Compare software

WhatsAppTelegram
Free

Free to use for personal messaging and calls.

 Free

The apps are free to download and use.

Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Web Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS
  • End-to-end encrypted messages and calls
  • Available on phones, desktop and the web
  • Chats sync across phones and desktop computers
  • Large groups, channels and bot platform
  • Proprietary and tied to a phone number account
  • Relies on a central service run by the developer
  • Relies on Telegram's central servers
  • Apps are open source but the server software is not published
Downloadable app, Web application Downloadable app, Hosted service
Closed source Open source
License not stated License: GPL-3.0
Account needed Account needed
Needs internet Needs internet

Checked September 24, 2026

Checked October 2, 2026

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