Discord vs Telegram
Discord
discord.com
Telegram
telegram.orgSide by side
| Figure | Discord | Telegram |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $2.50/mo | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 7 | 2 |
| Spec score · Social Media APIs | 8.8 (#1) | 7.8 (#9) |
| Spec score · Instant Messaging Software | 8.8 (#5) | 7.8 (#20) |
| Spec score · Iphone Apps | 8.8 (#5) | 7.5 (#16) |
| Founded | 2015 | 2013 |
| Headquarters | San Francisco, California, United States | Dubai, United Arab Emirates |
| Security | Discord says audio and video calls use end-to-end encryption, while messages are not encrypted and remain subject to its content moderation approach. | 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. |
| Support | Discord directs customers to its Help Center and provides a customer support request form. | Telegram directs users to its FAQ and provides a contact option for Telegram Support. |
Plans
Discord
- FreeFree
- Nitro Basic$2.99 a month
- Nitro$9.99 a month
- FreeFree
- Nitro Basic$2.99 a month
- Nitro Basic$29.99 a year
- Nitro$99.99 a year
In their own words
Discord
Discord is a communications platform for voice, video, and text, with communities organized into servers and channels. People can create servers for groups to talk and spend time together, and use calls in direct messages, group direct messages, or voice channels. The service supports streaming games to friends, and supported consoles can stream gameplay directly. On desktop and in a browser, the App Directory lets users find apps to add to a server or account. Account Connections can link services such as Spotify, Xbox, and PlayStation to a profile; developers can use the Embedded App SDK to build interactive experiences inside Discord. It runs on the web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. The free plan includes voice, video, and text chat, community servers, and browser, desktop, and mobile access. Nitro Basic is $2.99 a month and includes 50 MB file uploads; Nitro is $9.99 a month and includes custom emoji and stickers, HD video streaming, and two Server Boosts. Discord says calls use end-to-end encryption, but messages are not encrypted and remain subject to its content moderation approach.
Telegram
Telegram is a cloud-based messaging app for mobile and desktop. Users can exchange messages, photos, videos, and files, with cloud chats synced across devices. Groups can hold up to 200,000 members, while channels can broadcast to unlimited audiences. It supports end-to-end encrypted voice and video calls, including group calls for up to 200 participants. Secret Chats are end-to-end encrypted and stay only on the devices involved; cloud chats are stored encrypted on Telegram servers. Bots and Mini Apps can connect services and workflows, and the open API and Bot API support app and integration development. The free plan includes cloud storage, groups and channels, calls, and use across multiple devices and accounts. Ordinary users can upload files up to 2 GB each; Premium subscribers can upload up to 4 GB. Premium also lists faster downloads and doubled limits, but its price varies by country and subscription provider. Telegram is available on Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, web, and Windows, and an account requires a phone.