Not every moment in a long-distance relationship needs to be intentional quality time. Sometimes you just want to hang out without the pressure of meaningful conversation or planned activities. You want the digital equivalent of sitting on the couch together scrolling through your phones—companionable and low-stakes. We spotlight casual connection tools like this in our best new apps feature.
Plato captures those small moments of fun:
- Free from Apple and Google.
- No subscription required, no hidden costs.
- Over 30 multiplayer games including Pool, Table Soccer, and card games.
Plato's console-free gaming brings couples closer
It's a collection of simple multiplayer games you can play together in real time. No elaborate setup, no expensive subscription, just you, your partner, and a digital pool table (or chess board, or drawing canvas, depending on your mood). The app gained popularity during COVID lockdowns when everyone was desperate for ways to socially connect remotely, and it's remained relevant because it solves a real problem for long-distance couples.
Image: Kevin Kearney | WhistleOut
Game selection ranges from familiar to obscure
You'll find Ocho (definitely-not-Uno), Conspiracy (a social deduction game similar to Mafia), various word games, and even some cooperative adventure-style narratives. The quality varies—some games are polished and engaging, while others feel like they were designed in 2003 and haven't been updated since. But that's almost part of the charm; there's a nostalgic simplicity to the graphics and gameplay that takes the pressure off.
Getting started is genuinely easy. Pick a game, create a room, send the link to your partner, and you're playing within 30 seconds. You don't even need to create an account if you don't want to—Plato lets you play with an anonymous handle, though creating an account helps you track game history and maintain friend connections.
Gaming together burns through data fast
Multiplayer gaming apps like Plato rely on stable connections, and playing on cellular data can rack up usage quickly. If you're spending hours gaming with your partner and your data plan can't keep up, it's time to upgrade.
These affordable unlimited plans give you the freedom to play without watching the data meter:
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#1
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XFINITY Mobile
Mobile Select Plan
$0.00/mo
(for the first year of service) <br>Regular rate of $30/mo. thereafter
|
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#2
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Lyca Mobile
Unlimited Plus Plan
$12.50/mo
Pay $12.50/month for the first 9 months<br>Regular rate is $49/month
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#3
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Cricket
3-Month Unlimited Plan
$15.00/mo
$45 advance payment for 3 months (equals to $15/month)<br>regular rate for 3 months is $120 (equals to $40/month)
+ $9.99 Upfront
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Perfect for casual hanging out
I spent several evenings testing Plato with my partner, and what struck me was how it facilitated the kind of casual hanging-out that's hardest to replicate in long-distance relationships. We weren't having profound conversations or making grand romantic gestures. We were just... together. Playing a few rounds of Pool while chatting about our days, occasionally trash-talking each other's terrible shots, sometimes letting comfortable silence fill the gaps.
The in-game chat works well enough for text-based communication, though many couples will probably want to have a voice or video call running simultaneously through another app. Plato doesn't include voice chat functionality, which feels like a missed opportunity but isn't a dealbreaker since you likely already have a preferred calling app.
These aren't sophisticated games
Hardcore gamers will find them simplistic and possibly boring. The graphics are basic, the AI opponents are laughably easy to beat, and some games have occasional bugs. But Plato isn't trying to compete with console gaming or elaborate mobile titles—it's offering accessible, low-commitment entertainment that doesn't require gaming expertise or expensive hardware.
The completely free model is both Plato's biggest strength and a potential concern. How does an app with no subscription, no ads, and free gameplay sustain itself? The answer isn't entirely clear, which might give privacy-conscious users pause. The app does collect some usage data, though it's not invasive compared to many free apps.
Download Plato now
Plato works best as a supplementary tool rather than the foundation of your communication. It's perfect for those evenings when you're both tired from work and don't have the energy for intense conversation but still want to feel connected. It fills the gap between "we need to have a serious talk" and "I guess we'll just say goodnight."
Plato: FAQs
Do I need to create an account to use Plato?
No, you don't need to create an account to use Plato. You can play Plato games with an anonymous handle without creating an account.
How do I invite my partner to play a game on Plato?
Choose a game from the Plato app, create a room, and the app will generate a shareable link. Send this link to your partner via text, email, or any messaging app. When they click the link, they'll join your game room automatically.
Can I voice chat with my partner while playing Plato games?
Plato doesn't have built-in voice chat, so you'll need to use a separate app like FaceTime, Discord, or your phone's regular calling feature while playing.
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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