Online Telegram Alternatives

There are many alternatives to Telegram as a web app if you are looking for a replacement. The best Online alternative is Element, which is both free and Open Source. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 100 alternatives to Telegram and loads of them are available as a web app so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting Online alternatives to Telegram are Wire, Matrix.org, WhatsApp and Keybase.

Telegram alternatives are mainly Instant Messengers but may also be Encrypted Chat Apps or Group Chat Apps. Filter by these if you want a narrower list of alternatives or looking for a specific functionality of Telegram.

This page was last updated

1936

Freemium • Proprietary
Encrypted Chat App

Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
HUAWEI AppGallery
Windows Phone
iPad
Apple Watch
Linux Mobile
Android Wear
PortableApps.com
FreeBSD

Telegram is a messaging app created by former VK creators with a focus on speed and security. It’s...

Learn more about Telegram

Element
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Freemium • Open Source
Group Chat App
Instant Messenger
Encrypted Chat App
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
iPad
Self-Hosted
Matrix.org
Cloudron
F-Droid
FLATHUB
266 alternatives to Element
Element is a secure collaboration and messaging app based on the Matrix protocol. It’s decentralised to deliver digital sovereignty, and based on an open standard for easy connections and interoperability. It is end-to-end encrypted by default.
Suggest and vote on features
Element Features
1. DecentralizedElement is based on a decentralized infrastructure with no single entity controlling it.
2. End-to-End EncryptionElement has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
3. Privacy focusedElement is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
4. VoiP CallsElement allows you to make voice calls over Internet using the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
5. No TrackingElement will not track you or use your personal data.
6. Real time collaborationMultiple users can work together in Element simultaneously.
7. Dark ModeElement supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
8. Ad-freeElement doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
9. File VersioningElement has a version system that lets you view and go back to older versions of the project/file/document.
Federated
Matrix Protocol
Voice Chat
Federation
Direct Messaging
Community-based
Per-room avatars
Multiple languages
Custom widgets
Message redaction
Element vs Telegram opinions
Almost everyone thinks Element is a great alternative to Telegram.
all • positive • negative relevance • date
Guest
Free software running on the server and the client. Syndicated service lets you run your own server and connect with others.
Top positive comment•
6

Guest
Cloud base with good features and awful UI!
Top positive comment•
6

calkesh
Element is severely lacking in uptake. It could be the best messenger in the world (and may well be) but ultimately, if I can't talk to my friends on there, there's no incentive for me to use it.
Top negative comment•
-2

jdakfkj333
Element is a good privacy chat that you can host yourself. However, not many people use it compared to Signal or Telegram.
Positive comment•
0

FiTekno
I like this because of fact its purpose is to be decentralized. however time shows as knowledge is needed to bridges be made from other platforms.
Positive comment•
0

Show more comments ▾
5 of 12 comments
Wire
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free Personal • Open Source
Group Chat App
Video Calling App
Instant Messenger
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
iPad
Self-Hosted
F-Droid
Software as a Service (SaaS)
257 alternatives to Wire
Wire is the most secure collaboration platform featuring messenger, voice, video, conference calls, file-sharing, and external collaboration –all protected by the most secure end-to-end-encryption.
Suggest and vote on features
Wire Features
1. End-to-End EncryptionWire has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
2. VoiP CallsWire allows you to make voice calls over Internet using the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
3. Screen SharingYou can use Wire to share your screen with your colleages or friends.
4. Privacy focusedWire is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
5. Multiple Account supportWire support multiple accounts without the need to logout and login
Security focused
Encrypted calls
Voice Chat
File Sending
Voice messages
WebRTC
Private Chat
Secure Chat
Integrated File Sharing
Secure File Sharing
Wire vs Telegram opinions
Almost everyone thinks Wire is a great alternative to Telegram.
cityroler
always End-to-End encrypted; servers in the EU; high quality audio and video calls;
Top positive comment•
10

Guest
Multiplatform, chat, audio and video calling with great quality and: Clientside is already open source and they are currently working on completely opensourcing the serverside too. Great application.
Top positive comment•
7

gnudesign
Privacy and security focused, lot of features but way behind Telegram's user experience design.
Positive comment•
0

Guest
It is fully open source instead Telegram (server and client).
Positive comment•
0

