Gone are the days when we used to communicate in a certain format as messaging apps changed everything. The messaging applications that were once designed for sending simple texts have now become all-in-one communication platforms.
Currently, WhatsApp and Telegram rank first in terms of popularity as instant messaging apps. A wide array of features can be found in these applications. They have everything one would need like calls, videos, sharing files, and even financial transactions.
Although both work well as an instant messaging app but which one is really better?
Today we will look into an analysis between these two leading platforms and determine their strengths and weaknesses. As you read through this post, it will become easier for you to know what you need from a communication app – and make your choice accordingly.
What is WhatsApp and Telegram?
WhatsApp and Telegram are famous instant messaging platforms that enable users to send messages as well as multimedia files such as voice notes, pictures, and videos.
WhatsApp had its first breath in 2009, developed by two Yahoo engineers Jan Koum and Brian Acton. Meta group has owned WhatsApp since 2014 so now it is part of the other ones like Facebook Messenger and Instagram too.
Its popularity at this level that it is impossible not to include WhatsApp in any conversation related to messaging apps. The user friendly interface and its wide acceptance is down to this fact.
Telegram was launched by Pavel and Nikolai Durov in 2013 as a cloud-based messaging app that emphasises high speed and user security at utmost level.
Despite being dominated by WhatsApp, Telegram has managed to be unique by focusing on keeping user’s information safe as well as offering various ways for customization within the platform itself.
Each platform has certain strong points; hence, the debate on whether WhatsApp vs Telegram is valid.
Here is the comparison of the key features between Telegram and WhatsApp
| Feature | Telegram | |
|---|---|---|
| User Base | Approximately 2.78 billion monthly active users (as of July 2024) | Approximately 900 million monthly active users |
| Pricing | Free for basic users; paid for WhatsApp Business API | Completely free |
| Group Chat Limit | 1024 participants | 200,000 members |
| End-to-End Encryption | Available for all chats | Available for secret chats |
| Focus | Mass market appeal, user-friendly interface | Privacy, speed, customization Export to Sheets |
WhatsApp vs Telegram: A Detailed Comparison
To compare them well, we shall take a close look at each of their features so that it will be possible for us to determine which one among the two – WhatsApp or Telegram – provides better user experience from every angle.
1. Popularity and User Base
Comparing the number of users in Telegram and WhatsApp, we can say that they both are seen to be very popular with enormous user bases. Both Telegram and WhatsApp are among the top 5 most downloaded applications.
However, WhatsApp has historically held a more dominant position. As of July 2024, around 2.78 billion users were accessing WhatsApp on a monthly basis.
It is widely accepted that this app is very useful; it is used by many people all around the world for their personal and business communication.
On the other hand, although Telegram falls short in terms of the number of users compared to WhatsApp, it still carries a decent number of about 900 million monthly active users worldwide.
Telegram’s focus on security and privacy has attracted a dedicated user community. However when considering just the number of users, WhatsApp beats all.
Winner: WhatsApp
2. Pricing
WhatsApp and Telegram do not cost anything in terms of pricing.
WhatsApp is free for regular users but businesses that using the WhatsApp Business API pay some amount. The price of WhatsApp Business API varies depending on the market and conversation category.
Telegram also offers same features that WhatsApp provides without any cost.
Ultimately in the battle of Pricing, Telegram wins because it managed to keep users completely free without including any adverts or subscription charges.
Winner: Telegram
3. Messaging Features
Group Chats and Channels
Both WhatsApp and Telegram offer robust group chat and channel features. Channels allow for one-way communication to a large audience, making it ideal for broadcasting messages. WhatsApp’s group chats are limited to 1024 participants, while Telegram supports up to 200,000 members in a single group.
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Voice and Video Calls
Voice and video calls are essential features for any messaging app. WhatsApp offers high-quality voice and video calls, including group video calls for up to 8 participants. Telegram also supports voice and video calls, but its group video call feature is still in development and not as robust as WhatsApp’s.
Status Updates
Both WhatsApp and Telegram offer status updates, allowing users to share temporary text, photo, or video content with their contacts. However, WhatsApp statuses disappear after 24 hours, while Telegram stories can last for up to 72 hours.
Payments
WhatsApp offers integrated payment features in select regions, enabling users to send and receive money directly within the app. Telegram currently does not have a built-in payment system.
Voice Assistants
Neither WhatsApp nor Telegram currently integrates directly with voice assistants like Siri or Google Assistant. However, users can leverage voice commands on their devices to interact with both apps hands-free.
Winner: Tie
4. Marketing Opportunities
The two applications have various features that can be used by businesses in reaching out to their clients.
For example, there are business tools available on WhatsApp such as the WhatsApp Business which enhance interaction of small companies with customers. It also introduced WhatsApp Business API for larger companies.
Telegram allows users to make bots and it has an open API that businesses can integrate easily.
Although they both have different ways of promoting products but WhatsApp is seen to be better in this perspective because it is older than Telegram in offering customized business solutions. It also enables users to create click-to-WhatsApp ads on Facebook & Instagram so that they reach many people.
Winner: WhatsApp
5. User Interface and Experience:
Both WhatsApp and Telegram have easy-to-follow interfaces for moving around. WhatsApp is known for its simple user friendly interface that can be used by all. Telegram is also easy to use and can be customized using different themes and chat options. The better choice among these two depends on what someone would prefer; a simple messaging app like WhatsApp or one that can be customized in many ways like Telegram.
Winner: Tie
6. Security and Privacy Features
WhatsApp & Telegram both offer end-to-end encryption options. This feature ensures that no third party even the platform can see what’s inside your message.
WhatsApp provides end to end encryption for all chats but questions about sharing of data with Facebook have led most people to doubt its efficacy in that area.
Telegram also offers end-to-end encryption but only for secret chats.
For businesses, it’s important to use Secret Chats for private conversations, to make sure they are as secure as possible.
Winner: Tie
Note: Secret Chat mode is available only for one-on-one conversations (not for groups). When you enter Secret Chat mode, Telegram enables end-to-end encryption. Messages exchanged in Secret Chat are stored only on your devices, not on Telegram’s servers.
Conclusion
To sum up, it can be said that the competition between WhatsApp and Telegram is very close since each of them serves different kinds of users. WhatsApp may be seen as superior due to its huge user base, but, Telegram is liked for being safe, and having a high confidentiality level with chat customization options available.
After all, every option has pros and cons hence the best alternative varies from one person to another depending on their preferences. Therefore, before you decide on using any messaging app, consider what you really need.
We trust that after going through this article, you can now decide on the best messaging platform for yourself.
