A cloud-based mobile and desktop messaging app focused on security and speed.
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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
Pricing checked Jul 9, 2026
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
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4.7/5
Across 6,395 verified user reviews on Capterra
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Telegram FAQ
How does Telegram facilitate large-scale community communication?
Telegram supports large group chats for up to 200,000 members and offers channels for broadcasting messages to an unlimited audience. This allows for broad dissemination of information and interaction within large communities or organizations.
Which teams would benefit most from using Telegram?
Telegram is particularly beneficial for business users and small teams that require large group capabilities, desktop applications, and advanced administrative tools. Its focus on secure and fast communication across multiple devices supports collaborative work environments.
How does Telegram compare to Discord for team communication?
Telegram offers large group chats for up to 200,000 members and channels for unlimited audiences, alongside end-to-end encrypted voice and video calls. While both are communication tools, Telegram emphasizes security and broad broadcasting capabilities.
What kind of limitations should users be aware of when considering Telegram?
Users should be aware of potential privacy concerns and moderation issues that have been noted with Telegram. Additionally, it faces strong competition in the messaging space and is less popular in the US compared to other regions.
How is Telegram priced?
Telegram is free to use, with no paid plans required to access its features. This makes it an accessible option for individuals and teams seeking a cost-free messaging solution.
Can Telegram be used across different devices seamlessly?
Yes, Telegram allows for seamless synchronization of chats across phones, tablets, and computers. Users can send messages, photos, videos, and files of any type from any of their linked devices.
Source: telegram.org