Magazine subscriptions for Inmates
- thatbopguy
- Nov 10, 2025
- 5 min read
Updated: Nov 17, 2025

Subscribing to magazine subscriptions for federal inmates is a great way to show someone incarcerated that you care and are thinking of them. In this article I will tell you how to subscribe and how you can send them a full year supply of magazines for as little as $25.
However, if your thinking about sending your loved one books instead be sure to read our complete guide on how to order books for federal inmates before making a final decision.
BOP Policy on Magazines Subscriptions
According to the Bureau of Prisons Program Statement 5266.11, magazines must be shipped directly from the publisher, book club, or bookstore. The BOP states that publications 'may be rejected only if they are found to be detrimental to the security, good order, or discipline of the institution.'
This means you cannot send magazine subscriptions from your personal address - they must come directly from approved sources like publishers or major retailers acting as bookstores (such as Amazon)."
You can reference the complete policy on the official BOP website here .
Key Requirements for Magazine Subscriptions:
1. Direct Shipment Requirement: "Publications must be shipped directly from the publisher, book club, or bookstore. Inmates may not receive publications from friends or family members."
2. Content Restrictions: Publications containing:
· Instructions for manufacturing weapons, drugs, or alcohol
· Material that could facilitate criminal activity
· Sexually explicit material that violates BOP standards
· Content that threatens individual or institution security
Why Should I order a subscription
Monthly issues of magazines offer a window into current events, hobbies, culture, and personal growth, helping inmates maintain a sense of connection and hope during their time behind bars.
Sending magazine subscriptions is a common and allowed practice, with many families and friends choosing this thoughtful gift to support someone in prison and brighten an inmate’s day.
The Most Popular Prison Magazine
The most popular in prison is XXL Magazine. The XXL is a hip-hop and urban culture magazine that covers music news, interviews with artists, and trend analyses.

It features exclusive interviews with both established and emerging stars, reviews of new music, and articles on topics like lifestyle, fashion, and sports within the hip-hop community. A signature feature is its annual "XXL Freshman" class, which spotlights the most promising new artists in the genre
Below is a curated list of popular magazines that are frequently subscribed to and delivered directly to inmates. Not included is a list of the few Amazon recommended magazines for inmates. This diverse selection covers a wide range of interests. From sports and health to music, technology, entertainment, and culture, ensuring there is something to suit every inmates tastes.
What Magazines Can Federal Inmates Receive
Below is a list of magazines that allowed subscriptions to inmates. These are listed because they are the most popular and common. Keep reading for a more extensive list of magazines for inmates.
Sports Weekly Magazine
Channel Guide Magazine
Men's Health - Digital Magazine
Motor Trend Magazine
GQ Magazine
TIME Magazine
National Geographic Magazine
Car and Driver - Digital Magazine
People Magazine
Popular Mechanics - Digital Magazine
Hot Rod Magazine
Smithsonian Magazine
Slam - Digital Magazine (Basketball focused)
Us Weekly Magazine
Entrepreneur
Word Search Magazine (puzzle magazine)
Street Trucks Magazine
Curve Magazine (LGBTQ+ culture and lifestyle)
The Source Magazine (Hip Hop culture and music)
XXL Magazine (Hip Hop music and lifestyle)
Where to Order Magazines For Inmates
You can order and magazines for inmates in federal prison from many different sources. You can also view a list of booksellers who ship to inmates to get an idea of credible sources to order from.
Below is a list of sources you can buy individual magazines or start full yearly subscriptions, keep in mind these rules and sources will also ship to anyone in state prisons.
Amazon
BOPmags.com
Magazineline.com
Discountmagazine.com
Now that you know where to order your magazines read our post on how to send books to federal inmates to get familiar with the best places to buy books which will only make your LO happier.
Each issue delivered can uplift spirits, provide valuable information, and offer moments of escape, making it one of the most impactful gifts you can send to someone in federal prison. Before subscribing, always confirm the facilities mail policies to ensure a smooth delivery process.
Best Place to Order Magazines For Inmates
My personal choice for the best place to order magazines for someone in federal prison is BOPmag.com. They have been sending magazines to inmates for over a decade and intimately understand the process.
BOPmag.com
Remember the 4 full year subscriptions for $25? Well this is where you can get the great deal! They offer an extensive list of subscription options with great deals. Head over and check them out or keep reading for another option.

The self proclaimed "#1 Magazine service for inmates and their families" bop mag has a really good deal for the cheapest magazine subscriptions I've ever seen. They advertise 4 Full one year magazine subscription for only $25. They don't have the top magazines but they have a really good selection of magazines for inmates.

Discount Magazine Services for inmates
There are discount magazines subscriptions services that let you order for inmates. I have searched online for the best providers of prison subscriptions and found one that I would recommend.
Discountmagazine.com
Now know as Discount Mag has the largest selection of magazines and to be shipped to people incarcerated. With over 7,500 Best Selling & Top Rated Magazines you will be able to find one they like. Discover The Easiest Risk Free Way To Buy Your Favorite Magazine Subscriptions for inmates.
Magazineline.com
They offer both print and digital versions at prices often lower than the newsstand rate. The company, caters to a broad audience by providing a wide selection of magazines across various categories like sports, health, entertainment, and lifestyle.
MagazineLine.com also features a Triple Guarantee that includes price protection, quality assurance, and a cash refund if you are unhappy with your service.
How to Send Magazines Someone in Prison
For a step-by-step guide on how to send magazines to inmates checkout our blog on sending books to federal inmates. The process is identical to shipping books or newspapers. Remember, always Check with the correctional facility to ensure that the magazine you wish to send is on the facility's allowed. Check the facility's website or contact them directly.
When you're ready to place your order for these magazines or books, provide the federal inmate's full name, prison inmate identification number, and the prison facility's complete address. The prison identification number is needed to make sure it gets to them.
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