Telegram vs Microsoft Teams

Telegram9.3Visit Microsoft Teams9.0Visit

Higher score Telegram #2 in Instant Messaging Software 9.3/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 2 features Visit Telegram

vs

Microsoft Teams #5 in Instant Messaging Software 9.0/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 2 features Try Microsoft Teams

• Telegram fits best

  Large communities and multi-device chat

• Microsoft Teams fits best

  Organizations needing integrated team chat

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature	Telegram 9.3/10 Visit ↗	Microsoft Teams 9.0/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.3	9.0
Ranking	#2 in Instant Messaging Software	#5 in Instant Messaging Software
Best for	Large communities and multi-device chat	Organizations needing integrated team chat
Pricing model	Free plan + paid	Free plan + paid
Starting price	—	—
Free plan	✓	✓
Free trial	—	—
Deployment	Cloud, Desktop, Mobile	Cloud, Desktop, Mobile
Platforms	Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android	Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
Support	Tickets, Docs, Community	Phone, Docs, Community
Compliance	GDPR, 2FA	SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, 2FA
Integrations	2 integrations	250+ integrations
Built for	Solo, Small business	Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Telegram 0/2 · Microsoft Teams 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	Combines chat, channels, meetings, calling, files, and collaborative apps Deep Microsoft 365 integration with SharePoint, OneDrive, Outlook, and Power Platform Supports guest access, recordings, transcripts, compliance controls, and Linux
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	Broad scope may exceed the needs of teams seeking simple chat Business capabilities are spread across multiple Microsoft licensing plans Teams Free is primarily positioned for personal use
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 →	Microsoft Teams brings private and group chat, organized channels, audio and video meetings, cloud calling, file sharing, collaborative editing, workflows, and app integrations into one service. It suits solo users, small and mid-market… Read the review →

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

• Microsoft Teams — where it wins

  • Combines chat, channels, meetings, calling, files, and collaborative apps
  • Deep Microsoft 365 integration with SharePoint, OneDrive, Outlook, and Power Platform
  • Supports guest access, recordings, transcripts, compliance controls, and Linux

  Where it doesn't

  • Broad scope may exceed the needs of teams seeking simple chat
  • Business capabilities are spread across multiple Microsoft licensing plans
  • Teams Free is primarily positioned for personal use

• Telegram9.3/10 · Free plan

  A free, cloud-synced messenger built for large groups and access across devices.

  Visit TelegramFull verdict →
• Microsoft Teams9.0/10 · Free plan

  A broad collaboration suite for organizations already invested in Microsoft services.

  Try Microsoft TeamsFull verdict →