Distance is easier when the small things still happen: a quick video in the morning, a photo on your home screen, a movie night in sync. These seven apps cover the everyday parts of a long-distance relationship. We checked every one in the App Store and on Google Play in October 2026 and removed earlier picks that no longer exist.
- Want one private place for chats and dates? Between
- Different time zones? Video messages with Marco Polo
- Missing the little things? Photo and couple widgets
| App | Best for | Check first |
|---|---|---|
| Between | Private chat, shared calendar | Ad-free only with Between Plus |
| Marco Polo | Video messages across time zones | Some extras need a paid plan |
| Locket Widget | Photos on your home screen | Up to 20 friends |
| Widgetable | Couple widgets, distance tracker | Some widgets cost extra |
| Teleparty | Movie and series nights | Both need the streaming subscription |
| Paired | Daily questions and games | Premium is a subscription |
| Raft | Shared calendar and countdowns | iPhone only |
Talk every day
Messaging apps work for everything, but a space just for the two of you keeps your chats, photos and important dates together. For everything beyond apps, see our 10 tips to make a long-distance relationship work.
Between
A private messenger for two. Besides chat, it has a shared calendar for your important dates, a place for your photos and a counter that shows how long you have been together. Free for iPhone and Android (Google Play).
Check first
The free version shows ads. Between Plus removes them and adds themes and longer voice and video messages.
Marco Polo
Video messages instead of calls: you record a video whenever you have a moment, and your partner watches and answers when it suits them. Helpful when your days barely overlap. Free for iPhone and Android (Google Play).
Check first
Some extras, such as special effects, are part of the paid plan.
Feel close between calls
Small signals during the day can mean more than a long call at night. These apps put your partner on your home screen.
Locket Widget
Photos from your partner appear right in a widget on your home screen, without opening a chat. Snap a picture of your coffee, your view or your face and it shows up on their phone. Free for iPhone and Android (Google Play).
Check first
You can connect with up to 20 friends, so it also works for close friends and family.
Widgetable
A collection of home and lock screen widgets for couples and friends, including one that shows the distance between you and your partner in real time. Free for iPhone and Android (Google Play).
Check first
Some widgets and features cost extra. The distance widget only works if you both share your location.
Do things together
Shared time does not have to mean talking the whole time. Watching something or playing a game together on a video call feels a lot like a normal evening. No app needed for this one: open our would you rather game on your next call and choose Couples, or try one of these long-distance relationship games.
Teleparty
Watch the same show or movie at the same time: Teleparty keeps playback in sync and adds a chat next to the video. It works with popular streaming services and is available as a browser extension and as an app for iPhone and Android (App Store, Google Play).
Check first
Each of you needs your own subscription to the streaming service you want to watch.
Paired
A daily question for both of you, plus quizzes, games and reminders for your important dates. Good for conversation starters on your next call. Free for iPhone and Android (Google Play).
Check first
Paired Premium is a paid subscription.
Plan your next visit
Knowing when you will see each other again makes the time in between easier. Between (above) has a shared calendar for both phones; Raft is made just for planning.
Raft
A shared calendar for couples, family and close friends. You see what your partner has planned, can comment on each other’s plans and count down to your next visit.
Check first
Only available for iPhone.
More apps for couples
These apps are not only for long distance: Top 10 Apps for Couples. For your nights apart, there are also sex apps for couples and long-distance sex toys you can control over the internet.
Read nextTop 24 Long Distance Relationship Gifts
