Everything from our casual daily communications to our business dealings, most of us can not live without these digital messaging tools today. Among them, WhatsApp and Telegram are the leading choices that occupy most of the market share. The immense user base of WhatsApp and its simple UI against Telegram’s security-focused features can be a hard decision to make. In this article, we will pit Telegram vs WhatsApp to help you figure out the best options for privacy, security, and convenience. Let’s dive in!
Telegram vs WhatsApp: Feature comparison
The instant messaging service, WhatsApp, rolled out in 2009 to achieve rapid global dominance. The acquisition of WhatsApp by Facebook (subsequently renamed Meta) resulted in its user base surpassing 2 billion people in 2024. The service reaches the majority of users in Brazil while controlling the communication space in both Europe and the Middle East.
The rebel status belongs to Telegram since the Durov brothers established it in 2013. The messaging platform reaches more than 900 million subscribers in Russia as well as Iran and similar communities. Due to its Russian ownership, Telegram operates apart from major tech companies, enhancing its reputation as a privacy-focused platform.
Here is a comprehensive messaging app comparison:
| Feature | Telegram | |
| User base | 2B+ users | 900m+ users |
| Supported platforms | iOS, Android, Web, Desktop | iOS, Android, Web, Desktop |
| Messages, Calls | Text, voice, video | Text, voice, video |
| Group size | 1024 members | 200,000 members |
| Media sharing | 2GB Max file size | 2GB (free)/ 4GB (Premium) |
| Online status | Optional, limited control | Customizable, hidden options |
| Pricing | Free | Free, with premium option |
| Integration | WhatsApp Business, Meta services | Bots, cloud storage, channels |
| Business model | Ad-free, but Meta owned | Free + Premium subscription |
Telegram vs WhatsApp security is a controversial debate. On one hand, Telegram doesn’t sell data to marketers, while WhatsApp offers better E2EE protection. Telegram provides many built-in features that surpass the basic functionalities of WhatsApp. Users benefit from sizable group messaging combined with improved privacy functions along with automatic bots. However, if you prefer familiarity and global reach, stick to WhatsApp.
Messaging and media sharing
In terms of the most basic text, voice, and video chatting features for communication tools, those two apps are on par.
The basic WhatsApp features include sending messages combined with voice notes and media files with maximum 2GB sizes. Telegram? The app enables a 4GB file capacity through its premium level and maintains complete file compression.
The maximum number of users per WhatsApp group is 1024, but Telegram reaches 200000 users in each group. Group chats in Telegram are organized through its Topic function.
Now, the fun stuff: WhatsApp status vs Telegram channels. On WhatsApp, users can post discreet content that self-destructs within a time-limited status window (24 hours), resembling Snapchat features. On the other side, the Telegram Channels serve as an effective platform to broadcast information to countless members. No contest there.
Users of Telegram can access self-destruct messages alongside cloud storage features in addition to their bots system. WhatsApp? Also has disappearing messages but lacks the botting features.
Customization and user experience
Telegram wins big on customization. With the standout features, you can modify themes along with chat backgrounds while making your own color schemes. WhatsApp, on the other hand, is a bit limited.
User interface? WhatsApp maintains a straightforward interface with nothing complicated because it stays free from design surprises. Telegram comes with numerous buttons and extensive menus, and too many functions, which create an initial overwhelming experience.
Speed and responsiveness? Whatsapp achieves instant cross-device synchronization because of its cloud design.
Want simplicity? WhatsApp. Want customization? Telegram.
Additional features
- Artificial intelligence: The artificial intelligence capabilities of Telegram bots, together with automated features, dominate the platform. Users can design chatbots together with message scheduling features while having the option of utilizing the platform as cloud storage. WhatsApp? Businesses utilize reply machines to reduce waiting periods for their customers.
- Integration: Through Meta, the messaging network of WhatsApp shares deep connectivity with Facebook, Messenger and Instagram. Telegram? The service operates independently and keeps away from social ecosystems and invasive data exchanges.
- Business models: Business models differ, too. WhatsApp Business generates income from its business-oriented customer service and sales solutions that it offers customers. Telegram, meanwhile, runs on donations, premium subscriptions, and ads in public channels.
- Tools: You get basic group controls with WhatsApp, while it is pretty easy to manage thousands of group members in Telegram groups. Users who value privacy and automated features will find Telegram more suitable than WhatsApp.
Secure, fast, and feature-packed options. Find your perfect match here.
Telegram vs WhatsApp: Which is better for security and privacy
Telegram and WhatsApp face different privacy challenges. The safety level comparison between Telegram and WhatsApp appears as follows:
End-to-end encryption tech
End-to-end encryption (E2EE) protects message contents because they can only be viewed by both the sender and receiver. The approach to end-to-end encryption differs between Telegram and WhatsApp when dealing with this functionality.
- WhatsApp: Uses the Signal Protocol, one of the most secure encryption methods. Every message, call and media communication defaults to E2EE status, through which even Meta lacks access.
- Telegram: Only secret chats use E2EE. The regular chats Telegram saves on its cloud servers remain unencrypted, so the company has access to them, although end-to-end encryption is absent.
Why does this matter?
WhatsApp protects all private communication between users. Using Telegram allows message synchronization between different devices, though it requires compromising the message encryption system.
