The best Telegram alternatives in 2026
Telegram scores 8.9 and ranks #3 in Messaging & Calls. It's not for everyone: skip it if you need end-to-end encryption on every chat by default. Here's every alternative we rank, and exactly where each one is stronger or weaker.
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- More private +4.0
- Fewer features -0.9
- Better value +0.5
Best for: Anyone who wants private chats and calls without trading data for convenience
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- More private +1.2
Best for: Anyone who wants one free app to reach family, friends and local businesses
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- Worse value -2.0
- More private +1.4
- Slower -0.8
Best for: Teams and companies that run their daily work through chat and integrations
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- Slower -1.0
- Weaker design -0.5
- Fewer features -0.4
Best for: Gamers, hobby groups and online communities that want voice and text in one place
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- Worse value -1.6
- More private +1.3
- Fewer features -0.8
- Weaker design -0.8
Best for: Teams, teachers and consultants who need video meetings that just work
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- Slower -1.1
- Worse value -1.1
- Fewer features -1.0
Best for: Busy professionals who juggle several email accounts and want a calmer inbox
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- Slower -2.0
- Weaker design -1.8
- More private +1.5
- Worse value -1.2
Best for: Organizations already paying for Microsoft 365 that want chat and meetings in one place
Still deciding on Telegram?Read our full review, pros and cons.