Choosing the right messaging app can be tricky, especially with so many options that seem similar on the surface. WhatsApp and Telegram are two of the most popular options, each with its own strengths and unique features. WhatsApp is everywhere, while Telegram has quickly gained fans, especially those who value privacy and customization. So, if you’re debating between these two, let’s break down everything you need to know to help you decide.
Who’s Using These Apps?
Let’s start with a look at who’s actually using these apps. WhatsApp, launched back in 2009, is huge—with over 2 billion active users worldwide. With such a massive user base, chances are high that most of your friends, family, and even coworkers are already using it, which makes connecting with people super easy.
Telegram, on the other hand, launched in 2013 and has a smaller but fast-growing user base, now over 700 million strong. Telegram became especially popular after WhatsApp’s privacy policy changes in 2021, which led many to look for more privacy-friendly alternatives. Telegram has since built a strong reputation among those who value control over their data.
Features That Make Messaging More Fun
Both Telegram and WhatsApp cover the basics, but each app has its own unique features that set it apart. Let’s dig into what makes them different.
Easy Chatting with Fun Add-Ons
Both WhatsApp and Telegram let you send text messages, photos, videos, voice messages, and more. But Telegram offers a bit more freedom in how you use these features. For instance, you can send as many photos as you want in a single message, and they’ll keep their original quality. WhatsApp, on the other hand, limits you to 30 photos per message and compresses them, which can be a downside if you love sharing high-quality images.
Telegram also has “video messages”—short, one-minute video clips that you can send within chats. It’s a fun, quick way to send personal updates. WhatsApp has a similar feature but limits video messages to 30 seconds, which may feel a bit short if you’re used to being expressive.
Group Chats for Small Gatherings and Big Communities
If you love group chats, Telegram really shines here. It supports groups with up to 200,000 members, making it ideal for large communities, public groups, or even online classes. WhatsApp recently increased its group size limit to 1,024 members, which works for most friends or work groups but doesn’t quite match Telegram’s huge capacity.
Telegram also offers tools to keep large groups manageable. For example, “Slow Mode” allows group admins to control how often members can send messages. Admins can also pin important messages at the top, ensuring that key info doesn’t get lost in the flow of conversation.
Calls That Keep You Connected
Both apps let you make voice and video calls easily, with end-to-end encryption for added security. Telegram has the advantage of group video calls, allowing up to 30 participants, and making it great for team meetings, virtual hangouts, or family catch-ups. WhatsApp, in contrast, limits group video calls to 8 people, which may be a drawback if you need to connect with a larger group.
Fun Emojis and Stickers That Help You Express Yourself
For those who love adding a bit of flair to messages, both apps have a good selection of emojis and stickers. Telegram, however, takes it a step further by letting users create their own sticker packs and share them with others. They even have sticker bots that let you upload stickers, create packs, and track how often each sticker is used. WhatsApp’s sticker selection is simpler and only offers packs available in its built-in store.
File Sharing Without the Size Limits
Telegram stands out for its generous file-sharing limits. Free users can share files up to 2GB, and premium users can go up to 4GB per file. WhatsApp, meanwhile, limits file-sharing to 100MB, which might be restrictive for those who frequently send large media files. Telegram also supports a wider variety of file types and keeps files in their original quality, while WhatsApp compresses them, which can affect quality.
Privacy Settings That Matter
Privacy is a top concern for many, and both apps provide some solid options to keep your conversations secure. However, Telegram offers a bit more flexibility in how you control your privacy.
Keeping Things Private with End-to-End Encryption
WhatsApp uses end-to-end encryption for all messages by default, making it a safe choice for those who want consistent encryption. Telegram only uses end-to-end encryption for Secret Chats, while regular chats are protected by Telegram’s MTProto protocol. For users who want every conversation encrypted, WhatsApp might feel more secure, while Telegram’s setup lets you choose when you want that extra layer.
Messages That Disappear When You’re Done
Telegram offers self-destructing messages within Secret Chats, where you can set a timer and have messages deleted automatically from both devices. WhatsApp has a similar disappearing messages feature but with fewer options and no automatic timer.
Access Across Devices with Cloud Backup
Telegram stores data on encrypted cloud servers, which makes it easy to access chats across devices. WhatsApp’s backup relies on Google Drive or iCloud, which some may see as less secure due to third-party involvement.
Extra Protection with Two-Step Verification
Both apps support two-step verification, but Telegram adds a password requirement along with a phone code, giving it an extra layer of protection.
Special Features That Set Each App Apart
If you’re still undecided, here are a few unique extras that each app offers.
