Telegram suits people and communities who want huge groups, broadcast channels, usernames and chats that sync across every device from the cloud. WhatsApp suits people who want personal messages and calls end-to-end encrypted by default, with Status, Channels and a Business app. Choose Telegram for reach and sync, WhatsApp for default encryption and the contacts you already have there.
Both are free to message on, so the difference is in how they work. I read Telegram's homepage and FAQ, and WhatsApp's homepage and privacy page.
Telegram and WhatsApp compared
| Telegram | ||
|---|---|---|
| How chats are stored | Cloud-based, synced across devices | Personal messages end-to-end encrypted |
| Group size | Up to 200,000 members | Not stated on the pages I read |
| Broadcasting | Channels for unlimited audiences | Channels |
| Find people by | Phone number or username | Phone number |
| File size | Up to 2 GB per file | Not stated on the pages I read |
| Extra privacy | Secret Chats, device-specific, self-destructing | Encrypted backups you turn on; disappearing messages |
| For business | Large groups, usernames, desktop apps | WhatsApp Business |
How Telegram works
Telegram's FAQ says that, unlike WhatsApp, it's a cloud-based messenger that syncs, so you can use the same account on several devices at once, including tablets and computers. You can share files up to 2 GB each, and Telegram says it needs less than 100 MB on your device because your media stays in the cloud.
Groups hold up to 200,000 people and channels broadcast to unlimited audiences. Usernames let people find you without your phone number, voice and video calls are end-to-end encrypted, and group calls take up to 200 people. Its API and source code are open.
How WhatsApp works
WhatsApp's privacy page says your personal messages, photos and calls are end-to-end encrypted, so not even WhatsApp can see them. You create an account with your phone number, and you get calling, groups, Channels, Status, Meta AI and parental controls, plus a separate WhatsApp Business app.
You can now make voice and video calls from WhatsApp Web in your browser, and privacy settings let you choose who sees when you're last seen or online.
The encryption detail
Here's the difference I'd want people to understand. Telegram's FAQ points those who want secrecy to its Secret Chats, which are device-specific and can self-destruct, while its everyday chats are built around cloud sync. WhatsApp encrypts personal messages end to end by default.
There's a catch on WhatsApp's side too: its privacy page says encrypted backups are something you turn on, to extend that protection to messages saved in iCloud or Google Drive. If you back up your chats, switch it on.
Business features split the same way. Telegram's FAQ says business users and small teams may like its large groups, usernames, desktop apps and file sharing. WhatsApp offers a separate WhatsApp Business app, and its homepage lists Status and Channels for sharing updates with people who follow you. If your customers expect a quick reply from a business they know, WhatsApp Business is built for that; if you want to publish to a crowd, a Telegram channel is built for that. Both work on phones and computers, and WhatsApp now lets you call from WhatsApp Web, so neither ties you to your phone.
Who each app suits
Telegram suits community builders, educators and businesses running big groups or channels, and anyone who works across a phone, tablet and laptop. WhatsApp suits families, friends and local businesses whose customers are already on it. My guide to using Telegram for marketing your business covers the business side, and these WhatsApp Business tools help if you go that way.
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My advice on Telegram or WhatsApp
Start with where your people already are. If your customers message you on WhatsApp, stay there, set up WhatsApp Business and turn on encrypted backups today. If you want to build an audience, launch a Telegram channel and see who joins. Plenty of businesses use both: WhatsApp for one-to-one customer chats, Telegram for broadcasting to a community.
Do you make messaging tools? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place in comparisons like this one.
Frequently asked questions
How many people can join a Telegram group?
Telegram says its groups can hold up to 200,000 members, and channels can broadcast to unlimited audiences.
Is WhatsApp end-to-end encrypted?
Yes. WhatsApp's privacy page says personal messages, photos and calls are end-to-end encrypted, so not even WhatsApp can see them.
Are WhatsApp backups encrypted?
Only if you turn it on. WhatsApp says you can turn on encrypted backups for messages saved in iCloud or Google Drive.
What is a Telegram Secret Chat?
Telegram's FAQ describes Secret Chats as device-specific chats with self-destructing messages, photos and videos.
Can I use Telegram on several devices?
Yes. Telegram says it's cloud-based and syncs, so you can use it on several devices at once.