Guest
Always end-to-end encrypted. Fully open source.
Positive comment•
6
Matrix.org
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Group Chat App
Instant Messenger
Encrypted Chat App
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
iPad
Self-Hosted
WebRTC
Python
JavaScript
Go (Programming Language)
Cloudron
Java
Perl
133 alternatives to Matrix.org
Matrix defines a set of open APIs for decentralised communication, suitable for securely publishing, persisting and subscribing to data over a global open federation of servers with no single point of control.
Suggest and vote on features
Matrix.org Features
1. DecentralizedMatrix.org is based on a decentralized infrastructure with no single entity controlling it.
2. End-to-End EncryptionMatrix.org has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
3. Privacy focusedMatrix.org is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
4. VoiP CallsMatrix.org allows you to make voice calls over Internet using the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
5. Ad-freeMatrix.org doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
6. No TrackingMatrix.org will not track you or use your personal data.
7. Multiple Account supportMatrix.org support multiple accounts without the need to logout and login
8. Real time collaborationMultiple users can work together in Matrix.org simultaneously.
Federation
Distributed
Security focused
Spaces
Chat Bot
Voice Chat
Support for Multiple protocols
WebRTC
Server side history
Matrix.org vs Telegram opinions
Almost everyone thinks Matrix.org is a great alternative to Telegram.
LeSnake
Matrix is a protocol used by i.e. Element, not a messenger iself
Negative comment•
4
WhatsApp
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Proprietary
Instant Messenger
Group Chat App
Encrypted Chat App
Mac
Windows
Online
Android
iPhone
Android Wear
242 alternatives to WhatsApp
WhatsApp is an iPhone and Android messaging app which allows you to exchange messages without having to pay for SMS.
Suggest and vote on features
WhatsApp Features
1. End-to-End EncryptionWhatsApp has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
2. Dark ModeWhatsApp supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
3. Two-factor AuthenticationWhatsApp supports two-factor authentication (2FA).
4. VoiP CallsWhatsApp allows you to make voice calls over Internet using the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
5. Expiring StoriesYou can create, view, interact and share temporary stories in WhatsApp.
6. Support for @mentionsWhatsApp supports the use of mentions through @ to a particular user, who will be notified personally.
Mobile friendly
Custom Backgrounds
Stickers
Based on phone number
Voice messages
Data transfer
Push to talk
Sync with Google Drive
Data Mining
Notifications
WhatsApp vs Telegram opinions
This alternative is disputed. WhatsApp is still a legitimate alternative to Telegram, but it might have issues that some users think are important.
all • positive • negative relevance • date
hasanyildiz
It will be defeated by a strong opponent like Telegram. Telegram is also more user friendly.
Top positive comment•
0

Guest
it is not hosted virtually... you cannot access data once it got downloaded on other devices later... plus very limited on sizes and what can be uploaded... tons of limits on so much...

for true user of telegram, whatsapp fail to compete.... imagine having group, in telegram, the new members can see the old messages...

man way not same level even if same category
Top negative comment•
31

Planetjunkie
absolutely unsecure, E2EE is questionable, and Facebook are planning on implementing a feature to decrypt messages for advertisers (as if that was not a thing since they acquired whatsapp...)
Negative comment•
0

Centaro
Too many limitations and is owned by Facebook.
Negative comment•
15

Guest
WhatsApp is end-to-end encrypted and relies on the Signal protocol to protect the user's privacy while Telegram uses its own custom encryption algorithm, which is a big flaw in cryptography. Telegram only fully encrypts communications when starting a "secret chat", but the default conversations are not secured.
Positive comment•
-7