Telegram’s Cool Extras
- Scheduled Messages: Perfect for reminders or timed updates when you’re not online.
- Silent Messages: Send messages quietly without notifications—a nice touch for non-urgent updates.
- Hashtags: Organize chats with hashtags, which is especially useful in large groups.
- Inline Bots: Access tools like translators or web searches right in the chat for added convenience.
- Multiple Accounts: Telegram supports up to three accounts on a single device, making it easy to separate work, personal, and project communications.
WhatsApp’s Handy Extras
- Status: Share photos, videos, and text updates that disappear after 24 hours—similar to Instagram Stories.
- Payments: Available in select regions, WhatsApp lets you send and receive money directly in the app.
- WhatsApp Business: A separate app designed for small businesses, offering tools like business profiles and automated replies.
A Look at the Layout and Style
A Design That Matches Your Style
Design often comes down to personal preference. Telegram has a modern, clean look with lots of theme options—even individual chat themes, allowing you to truly personalize your messaging experience. WhatsApp keeps things simple with a basic color scheme and a minimalistic layout, which works well if you prefer a straightforward approach.
Easy-to-Use Navigation
User experience isn’t just about looks; it’s what keeps you coming back to an app. Telegram is highly customizable with features like chat folders, pinned messages, and scheduled messages, making it easy to keep conversations organized. WhatsApp, on the other hand, focuses on a simple, traditional chat layout, which is easy to navigate and ideal for those who want a no-fuss experience.
Fast Performance and Easy File Transfers
Both apps perform well, but Telegram often stands out for its speed, especially in areas with a weaker connection.
Speed for Big File Transfers
Telegram’s generous file limits and fast transfer speeds make it ideal for sharing large files like videos or documents, while WhatsApp’s 100MB limit is fine for basic sharing but can be restrictive for larger media files.
Reliability and Stability When It Matters
Both apps maintain reliable uptime and server stability, syncing quickly across devices and minimizing downtime. Telegram’s cloud-based architecture also ensures smooth syncing across multiple devices.
Free to Use, But Extras Cost a Little
Both apps are free, but each offers premium options if you’re interested in extra features.
- Telegram Premium: For $4.99/month, you get perks like larger file uploads (up to 4GB), faster downloads, exclusive stickers, and more options for chat management.
- WhatsApp Premium: Geared toward business users, WhatsApp Premium includes tools like multi-agent support for customer interaction. Availability and pricing vary by region.
Available Across Devices You Already Use
No matter your device, you’ll find a version of WhatsApp or Telegram that works for you. Here’s a quick look at platform availability and system requirements for each app.
Works on Most Devices
Both WhatsApp and Telegram are available on Android, iOS, Windows, and Mac. Telegram’s web and desktop versions work independently after an initial setup, so you can continue chatting even if your phone is offline. WhatsApp’s web version requires your phone to be connected, which some may find limiting.
Minimal System Requirements for Smooth Running
Both apps support iOS 9.0 or later and Android 6.0 or higher. Telegram’s power-saving mode is especially helpful for older devices, conserving battery life by disabling resource-intensive features.
In Summary: Pick the App That Fits Your Needs
Choosing between WhatsApp and Telegram depends on what you value most. WhatsApp is familiar, simple, and perfect for daily chats, while Telegram’s customization and privacy options make it ideal for those wanting extra control. Try them both and see which one feels right—you might just find your perfect match!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which app offers better privacy options, WhatsApp or Telegram?
Both apps offer strong privacy features, but Telegram provides more user control over settings. While WhatsApp has end-to-end encryption for all chats, Telegram applies end-to-end encryption only in Secret Chats, allowing users to choose when they want to add privacy. Telegram also has self-destructing messages and cloud storage on encrypted servers, adding more privacy options.
2. Can I use multiple accounts on WhatsApp and Telegram?
Telegram allows up to three accounts on one device, each with its own phone number, making it easy to manage personal, work, and project-based chats. WhatsApp currently only supports one account per device, so users cannot have multiple accounts within the same app.
3. What are the file-sharing limits on WhatsApp and Telegram?
Telegram has generous file-sharing limits, allowing up to 2GB per file for free users and 4GB for premium users, with no quality compression. WhatsApp’s limit is 100MB per file, and it compresses files, which can reduce the quality of shared media.
4. Which app is better for group chats?
Telegram is ideal for larger communities or organizations, supporting up to 200,000 members in one group. It also offers advanced group management tools, such as Slow Mode and multiple pinned messages. WhatsApp recently increased its group limit to 1,024, which is suitable for social or work groups but is more limited than Telegram.
