Mastodon vs Telegram
Mastodon
joinmastodon.org
Telegram
telegram.orgSide by side
| Figure | Mastodon | Telegram |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 2 | 2 |
| Spec score · Social Media APIs | 8.5 (#3) | 7.8 (#9) |
| Founded | 2016 | 2013 |
| Headquarters | Berlin, Germany | Dubai, United Arab Emirates |
| Product | Mastodon is free, open-source decentralized social media software for short-form social networking. | Telegram describes itself as a cloud-based mobile and desktop messaging app focused on security and speed. |
| Security | Mastodon requires HTTP signatures to validate that received activity was authored by the actor generating it. | 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 | Mastodon lists separate contact addresses for business hosting, security reports, legal matters, and general inquiries. | Telegram directs users to its FAQ and provides a contact option for Telegram Support. |
Plans
In their own words
Mastodon
Mastodon has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.
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.