Tech riderRev. 30 Sept 2026

1Runs onAndroid, API, iOS, Linux, Mac, Web, Windows
2CostsFree plan
3Account requirementphone
4Encrypted backupsYes
5Desktop appsYes
6Maximum group size200,000 members
7Multi-device supportYes
8Disappearing messagesYes

8 lines stated Written from the maker's own pages: telegram.org

Overview

Telegram is ranked #3 of 36 in secure messaging apps on Specifiction. It runs on Android, API, iOS, Linux, macOS, Web, Windows. There is a free plan.

Telegram plans and pricing

All plans

Free Free Free to use; the FAQ says existing features remain free. Unlimited cloud storage · groups and channels · voice and video calls · multiple devices and accounts telegram.org · 30 Sept 2026

Telegram Premium Not published Monthly or yearly subscriptions are available; price varies by country and subscription provider. 4 GB file uploads · faster downloads · doubled limits · exclusive features telegram.org · 30 Sept 2026

Compared on secure messaging apps

Free plan: Yestelegram.org
Account requirement: phonetelegram.org
Encrypted backups: Yestelegram.org
Desktop apps: Yestelegram.org
Maximum group size: 200,000 memberstelegram.org
Multi-device support: Yestelegram.org
Disappearing messages: Yestelegram.org

Facts

Product: Telegram describes itself as a cloud-based mobile and desktop messaging app focused on security and speed.telegram.org · 30 Sept 2026
Messaging: Users can send messages, photos, videos and files, and cloud chats sync across devices.telegram.org · 30 Sept 2026
Groups and channels: Groups can hold up to 200,000 members, while channels can broadcast to unlimited audiences.telegram.org · 30 Sept 2026
Calls: Telegram supports end-to-end encrypted voice and video calls and group calls for up to 200 participants.telegram.org · 30 Sept 2026
Business users: Telegram says business users and small teams may use large groups, usernames, desktop apps and file sharing for communication.telegram.org · 30 Sept 2026
Bots and integrations: Bots can connect businesses’ existing tools and workflows, and Mini Apps can integrate with third-party services, APIs and devices.core.telegram.org · 30 Sept 2026
Developer platform: Telegram provides an open API and Bot API for building apps, specialized tools and integrations, including payment features.telegram.org · 30 Sept 2026
Security: Secret Chats use end-to-end encryption and are available only on the devices where they were sent or received; cloud chats are stored encrypted on Telegram servers.telegram.org · 30 Sept 2026
Privacy: Telegram says it does not use personal data for ad targeting or sell it to others, and describes retaining data needed to operate its cloud service.telegram.org · 30 Sept 2026
Support: Telegram directs users to its FAQ and provides a contact option for Telegram Support.telegram.org · 30 Sept 2026
Notable limit: The FAQ says ordinary users can upload files up to 2 GB each, while Premium subscribers can upload files up to 4 GB.telegram.org · 30 Sept 2026
Premium pricing: Premium subscriptions can be purchased through the App Store, Google Play or @PremiumBot, and the FAQ says yearly subscriptions are discounted.telegram.org · 30 Sept 2026