Telegram - 2026 Pricing, Features, Reviews & Alternatives

Reviewers appreciate Telegram's real-time chat for its instant messaging capabilities, allowing users to send and receive messages, photos, videos, and other media without delay. They highlight the ability to create large group chats, support for over 200 users, and synchronization across multiple devices. Users value the encryption and security capabilities, ensuring privacy. They also enjoy the fun elements like stickers, emojis, and voice recordings. Some users mention the lack of end-to-end encryption by default as a concern. Of the 615 Telegram users who gave detailed accounts of their use of Real-Time Chat, 97% rated this feature as important or highly important.

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“There is no limit to the number of people who can join a video call. The new version of the Telegram application now allows users to make group video conversations with an infinite number of individuals, allowing all subscribers in a channel to participate in the video conference.”

Mehdi a.

freelancer

“What i like about real time chat in telegram is the ability for members of a group talk to each other in real- time that run in side with texting and media sharing within a chat thread ”

Emmanuel E.

Media strategist

Reviewers indicate that Telegram's secure data storage is highly valued due to its end-to-end encryption, ensuring only the intended recipient can access messages and files. They appreciate the cloud storage capability, which allows access to data from any device and protects data even if a device is lost. Users trust Telegram's security measures and have not experienced data leaks. However, some mention that the storage system can consume significant space on mobile devices. Of the 244 Telegram users who gave detailed accounts of their use of Secure Data Storage, 95% rated this feature as important or highly important.

Users find Telegram's file sharing capabilities impressive, noting the ability to share large files up to 2GB without restrictions. They appreciate the support for various file formats, including documents, photos, videos, and audio. Reviewers highlight the convenience of accessing shared files from any device and the seamless integration with other apps. They also value the unlimited cloud storage and the ability to forward documents easily. Some users mention the high quality of shared media as a significant advantage. Of the 618 Telegram users who gave detailed accounts of their use of File Sharing, 95% rated this feature as important or highly important.

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“I enjoyed sharing a lot and a lot of files of all kinds, as I mention that when you share the pictures they keep their taste without any impact, as well as videos, and one of the highlights of file sharing is that when you share a file you downloaded within Telegram you will not lose any data network, As with many other applications, . I don't forget the ease of recording audio and visuals with high efficiency and quality, and one of the best added and admired so much is group voice calls within groups or channels, it was a special experience I will always be grateful to Telegram. ”

MOHAMMEDALMUSTAFA R.

Freelancer

Reviewers appreciate Telegram's customizable alerts and notifications, allowing them to choose which types of alerts to receive and set different notifications for group chats and personal messages. They find the real-time notifications helpful for staying updated on important messages and events. Users value the ability to mute notifications for specific chats and the integration with wearable devices. However, some mention issues with notifications not syncing properly and the annoyance of receiving alerts for new contacts joining Telegram. Of the 581 Telegram users who gave detailed accounts of their use of Alerts/Notifications, 92% rated this feature as important or highly important.

Reviewers highlight Telegram's discussions and forums as valuable for maintaining communication within large groups, supporting up to 200,000 members. They appreciate the ability to create and join groups easily, share files, and view previous messages. Users find the capability useful for team coordination, sharing ideas, and conducting polls. They also value the anonymity and privacy options. Some users note that Telegram is more suited for real-time chats rather than lengthy discussions, suggesting other platforms for more structured forums. Of the 306 Telegram users who gave detailed accounts of their use of Discussions/Forums, 88% rated this feature as important or highly important.

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“Discussions/Forums are a section to highlight in this software because they are accessible to all Telegram users, even if you do not have added contacts you can create and join groups of up to 200,000 members - which means that the groups or channels do not have limit-.”

Josías G.

Marketing

“Telegram offers groups and channels and again...this is a feature that stands out compared to their competitors. Not only that it is comfortable to use as a user, but hosting your own groups / channels is so SIMPLE and QUICK. Just 2 clicks away to making your own groups and the amazing feature is that you can host / create your own group and have literally HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS of members participating in the group chat! This is hands down the best feature!”

Edward H.

Professional Property Advisor

Users report that Telegram's audio calls are reliable and offer clear voice quality, even with low internet connectivity. They appreciate the end-to-end encryption, ensuring secure communication. Reviewers find the capability useful for making international calls without extra charges and value the ability to switch between audio and video calls seamlessly. Some users mention occasional connection issues and dropped calls, but overall, they find the audio call capability convenient and effective for communication. Of the 376 Telegram users who gave detailed accounts of their use of Audio Calls, 84% rated this feature as important or highly important.