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Telegram Desktop vs MAX: catalog facts
Telegram Desktop	MAX
Freemium Free to use. Telegram Premium is an optional subscription for larger uploads, faster…	Free Free to use, including calls.
Windows, macOS, Linux	Linux, Android, iOS
Official client with published source and build instructions Cloud chats sync instantly across every device you sign in on	Calls without limits on time or participants Built to work on weak connections and slow devices
Ordinary chats are not end-to-end encrypted and Telegram holds the keys Secret chats are not available in the desktop client	Proprietary, with no published information on end-to-end encryption Interface and website are Russian-language
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Open source	Closed source
License: GPL-3.0	License: Proprietary
Account needed	Not stated if an account is needed
Works offline	Needs internet
Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 21, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked October 1, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.