The AppClose Alternative That Stays Free
AppClose now runs on a paid subscription after its free trial. If what you need most is calm, private messaging with your co-parent, CalmParents does that for free.
No card needed, ever
AppClose alternatives: why parents switch
AppClose has one all-inclusive plan: $7.99 a month on the web ($8.99 through the app), or $6.99 or $5.99 a month when you prepay for one or two years. There’s a 60-day free trial, no card needed, and after that it’s a paid subscription.
If you mostly use a co-parenting app to message and share photos, you may not need an all-in-one subscription. CalmParents keeps that core free for both parents, with no trial period and no card.
What you get free on CalmParents
Unlimited private messaging
Message your co-parent as often as you need, organised into subjects like school, holidays or health.
Read receipts with timestamps
See when each message was sent and when it was first read.
Messages can't be deleted
Once sent, messages can’t be edited or deleted by either parent, so your record stays complete.
Photo and file sharing
Share photos, videos and documents. Files stay available for 14 days on the free plan.
Calm rewrites
Get a calmer version of a message before you send it. The free plan includes 10 a month.
Phone and computer
Use it in your browser on any device, or add it to your home screen like an app.
See CalmParents in action
Real conversations, organised by topic, on whatever device you have to hand.
Demo accounts and conversations. No real family data.
CalmParents vs AppClose: the key differences
An honest look at what each offers. AppClose includes more, such as calls, a calendar and expense tracking. CalmParents keeps messaging free.
| Feature |  CalmParents |  AppClose |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | ||
| Price | £0, or Plus at £8.00/mo | From $5.99/mo |
| Free trial | Not needed | 60 days |
| Secure messaging | ||
| Messages can't be altered or deleted | ||
| Photo & file storage | 250 MB free, 10 GB on Plus | Unlimited |
| Records export | 1/mo free, unlimited on Plus | Unlimited |
| Audio & video calls | ||
| Shared calendar | ||
| Expense tracking |
Competitor prices are from each company's own website (US pricing, USD), checked on 19 October 2026. Prices and features can change, so check their site for the latest.
Switching takes minutes
- 01
Create your free account
Sign up with your email or Google. No card, no trial period.
- 02
Invite your co-parent
Send them a private invite link or code. They join for free too.
- 03
Start messaging
Talk about what matters in a calm, focused space that keeps a clear record.
Private by design
Your conversations are between you and your co-parent.
No ads, ever
We never sell your data or show you adverts, and there’s no algorithm deciding what you see.
Protected and stored securely
Your messages and files are encrypted in transit and at rest, and held by established providers (Google Cloud and Cloudflare).
Clear about AI
Optional Calm Assist uses an AI provider to suggest calmer wording. Our privacy policy explains exactly what’s shared.
Has a court told you which app to use?
If a court has ordered you to use a specific co-parenting app, please check with your solicitor before switching to CalmParents.
Switching from AppClose: your questions
Is AppClose free?
AppClose offers a 60-day free trial, no card needed, then a paid plan. AppClose has one all-inclusive plan: $7.99 a month on the web ($8.99 through the app), or $6.99 or $5.99 a month when you prepay for one or two years. Fee waivers are offered for financial hardship and for survivors of domestic violence.
Is CalmParents really free?
Yes. The free plan isn’t a trial. There’s no time limit and no card needed. Messaging, read receipts and photo and file sharing are all included. Plus is an optional upgrade for extras.
Does my co-parent need to pay?
No. Your co-parent can join and use CalmParents for free, whichever plan you choose.
Can I keep my AppClose message history?
Before you switch, export your records from AppClose so you have a copy of your history. Your new conversations on CalmParents start fresh and are kept as a clear record from day one.
What doesn’t CalmParents do?
CalmParents focuses on messaging and sharing photos and files. It doesn’t have calls, a shared calendar or expense tracking, so if you rely on those, another app may suit you better.
Can I use CalmParents as a record for court?
Messages can’t be edited or deleted, and you can export any conversation as a PDF showing each message, when it was sent, when it was read, and both parents’ verified email addresses. Whether it’s accepted as evidence is up to the court, so check with your solicitor.
Free messaging, for both of you
Set up your free co-parenting space in minutes.
No card needed, ever