Alternatives
Best Telegram alternatives in 2026
Telegram is cloud messenger with groups, channels and open client code. These 9 alternatives come from the same rankings, ordered by editorial score. Connected products carry a small, disclosed lift.
Ranked alternatives
- 1
Signal
Encrypts chats and calls by default, publishes its client apps under AGPL-3.0 and runs on Linux, Windows and Mac. Reaching a contact means they must install it, so its reach is smaller than WhatsApp's.
Best for Private one-to-one and group messaging
AndroidiOS, iPadOSWindowsmacOSLinuxFreeOpen source
- 2
WhatsApp
Encrypts personal chats and calls by default and has the broadest contact reach of this list, with free voice and video calls. The client is closed source, so the code cannot be checked as Signal's can.
Best for Messaging family, friends and groups already on it
AndroidiOSmacOSWindowsWebFree
- 3
Messages
Built into iPhone, iPad and Mac at no cost, with end-to-end encrypted iMessages and search across conversations. It only reaches other Apple users in iMessage form, so mixed groups fall back to SMS.
Best for Texting people who use Apple devices
iOS, iPadOSmacOSFree
- 4
Element
Encrypted, open and self-hostable on the Matrix network, with apps for every major platform. Its personal app is less familiar than WhatsApp, and organization features sit behind paid plans.
Best for Self-hosted or organization chat on Matrix
AndroidiOSWindowsmacOSLinuxWebFree plan, paid upgradesOpen source
- 5
Threema
Is a one-time purchase. Encrypts chats and calls by default, can be used without personal data and publishes its Android code under AGPL-3.0. The Private app costs money, so it reaches fewer people than the free mass-reach apps.
Best for Privacy-focused messaging with a one-time fee
AndroidiOSOne-time purchaseOpen source
- 6
Session
An open-source messenger that routes traffic through onion-routed paths on a decentralized network, with desktop apps for Windows, macOS and Linux. Most contacts are not on it yet, unlike WhatsApp, so it suits privacy-first groups.
Best for Private messaging with metadata protection
AndroidiOSWindowsmacOSLinuxFree and open sourceOpen source
- 7
Discord
Community chat with voice channels, roles and bots, free for most use. Messages are not end-to-end encrypted by default, unlike Signal or WhatsApp, so it suits communities rather than private talk.
Best for Communities that want text and voice channels
WindowsmacOSLinuxiOSAndroidWebFree plan, paid upgrades
- 8
SimpleX Chat
An open-source messenger with no user IDs: contacts connect through links or QR codes, and the apps are AGPL-3.0 with reproducible builds. Its user base is far smaller than WhatsApp or Telegram, and each new contact needs a link.
Best for Messaging with no account identifiers
LinuxmacOSWindowsiOSAndroidCommand lineFree and open sourceOpen source
- 9
Jami
A GNU project messenger for chat and calls with end-to-end encryption and no advertising, licensed GPL-3.0 or later and available on five platforms. Its user base is small, so it works best when a whole group installs it.
Best for Free software messaging with calls on desktop and mobile
WindowsmacOSLinuxAndroidiOSFree and open sourceOpen source
Compare Telegram head to head
- Telegramversus
Signal - Telegramversus
WhatsApp - Telegramversus
Messages - Telegramversus
Element - Telegramversus
Threema
Or build your own comparison table with Telegram and up to three other products.
About Telegram alternatives
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- Comparisons · 5 min readSignal vs Telegram: Which Messaging App Fits You?Signal encrypts chats by default and is run by a nonprofit, while Telegram suits large groups and channels. Compare encryption, platforms, cost and openness.
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