In today’s progressive world where getting in touch with friends and family is done virtually, there is no shortage of messaging applications to choose from. Regardless of your location and time zone, instant messaging apps like Telegram and Whatsapp make communication quick and easy.
Telegram and Whatsapp are two of the most widely used messaging platforms. Both are available for mobile device use and web browsing.
While Telegram and Whatsapp have similarities, these two also have differences that make them distinct from each other.
Both have dealt with data and privacy issues. Users are worried about how Telegram and Whatsapp will use the data collected as these might be shared with third parties and how private a private chat can be.
But despite the risks of a data breach, Whatsapp has over 2 billion users worldwide while Telegram has reached 400 million active users since April 2020.
Which one is better?
With its billions of users, Whatsapp is the app of choice if you want an easier way to keep in touch with the people within your circle. Whatsapp also supports different platforms and users: Android, iOS, Windows, and Windows phones, so most likely your friends or family would use Whatsapp.
Telegram, on the other hand, is a multi-platform messaging app where users can create channels where they can broadcast messages to larger audiences.
Besides, one can open Telegram simultaneously open and use the app on different devices. Unlike Whatsapp, Telegram can be used without the need for an active mobile number.
Sharing of files like videos, images, or documents is restricted in Whatsapp but Telegram users can send and share up to 1.5GB of any type of file. But Whatsapp allows group video calls that are not available on Telegram.
But Telegram’s useful bots make the app more interesting as it gives users weather updates, relevant news, and other functions that can be of great help for their users.
Other Telegram features that are useful to protect the privacy of users include end-to-end chat encryption allowing users to set a timer for messages to self-destruct after the specified time. It also notifies the user of screenshots taken. Lastly, messages cannot be forwarded.
Which one should you choose?
Whatsapp has wider coverage and user base with end-to-end encryption for all chats. Also, Whatsapp gives its users the freedom to choose between voice calls and video calls.
Plus, users do not have to wonder if messages have been delivered as delivery status is displayed on the private message window. Whatsapp lets the sender know if the recipient has read the messages, too.
While Whatsapp offers encryption for all chats, its backup stored on Google Drive is not encrypted, unlike Telegram which stores its own backup encrypted.
Conclusion
If you are after wide coverage and being able to see the person you have been chatting with via video calls, then Whatsapp suits best for you. But for users who prefer privacy and fond of sharing files, then Telegram is the better choice.
Now that you know Whatsapp and Telegram’s benefits and drawbacks, the choice is up to you.