To maintain privacy, you should always choose Telegram’s secret chats. Other than that, the top security position goes to WhatsApp unless users are worried about Meta’s invasive nature.
Security features
- Two-step verification (2FA)
The security feature 2FA exists on both applications to offer protection beyond normal account credentials.
- Secret chats (Telegram exclusive)
All data stored in Telegram secret chats operates using end-to-end encryption, and this data will remain isolated on each device. Every communication in WhatsApp receives default E2EE encryption, meaning there is no need to activate a separate mode.
- Self-destructing messages
The disappearing messages in Whatsapp and Telegram, alongside their secret chats and auto-delete timers, enable users to avoid screenshots from certain devices.
- Hidden phone number (Telegram exclusive)
WhatsApp requires a visible number. The application Telegram enables users to conceal their phone numbers through usernames when setting up chats.
- Screen lock
Extra security measures through passcode or biometric lock systems are available on both applications.
- Device vs. Cloud Storage
Messages saved in WhatsApp use encrypted data storage both in local device memory and in backup cloud servers. Telegram saves messages on its server database, although it does not enable end-to-end encryption by default.
For privacy features, Telegram wins when you’re in secret chats. The default encryption system of WhatsApp remains superior to other options.
Privacy policies
The privacy conflict between WhatsApp and Telegram has created a long battle for confidence.
WhatsApp (Meta-owned)
- The platform gathers multiple kinds of metadata, such as phone numbers, alongside device information and IP addresses combined with user patterns.
- Shares data with Meta for targeted ads and analytics.
- The application enables end-to-end encryption (E2EE) by default, but backup features remain unencrypted until users manually enable encryption features.
Telegram (Independent)
- It asks only for phone numbers and contacts but those entries are optional.
- The application avoids displaying advertisements in private chats but contains ads in specific public channels.
- E2EE operates by default only on secret chats, while other types of communication remain non-private.
Users who want encryption across every communication endpoint should rely on WhatsApp as long as they don’t mind Meta collecting their metadata. The Telegram service lets you avoid data collection if you use hidden messaging features.
Alternatives to Telegram and WhatsApp
The following list contains three exceptional alternatives for those dissatisfied with their choice between Telegram and WhatsApp:
1. Signal
- Fully end-to-end encrypted (E2EE).
- No ads, no data tracking, and open-source.
- Downsides? Fewer features than Telegram and a smaller user base.
2. Viber
- Offers E2EE for private chats.
- Stickers and chat extensions, together with landline calling features, are available.
- The Japanese company owns this platform, which reduces its exposure to major tech corporations.
- The communication in default chats stays unencrypted, while secret conversations acts as the sole encrypted channel.
- Integrates with Instagram and Facebook.
- People heavily invested in Meta services would find this platform ideal.
Which one should you use?
- Best for privacy: Signal provides the clearest protection without question.
- Best for features: Telegram provides the best Features through its bot system, which also includes channel communication and large group functionalities.
- Best for calls: Viber (great international calling features).
- Best for social media integration: Users who prioritize social media integration should choose Facebook Messenger, though they must accept complete loss of privacy.
- Best for simplicity: WhatsApp (global reach and reliability).
Most users just choose between Telegram, WhatsApp, and Signal because of their stable UI and consistent security promises.
[Extra] Secure your children in messaging apps with FlashGet Kids
Not only for adults; more and more young users connect with friends using Telegram and WhatsApp, though these apps simultaneously subject them to various online threats. These threats include scams, cyberbullying, and predator interactions. Luckily, parental control options like FlashGet Kids provide the solution to such problems.
This parental control application provides a one-stop digital monitoring solution to parents worldwide. It is like a digital nanny that will keep an eye on your kids 24/7 and alert you whenever they are in danger or trying to access inappropriate stuff online.
How FlashGet Kids protects children
- Phone monitoring: The app enables users to monitor conversations with keyword detection, notification tracking, and even real-time screen mirroring.
- App blocking: Parents can set up restrictions for certain apps like Telegram, Whatsapp, and all other social apps that might expose kids to online dangers.
- Screen time limits: As kids grow up, you can slowly ease them into the digital world with moderated screen time. You can have them start with 30 minutes of social media a day to close to 2 hours a day.
Safety goes beyond apps
Technology serves as helpful assistance, yet the most important protection comes from open dialogues between parents and children. Kids should know these things:
- Never share personal info with strangers: Children must refrain from giving crucial personal information to unknown people.
- Recognize online threats: Your child needs to identify dangerous online elements that include scams along with predators, as well as cyberbullying threats.
- Talk to parents: Your child must discuss all concerning matters with you.
FlashGet Kids operates as an assistive tool for parents but should never substitute your direct involvement. Managing trust alongside safety will make your child wiser while keeping them secure during their online activities.
Conclusion: Is Telegram better than WhatsApp?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. By default, WhatsApp provides end-to-end encryption, which extends across all its worldwide user base. The enhanced features, extended group capacities, and improved privacy settings of Telegram do not include default chat encryption for all users.
Users searching for secure messaging should select WhatsApp along with encrypted backups or Telegram’s secret chats for encrypted messaging. You should select Telegram if you wish to access customizable features along with bots and larger channels.
The solution you need depends solely on what you want from the application. Want simple and familiar? Go with WhatsApp. Want flexibility and privacy control? Try Telegram. For those seeking maximum security, Signal is another ideal option.
