Telegram
Telegram: A broad messaging app for large communities, multi-device chats and bot-enabled workflows. Ranked #8 of 36 in Secure Messaging Apps by our editors (8.4/10); pricing: Free plan; best for large communities and bot-enabled messaging.
At a glance
- Editor score8.4 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forLarge communities and bot-enabled messaging
- Free planYes
- Account requirementPhone
- Founded2013 · Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Facts checked21 Sep 2026
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
Our verdict on Telegram
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 platform also supports voice and video calls, file sharing, usernames, bots, and broadcast channels, making it suited to both direct conversations and large public or private communities. Groups can support up to 200,000 members, while the service is available on iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux, the web, and through its API.
The pricing model is freemium. The Free plan includes the core messaging, community, synchronization, and platform-access features. Telegram Premium is offered with monthly and yearly subscriptions and adds doubled limits, 4 GB file uploads, faster downloads, voice-to-text, and no ads. Those additions matter most for people who regularly share large files, manage high-volume conversations, or want higher usage limits. Users with lighter messaging needs can stay on the Free plan, while active communities and power users have a clear upgrade path.
Telegram’s main trade-off is its encryption model. Cloud chats are encrypted and support multi-device access, while end-to-end encryption applies to separate Secret Chats. Secret Chats include self-destruct timers and are device-specific rather than stored in the cloud. That distinction makes Telegram a strong fit for broad communication, large groups, channels, calls, files, and bot-enabled workflows, but a less suitable choice for anyone who expects end-to-end encryption across every conversation. Choose it for reach, platform coverage, and community scale; consider an alternative if universal end-to-end encryption is the priority.
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Telegram pricing
All 2 Telegram plans and prices →
Telegram fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Not verified |
| Account requirement | Phone |
| Encrypted backups | Yes |
| Desktop apps | Yes |
| Maximum group size | 200000 members |
| Multi-device support | Yes |
| Disappearing messages | Yes |
| Deployment | Cloud, Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android |
| Compliance & security | GDPR, 2FA |
| Support | Tickets, Docs, Community |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 2 integrations: Telegram API, Bot API |
| Pricing | Free plan (source) |
| Website | telegram.org |
| Facts checked | 21 Sep 2026 |
Telegram integrations
Telegram lists 2 integrations on its own site.
- Telegram API
- Bot API
Alternatives to Telegram
- SignalFree, open-source messaging with encrypted calls, groups, and optional paid backups.9.4
- WhatsAppA broadly available free messenger with strong everyday privacy features and wide platform support.9.3
- ElementA secure, extensible collaboration app for teams that need control and interoperability.9.1
See all Telegram alternatives →
Telegram vs the competition
Compare Telegram with any tool side by side →
Also Ranked In
Telegram is ranked in 6 of our directories.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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