A cloud-based mobile and desktop messaging app focused on security and speed.
Visit WebsiteReviews onCapterra
6395 reviews trackedThe Bottom Line
Entry price
Free, no paid tier
Biggest pro
Good messaging app
Biggest con
Privacy concerns
TL;DR - Telegram
- Secure and fast messaging with end-to-end encryption.
- Cloud-based and synced across all devices (mobile and desktop).
- Supports large groups (up to 200,000 members) and unlimited broadcast channels.
Pricing: Free forever
Best for: Individuals & startups
4.7/5 across review platforms
What is Telegram?
Telegram is a fast, secure, and free messaging application that allows users to send messages, photos, videos, and files of any type across multiple devices simultaneously. It offers seamless synchronization of chats across phones, tablets, and computers, making it a versatile tool for personal and business communication. Key features include end-to-end encrypted voice and video calls, large group chats for up to 200,000 members, channels for broadcasting to unlimited audiences, and powerful file sharing options.
Telegram is designed for anyone seeking reliable and fast messaging, with particular benefits for business users and small teams due to its large group capabilities, desktop apps, and advanced administrative tools. It emphasizes privacy with heavily encrypted, self-destructing messages and offers an open API and source code. Users can customize their messenger experience and manage disk space with cloud support and cache management.
Available on: Web, iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Good messaging app
- Good security
- Bot platform
- Active development
- Free
Cons
- Privacy concerns
- Less popular in US
- Moderation issues
- Feature bloat
- Competition strong
Ratings Across the Web
4.7(6,395 reviews)
Ratings aggregated from independent review platforms. Learn more
Key Features
Instant messagingGroup chatsChannelsBot platformFile sharingEnd-to-end encryption
Pricing Plans
Free
Free
- Unlimited messages
- Groups up to 200k members
- 2GB file uploads
- Voice & video calls
- Secret chats
Premium
$4.99/month
- All Free features
- 4GB file uploads
- Faster downloads
- Doubled limits
- Exclusive stickers & reactions
- No ads
- $35.99/year option
Reviews
4.7/5
Across 6,395 verified user reviews on Capterra
Add your hands-on experience to help the next buyer.
Best Telegram Alternatives
Top alternatives based on features, pricing, and user needs.
Still deciding?
Most buyers shortlist 2 or 3 tools before committing. Pull a side-by-side comparison or browse the full alternatives shortlist below.
Explore More
Telegram FAQ
What is Telegram?
Telegram is a cloud-based messaging app with end-to-end encryption, large groups, and file sharing.
Is Telegram free?
Telegram is free. Premium is $4.99/month with larger uploads, faster downloads, and exclusive features.
Telegram vs WhatsApp?
Telegram has larger groups, more features, and is cloud-based. WhatsApp is more widely used for personal chat.
Source: telegram.org