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Telegram Desktop vs QQ: catalog facts
Telegram Desktop	QQ
Freemium Free to use. Telegram Premium is an optional subscription for larger uploads, faster…	Free The app is offered as a download from the official site.
Windows, macOS, Linux	macOS
Official client with published source and build instructions Cloud chats sync instantly across every device you sign in on	Large existing user base in China Combines chat with interest communities
Ordinary chats are not end-to-end encrypted and Telegram holds the keys Secret chats are not available in the desktop client	Interface and site are primarily in Chinese Proprietary service run by Tencent
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Open source	Closed source
License: GPL-3.0	License not stated
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.