This article will explain what is Telegram? What are the Features, Pros & Cons of Telegram and best Telegram alternatives you should use in 2022. So, we are starting our article from Telegram introduction to the best alternatives of Telegram.
What is Telegram?
A telegram is a messaging software developed by former VK founders focusing on speed and security. It’s quick, easy, and accessible. It’s similar to SMS but much more powerful.
You can send messages, photos, and videos to people on your phone’s contacts list (and have Telegram). You may also form groups with up to 20000 people or channels with an infinite number of subscribers.
Your conversations are not encrypted by default, so others may see what you’re writing. End-to-end encryption may be enabled by enabling a “Secret Chat.”
Cryptography specialists have been harshly critical of Telegram’s security model. They questioned the overall security approach, which included permanently keeping all contacts, messages, and material, along with their decryption keys, on its servers by default and not enabling end-to-end encryption for messages by default.
Telegram’s client-side code is open-source; however, its server-side code is proprietary and closed-source. The service also offers public APIs via which developers may access the same functionality as Telegram’s official apps to create their messaging apps.
Telegram also has a bot API that allows programmers to construct several Telegram bots. Bots are essentially Telegram accounts that software rather than people run, and they frequently include AI features.
Features of Telegram
- They can teach, play, search, broadcast, remember, connect, interact with other services, and even send orders to the Internet of Things.
- Cloud syncing, encrypted chat, lightweight stickers, chatbot, ad-free, end-to-end encryption, and more are all included.
- Concerned with privacy,
- Support for many devices, Bots, Channels, Group Chat, Secret Chats, Night mode/Dark Theme, Large File Transfer, Integrated File Sharing, Persistent History, Cloud-based, Platform Switching, Voice Call.
Pros & Cons of Telegram
Before heading towards best Telegram alternatives, we must know the Pros and Cons of Telegram.
Pros:
- Excellent messenger for individuals who need to stay in touch all the time.
- Excellent features and cross-platform compatibility.
- It works beautifully on all devices and has many unique features useful in IM and community management.
- Priority should be given to speed and security.
- A great alternative to many other instant messengers.
Cons
- You must register your phone number while registering! That is true anonymity (!); every phone number has a known owner (in the EU must register your SIM) Your messages are being saved in the cloud!
- It wouldn’t be so horrible if the first point didn’t exist: a lovely track of how many times you contacted your partner.
You may, however, hide your phone number from everyone immediately after making your account. (Confidentiality and security > Phone number > change “Who can see my phone number/who can locate me with my phone number” to Nobody.
Best Telegram Alternatives
This post will inform you about the most acceptable Telegram alternatives to use. These alternatives are mentioned with features, devices on which they can be used, and overall user ratings for the program.
1. Signal
A signal is a messaging software with an unusual focus on privacy, along with all of the features you’d expect from a modern instant messaging service. Signal has gotten a lot of appreciation from people worldwide for its secure and privacy-protecting features.
Devices: Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, iPhone, Android Tablet, iPad, and Ubuntu Touch are free and open-source devices.
Features: Encrypted Chat, Group Chat, Instant Messenger, End-to-End Encryption, Privacy and Security Focused, Ad-free, Video/Audio Calling, Self-destructing Messages, GPLv3, SMS Mesh
2. Element
Element is a Matrix-based encrypted collaboration and messaging software. It is decentralized to provide digital sovereignty, and it is based on an open standard to allow for easy connections and interoperability. By default, it is end-to-end encrypted.
Devices: Mac, Windows, Linux, Online, Android, iPhone, Android Tablet, iPad, Self-Hosted, Matrix.org, Cloudron
Features: Group chat, video calling, video chat, decentralized, end-to-end encryption, federated, privacy-focused, Federation, Voice Call, Video/Audio Calling, Matrix.org Protocol.
3. Tox
Tox is an easy-to-use tool that lets you connect with friends and loved ones without anybody else listening in. Application is free and open-source and also best Telegram alternatives.
Devices: Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, Android Tablet, and BSD.
Features: Encrypted Chat, Instant Messenger, Video Calling, Peer-to-Peer, Privacy-Focused, Decentralized, End-to-End Encryption, Security Focused, Multiplatform, There is no registration necessary. Share screen, P2P Network, and it’s lightweight.
4. Wire
Wire is the most secure collaboration platform, including messenger, audio, video, conference calls, file-sharing, and external collaboration – all secured by end-to-end encryption. Why use wire? Self-Hosted, Software as a Service
Devices: Mac, Windows, Linux, Online, Android, iPhone, Android Tablet, iPad, Self-Hosted, Software as a Service (SaaS)
Features: Group Chat, Video Calling, Instant Messenger, End-to-End Encryption, Security Focused, Voice Call, Encrypted Calls, Share your Screen, Anonymity, Encryption, WebRTC, Multiple Account Support, Private Chat are some of the features.
