Zulip vs Telegram: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Zulip and Telegram comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Zulip
Open-source team chat with threads
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.2/10 vs 8.1/10)
- • Zulip is an open-source team chat with threaded conversations
- • It organizes discussions by topic for better context and search
Telegram
A cloud-based mobile and desktop messaging app focused on security and speed.
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • Secure and fast messaging with end-to-end encryption.
- • Cloud-based and synced across all devices (mobile and desktop).
| At a Glance |  Telegram | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free |
Best For | Team Chat | Team Chat |
Rating | 82/100 | 81/100 |
| Feature | Zulip | Telegram |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Free |
| Editorial Score | 82 | 81 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Team ChatInternal Comms | Team ChatVideo Conferencing |
Understanding the Differences
Both Zulip and Telegram solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Zulip positions itself as "open-source team chat with threads" while Telegramfocuses on "a cloud-based mobile and desktop messaging app focused on security and speed.". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Zulip
Zulip makes sense if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a free tier solution. With a score of 82/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Telegram
Telegram is worth considering if you need a free tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Zulip lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Zulip
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Zulip handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Zulip
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Both have enterprise tiers—compare their security features.
We'd pick: Zulip
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Zero budget? Telegram won't cost you anything.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Zulip higher (82/100). But the community has upvoted Telegram more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Zulip Does Better
- Higher overall score (82/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Telegram If
- You need a completely free solution
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Zulip (82/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Zulip scores higher in our analysis, but Telegram might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Zulip or Telegram better?
Based on our analysis, Zulip scores higher with 82/100. Zulip isfreemium while Telegram is free. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Zulip to Telegram easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Zulip and Telegram offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Zulip is freemium with a free tier.Telegram is completely free. Visit their websites for current trial offers.