Telegram
Cloud-synced messenger for chats, big groups, channels and large file sharing across all your devices
by Telegram FZ-LLC · listed Nov 3, 2026
Quick verdict
Telegram is well worth installing if you want fast multi-device messaging, large groups and generous file sharing. If private, end-to-end encrypted conversations are your top concern, pair it with or choose a more privacy-focused messenger.
Best for People who use several devices, follow large communities or channels, or need to share big files easily
Reviewed by AppsPicks on Nov 3, 2026. How we review
Telegram review
Telegram is a cloud-based messenger for one-to-one chats, group conversations and broadcast channels. Your messages are stored on Telegram's servers, so the same history appears on your phone, tablet, desktop app and the web, and your phone does not need to stay online. It suits people who switch between several devices, run or follow large communities, or need to send big files without them being compressed.
Day to day it feels quick and light. Chats open fast, files up to 2 GB go through as they are, and you can sort conversations into folders, pin messages, schedule sends and use bots for tasks like polls or reminders. Large groups and channels are where it really stands apart, with groups holding up to 200,000 members. The core app is free, and an optional Telegram Premium subscription adds extras such as larger uploads and faster downloads.
Why we picked it: Few messengers sync this smoothly across devices or handle big communities and large files as comfortably.
Watch out for: Regular chats are encrypted between you and Telegram's servers but are not end-to-end encrypted; only one-to-one Secret Chats are, and those stay tied to a single device.
What we like
- Full chat history syncs across phone, desktop and web without the phone staying online
- Sends files up to 2 GB without compressing them
- Groups of up to 200,000 members plus one-way broadcast channels
- Bots, folders, scheduled messages and other power-user tools
- Open source apps and a free, documented API
What could be better
- Default cloud chats are not end-to-end encrypted
- Secret Chats only work one-to-one and on a single device
- Signing up requires a phone number
- Large public groups and channels can attract spam
Questions about Telegram
Is Telegram free?
Yes, the app and its core features are free. An optional Telegram Premium subscription unlocks extras like larger uploads and faster downloads.
Which platforms does it run on?
There are apps for iPhone, iPad and Android, plus desktop apps and a web version. Your chats sync across all of them.
Are my messages end-to-end encrypted?
Not by default. Normal chats are encrypted in transit and stored in Telegram's cloud, while Secret Chats offer end-to-end encryption for one-to-one conversations on a single device.
Can I use it on a computer without my phone?
Yes. The desktop and web apps work independently once you have logged in, so your phone does not need to be connected.
What are the main alternatives?
WhatsApp is more common for everyday chats with friends and family, and Signal is the usual pick if end-to-end encryption on every chat is your priority.
From the developer: how Telegram describes itself
Pure instant messaging — simple, fast, secure, and synced across all your devices. One of the top 5 most downloaded apps in the world with over 1 billion active users.
FAST: Telegram is the fastest messaging app on the market, connecting people via a unique, distributed network of data centers around the globe.
SYNCED: You can access your messages from all your phones, tablets and computers at once. Telegram apps are standalone, so you don’t need to keep your phone connected. Start typing on one device and finish the message from another. Never lose your data again.
UNLIMITED: You can send media and files, without any limits on their type and size. Your entire chat history will require no disk space on your device, and will be securely stored in the Telegram cloud for as long as you need it.
SECURE: We made it our mission to provide the best security combined with ease of use. Everything on Telegram, including chats, groups, media, etc. is encrypted using a combination of 256-bit symmetric AES encryption, 2048-bit RSA encryption, and Diffie–Hellman secure key exchange.
100% FREE & OPEN: Telegram has a fully documented and free API for developers, open source apps and verifiable builds to prove the app you download is built from the exact same source code that is published.
POWERFUL: You can create group chats with up to 200,000 members, share large videos, documents of any type (.DOCX, .MP3, .ZIP, etc.) up to 2 GB each, and even set up bots for specific tasks. Telegram is the perfect tool for hosting online communities and coordinating teamwork.
RELIABLE: Built to deliver your messages using as little data as possible, Telegram is the most reliable messaging system ever made. It works even on the weakest mobile connections.
FUN: Telegram has powerful photo and video editing tools, animated stickers and emoji, fully customizable themes to change the appearance of your app, and an open sticker/GIF platform to cater to all your expressive needs.
SIMPLE: While providing an unprecedented array of features, we take great care to keep the interface clean. Telegram is so simple you already know how to use it.
PRIVATE: We take your privacy seriously and will never give any third parties access to your data. You can delete any message you ever sent or received for both sides, at any time and without a trace. Telegram will never use your data to show you ads.
For those interested in maximum privacy, Telegram offers Secret Chats. Secret Chat messages can be programmed to self-destruct automatically from both participating devices. This way you can send all types of disappearing content — messages, photos, videos, and even files. Secret Chats use End-to-End Encryption to ensure that a message can only be read by its intended recipient.
Text from the app store listing, quoted for reference. Our own take is above.
Reviews (0)
Be the first to review.