Show more comments ▾
5 of 6 comments
Keybase
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Encrypted Chat App
Team Collaboration Tool
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Android
iPhone
iPad
Ruby
JavaScript
Tor
Go (Programming Language)
Java
64 alternatives to Keybase
Keybase is a new and free security app for mobile phones and computers. For the geeks among us: it's open source and powered by public-key cryptography.
Suggest and vote on features
Keybase Features
1. End-to-End EncryptionKeybase has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
2. PGP EncryptionKeybase supports PGP, an encryption system used for sending encrypted emails and files.
3. Git SupportKeybase supports Git, a free and open source distributed version control system.
4. Self Destructing MessagesKeybase supports the use of private messages that will be auto deleted according to a specified time or action.
5. Encrypted BackupKeybase uses encryption algorithms to keep your files safe as well as prevent unauthorized access.
6. GPG EncryptionKeybase supports GPG (aka GnuPG) for encryption of things like emails, messages, files, etc.
7. Ad-freeKeybase doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
Two-Step verification
Security focused
Public key encryption
Git integration
File Storage
Electron based
GitHub integration
Private repositories
Ruby
Facebook integration
Keybase vs Telegram opinions
pros, cons and recent comments
Guest
everything is encrypted and gives cloud drive, git, a stellar wallet other than a chat
Positive comment•
0
Zulip
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free Personal • Open Source
Group Chat App
Instant Messenger
Encrypted Chat App
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
BSD
iPad
Self-Hosted
221 alternatives to Zulip
Zulip is the only modern team chat app that is designed for both live and asynchronous conversations. Zulip topics create a separate space for each discussion, so different conversations will never get in each other's way.
Suggest and vote on features
Zulip Features
1. Support for MarkDownZulip supports MarkDown for document formatting.
2. Syntax HighlightingZulip supports syntax highlighting for various programming and markup languages.
Threaded Conversations
Support for Hotkeys
Community-based
Integrated File Sharing
Chat Bot
Code Syntax Highlighting
GitHub integration
Secure Chat
Third party integrations
Chat organizer
Zulip vs Telegram opinions
Threema
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Paid • Open Source
Encrypted Chat App
Group Chat App
Online
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
iPad
HUAWEI AppGallery
Mac
Windows
Linux
100 alternatives to Threema
Threema is a new mobile messaging app that puts security first. With true end-to-end encryption, you can rest assured that only you and the intended recipient can read your messages.
Suggest and vote on features
Threema Features
1. End-to-End EncryptionThreema has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
2. Privacy focusedThreema is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
3. No TrackingThreema will not track you or use your personal data.
4. Ad-freeThreema doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
5. Encrypted BackupThreema uses encryption algorithms to keep your files safe as well as prevent unauthorized access.
Integrated File Sharing
Security focused
Confirm messages
Encrypted calls
Voting
Integrated App lock
Sync Contacts
Secure Chat
Multiple languages
Image Sharing
Threema vs Telegram opinions
Most users think Threema is a great alternative to Telegram.
egami
This is in my opinion the absolut number one if you are looking for privacy.
Positive comment•
0

JohnFastman
Proper end-to-end encryption makes Threema a good private way to communicate. But not as good as open source alternatives like Signal, for which you can check the source code. But Threema is way better than Facebook Messenger or 'Allo, which come from privacy-destroying companies.
Positive comment•
0
Revolt
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Group Chat App
Video Calling App
Instant Messenger
Windows
Linux
Online
Android
Flathub
Rust
20 alternatives to Revolt
Revolt is a brand new chat platform designed around you.
Suggest and vote on features
Revolt Features
1. Privacy focusedRevolt is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
2. Ad-freeRevolt doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
3. VoiP CallsRevolt allows you to make voice calls over Internet using the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
4. No TrackingRevolt will not track you or use your personal data.
5. End-to-End EncryptionRevolt has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
6. Cloud SyncSync your data (notes, documents, bookmarks, etc.) across your different devices and to the cloud.
7. Screen SharingYou can use Revolt to share your screen with your colleages or friends.
Text chat
Bots
Multiple Servers
Reactions
Custom roles
Group Voice Chat
Voice Chat
Cross-Platform
Push to talk
Public groups chat
Revolt vs Telegram opinions
pros, cons and recent comments
aolko
Discord alternative, not telegram
Negative comment•
-1
FluffyChat
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Encrypted Chat App
Instant Messenger
Group Chat App
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Android
iPhone
Flathub
Ubuntu Touch
F-Droid
173 alternatives to FluffyChat
FluffyChat is an open, nonprofit and cute matrix messenger app for Ubuntu Touch, Android and iOS.
Suggest and vote on features
FluffyChat Features
1. DecentralizedFluffyChat is based on a decentralized infrastructure with no single entity controlling it.
2. End-to-End EncryptionFluffyChat has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
3. Privacy focusedFluffyChat is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
4. Ad-freeFluffyChat doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
5. Dark ModeFluffyChat supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
Matrix Protocol
Voice messages
Security focused
Guilded
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Proprietary
Group Chat App
Video Calling App
Encrypted Chat App
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Android
iPhone
iPad
99 alternatives to Guilded
An advanced gaming chat platform competitor to Discord with features like calendars, advanced voice chat, and forums to better manage and grow your gaming communities.
Suggest and vote on features
Guilded Features
1. Calendar IntegrationGuilded lets you sync your tasks and events with your calendar application.
2. VoiP CallsGuilded allows you to make voice calls over Internet using the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
Voice Chat
Gaming-focused
Text chat
Tournament Management
Private Chat
Scheduling
Integrated Chat
Public groups chat
Role-based security access
Twitch Integration
Guilded vs Telegram opinions
pros, cons and recent comments
aolko
Discord alternative, not telegram
Negative comment•
-1