Compare software

Telegram Desktop vs Telegram A: catalog facts
Telegram Desktop	Telegram A
Freemium Free to use. Telegram Premium is an optional subscription for larger uploads, faster…	Free Free to use with a Telegram account.
Windows, macOS, Linux	macOS, Web
Official client with published source and build instructions Cloud chats sync instantly across every device you sign in on	Official Telegram client Works in a browser with nothing to install
Ordinary chats are not end-to-end encrypted and Telegram holds the keys Secret chats are not available in the desktop client	Requires a Telegram account Little documentation on how it differs from Telegram Desktop
Downloadable app	Downloadable app, Web application
Open source	Closed source
License: GPL-3.0	License not stated
Account needed	Account needed
Works offline	Needs internet
Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 21, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked October 2, 2026

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