Telegram

4.7 (6,344)
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Cloud-based mobile and desktop messaging app for all devices

About Telegram

Telegram and Telegram Messenger is a cloud-based voice chat and messaging service that is supported by free apps compatible with all leading devices. With an emphasis on performance speed and simplicity of use, Telegram also boasts a secure approach with two layers of end-to-end encryption for all data. Users can place voice calls and send instant messages with emoji's and custom sticker designs, share images, video and file attachments of any format. Available within the browser and free to install on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android and Windows Phone, Telegram can be deployed on all devices simultaneously with messages synced automatically across any number of phones, tablets and PCs. Designed for universal use, the service is particularly suited to business users and small teams due to the flexible install, file sharing and contact group options.

Telegram contacts are able to invite and connect traditionally via stored, known contacts already stored in the device or by the creation and search of public usernames. Usernames and sharable t.me links allow chats to be conducted without the need for exchanging numbers, while the setup of groups, supergroups and channels facilitate mass private / public community communications. Additional key features include open developer support with API's available for the creation of internal "Bot" programs and the embedding of messaging services within custom applications. Telegram also has its own imaging tools such as animated gif search, photo editor and a custom "sticker" design platform, while providing cloud storage and caching for managing media assets off-device.


Key benefits of Telegram

  • Telegram messenger is a free, cloud-based messaging solution with a native app for every platform across web, mobile (iOS, Android, Windows Phone), macOS, Windows, Linux (32 & 64-bit) with a focus on security and speed of performance.
  • Contact other users via existing phone contacts or by creating and searching public usernames, reaching out to new individual contacts or groups via SMS invites or by sharing a t.me/username link that can be used to conduct chats without a exchanging phone numbers.
  • Telegram supports voice calls and also the sending of messages, photos, videos and files of any format, while messages and conversations synchronize automatically across any number of installed Telegram apps across phones, tablets or computers.
  • Telegram Widgets are embeddable widgets for website integration including "Post Widget" for embedding messages from public groups and channel, plus "Login Widget" for authorizing users via a Telegram bot linked to the domain.
  • Two APIs are freely available for developers including a Bot API for building programs that use Telegram messages for an interface, along with the Telegram API and Telegram Database Library (TDLib) that support the creation of custom clients.

  • Images

    Telegram Software - Telegram is available within the browser, along with desktop platforms spanning macOS, PC, Mac and Linux
    Telegram Software - The Telegram desktop app is available for local install across macOS, Windows and Linux 32 / 64-bit operating systems
    Telegram Software - The Telegram desktop application client running on macOS, showing contacts and chat messaging UI
    Telegram Software - A native app is available for iPhone and iPad
    Telegram Software - Telegram Messenger is available as a native app for iOS devices, allowing users to conduct chat conversation threads including images and emoticons
    Telegram Software - A native mobile app is available for Android
    Telegram Software - A contacts card showing mobile number and username, plus options, within the Telegram Messenger app for Android
    Telegram Software - Example message thread shown on Telegram Messenger for Android
    Telegram Software - A demo message thread shows sent images plus options for camera access, gallery images, video, audio, file, contact and location
    Telegram Software - Telegram supports the sending of emojis, custom stickers, plus its own searchable archive of animated GIFs
    Telegram Software - Custom sticker sets can be created and submitted to the Telegram sticker bot, receiving a unique permanent link for sharing with friends
    Telegram Software - A native app is available for Windows phones
    View 12 more
    Telegram Software - Telegram is available within the browser, along with desktop platforms spanning macOS, PC, Mac and Linux
    Telegram Software - The Telegram desktop app is available for local install across macOS, Windows and Linux 32 / 64-bit operating systems
    Telegram Software - The Telegram desktop application client running on macOS, showing contacts and chat messaging UI
    Telegram Software - A native app is available for iPhone and iPad
    Telegram Software - Telegram Messenger is available as a native app for iOS devices, allowing users to conduct chat conversation threads including images and emoticons
    Telegram Software - A native mobile app is available for Android
    Telegram Software - A contacts card showing mobile number and username, plus options, within the Telegram Messenger app for Android
    Telegram Software - Example message thread shown on Telegram Messenger for Android
    Telegram Software - A demo message thread shows sent images plus options for camera access, gallery images, video, audio, file, contact and location
    Telegram Software - Telegram supports the sending of emojis, custom stickers, plus its own searchable archive of animated GIFs
    Telegram Software - Custom sticker sets can be created and submitted to the Telegram sticker bot, receiving a unique permanent link for sharing with friends
    Telegram Software - A native app is available for Windows phones

    Not sure about Telegram? Compare with a popular alternative

    Telegram

    4.7 (6,344)
    VS.

