Head-to-head · Secure Messaging Apps
Telegram vs Threema
Telegram leads on 2 checks, Threema on 0, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 6 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreTelegram · 8.4/10
- Free planonly Telegram
Telegram scores higher on our rubric for secure messaging apps: 8.4 against 8.3 out of 10; our editors rank them #8 and #9.
Telegram offers free plan; Threema doesn't. On account requirement, Threema gives you None where Telegram offers Phone. Telegram leads on maximum group size: 200000 members versus 256 members.
Telegram is the better fit for large communities and bot-enabled messaging. Threema is the better fit for users comfortable with a one-time purchase.
- Telegram fits best
Large communities and bot-enabled messaging
- Threema fits best
Users comfortable with a one-time purchase
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Side by side
| Feature | Telegram 8.4/10 Visit ↗ | Threema 8.3/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.4 | 8.3 |
| Ranking | #8 in Secure Messaging Apps | #9 in Secure Messaging Apps |
| Best for | Large communities and bot-enabled messaging | Users comfortable with a one-time purchase |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Paid |
| Starting price | — | $7.49/unit one-time |
| Free plan | ✓ (best) | — |
| 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 | Tickets, Docs |
| Compliance | GDPR, 2FA | GDPR |
| Built for | Solo, Small business | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features Telegram 4/4 · Threema 4/4 | ||
| Encrypted backups | ✓ | ✓ |
| Desktop apps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Multi-device support | ✓ | ✓ |
| Disappearing messages | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Account requirement | Phone | None |
| Maximum group size | 200000 members (best) | 256 members |
| Our review | ||
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| Our verdict | 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 → |
Threema is a secure messaging app for individuals, organizations, authorities, and security-sensitive teams. It supports end-to-end encrypted text and voice messages, voice and video calls, group chats, file sharing, polls, emoji… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
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
Threema — where it wins
- End-to-end encrypted messages, calls, and group calls
- Encrypted backups, multi-device support, and automatic deletion
- Works across mobile, desktop, and web platforms
Where it doesn't
- No free plan for evaluating the app
- Groups are limited to 256 members
- No built-in AI features
- Telegram8.4/10 · Free plan
A broad messaging app for large communities, multi-device chats and bot-enabled workflows.
Visit TelegramFull verdict → - Threema8.3/10 · 30-day trial
A paid, open-source messenger with broad platform support and strong privacy features.
Visit ThreemaFull 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