Relationships

11 Helpful Apps For Long-Distance Couples

By Dear Media | December 25, 2024

Okay, besties, can we talk about the elephant in the room briefly? Long-distance relationships they’re the bane of every couple’s existence, right? Who wants to be thousands of miles away from their boo, constantly counting down the days until your next reunion?

But hold up, don’t write off that LDR just yet. Believe it or not, 60% of long-distance couples actually make it work! And you know what the secret is? Technology, baby.

These days, our smartphones are practically an extension of our bodies. So why not use them to your romantic advantage? With the right apps in your arsenal, you and your partner can stay connected, spice things up, and keep that flame burning bright, no matter how far apart you may be. If you’d rather listen to some great tips, tune into the episode of Note to Self called Nice Guy Paradox, Spicing Up a Long-Distance Relationship, & Dreading the Big Move. It’s got seriously THE BEST advice!

We’ve scoured the digital landscape and rounded up some must-try apps that are total game-changers for long-distance lovers. From virtual date nights to, ahem, intimate gadgets, these tools are relationship lifesavers. So, if you and your boo are geographically challenged, get ready to download your way to relationship bliss.

11 Apps For Long-Distance Couples

Cupla

One of the more challenging parts of being in a long-distance relationship is finding quality time together. Between busy schedules and time zone differences, it can be impossible to find a time that works. That’s where Cupla comes in. A shared calendar app designed especially for couples, it makes the planning of date nights so much easier, while important events can be tracked side by side, keeping each other updated about your busy lives.

It has a private chat channel, a collaborative to-do list, and it lets you sync your calendars so that you can see in a second when you’re both free. It’s perfect for keeping that feeling of closeness even when you’re miles apart.

Between

Between is an all-around app for long-distance couples that covers all the bases from a private chat where you can share important dates, to a sort of “memory box” in which you can keep photos and messages dear to you. The app is created to secure you and your partner your very own private space.

One of Between’s standout features is the ability to create a shared timeline of your relationship. This can be a great way to reminisce on your time together and feel more emotionally connected, despite the distance.

Rave

If you and your partner love movie nights, then Rave is an absolute must-have. The app allows you to sync your video watching to make it possible for you and your partner to watch movies, TV shows, or YouTube videos together. With the app’s built-in chat feature, you’ll be able to discuss what’s happening on screen right as you’re watching.

Rave is the perfect remedy for long-distance date nights. Pop some popcorn, pour some drinks, and enjoy a cinematic experience with your partner, all from the comfort of your own homes.

Love Nudge

Inspired by the popular book “The 5 Love Languages,” Love Nudge is an app for better understanding your partner’s needs more deeply. It offers personalized suggestions to help you make them feel loved and appreciated, even at a distance.

You can set goals, track your progress, and send encouraging “nudges” to each other little reminders that you’re thinking of them. It’s a thoughtful way of staying emotionally connected and making sure you’re both having your needs met.

Happy Couple

Curious about knowing your partner better? This app is entertaining and interactive, offering a quiz for you and your partner every day. You will be asked different questions about your preferences, habits, and feelings. Following that, you need to guess how your partner responded. It is perfect for improving the level of understanding between partners, and maybe even discovering new things you have in common.

It also gives relationship tips and challenges to help you maintain a strong bond. Whether you’re just beginning your romance, newlyweds, or have been partners for quite some time, Happy Couple will add some fun to your long-distance relationship.

Pathshare

Sometimes, knowing where your partner is will do enough to provide the feeling of closeness. That’s where Pathshare comes in. Pathshare is a convenient app for sharing your current location with your loved one in real-time. This may be quite useful in case of travels or late nights for both of you.

It is secure, and it will only share your location with the person you want to, making it a very practical app for couples who want to stay in the loop about each other’s whereabouts.

We-Vibe

For couples separated for long periods of time who seek to keep the physical touch alive, We-Vibe has a unique solution in store. This app offers a pairing option with a range of adult toys that are Bluetooth enabled, which you can use to control those devices from afar. This one brings a whole new meaning to “long-distance date night!”

Apart from the intimate features, We-Vibe also allows for secure messaging and video chatting, making it an all-inclusive app to connect with your partner in any way you vibe with.

Couplete

Couplete is a comprehensive app that covers just about everything one would need in a long-distance relationship. Among its functions, you can share your timeline, send love letters, and plan future dates in one spot. It also has a chat function and to-do lists for shared tasks.

One thing that is special about Couplete is that it can help you organize every part of your relationship in meaningful ways. It’s a good way to stay connected and on the same page, even when distance keeps you apart.

My Love

Even when the two of you are separated by distance, the milestones in your relationships should be celebrated. My Love is an app that allows you and your partner to count the days of your relationship. It displays the exact number of days you’ve spent together and serves as a sweet reminder of how committed you are to each other.

Events such as reunions or anniversaries can also be kept track of using the inbuilt countdown feature. What’s more, widgets are provided for your home screen, so you can be reminded of your love every time you pick up your device.

TouchNote

It has been said: there is just something SO special about getting a handwritten letter or postcard from your long-distance lover. TouchNote lets you create and send real, tangible expressions of love, no matter where your partner is in the world.

You can make your cards with personal photos and messages, personalizing it more than a digital message ever could. TouchNote also offers various physical gifts to be sent directly to your partner’s doorstep, such as photo books and canvas prints.

