We put 5 popular couples apps to the test and they all failed
Most apps designed for couples, especially long distance couples, don't offer anything too special.
Snapchat is already great for sending a quick picture; you're probably already texting or using Whatsapp if you're in different countries; Skype and FaceTime are standbys.
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But when long-distance relationships (LDRs) need work, we're willing to try anything new. I would know.
My boyfriend and I are in an LDR. We were looking for an app with features our regular social media apps don't offer: a good calendar organizer/syncing ability and some fun activities or prompts.
We put five leading couple's apps to the test.
It seems these types of apps fall into three categories: apps for encouraging sex (which we did not include in our review), apps for productivity (like syncing calendars and making "honey-do" lists), and apps to encourage communication (questions, games, etc.).
tl;dr: Not one app completely delivered our wish list. Instead we need a frankenapp, a special combination of the best offerings into a couple's app unique to us.
Tall order, but impossible?
1. Avocado, free, iOS and Android
Avocado used to be one of the highest rated apps amongst couples, but if you see the recent reviews, users are not happy. The app has not been updated since July of last year, most likely the cause of the issues. Current users cite crashes and unreliable syncing. I couldn't even get past the authorization page. I reached out to Avocado support but did not receive a response.
2. Between, free, iOS and Android (ability to upgrade to Between Plus)
Between was almost our favorite. While the app offers picture sharing and a chat section we wouldn't use, its calendar was the easiest out of all of the apps...with some flaws: It doesn't sync with Google Calendar or iCal.
3. Couple, free, iOS and Android
I used this app in a previous LDR (sorry, babe) and liked it. Couple is popular for its "Thumbkiss" feature; users tap the screen at the same time and can "feel" one another by a slight vibration through the phone. It may sound corny but especially in a LDR is very sweet. Mike said it was his favorite feature, the mush.
However, video chat only works if both partners are using iPhone, so this feature wasn't feasible for iOS and Android couples. While the app does not have a functional calendar, it does have a "List" feature for logging important dates. Within chat we could send video, audio and little reminders like "Thinking of you." But besides Thumbkiss, none of these features were unique enough to crown Couple the winner.
4. Twyxt, free, iOS and Android
Twyxt's calendar was the runner-up, but still didn't sync with Google Calendar or iCal so it didn't beat Between. This also had a "List" ability, a "Kiss" feature (similar to Couple's "Thumbkiss") and messaging system.
The intent seems to keep a record of your entire relationship, not just stay organized. Through the "Keepsake" section, users can keep all their photos, videos and even daily agenda in one place. Sweet idea, but not most couples need or have the time to document absolutely everything.
Also, the noises this app makes are awful. As someone who needs their phone on ring most of the time, this was a shrill-beeping-noise-buzzkill. You can see I had a fun time with the "spank" emoji, however.
5. Couplete, free, iOS and Android
The best way to describe Couplete was "cute," because that's all it was. The app has a text and picture messaging system, a calendar, and all of our activity is kept on the main timeline. It also has a "Loveletter" option, where you can virtually send a note to your partner with an included "Mood." The "Wishbox" was strange: We could upload links to gifts we wanted, but it seems like something a text or an Amazon wishlist could handle.
In conclusion
There was no clear winner. We didn't continue using any of the apps after this experiment.
Each offered a variation of messaging platforms, photo sharing or video calls. None of the calendars were helpful, and none encouraged intimacy or activities for couples. They all just seemed like dressed up messenger apps.
We weren't able to find the app that combines all three categories of couple apps as previously described, nor did we find a service we couldn't accomplish with Snapchat, Skype or texting.
But if we could use the calendar from Between, the interface of Couple and the cuteness of Couplete, we would have our perfect LDR frankenapp.
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Topics Apps & Software Reviews Social Media
Chelsea Frisbie was interning at Mashable as the Lifestyle Section Intern. A SUNY Oswego Alum, she graduated with a degree in Broadcasting and Mass Communication and a minor in Gender Studies, and while there received several awards for her three talk shows and work in local news. Her favorite pastimes include watching Dr. Phil, practicing her Emmy acceptance speech, and subtly sneaking feminism into her daily conversations.
