Compare software

Telegram Desktop vs WeChat: catalog facts
Telegram Desktop	WeChat
Freemium Free to use. Telegram Premium is an optional subscription for larger uploads, faster…	Free Free to download and use.
Windows, macOS, Linux	Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
Official client with published source and build instructions Cloud chats sync instantly across every device you sign in on	Very large user base, especially in China Chat, calls, social feed and payments in one app
Ordinary chats are not end-to-end encrypted and Telegram holds the keys Secret chats are not available in the desktop client	Closed source and run by a single company Many features go beyond messaging, which makes the app large
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	Not stated if it works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 21, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 23, 2026

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