Gyft

If your partner’s love language is gift-giving, then Gyft is a godsend. This app lets you and your partner exchange gifts and gift cards, even when you’re miles apart. Whether it’s a voucher for their favorite restaurant, a subscription to a streaming service, or a cozy pair of socks, Gyft makes it easy to show your long-distance love.

The beauty of Gyft is that it will allow you to surprise your partner with thoughtful gestures from any distance. It is a simple way to brighten their day and remind them you’re thinking of them.

How To Make A Long-Distance Relationship Work

Maintaining a long-distance relationship takes effort, but the payoff can be incredibly rewarding. If distance is keeping you and your partner apart, these tips can help you keep the spark alive:

Prioritize communication.

Regular, open communication is the backbone of any relationship, but it’s especially crucial when you’re long-distance. Make it a point to connect with your partner every day, whether it’s a quick text, a video call, or an hour-long catch-up session. Share your thoughts, feelings, and experiences, and encourage your partner to do the same. Effective communication is the best way to bridge the physical distance between you.

And, if you need an example of long-distance couples that made it, listen to the episode of The Dream Bigger Podcast where Siff interviews Pia Baroncini about her long-distance relationship turned marriage and tune into another episode of Note to Self with even more long-distance relationship tips! Guys, this can totally work if you just keep things fresh!

Schedule regular date nights.

Just because you can’t be together in person doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy quality time as a couple. Use apps like Rave or the Cupla “Date Night” feature to plan virtual activities you can do together (or even create a date night jar!), like watching a movie, cooking a meal, or playing an online couple game. The point is, plan activities you can do together that’ll not only give you the chance to connect but make lasting memories like you would if you lived in the same city! These shared experiences can help you feel more emotionally connected and keep the romance alive.

Express affection.

Get creative with how you show your partner love and affection, even from afar. Send them a care package filled with their favorite treats, write a heartfelt love letter, or use an app like Between or Couplete to share personal messages and photos.

If you don’t have a specific theme in mind, just make it an “I Miss You” care package filled with things like this “Back Soon” cap, a framed photo of the two of you, their favorite snacks, a pair of the softest socks EVER, and maybe a crewneck with your city on it! (From Austin or LA??? The Dear Media Shop has you covered!). Small gestures like this can go a long way in making your partner feel cherished and appreciated.

Maintain intimacy.

Staying physically and emotionally intimate is vital in a long-distance relationship. Apps like We-Vibe can help you explore intimacy from a distance, while services like Gyft allow you to send intimate gifts to your partner. Thinking about your partner throughout the day? Let them know with a flirty text. It establishes a sense of intimacy and keeps that connection alive even from afar. And, hopefully they’ll send a flirty text back and things will get exciting. . .

Want more on that? Listen to the episode of Ex Virgin called Sexting and Riding Tips From a True Professional. Remember, intimacy looks different for every couple the key is to find what works best for you!

Visit each other regularly.

If possible, try to schedule in-person visits as often as you can. Having that face-to-face time is crucial for keeping your relationship strong and healthy. Plan exciting trips and activities to make the most of your time together, and cherish every moment. The episode of Note to Self called Travel Hacks, Long-Distance Tips & Staying Independent in a Relationship can help you get started on planning your trip and offer more long-distance relationship advice!

Start a movie or book club.

After a long day, we all like to wind down with a good book or TV show. So, why should distance keep you from doing this with your partner? You can watch stuff together in real-time with watch party apps like Rave and Kast and discuss it while you watch (and afterward, of course). May we suggest a Bravo show??? The drama provides the perfect foundation for some great convos.

Or, if you’re more of a book nerd couple, why not start a book club of your own? Choose a book for each of you to read on your own, and then call to discuss! If you’re not sure what books to read, you can follow along with The Readheads. Then, listening to their amazing podcast can be another thing you can do together!

how to make a long distance relationship work

Set realistic expectations.

Keep the convo flowing with your partner about what you both expect from the relationship! Chat about things like how often you’ll check in, when you can plan visits, and how you’ll tackle any bumps in the road. Getting on the same page will help you navigate the distance with clarity and understanding, making it way easier and a lot less stressful!

Practice patience and understanding.

Long-distance relationships require patience and understanding from both partners. Remember that ups and downs are normal, and be willing to work through any issues that come up. Approach challenges with empathy, compassion, and a commitment to finding solutions together.

Listen to a podcast.

Everyone loves those relationships where you can just have the video call open while you each do your own thing. It almost feels like your long-distance partner is right there with you. Instead of sitting in silence, listen to a podcast together! It creates a sense of togetherness and gives you something to talk about later even when neither one of you are feeling particularly social. For podcast recs, here’s some of the best podcasts for couples!

Seek support.

Don’t be afraid to reach out to friends, family, or even a therapist for support. Long-distance love can sometimes feel like a rollercoaster, and having your squad to lean on can make all the difference. Whether you need a listening ear, a pep talk, or just someone to remind you why love is worth the ride, your support system is there to help you keep your balance. So don’t go it alone reach out as much as you need!

Apps can make long-distance relationships fun and bring couples closer despite the distance.

With these tips and app recs, we hope you and your partner thrive in your long-distance relationship, but every couple is unique. What other strategies have you found to be effective? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below we’d love to hear from you!

Want more on long-distance relationships? Check out our post on “How do you keep a long-distance relationship alive” on the Dear Media blog.

You can also check out these podcast episodes: