Telegram vs. WhatsApp: Reasons Why You Can Quit WhatsApp

Shanoon Cox

Sep 30, 2024• Proven solutions

Well, with the increase in the use of messaging apps by millions of users globally, there is a high rate of collected and stored user data. As a result, there is an increasing concern on the part of customers regarding their data privacy and security features provided by these messaging apps. Therefore, today’s topic is Telegram vs. WhatsApp.

Other than top-notch functionality and user-friendly interfaces, people settle for specific messaging apps for different purposes. As Facebook continuously works to merge Messenger, WhatsApp, and Instagram to work as an interoperable system, legitimate concerns are growing about how users' information gets treated across these platforms. In January 2021, WhatsApp sent out in-app notifications to over 400 billion WhatsApp users regarding accepting the latest terms of service and privacy policy or risk account deletion. It is no wonder the mass exodus of users from WhatsApp to Telegram, a significant rival to Facebook, has helped them get over 500 million users due to their quality and privacy. Signal, another encrypted messaging app, has also recently experienced a massive surge in user sign-ins. However, in a recent survey, 81% of WhatsApp users still showed confidence and optimism in the app's privacy policy and security.

Stick to the end to find out critical differences between WhatsApp and Telegram.

• Part 1: What is the Difference between WhatsApp and Telegram?
• Part 2: Reasons Why You Can Switch from WhatsApp to Telegram?
• Part 3: Some FAQs

Part 1: What is the Difference between WhatsApp and Telegram?

Here are some major differences between WhatsApp and Telegram.

1. End-to-end encryption of Telegram vs. WhatsApp

In WhatsApp, messages are only readable by the sender and receiver due to the end-to-end encryption feature. However, cloud-backed-up messages are not encrypted. On the other hand, in Telegram, end-to-end encryption is only available and enabled for secret chats. Users can also install self-destruct timers in messages. Furthermore, users cannot forward messages from secret chats and get notifications if any party tries to take a screenshot of the private chats.

2. Group features of Telegram vs. WhatsApp

Telegram permits the addition of 200,000 people in a group. Such groups also have unique features like hashtags, polls, quizzes, self-destructive messages, etc. You can share up to 1.5GB of files via the app. On the other hand, WhatsApp only allows 256 participants in a group, with a maximum of 8 people for group video calls.

3. Cloud storage of Telegram vs. WhatsApp

Telegram offers its users a unique unlimited data cloud storage feature that enables them to store messages, documents, files, and photos on the cloud, accessible from anywhere and any device simply by logging in. This feature is absent in WhatsApp, but it can backup and restore on iCloud and Google Drive. In WhatsApp, you can send files of less than or equal to 16MB at a time, with documents reaching up to 100MB.

4. Multi-platform support of Telegram vs. WhatsApp

You can log in to your Telegram from any device by simply inputting your username and password. WhatsApp only supports login from two platforms: your mobile phone and the web.

5. Presence of bots

Telegram comes with a unique inbuilt application called Bots that help Telegram users to play music, develop to-do lists, read books, watch movies, play games, schedule timers, use a translator, etc. This feature is absent on WhatsApp.

Part 2: Reasons Why You Can Switch from WhatsApp to Telegram?

Is Telegram better than WhatsApp? Let's find out! With the seeming similarities and apparent differences between WhatsApp and Telegram, it is understandable to be a little indecisive about which messaging apps to settle for or migrate to.

1. Create channels and follow them

Telegram has a unique tool called Channel. It works like a blog. These channels are like chats, only that they allow unlimited subscribers. Messages can only be posted by administrators, read by other users but cannot be shared out.

2. Use geolocation to find groups

Telegram, just like Tinder, allows you to search and locate users and groups that are near you. However, by default, unless manually modified, accounts are not visible to users by geolocation.

3. Send uncompressed photos and videos

Telegram enjoys an uncompressed file delivery system that ensures photos and videos retain their original quality when sent. When you select the option, 'Send as a file, Telegram sends the file in its uncompressed form during file transfer.

4. Play video and audio files at double speed

By pressing the 2x button at the top right corner of a chat interface, you can save yourself time going through long audio or videos, as this feature allows you to listen to double speeds.

5. Delete conversations

Deleting entire conversations on your phone and that of your chat partner's phone is entirely possible on Telegram.

6. Accessible from different devices

With Telegram, you do not need to access your account from only your mobile phone. You can log in from other devices as the app does not rely on SIM cards.

7. No need for a phone number

Mobile phone numbers are only mandatory at the time of registration and login. Users can create usernames or nicknames that can easily be searched for and found by other users on the app.

8. Open secret chats

On Telegram, you can create secret chats. These chats come with extra security as messages sent within them are end-to-end encrypted and cannot be transmitted. You can also fix a self-destruct timer and receive a notification if the recipient tries to screenshot the message.

Part 3: Some FAQs

1 - Is Telegram safer than WhatsApp?

Protection of user data and high standard encryption techniques are the security features employed by Telegram. After the recent data breach in WhatsApp, many users feel that Telegram is more secure than WhatsApp. Anonymous parties, ISP, and network administrators intercept Telegram messages making it difficult to decipher them. The presence of Telegram bots for different activities also makes it safer for users than WhatsApp.

2 - What's the best alternative to WhatsApp?

A lot of people would quickly supply the answer to this question as Telegram. But then, is Telegram better than WhatsApp? The answer depends on what you have in mind for these apps to do for you. Signal, a fast-rising messaging app, offers users pretty much similar functions as WhatsApp. On the other hand, Telegram also delivers top-notch messaging features for use while also providing security, privacy, and multiple built-in app features.

3 - Can the police track Telegram?

Due to the end-to-end encryption feature of Telegram, the police can't track its messages or activities. Metadata over to law enforcement agencies is a meaningless string of data due to the secret chats feature on Telegram that allows users to keep their conversations very private.

Conclusion

As the argument about Telegram vs. WhatsApp continues to escalate, users are taking sides and settling for the one that meets their messaging needs. Based on the information shared in this article on security, privacy, and built-in features, you should now be able to answer the question, "is Telegram better than WhatsApp?"

Shanoon Cox

Shanoon Cox is a writer and a lover of all things video.

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