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Telegram

Cloud messenger with groups, channels and open client code

85.0
Score in best messaging apps
Visit telegram.org AlternativesCompareShare

Ranked 3 of 10 in best messaging apps

Offers large groups, public channels and sync across phone, desktop and web with no limit on media size. Regular chats are not end-to-end encrypted by default, which Signal and WhatsApp do provide.

Best for Large groups, channels and cross-device sync

About Telegram

Telegram handles personal chats, groups of up to 200,000 members, and channels for broadcasting to an audience. Its homepage says messages sync across devices, and it lists apps for Android, iPhone and iPad, Windows, macOS and Linux, plus web apps. Bots and communities link groups and channels together, and Telegram adds media and file sharing with no size limit on media and chats.

Regular Telegram chats are stored in the cloud and sync to every device, so they are not end-to-end encrypted by default. Secret Chats use end-to-end encryption and are a separate mode that the FAQ describes. Telegram says its API and code are open, and the Android client is published under GPL-2.0. The service suits group and community messaging better than private one-to-one conversations where end-to-end encryption by default matters.

Key features

  • Groups and public channels
  • Sync across devices
  • Secret Chats with end-to-end encryption
  • Bots and mini apps
  • Web and desktop apps

Strengths

  • Groups for up to 200,000 members and public channels
  • Syncs chats across phone, desktop and web
  • Client apps are open source (GPL-2.0 for Android)

Limits

  • Default chats are not end-to-end encrypted
  • Secret Chats are a separate mode with fewer features

Where Telegram ranks

How Telegram compares

ProductScorePricePlatformsEnd-to-end encrypted by default
#1Signal92.5FreeAndroidiOS, iPadOSWindowsmacOSLinuxYes
#2WhatsApp90.0FreeAndroidiOSmacOSWindowsWebYes
#3Telegram85.0FreeAndroidiOS, iPadOSWindowsmacOSLinuxWebNo
#4Messages84.0FreeiOS, iPadOSmacOSYes
#5Element82.0Free plan, paid upgradesAndroidiOSWindowsmacOSLinuxWebYes

The full comparison table for best messaging apps has all 10 products.

Alternatives to Telegram

All 9 alternatives

Compare Telegram

Questions about Telegram

Is Telegram free?
Telegram can be used without paying: Free for private messaging, with no ads or subscription fees. Check the vendor’s pricing page for current limits.
Is Telegram open source?
Yes. Telegram publishes its source code under the GPL-2.0 license.
Which platforms does Telegram support?
Telegram is available on: Android, iOS, iPadOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, Web.
What is Telegram best for?
Large groups, channels and cross-device sync. In our ranking of messaging apps it is number 3 of 10 with a score of 85.0.
What are the best alternatives to Telegram?
The highest-ranked alternatives on listme.name are Signal, WhatsApp, Messages, Element.

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Ranked #3 of 10 messaging apps on listme.name
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