some report delays in number activation or confusion about how to link the number to a prisoner’s PIN list.

When every day without contact feels like a lifetime, the ability to get started quickly and easily can make a big difference. Prison Call has the clear edge here.

Call Quality and Reliability

Reliability is a huge factor. If a call drops halfway through a conversation or doesn’t connect properly, it’s more than just inconvenient — it can be heartbreaking for both sides.

Prison Call is widely used across most UK prisons and is known for its consistent call quality and connection stability. Once the number is approved, it generally works without interruption.

Locked Talk works in most prisons as well, but users have reported a higher frequency of call dropouts or temporary service issues. While this doesn’t happen to everyone, it’s mentioned enough to raise concerns for those who rely on daily or frequent calls.

In situations where communication is a lifeline, a reliable service is worth more than just saving a few pence.

Transparency of Fees and Charges

This is one area where differences between the two services become more obvious.

Prison Call’s model is straightforward and transparent:
- No setup fees
- No connection fees
- No hidden charges
- Simple top-up system
- Clear per-minute rates

This clarity allows families to know exactly what they’re paying for and plan their spending accordingly.

Locked Talk advertises lower call rates too, but customer reviews often mention hidden fees or unclear billing. Some users report being charged for features they didn’t know about or not fully understanding how their top-ups are used.

This can be particularly stressful for families on tight budgets, where every pound counts.

Customer Support and Trust

When dealing with services like this, responsive customer support is essential. If something goes wrong, families need fast, clear communication.

Prison Call’s customer service is UK-based and well-reviewed. Users frequently praise the team for being quick to respond to queries and resolving issues efficiently. The company’s Trustpilot profile reflects this — with consistent positive feedback from real families.

Locked Talk does offer support, but reviews paint a more mixed picture. Some customers are satisfied, but others mention slow response times or difficulties getting issues resolved.

When your main connection with a loved one depends on this service, trust and fast support can be the deciding factor.

Compatibility Across UK Prisons

Both Prison Call and Locked Talk provide virtual landlines that can be used across the majority of UK prisons.

Prison Call is already widely accepted in facilities including HMP Brixton, HMP Durham, HMP Hull, HMP Highpoint, HMP Dovegate and many others. Once the number is added to a prisoner’s PIN list, the service works seamlessly.

Locked Talk operates on the same principle, but some users report longer approval times or occasional issues with number acceptance in certain prisons. While these cases aren’t the majority, they can delay communication at critical times.

Extra Features and Overall Experience

While both services offer the same basic functionality — cheaper calls — the overall experience differs.

Prison Call focuses on being simple, transparent and reliable. It avoids overcomplicating things, focusing instead on delivering the best core service possible. For families, this means less stress and more consistent contact.

Locked Talk offers similar functionality but hasn’t built the same strong reputation for user experience and consistency. Some users are happy with the service, but others report frustration.

Real-World Feedback from Families

Looking at real customer experiences can often tell you more than any sales pitch.

Families using Prison Call consistently highlight how easy it is to use and how much they save on call costs. Many talk about being able to speak more often and for longer, which strengthens bonds and reduces the feeling of isolation for their loved one inside.

Locked Talk also has satisfied users, but its reviews are more varied. Positive experiences exist, but so do reports of delays, unclear charges, or reliability issues.

These differences matter, especially over the long term.

Why Affordable Calls Are So Important

This isn’t just about saving money. Maintaining regular contact between prisoners and their families has been shown to reduce reoffending, improve mental health, and help with rehabilitation.

For prisoners, hearing familiar voices provides stability and hope. For families, it eases emotional strain and keeps relationships strong.

But when calls are too expensive, many families are forced to limit how often they can speak. A 20-minute call at mobile rates can cost £5 — at landline rates through Prison Call or Locked Talk, that’s closer to 60p. That difference can transform how often families stay in touch.

Getting Started with Prison Call

If you’re ready to start saving money on prison calls and stay connected more easily, getting started with Prison Call is quick and simple:
- Sign up online in minutes.
- Choose your virtual landline number.
- Top up your account.
- Give the number to your loved one to add to their PIN.

Start receiving cheaper calls often the same day.No contracts, no hidden fees, and no hassle. Just straightforward, affordable communication.

Staying connected with someone inside prison isn’t just about making a phone call. It’s about maintaining bonds, supporting rehabilitation, and showing someone they’re not alone. Both Prison Call and Locked Talk offer solutions to make this more affordable, but only one provides the clarity, reliability, and trusted reputation that families truly need. For most people, Prison Call is the smarter, safer choice built with families in mind, designed for simplicity, and trusted by thousands across the UK.