How to choose
Most couples use three or four apps, each for one job: one to talk, one to do things together, one for little surprises. Start with what you miss most.
For messages that open on the day
Deco My Tree. Each of you makes a tree for Christmas, your birthday or Valentine’s Day and shares its link. The other hangs a gift with a message on it from any browser, and it stays sealed until the day. Only the tree’s owner reads the messages.
With the Android app’s couple widget, coming with its next update, the tree and a live countdown to the day sit on your home screen.
To talk every day
- WhatsApp, FaceTime or Google Meet for calls and video dates: the apps you both already have work best.
- Between is a private space for just the two of you, with chat, photos and a shared calendar.
To feel close on your home screen
- Locket Widget puts the photos your partner snaps right on your home screen.
- Widgetable has widgets you share with friends and partners, from notes to virtual pets.
- Deco My Tree shows your tree, your partner’s newest gift and the days to your next big day.
To do things together
- Teleparty keeps a show in sync in both your browsers, with a chat on the side.
- Spotify lets you listen together and mix your tastes into one shared playlist.
- Paired asks you both a question a day, which keeps the conversation going.
To know they got home safe
Google Maps and Find My can share your location with each other, if you both want that.
At a glance
| For | Apps |
|---|---|
| Calls and video dates | WhatsApp, FaceTime, Google Meet |
| A private space for two | Between |
| Photos on your home screen | Locket Widget, Widgetable |
| Watching together | Teleparty |
| Music together | Spotify |
| A question a day | Paired |
| Messages that open on the day | Deco My Tree |
| A countdown on your home screen | Deco My Tree’s widget (Android, coming soon) |
Ideas for the big days
Apart for the holidays? See long-distance Christmas ideas, long-distance birthday ideas and long-distance Valentine’s Day ideas.
Questions
What is the best app for a long-distance relationship?
No single app does it all. Most couples combine a calling app with one to do things together and one for surprises, like a Valentine’s tree whose messages open on February 14.
Is there a couple widget for Android?
Yes. Deco My Tree’s couple widget shows your partner’s gifts and a live countdown to Valentine’s Day; it comes with the next update of the Android app.
What is the 7 7 7 rule for couples?
A popular rule of thumb: a date every 7 days, a night away every 7 weeks and a trip every 7 months. Long-distance couples often make it a video date every week, a visit when they can and something to look forward to in between.
Is Deco My Tree free?
It’s freemium: making a tree, sharing it and sending messages are free, and your partner sends gifts from any browser without an account. Removing ads, putting your tree on the world map and other extras are paid.