Web · Windows · Mac · Linux · Android · iPhone · API

Freedom report

Three barsScore 6.7

Free tierA free tier is on its own pricing page
Open codeNo open-source code on record
Runs widely6 of 6 device platforms
DocumentedPlans, terms and facts published

Telegram is ranked #7 of 55 in secure messaging apps on Freedom251. It runs on Android, API, iOS, Linux, macOS, Web, Windows. There is a free plan.

Telegram plans and pricing

All plans

Free Free Free to use; the FAQ says existing features remain free. Unlimited cloud storage · groups and channels · voice and video calls · multiple devices and accounts telegram.org · 30 Sept 2026

Telegram Premium Not published Monthly or yearly subscriptions are available; price varies by country and subscription provider. 4 GB file uploads · faster downloads · doubled limits · exclusive features telegram.org · 30 Sept 2026

Compared on secure messaging apps

Free plan: Yes
Account requirement: phone
Encrypted backups: Yes
Desktop apps: Yes
Maximum group size: 200,000 members
Multi-device support: Yes
Disappearing messages: Yes

Best Telegram alternatives

See all 12

Two bars Olvid Free tier No. 1€82.50/mo6.8 Two bars Wire Free tier No. 2€7.45/mo6.8 Two bars Delta Chat Free tier No. 3Free6.7 Two bars Session Free tier No. 4$2.99/mo6.7 Two bars Signal Free tier No. 5Free6.7 Two bars SimpleX Chat Free tier No. 6Free6.7

The record

Product: Telegram describes itself as a cloud-based mobile and desktop messaging app focused on security and speed.
Messaging: Users can send messages, photos, videos and files, and cloud chats sync across devices.
Groups and channels: Groups can hold up to 200,000 members, while channels can broadcast to unlimited audiences.
Calls: Telegram supports end-to-end encrypted voice and video calls and group calls for up to 200 participants.
Business users: Telegram says business users and small teams may use large groups, usernames, desktop apps and file sharing for communication.
Bots and integrations: Bots can connect businesses’ existing tools and workflows, and Mini Apps can integrate with third-party services, APIs and devices.
Developer platform: Telegram provides an open API and Bot API for building apps, specialized tools and integrations, including payment features.
Security: 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.
Privacy: Telegram says it does not use personal data for ad targeting or sell it to others, and describes retaining data needed to operate its cloud service.
Support: Telegram directs users to its FAQ and provides a contact option for Telegram Support.
Notable limit: The FAQ says ordinary users can upload files up to 2 GB each, while Premium subscribers can upload files up to 4 GB.
Premium pricing: Premium subscriptions can be purchased through the App Store, Google Play or @PremiumBot, and the FAQ says yearly subscriptions are discounted.
Founded: 2013
Headquarters: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Price from: Free

Where it ranks on Freedom251

Best Secure Messaging Apps in 2026#7 of 55

Is Telegram yours?

Claim it for free: prove the domain, then correct facts, plans and screenshots. An editor reviews every change.

Claim it free Promote Telegram

Sources

telegram.org· checked 30 Sept 2026
telegram.org/faq· checked 30 Sept 2026
core.telegram.org/bots· checked 30 Sept 2026
telegram.org/privacy· checked 30 Sept 2026
telegram.org/blog/700-million-and-premium· checked 30 Sept 2026
telegram.org/faq_premium· checked 30 Sept 2026