However, WhatsApp has a file size limit of 16MB and a smaller (but still huge) group chat limit of up to 1024 members. WhatsApp also offers disappearing messages that vanish after a set time has passed, the ability to transfer chats across Android and iOS, broadcast messages and voice messages. However, that does mean that WhatsApp has previously been behind Telegram when it comes to accessing your account across multiple devices. WhatsApp messages, meanwhile, are end-to-end encrypted by default. The app also has its own Bot API, which lets developers create their own bots to bring some automation to their chats.

However, all Telegram chats do take advantage of standard encryption and group chats have a huge 200,000-member capacity.Īccording to Telegram, the app delivers messages “faster than any other application”, there are no limits on the size of your media and chats, and you can access chats across multiple devices. The feature is not supported in group chats, making Telegram less secure in these instances. Featuresīoth Telegram and WhatsApp offer a range of features, including support for media, video calls, large group chats and encrypted messaging.īoth apps are encrypted, but Telegram requires users to opt in to end-to-end encryption by creating a “secret chat”. A macOS app is currently in development, but you can still log in on your browser using WhatsApp Web. WhatsApp is also available on smartphones, tablets and PCs, including iOS, Android and Windows devices. You can also log in online with Telegram Web.įurthermore, the Telegram API is open for developers, meaning you can find unofficial apps built for platforms not mentioned above, like Xbox. Telegram can be downloaded on smartphones, tablets and PCs, with iOS, Android, macOS and desktop apps available. However, neither of these plans affect regular users, who can continue to access all the main features available on each app without paying a monthly subscription price.

Likewise, WhatsApp recently launched a Premium tier for business users with benefits like a web page and multi-agent support to communicate with customers. Telegram does offer a $4.99/£4.99 Premium membership with perks including faster downloads, larger file uploads and exclusive stickers and reactions, but this isn’t necessary to use the app. Both Telegram and WhatsApp are free messaging services.

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