5. Jitsi
Jitsi (formerly SIP Communicator) is a full-encrypted audio/video and chat communicator that supports protocols such as SIP, XMPP/Jabber, ICQ/AIM, Windows Live, Yahoo!, GTalk/Hangouts extensions, OTR, ZRTP, and others.
Open Source – Free
Devices: Mac, Windows, Linux, Online, Android, iPhone, Android Tablet, BSD, and iPad are all supported.
Features: Instant Messenger, Video Calling, Group Chat, Video Conferencing, End-to-End Encryption, Share screen, There is no installation required, SIP is concerned about privacy, Multiple protocol support, There is not essential to download an application, and there is no need to register. This is a live meeting.
6. Matrix.org
Matrix is a collection of open APIs for decentralized communication that may be used to publish securely, persist, and subscribe to data over an available worldwide federation of servers with no single point of control.
Open Source – Free
Devices: Mac, Windows, Linux, Online, Android, iPhone, Android Tablet, iPad, Self-Hosted, WebRTC, Python, JavaScript, Go (Programming Language), Cloudron, Java, and Perl.
Features: Group Chat, Instant Messenger, Encrypted Chat, End-to-End Encryption, Federation, Decentralized, Distributed, Voice Call, Chat, Spaces, ChatBot, Voice Chat, Messaging are some of the features available.
7. Pidgin
Pidgin is a popular multi-protocol chat client that is easy to use. Connect to many chat networks at once, including AIM, MSN, Yahoo, XMPP, and others. It has NSS support, allowing it to provide client-to-server message encryption for protocols that support it. We can say that Pidgin is best Telegram alternative for Mac, windows and Linux.
Open Source – Free
Devices: Mac, Windows, Linux, BSD, PortableApps.com, and Xfce are supported.
Features: Instant Messenger, Video Calling, IRC Client, Support for Multiple Protocols, Extensible through Plugins/Extensions, Supports XMPP, multiple accounts, IRC, XMPP, many chat protocols, voice calls, messages, and languages support.
8. Hangouts
Hangouts is a messaging program that allows you to send and receive messages, photos, and other media, as well as initiate free video and phone chats — one-on-one or in groups!
Devices: Windows, Online, Android, iPhone, Chrome OS, Android Tablet, iPad, Google Chrome, Android Wear
Features: Group Chat, Video Calling, Instant Messenger, Share your screen, Multi-Device Support, Video Conferencing, Gmail integration, Syncs with Gmail, SMS from PC, SMS Messaging, Desktop app, Voice messages, Voice Call are some of the features.
9. WhatsApp
WhatsApp is a messaging program for iPhone and Android that allows you to send messages without paying for SMS. In addition to primary messaging, WhatsApp users may establish groups and send limitless pictures, video, and audio media messages. It is used as best Telegram Alternatives in 2022. Read our article on How to use Whatsapp on computer.
Devices: Mac, Windows, Online, Android, iPhone, and Android Wear.
Features: Group Chat, Video Calling, Instant Messenger, Mobile Compatibility, End-to-End Encryption, Custom Backgrounds, Stickers, Night mode/Dark Theme
Sync with Google Drive, Data Mining, Privacy options, Hide chat, Backup to Google Drive are all available. Also read our article on how to fix Whatsapp web not working on PC.
10. Viber
Everyone around the world can connect with Viber. More than 460 million Viber users globally communicate, make HD-quality phone and video conversations, and send photo and video messages for free using WiFi or 3G.
Devices: Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, iPhone, Windows S, Android Tablet, HUAWEI AppGallery, Windows Phone, iPad, Blackberry 10, Apple Watch.
Features: Instant Messenger, Group Chat, Video Calling, Desktop Sharing, Animated Stickers, Phone calls, Voice Call, Call Transfer, Secret conversations, Hidden Chat, Voice Chat, Encrypted VoIP calls, Push to Talk are some of the features available.
11. Facebook Messenger
Facebook Messenger is a more efficient method of message. Reach out to friends directly from their phones, receive and send messages quickly, message everyone at once, and more. It is among the best Telegram alternatives.
Devices: Windows, Online, Android, iPhone, Blackberry, Windows S, Android Tablet, Windows Phone, iPad, Apple Watch, Android Wear
Features: Instant Messenger, Group Chat, Video Calling, Stickers, Voice Call, Private Messaging, Text Messaging, Expiring Stories, Chat, Messaging, In-app Money Transfer, Messages are some available features.
