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Head-to-head · Instant Messaging Software

Telegram vs Slack

  • 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
Slack #6 in Instant Messaging Software 8.9/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 2 features Visit Slack

Telegram leads on 0 checks, Slack 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 featuresSlack · 1 of 2

Telegram scores higher on our rubric for instant messaging software: 9.3 against 8.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #6.

Telegram is the better fit for large communities and multi-device chat. Slack is the better fit for teams coordinating work across connected tools.

  • Telegram fits best

    Large communities and multi-device chat

  • Slack fits best

    Teams coordinating work across connected tools

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Side by side

Feature Telegram 9.3/10 Visit ↗ Slack 8.9/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.3 8.9
Ranking #2 in Instant Messaging Software #6 in Instant Messaging Software
Best for Large communities and multi-device chat Teams coordinating work across connected tools
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free plan + paid
Starting price — $7.25/user/mo
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 Docs · 24/7
Compliance GDPR, 2FA SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR, HIPAA, SSO/SAML, 2FA
Integrations 2 integrations 2,600+ integrations
Built for Solo, Small business Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Telegram 0/2 · Slack 1/2
End-to-end encryption Not checked yet Not checked yet
Guest access Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Specs
Message history Not checked yet Limited
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
  • Public and private channels organize team conversations.
  • Slack Connect supports collaboration with external organizations.
  • Workflow Builder, huddles and AI summaries extend beyond messaging.
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
  • Free includes only 90 days of message history.
  • Free limits integrations to 10 apps and meetings to 1:1.
  • Pro and Business+ charge per user; Enterprise+ pricing is not shown here.
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 →

Slack brings workplace conversations into channels, direct messages and huddles, with files, app connections and workflow automation alongside them. It suits teams that want a shared place to coordinate work, whether they are small…

Read the review →
  1. TelegramInstant Messaging Software 9.3Free plan
  2. SlackInstant Messaging Software 8.9Free 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

  • Slack — where it wins

    • Public and private channels organize team conversations.
    • Slack Connect supports collaboration with external organizations.
    • Workflow Builder, huddles and AI summaries extend beyond messaging.

    Where it doesn't

    • Free includes only 90 days of message history.
    • Free limits integrations to 10 apps and meetings to 1:1.
    • Pro and Business+ charge per user; Enterprise+ pricing is not shown here.

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