Technology has revolutionized long-distance relationships. Twenty years ago, you were limited to expensive phone calls and waiting days for letters. Today, you can video chat for free, watch movies together in real-time, and even feel each other's touch through haptic wearables.
But with thousands of apps claiming to be "perfect for couples," how do you know which ones actually deliver? Which are worth the download (or the subscription fee)?
We've tested, researched, and interviewed long-distance couples to bring you the definitive guide to the best apps for keeping your relationship strong across the miles.
Video Call Apps: The Foundation
Video calling is non-negotiable for long-distance relationships. Here are your best options:
FaceTime (iOS/Mac Only)
Best for: Apple users who prioritize quality and ease
Pros:
- Exceptional video and audio quality
- Built-in, no download required
- Reliable connection
- SharePlay feature lets you watch content together
- Free and no time limits
Cons:
- Only works between Apple devices
- No Android or Windows support
Cost: Free
Zoom
Best for: Couples who want features beyond basic calling
Pros:
- Virtual backgrounds for fun or privacy
- Beauty filters if you're calling first thing in the morning
- Works across all devices and platforms
- Reliable even with weaker internet connections
- Recording option for making video messages
Cons:
- 40-minute limit on free calls (though you can immediately start a new one)
- More formal/corporate feel than other options
Cost: Free (with 40-min limit), or $14.99/month for unlimited
Discord
Best for: Couples who also game together or want always-on connection
Pros:
- Can stay connected in voice channels for hours while doing other things
- Excellent for gaming together
- Screen sharing for watching content together
- Great audio quality
- Create a private server just for you two
Cons:
- Less intuitive interface for non-gamers
- Video quality not quite as good as FaceTime or Zoom
Cost: Free (Nitro upgrade for $9.99/month adds features)
WhatsApp or Telegram
Best for: International couples or those who primarily text
Pros:
- Works over WiFi, saving on international charges
- Combines messaging with video/voice calls
- Encrypted for privacy
- Works on all platforms
Cons:
- Video quality not as good as dedicated video apps
- Can be unreliable with poor internet
Cost: Free
Want to make the most of your video calls? Check out our video call date night ideas.
Couple-Specific Messaging Apps
Between
Best for: Couples who want a private, dedicated space
Features:
- Private chat just for the two of you
- Shared calendar for countdowns and important dates
- Photo album with unlimited storage
- Memory box for saving special messages
- Cute stickers and themes
Why we love it: It's like having a digital scrapbook of your relationship. Everything is in one place, and it feels more intimate than regular messaging.
Cost: Free (premium version $4.99/month removes ads)
Couple (formerly Couple)
Best for: Couples who want interactive features
Features:
- ThumbKiss: Both touch the same spot on your screens at the same time and your phones vibrate
- Shared to-do lists
- Private messaging
- Shared calendar
- Timeline of your relationship
Why we love it: The interactive features add a playful element that regular messaging doesn't have.
Cost: Free
Locket Widget
Best for: iPhone users who want spontaneous photo sharing
Features:
- Photos you send appear directly on their home screen widget
- Live photos and videos supported
- Instant sharing without opening an app
- Reactions with emojis
Why we love it: It's the closest thing to spontaneously showing your partner something when you're together. The immediacy makes it feel intimate.
Cost: Free (Gold version $3.99/month adds features)
Watch Together Apps
Teleparty (Netflix Party)
Best for: Watching streaming content together
Features:
- Synchronized playback across Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max
- Group chat while watching
- Anyone in the party can pause/play
Cost: Free
Rave
Best for: Mobile users who want to watch content together
Features:
- Works on phones (Teleparty is desktop only)
- Supports YouTube, Netflix, and more
- Voice chat while watching
- Reactions and text chat
Cost: Free (premium removes ads)
Get more ideas for things to do together virtually.
Gaming and Activity Apps
Words With Friends 2
Best for: Casual gaming at your own pace
Why it works: You can play asynchronously—making moves throughout the day when you have time. It keeps you connected without requiring you to be online simultaneously.
Cost: Free (with ads)
Chess.com or Lichess
Best for: Chess enthusiasts or couples who want to learn together
Why it works: Play live games or correspondence chess (one move per day). Built-in lessons help you improve together.
Cost: Free (premium memberships available)
Among Us / Stardew Valley / It Takes Two
Best for: Couples who love gaming together
Why it works: These games are specifically designed for cooperative or social play. It Takes Two is literally built for couples.
Cost: Varies ($5-40 depending on game and platform)
Question and Connection Apps
We're Not Really Strangers (Card Game App)
Best for: Deep conversations and emotional intimacy
Features:
- Thought-provoking questions to ask each other
- Multiple decks for different relationship stages
- Helps you learn new things about each other
Cost: $2.99
Paired
Best for: Daily connection through questions
Features:
- Daily questions you both answer
- Compare answers and see where you align
- Quizzes about your relationship
- Expert articles and tips
Why we love it: Gives you something to discuss daily even when you're both busy.
