WhatsApp vs. Telegram
7 min read
Ever been stuck choosing between WhatsApp vs. Telegram? I know the struggle. Trying to juggle work chats, social groups, and staying connected with family felt overwhelming. Both apps seemed perfect for different reasons, but picking the right one? That was way harder than I expected!
But what’s the difference between Telegram and WhatsApp? And what do people use Telegram for, anyway? Read on for those answers and more in this easy-to-read comparison!
WhatsApp and Telegram comparison
So, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of comparing these two platforms. While they both offer cool features, security options, and multi-platform compatibility, their priorities are different. Here’s how they stack up based on what I’ve learned.
Feature comparison
When it comes to features, both apps have a lot to offer, but each has its unique flair:
| Feature | Telegram | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Messaging | Text, Voice, Video, File, Contact, Poll, Location | Text, Voice, Video, File, Contact, Poll, Location | ||
| Group Chats | Up to 1024 participants | Up to 200,000 participants | ||
| File Sharing | Up to 2 GB | Up to 2 GB | ||
| Status Updates | ✓ | ✕ | ||
| Bots | ✕ | ✓ | ||
| Channels | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Self-destructing messages | Only within chats | Secret Chats + Timed messages | ||
| Customization | Limited | Extensive (themes, stickers, etc.) | ||
Both WhatsApp and Telegram are solid options for staying connected. In my experience, though, while Telegram really shines with its focus on privacy, I've noticed WhatsApp doesn't quite match up in that area, which has made me lean towards Telegram for more secure conversations.
There aren't many privacy measures in place, especially if you're accessing WhatsApp using a desktop client. But since I still need WhatsApp for work, I've turned to ChatMate for WhatsApp. The app seamlessly syncs all your chats to your Mac with tools like secure message preview or invisible communication and all sorts of customizable preferences to let you use WhatsApp the way you want.
For example, if there's a chat with sensitive information— like my top-secret cookie recipe (just kidding!) — I switch to Privacy Mode, which locks the chat with a password. No one's stealing my cookies or my info!
Security options
Security is a hot topic, and rightfully so. Is Telegram safer than WhatsApp? Or are they comparative in nature?
Let’s see how these two apps measure up:
| Security battle | Telegram | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| End-to-end encryption | Default for all chats and calls | Only in Secret Chats | ||
| Data storage | On-device and backups in Google Drive/iCloud | Automatically saved to cloud servers | ||
| Encryption protocol | Signal protocol | MTProto protocol | ||
| Ownership | Meta Platforms | Telegram Messenger LLP | ||
| Data retention | Varied (depends on user settings for backups and chat history) | Retains messages indefinitely unless deleted by the user | ||
It’s worth noting that Telegram has faced criticism for being a breeding ground for fake news. Additionally, it automatically saves chat history to cloud servers, which raises privacy concerns for some users.
If you’re worried about IP logging using a VPN every time you access, Telegram is your best bet. ClearVPN is the easiest and most user-friendly app for iOS and macOS that won’t bog you down with complex settings, making sure you’re protected online at all times. With their strict no-log policy and built-in Kill Switch, which prevents traffic leaks when the connection is off, you’ll have the full peace of mind you deserve.
Platform compatibility
One of the keys to a great messaging app is availability across devices. Here’s how WhatsApp and Telegram fare:
| Compatible with | Telegram | |
|---|---|---|
| iOS | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android | ✓ | ✓ |
| Web | ✓ (via WhatsApp Web) | ✓ (via Telegram Web) |
| Mac | ✓ (desktop app available) | ✓ (desktop app available) |
| Linux | ✕ (no app available) | ✓ (desktop app available) |
I love that these messengers are so compatible across various platforms. However, I often find myself juggling between Telegram, WhatsApp, and other chat apps like Slack and Skype. It can get a bit tedious at times, especially when I’m trying to keep track of different conversations. Balancing them all is a challenge.
That’s why I use IM+, the app for all your favorite messengers in one place, to avoid toggling between platforms and potentially missing out on important messages (cute animal videos and work notices). Some of the perks include letting you send larger files, hotkey switching, custom notifications, and individual availability settings.
WhatsApp vs Telegram: The final verdict
If you prioritize a larger user ecosystem and easy-to-use security, WhatsApp might be your go-to. However, if you crave customization, huge group chat capacities, and extensive features, Telegram is your best bet.
Speaking of making your digital life easier, make sure you check out the apps mentioned in the article! Secure your data with ClearVPN, manage all your messages in one place with IM+, get the most out of WhatsApp with ChatMate for WhatsApp, and more with its suite of over 250 apps available on Setapp. The platform offers a seven-day free trial, so you can test these or any other app to improve your digital life. Try today!
FAQ
What is WhatsApp used for?
WhatsApp is a messenger that sends text messages, makes voice and video calls, and shares photos, videos, and documents. It also supports group chats, voice notes, and status updates. Users can send voice notes for quick updates and share status updates to keep everyone informed about their activities.
Why do people use WhatsApp?
People use WhatsApp because it’s easy to use, reliable, and popular. With over 2 billion users around the world, it’s a convenient way to connect with friends, family, and colleagues. Its end-to-end encryption keeps your info safe, making sure that messages are only for the sender and recipient.
Is Telegram safe?
Telegram has several safety features, like Secret Chats with end-to-end encryption, self-destructing messages, and the ability to disable forwarding. Unlike WhatsApp, its default chats are not encrypted and are stored on cloud servers. While Telegram is generally safe for daily use, these concerns could make it unsafe for sensitive information.
Who uses Telegram the most?
Telegram is popular with tech-savvy users and communities that value advanced features like bots or channels. Unfortunately, it’s also popular with people who like to spread fake news and misinformation. To keep your data protected while in Telegram, install ClearVPN on your Mac or iPhone.
Are deleted messages on Telegram gone forever?
In Secret Chats, deleted messages are gone forever and irretrievable. In regular chats, once you delete a message, it’s removed from the chat history for both parties if you choose that option. However, keep in mind that if someone has already saved or forwarded the message before deletion, it may still exist somewhere.
How untraceable is Telegram?
Telegram offers some level of anonymity, especially through its Secret Chats and self-destructing messages. However, it’s not entirely untraceable, as the app stores some user data on its servers for up to a year. It also logs user interactions to prevent Telegram fraud. For those seeking higher levels of privacy, combining Telegram with a tool like ClearVPN could help keep your online activities more secure.
Security-tested
