Head-to-head · Secure Messaging Apps
Jami vs Telegram
Jami leads on 0 checks, Telegram on 0, and 5 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreJami · 8.5/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresTelegram · 4 of 4
Jami scores higher on our rubric for secure messaging apps: 8.5 against 8.4 out of 10; our editors rank them #7 and #8.
Jami is the better fit for users wanting secure calls and conferencing. Telegram is the better fit for large communities and bot-enabled messaging.
- Jami fits best
Users wanting secure calls and conferencing
- Telegram fits best
Large communities and bot-enabled messaging
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Side by side
| Feature | Jami 8.5/10 Visit ↗ | Telegram 8.4/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.5 | 8.4 |
| Ranking | #7 in Secure Messaging Apps | #8 in Secure Messaging Apps |
| Best for | Users wanting secure calls and conferencing | Large communities and bot-enabled messaging |
| Pricing model | Free | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | Free plan | — |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop, Mobile | Cloud, Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android | Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android |
| Support | Email, Community, Docs | Tickets, Docs, Community |
| Integrations | 1 integrations | 2 integrations |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Solo, Small business |
| Features Jami 0/4 · Telegram 4/4 | ||
| Encrypted backups | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Desktop apps | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Multi-device support | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Disappearing messages | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Specs | ||
| Account requirement | Not checked yet | Phone |
| Maximum group size | Not checked yet | 200000 members |
| Our review | ||
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Jami is a free, open-source communication application for private messaging, voice and video calls, group conversations, conferencing, file sharing, and screen sharing. It is designed for users who want encrypted communications across web,… Read the review → |
Telegram is a cloud-based messaging app for individuals, communities, businesses and small teams. Its free plan combines private messaging, groups and channels, cloud synchronization, and access through mobile, desktop and web apps. The… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Jami — where it wins
- Free and open source with default end-to-end encryption
- Supports group calls, conferencing, screen sharing, and file sharing
- Runs across web, desktop, and mobile platforms with linked devices
Where it doesn't
- Its peer-to-peer architecture may not suit teams seeking central administration
- The integration focus is narrow, centered on SIP client support
- Its broad feature set may be more than needed for simple secure messaging
Telegram — where it wins
- Groups support up to 200,000 members
- Cloud chats sync across mobile, desktop and web
- Bots, channels, calls and file sharing cover broad use cases
Where it doesn't
- End-to-end encryption is limited to Secret Chats
- Secret Chats are device-specific and not stored in the cloud
- A phone is required to create an account
- Jami8.5/10 · Free plan
A free, open-source choice for encrypted messaging, calls, and conferencing.
Visit JamiFull verdict → - Telegram8.4/10 · Free plan
A broad messaging app for large communities, multi-device chats and bot-enabled workflows.
Visit TelegramFull verdict →
More comparisons
All secure messaging apps comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update