Both Telegram and WhatsApp are popular messaging apps used by millions of people around the world. Choosing between them can be difficult as they both have their pros and cons. This article compares the two apps across various factors like features, security, privacy, user experience and more to help you decide which one is better for your needs.
Features
Messaging
Both Telegram and WhatsApp offer standard messaging features like text messages, images, videos, documents etc. On Telegram, you can send messages to individual users as well as groups of up to 200,000 members. WhatsApp has a lower group limit of 256 participants.
Telegram supports larger files up to 2GB in size compared to WhatsApp’s 100MB limit. It also has better media editing tools, allowing you to crop images and videos before sending. WhatsApp lacks built-in editing.
Overall, Telegram edges out WhatsApp when it comes to messaging flexibility.
Calls
Voice and video calls are available on both platforms. Telegram supports group video calls for up to 30 users. WhatsApp has a lower limit of 8 participants in group calls.
Call quality is similar on both apps. Telegram calls support picture-in-picture mode allowing you to multitask during calls. WhatsApp lacks this feature.
Storage
WhatsApp automatically saves all media to your phone’s storage by default. Telegram gives you the flexibility to save media either to device storage or cloud storage.
Telegram has unlimited cloud storage for chatting while WhatsApp limits you to 100MB. For media, Telegram gives you free storage up to 200MB with the option to increase it up to 2GB. WhatsApp does not provide free cloud storage for media.
So Telegram clearly has the upper hand when it comes to cloud storage and management.
User Profiles
Both apps allow you to create a profile with your name, photo and status. Telegram profiles are more versatile with the option to include a bio, links to external channels, groups and bots. WhatsApp profile customization is limited.
Bots
Telegram has native support for bots – automated accounts that can provide useful functionality. Thousands of pre-built bots exist, or you can create your own. WhatsApp does not have bot capability.
Other Features
A few other handy features in Telegram include:
– Channels for broadcasting messages to unlimited subscribers
– Usernames that allow contacts to find you without sharing numbers
– Polls, quizzes and albums
– Advanced search filters
– No chat history limit
WhatsApp has some additional features like:
– Stickers and emoji filters
– Support for multiple devices
– End-to-end encrypted cloud backups
Overall Telegram comes out ahead in terms of features due to its functional advantages like flexible messaging, cloud storage and bots.
Security
Encryption
WhatsApp uses end-to-end encryption for all chats, calls and media by default. This ensures only the sender and recipient can read messages, not even WhatsApp itself.
Telegram chats also support end-to-end encryption but it’s not enabled by default like WhatsApp. You have to create a ‘secret chat’ which activates encryption. Telegram calls are not end-to-end encrypted.
For maximum security, WhatsApp is safer as all communications are encrypted without requiring additional steps from the user.
Hacking and Bans
Telegram says it has robust measures to block spam, malware and prevent hacking. Channels, groups and bots need to be verified before being indexed. WhatsApp is more vulnerable to hacking as evidenced by tools like GBWhatsApp that bypass restrictions.
Telegram has been banned in some countries like Russia and Iran for not sharing encryption keys with governments while WhatsApp has largely avoided complete bans.
Overall, WhatsApp edges out when it comes to security assurances and avoiding government bans.
Privacy
User Data Collection
WhatsApp’s parent company Facebook has a poor track record on user privacy. While WhatsApp collects limited metadata currently, Facebook plans to integrate WhatsApp deeper into its analytics systems according to its privacy policy.
Telegram collects minimal user data and does not share it with third parties. It is not connected to an external ecosystem like Facebook.
User Control
Telegram allows users to delete their account along with all associated messages and media. This can be done directly from the app’s settings.
WhatsApp does not allow account deletion from the app. You have to email their support team to request account removal. Even after deletion, backups on Google Drive may still retain WhatsApp data.
Clearly Telegram provides more privacy control to users when it comes to data deletion and account termination.
User Experience
Interface and Ease of Use
Both apps have clean, minimalist interfaces. WhatsApp follows the classic mobile messaging design similar to SMS apps. Telegram has slightly more complex navigation due to its expanded features.
First time users may find WhatsApp slightly easier to adapt to. Telegram may require spending some time to locate all its options.
Platform Availability
WhatsApp offers native apps for iOS, Android, Windows Phone, and desktop apps for Windows, macOS and the web.
Telegram is available on all the same platforms as WhatsApp, plus has an Apple Watch app and substantially more desktop platforms including Linux and BSD.
Speed
Both apps deliver messages quickly across platforms. Telegram may have a slight edge for media delivery due to its cloud storage and caching systems.
Stickers and Expressiveness
WhatsApp has an extensive collection of fun stickers and emoji tools for expressing yourself. Telegram’s default stickers are more limited but you can add sticker packs and custom emoji.
Multi-device Support
WhatsApp allows linking up to 4 devices to one account. Telegram has true native multi-device sync that works seamlessly across any number of installed apps.
Cost
Telegram is free to use with no limits. WhatsApp is also free but has a small yearly subscription fee of $1.99 for business accounts using advanced features like custom responses and labels.
Both apps offer all core messaging features without any subscription fee.
Popularity
WhatsApp has a much larger global user base of around 2 billion monthly active users compared to Telegram’s 500 million MAUs.
WhatsApp is especially dominant in countries like India and Brazil where it has over 85% market share. Telegram is more popular among technical communities and professionals. It does not have such commanding market share in any country.
So if you need an app that most of your contacts will already be using, WhatsApp has the advantage. But Telegram adoption is steadily rising worldwide.
Conclusion
To summarize the key differences:
| Category | Telegram | |
|---|---|---|
| Features | More features like cloud storage, channels and bots | Less features but covers core messaging |
| Security | Encryption not on by default | End-to-end encryption on by default |
| Privacy | Minimal data collection | Data shared with Facebook |
| User Experience | More complex interface | Easier to use initially |
| Cost | Free | Free (business fee) |
| Popularity | 500 million MAU | 2 billion MAU |
In summary:
– Telegram has richer features, especially for advanced users
– WhatsApp is simpler to use and more secure by default
– Telegram gives users more control over privacy
– WhatsApp has a larger established user base
For most regular users who just need basic messaging, WhatsApp is likely the better choice. The large user base means you’ll need fewer contacts to switch over.
But for power users who care about functionality, configurability and privacy, Telegram may be worth considering instead. Although it has a smaller audience at present, it gives you more technical flexibility.
So weigh your priorities in terms of features, security, user base and convenience to pick the app that’s right for your needs. Both Telegram and WhatsApp are excellent choices that serve different segments.