Here's a frustration every long-distance couple knows: You finally have 30 minutes free to video call, but your partner is stuck in a meeting. Or you're three time zones apart and your morning is their night. Life gets busy and sometimes it's difficult to find the time to catch up.
Marco Polo allows you to send video messages and watch messages in return. You record when you can, they watch when they can. With Marco Polo, you stay connected without the scheduling hassles:
- Free from Apple and Google.
- Marco Polo Plus available for HD video and extended storage.
- Messages are saved so you can rewatch them.
Looking for more time-saving apps? Check out our monthly best new apps guide.
Marco Polo is like voicemail, but better
With Marco polo, you open the app, hit record, and talk to your partner's face on your screen. When you're done, the message sends, they receive a notification and can watch it whenever. Then they record their response, and the conversation continues in this back-and-forth rhythm that doesn't require coordinating schedules.
Image: Google Play Store
Video feels more intimate than text
What makes this work for relationships is that video feels inherently more intimate than text. You see facial expressions, hear voice tone, catch the exhaustion or excitement that typed words can't fully convey. But unlike live, scheduled video calls, there's less pressure to look camera-ready or to have your environment perfectly arranged. You can record from bed in your pajamas, from your car during a parking lot break, or from wherever you are in whatever state you're in.
The ability to rewatch messages is underrated. In live calls, moments pass and you can't revisit them. With Marco Polo, if your partner shares something meaningful or funny, you can watch it again.
Video messages need rock-solid connectivity
Recording and sending video messages through Marco Polo requires reliable data, especially if you're exchanging multiple messages daily. Dealing with a carrier that throttles your speeds or caps your data? Switch to a smaller carrier with unlimited data at a fraction of the Big Three's prices.
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Flexible communication options
Marco Polo supports mixing video with text and voice messages within the same conversation thread, so you're not locked into video-only communication. If you're in a situation where video isn't appropriate but you want to respond quickly, you can send a text. This flexibility makes the app practical for daily use rather than just special occasions.
The interface is straightforward and user-friendly. Conversations appear as threads, new messages are clearly marked, and playback controls are intuitive. You can speed up playback if you're catching up on longer messages, which is helpful when your partner gets chatty. The app also shows when your partner is watching your message in real-time, which creates a sense of connection even though you're communicating asynchronously.
Free version is genuinely usable
The free version works for ongoing communication. You get standard quality video and adequate storage for typical use. Marco Polo Plus upgrades to HD video quality and extends your storage capacity, which becomes relevant if you're heavy users who send long videos frequently. For most couples, the free version will suffice, at least initially.
However, as conversations accumulate, finding specific messages from weeks ago becomes cumbersome. There's no robust search function or easy way to bookmark important messages. Battery drain can be noticeable with extended use, particularly when recording longer videos.
Download Marco Polo now
- Marco Polo is available for free for iPhone and Android.
- Plus premium subscription costs $9.99/month.
If you don't have time to call, Marco Polo helps you stay in the loop. Give it a try to find out if it's right for you.
Marco Polo: FAQs
How long can video messages be on Marco Polo?
There's no strict time limit on Marco Polo videos in the free version, though extremely long videos may require Marco Polo Plus for storage.
Can I watch Marco Polo videos if I don't have Wi-Fi?
Yes, Marco Polo works on cellular data, but video streaming and recording uses significant data. If you're frequently using Marco Polo without Wi-Fi, consider an unlimited data plan.
Does Marco Polo notify my partner when I'm watching their video?
Yes! Marco Polo shows your partner when you're watching their video in real-time. They'll see a live indicator showing you're viewing their message.
How WhistleOut reviews apps
Our mobile experts scour the app stores, looking for the best new apps for Android and iPhone. Before recommending an app, we use the app for at least one full workday, testing its basic functionality and evaluating whether or not it delivers on its promises.
- Easy to use
Great apps simplify your phone. We selected the tools that don't require a complicated instructional manual. - Affordability
The internet is filled with expensive price tags, but we're not buying what they're selling. We leaned into inexpensive, quality apps. Extra points if they're free! - Hands-on testing
We played around with these before recommending them, ensuring they're worth your download.
From there, we weigh the app's pros and cons and then determine whether or not it's a worthwhile download for the wider population of cell phone users.
Jessica Santero
Staff Writer
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