12. WeChat
It is a mobile communication and private social networking app in one. WeChat is the most acceptable method to stay in touch with everyone you care about since it is free, cross-platform, and full-featured.
Devices: Mac, Windows, Android, iPhone, Blackberry, Windows S, Android Tablet, Windows Phone, iPad, Apple Watch
Features: Instant Messenger, Group Chat, Video Calling, Based on Phone Number, Game, Stickers, Sync Contacts, Talk Radio, Multiple Languages, Chat, People Nearby, Voice Messages
Transfer money within the app.
13. LINE
LINE is a Japanese proprietary program for smartphone and PC instant messaging. Line users may send and receive text messages, images, video, and audio files, make free VoIP calls, and participate in free audio or video conferences.
Devices: Mac, Windows, Online, Android, iPhone, Chrome OS, Android Tablet, iPad, Apple Watch.
Features: Group Chat, Instant Messenger, Video Calling, People nearby, Stickers, IFTTT connection, Voice Chat, Public Groups Chat, and Voice Call are available features.
14. IM+
Chat is available everywhere! IM+ is the most popular mobile IM app! Connect to MSN, Yahoo!, Google Talk, AIM, Jabber, ICQ, Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter on ALL significant mobile devices simultaneously.
Devices: Online, Windows Mobile, Android, iPhone, Java Mobile, Symbian S60, HP webOS, Blackberry, Android Tablet, Windows Phone, iPad, Kindle Fire are proprietary devices.
Features: Instant Messenger, Multiple Account Support, and Support for Multiple Protocols are some of the features available.
15. Snapchat
Snapchat is the quickest method to share an experience with friends. You have complete control over how long your friends may view your message — set the timer to 10 seconds and send. They’ll have that long to view your message before it vanishes forever.
Devices: Android, iPhone, HUAWEI AppGallery.
Features: Group Chat, Video Calling, Social Network, Messaging, Record Videos, Friend Tagging, Content Discovery, GPS Location Sharing, Cloud Sync, Expiring Stories
Built-in photo editor, photo filters, Snapchat dark mode and image sharing. Also check how to fix Snapchat not sending snaps. Read our article on how to delete Snapchat.
16. ICQ
ICQ is one of the first instant messenger services. Mirabilis, an Israeli business, invented the technology, which was later sold to AOL, and is currently controlled by the Russian “mail.ru” group (known for one of the largest social networks).
Devices: Mac, Windows, Linux, Online, Windows Mobile, Android, iPhone, Java Mobile, Symbian S60, Blackberry, Android Tablet, Windows Phone, iPad, Kindle Fire
Features: Instant Messenger, Video Chat, Web-Based, Messaging, Messages, and Chat are some available features.
17. Messenger Lite
Messenger Lite is a quick and data-efficient messaging program for staying in touch with the people in your life. Installs in a flash. It takes less than 10MB to install, allowing you to free up storage space on your phone. Data is saved. It loads quickly, operates smoothly, and consumes less mobile data.
Free – Proprietary
Devices: Android, Android Tablet
Features: Instant Messenger, Group Chat, Secret Chats, Lightweight, Voice Call are some available features.
18. Instantbird
Instantbird is an instant messaging client built on Mozilla XULRunner and the open-source library libpurple based on Pidgin software developers. Over 250 add-ons allow users to customize and add features.
Devices: PortableApps.com offers free and open-source devices for Mac, Windows, and Linux.
Features: Instant Messenger, IRC Client, Support for Multiple Protocols, Multiple Languages, Portable, IRC, Chat, Xmpp, are some features.
19. Torchat
TorChat is a peer-to-peer instant messenger with a decentralized architecture built on top of Tor’s location concealed services, providing you with extreme anonymity while being incredibly easy to use without the need to install or set up anything.
Open Source
Devices: (Windows, Linux) is available for free.
Features: Instant Messenger, Tor, Security Focused, Chat, Anonymity, Decentralized, Secure Chat, File Sharing, Portable, Peer-to-Peer
20. GroupMe
Microsoft owns the GroupMe group messaging software.bIt’s completely free whether you’re talking to a group of friends or texting with a single individual.bThe best feature is that it works on almost every phone, either push or SMS.bIt’s easy to reach anyone, at any time, from anywhere with GroupMe.
Devices: Online, Windows Mobile, Android, iPhone, Blackberry, Windows Phone, and Android Wear are free personal devices.
Features: Group chat, team collaboration, team messaging, SMS messaging, and IFTTT integration are all available.
So, This is our article on Telegram and best alternatives of Telegram. What is your favorite app for chatting? share with us in the comments section and also read our article on Omegle for Random online chatting.