Cost: Free trial, then $9.99/month or $29.99/year
For more ways to deepen your connection, read our guide on having meaningful conversations.
Intimacy Apps
Desire
Best for: Maintaining physical intimacy
Features:
- Challenges and games for couples
- Ranges from flirty to spicy
- Helps maintain sexual connection across distance
- Customizable to your comfort level
Cost: Free trial, premium subscription available
Lovense Remote
Best for: Couples using long-distance intimacy toys
Features:
- Control your partner's device from anywhere
- Video chat integration
- Music sync and pattern creation
Note: Requires Lovense hardware. For a tasteful discussion of intimacy in LDRs, see our guide to maintaining intimacy.
Cost: Free app (devices sold separately)
Planning and Organization Apps
TimeTree
Best for: Shared calendars and planning
Features:
- Shared calendar for countdowns and important dates
- Multiple calendars (one for relationship, one for planning visits, etc.)
- Comments on events
- Photo attachments
Why it works: Keeps you coordinated and helps you count down to visits together.
Cost: Free
Hopper
Best for: Finding cheap flights to visit each other
Features:
- Price predictions for flights
- Alerts when prices drop
- Freeze prices for a fee
Cost: Free (optional price freeze feature costs extra)
Learn more about finding the cheapest flights for your visits.
Creative Connection Apps
Slowly
Best for: Couples who love the romance of letter-writing
Features:
- Digital letters that take time to "arrive" based on distance
- Encourages thoughtful, longer messages
- Collectible stamps
Why we love it: Slows things down in a beautiful way. Makes communication feel more intentional.
Cost: Free (premium $4.99/month)
Also check out our guide on writing modern love letters.
TouchNote
Best for: Sending physical postcards and cards
Features:
- Create postcards from your phone photos
- Mail them anywhere in the world
- Templates for different occasions
Why it works: Physical mail hits different. Getting something tangible in the mailbox is special.
Cost: Around $2-3 per postcard
Time Zone Apps
Time Buddy or World Clock
Best for: Couples in different time zones
Features:
- Visual comparison of time zones
- Easy scheduling across time differences
- Helps you know when they're awake/asleep/at work
Cost: Free
Struggling with time zones? Read our strategies for dealing with time differences.
Emerging Technology: Haptic Devices
Bond Touch Bracelets
Features:
- Touch your bracelet, theirs vibrates and lights up
- Simple but meaningful way to say "thinking of you"
- Doesn't require phone interaction
Cost: $98/pair
HEY Bracelet
Features:
- Similar to Bond Touch but with more customization
- Different vibration patterns
- Longer battery life
Cost: $99/pair
See more tech gift ideas in our gift guides section.
Our Recommended App Stack
You don't need every app on this list. Here's what we recommend for most couples:
Essential (Must-Have):
- Video calling: FaceTime or Zoom
- Primary messaging: Your preference (iMessage, WhatsApp, etc.)
Highly Recommended:
- Couple app: Between or Couple for private space
- Shared calendar: TimeTree for planning
- Watch together: Teleparty or Rave
Based on Interests:
- Gamers: Discord + your favorite games
- Deep conversation lovers: Paired or WNRS
- Different time zones: Time Buddy
- Maintaining intimacy: Desire
Apps to Avoid
Not all apps marketed to couples are worth it:
- Location tracking apps: Sharing location 24/7 suggests trust issues, not love
- Partner monitoring apps: Checking their phone activity is a red flag
- Over-complicated apps: If it takes 20 minutes to figure out how to use it, skip it
Healthy relationships are built on trust and communication, not surveillance.
Making the Most of Technology
Even the best apps can't replace genuine connection. Remember:
- Apps are tools, not solutions: They facilitate connection but don't create it
- Don't app-hop: Using too many apps creates confusion. Pick a few and stick with them
- Quality over quantity: One meaningful video call beats 100 texts through five different apps
- Be present: The best app in the world doesn't help if you're scrolling Instagram during video calls
Learn more about staying connected without constant communication.
The Bottom Line
The best app for your long-distance relationship is the one you'll actually use consistently. Don't get overwhelmed trying to implement everything at once. Start with the essentials—good video calling and messaging—and add features as you discover what you need.
Remember: couples maintained long-distance relationships long before smartphones existed. Technology makes it easier, but what actually makes it work is commitment, communication, and creativity. Apps are just tools to help you express what's already there.
Next steps: Now that you have the right tools, check out communication rules for healthy LDRs and our ideas for staying connected daily.