    Starting Price

    No pricing found
    US$11.99
    month

    Pricing Options

    Free version
    Free trial
    Free version
    Free trial

    Features

    24
    15

    Integrations

    No integrations found
    No integrations found

    Ease of Use

    4.7 (6,344)
    4.6 (1,362)

    Value for Money

    4.7 (6,344)
    4.4 (1,362)

    Customer Service

    4.3 (6,344)
    4.3 (1,362)
    Green rating bars show the winning product based on the average rating and number of reviews.

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    Reviews

    Overall rating

    4.7 /5
    (6,344)
    Value for Money
    4.7/5
    Features
    4.6/5
    Ease of Use
    4.7/5
    Customer Support
    4.3/5

    Already have Telegram?

    Software buyers need your help! Product reviews help the rest of us make great decisions.

    Showing 5 reviews of 6,344
    Stephen
    Stephen
    Overall rating
    • Industry: Computer Software
    • Company size: 2–10 Employees
    • Used Daily for 1+ year
    • Review Source

    Overall rating

    • Value for Money
    • Ease of Use
    • Customer Support
    • Likelihood to recommend 10.0 /10

    Instant messaging at its finest

    Reviewed on 2024/05/03

    Telegram has truly simplified my daily routine and made it so much more organized. I have been...

    Telegram has truly simplified my daily routine and made it so much more organized. I have been using this app for a while now and it has become an indispensable part of my daily life. I really like its intuitive interface, customizable features like stickers, GIFs which adds more fun to my chats, and the cloud storage capacity which is simply amazing. Overall, Telegram is the best thing that ever happened to instant messaging and I'd highly recommend it to anyone.

    Pros

    Telegram has a lot of amazing features which I really love. The ability to share large files of up to 2gb, and to customize my experience on the app is so satisfying. I also love the fact that I can have groups or channels with up to 200k members, this feature is rare nowadays and it makes telegram to really stand out. It's security and cloud based storage gives me peace of mind knowing that I can easily access my chats from other devices.

    Cons

    Honestly, there's not a lot wrong I would say about Telegram though I would like for a way to stop malicious bots from messaging me to prevent spamming, I think that would be a nice feature to add.

    Sara
    Overall rating
    • Industry: Arts & Crafts
    • Company size: Self Employed
    • Used Daily for 2+ years
    • Review Source

    Overall rating

    • Value for Money
    • Ease of Use
    • Customer Support
    • Likelihood to recommend 10.0 /10

    Good Application for different usage.

    Reviewed on 2024/08/21

    The overall experience is excellent. I spent a lot of time in this application for variety of thing.

    The overall experience is excellent. I spent a lot of time in this application for variety of thing.

    Pros

    I find many things in Telegram. I can watch series, read books and articles, and also I can call or text my friends too.
    I found many channels for people and they write some tips for some jobs and also general tips and articles.

    Cons

    Till now there are a lot of notification and I do not separate between my contact friends and other channels.

    Ledio
    Overall rating
    • Industry: Restaurants
    • Company size: 11–50 Employees
    • Used Weekly for 2+ years
    • Review Source

    Overall rating

    • Value for Money
    • Ease of Use
    • Customer Support
    • Likelihood to recommend 8.0 /10

    Secure for chatting

    Reviewed on 2025/01/16

    Good but can be better, needs a few changes

    Good but can be better, needs a few changes

    Pros

    A good app for chatting , secure app, perfect groups, public channels, file sharing, and automated bots.

