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Head-to-head · Instant Messaging Software

Telegram vs Mattermost

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 2 checks side by side
Higher score Telegram #2 in Instant Messaging Software 9.3/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 2 features Visit Telegram
Mattermost #8 in Instant Messaging Software 8.7/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 2 features Visit Mattermost

Telegram leads on 0 checks, Mattermost on 0, and 2 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 2 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreTelegram · 9.3/10
  • Free planboth
  • Most featuresMattermost · 1 of 2

Telegram scores higher on our rubric for instant messaging software: 9.3 against 8.7 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #8.

Telegram is the better fit for large communities and multi-device chat. Mattermost is the better fit for open-source team messaging with automation.

  • Telegram fits best

    Large communities and multi-device chat

  • Mattermost fits best

    Open-source team messaging with automation

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Side by side

Feature Telegram 9.3/10 Visit ↗ Mattermost 8.7/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.3 8.7
Ranking #2 in Instant Messaging Software #8 in Instant Messaging Software
Best for Large communities and multi-device chat Open-source team messaging with automation
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free plan + paid
Starting price — —
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud, Desktop, Mobile Cloud, Self-hosted, Desktop, Mobile
Platforms Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
Support Tickets, Docs, Community Email, Tickets, Community, Docs
Compliance GDPR, 2FA ISO 27001, GDPR
Integrations 2 integrations 700+ integrations
Built for Solo, Small business Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Telegram 0/2 · Mattermost 1/2
End-to-end encryption Not checked yet Not checked yet
Guest access Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Specs
Message history Not checked yet Unlimited
Max group size 200000 members Not checked yet
File size limit Not checked yet Not checked yet
Supported platforms Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Groups support up to 200,000 members, alongside broadcast channels
  • Cloud synchronization keeps chats accessible across mobile, desktop and web
  • Secret Chats offer end-to-end encryption, with self-destruct timers
  • Supports self-hosted deployment across web, desktop, and mobile clients.
  • Combines channels, searchable history, calls, screen sharing, and guest access.
  • Automation tools and integrations include bots, APIs, webhooks, GitHub, and Jira.
Cons
  • Secret Chats are device-specific and are not stored in the cloud
  • An account requires a phone number
  • Premium subscription pricing varies by country, app store and payment provider
  • Professional and Enterprise pricing is contact-based.
  • Enterprise AI features are reserved for the Enterprise plan.
  • Its operational and DevOps emphasis may not suit teams seeking a simpler chat tool.
Our verdict

Telegram is a cloud-based messaging app for individuals, communities, businesses and small teams. It combines private messaging, file sharing, voice and video calls, large groups, broadcast channels, usernames and bots. Its free plan…

Read the review →

Mattermost brings public and private channels, direct and group messaging, searchable message and file history, and calls into one collaboration platform. It is aimed at technical, operational, defense, government, and…

Read the review →
  1. TelegramInstant Messaging Software 9.3Free plan
  2. MattermostInstant Messaging Software 8.7Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Telegram — where it wins

    • Groups support up to 200,000 members, alongside broadcast channels
    • Cloud synchronization keeps chats accessible across mobile, desktop and web
    • Secret Chats offer end-to-end encryption, with self-destruct timers

    Where it doesn't

    • Secret Chats are device-specific and are not stored in the cloud
    • An account requires a phone number
    • Premium subscription pricing varies by country, app store and payment provider

  • Mattermost — where it wins

    • Supports self-hosted deployment across web, desktop, and mobile clients.
    • Combines channels, searchable history, calls, screen sharing, and guest access.
    • Automation tools and integrations include bots, APIs, webhooks, GitHub, and Jira.

    Where it doesn't

    • Professional and Enterprise pricing is contact-based.
    • Enterprise AI features are reserved for the Enterprise plan.
    • Its operational and DevOps emphasis may not suit teams seeking a simpler chat tool.

More comparisons

All instant messaging software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update