    Cons

    The less that i like is that you cant back up all your messagges and files, and Lack of End-to-End Encryption by Default

    Piotr
    Piotr
    Overall rating
    • Industry: Media Production
    • Company size: 2–10 Employees
    • Used Daily for 2+ years
    • Review Source

    Overall rating

    • Value for Money
    • Ease of Use
    • Customer Support
    • Likelihood to recommend 2.0 /10

    A Platform's Promise Unfulfilled

    Reviewed on 2024/03/22

    In 2013, I joined Telegram, captivated by its promise as a bastion of privacy and a platform...

    In 2013, I joined Telegram, captivated by its promise as a bastion of privacy and a platform committed to safeguarding free speech against the encroaching shadows of censorship. This belief held my loyalty, even as the platform grew and evolved. Yet, a recent series of events has compelled me to reassess this faith, revealing a disconcerting divergence between Telegram's proclaimed values and its actions.

    My disillusionment stems from an unexpected encounter with censorship on Telegram—a platform I had long defended and trusted as an open space for discourse. My channel, @lukazone, dedicated to disseminating crucial insights into political repression in Belarus and the unfolding conflict in Ukraine, was inexplicably removed. This action was taken without warning, significantly impeding my ability to engage in public discussions or establish new channels for sharing information.

    This unilateral decision by Telegram not only undermines the trust I placed in the platform but also significantly hampers collective efforts to bring global attention to pressing human rights issues. The channel, an extension of the https://luka.zone/ initiative, meticulously shared information within the bounds of public domain, focusing on names and workplaces—far less intrusive compared to other channels that remain unaffected.

    The lack of transparency and the inability to appeal this decision casts a long shadow over Telegram’s commitment to freedom of expression. It's disheartening to witness a platform that once stood as a champion of free speech, now engaging in practices that stifle critical voices and obscure the truth.

    I call upon Telegram to revisit its content moderation policies, to establish transparent, fair, and consistent guidelines, and to restore access to channels that play a pivotal role in the global fight against tyranny and misinformation. A platform’s true value is measured not just by its technical prowess or the security it offers, but by its steadfast commitment to the principles of open communication and liberty. Until Telegram realigns its practices with the ideals it purports to uphold, this review will serve as a stark warning to those who cherish free speech and the free flow of information.

    Pros

    Telegram's user-friendly interface and rich feature set, such as channels, groups, bots.

    Cons

    Its inconsistency in upholding its proclaimed commitment to free speech and anti-censorship principles. The platform's arbitrary and opaque moderation policies, especially when it comes to removing channels or restricting accounts without clear communication or a straightforward appeal process, undermine the trust users place in Telegram as a secure and open space for dialogue.

    Enish
    Overall rating
    • Industry: Information Technology & Services
    • Company size: 2–10 Employees
    • Used Daily for 2+ years
    • Review Source

    Overall rating

    • Value for Money
    • Ease of Use
    • Customer Support
    • Likelihood to recommend 8.0 /10

    Telegram: Secure and Feature-Packed Messaging App

    Reviewed on 2024/11/30

    Telegram is a versatile messaging app with a strong focus on privacy and functionality. Its robust...

    Telegram is a versatile messaging app with a strong focus on privacy and functionality. Its robust features make it ideal for both casual and professional use.

    Pros

    What I like about Telegram is the ability to create large groups, channels, and file sharing up to 2GB is fantastic. Customizable themes, bots, and multi-device support further enhance the user experience.

    Cons

    While rich in features, the interface can feel slightly overwhelming for first-time users.

    Showing 5 reviews of 6,344 Read all reviews

    Telegram FAQs

    Below are some frequently asked questions for Telegram.

    Telegram offers the following pricing plans:

    • Pricing model: Free Version
    • Free Trial: Not Available

    Telegram is a free messaging app with no ads or subscription fees.

    Telegram has the following typical customers:

    Self Employed, 2–10, 11–50, 51–200, 201–500, 501–1,000, 1,001–5,000

    Telegram supports the following languages:

    Arabic, Dutch, English, German, Italian, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish

    Telegram supports the following devices:

    Android (Mobile), iPhone (Mobile), iPad (Mobile)

    We do not have any information about what integrations Telegram has

    Telegram offers the following support options:

    Email/Help Desk, FAQs/Forum, Chat

    Related categories

    See all software categories found for Telegram.