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Why is Telegram Better than WhatsApp?

Amy McCready
By Amy McCready. Updated: August 2, 2020
Why is Telegram Better than WhatsApp?

Telegram is a free cloud-based access system and offers one of the most secure messaging platforms around, if not the most. It uses end-to-end encryption and self-destruction protocols to keep your privacy intact. Released in 2013, the (relatively) new kid on the block has become a hit with many avid instant messaging fans. Primarily due to its high security element - and vast range of Telegram stickers. In terms of active users, WhatsApp still remains the top dog though, with 450 million compared to Telegram's average of 100 million. Despite this, many people are making the switch to Telegram.

So, why is this app so popular? Why is Telegram better than WhatsApp? Keep reading, as oneHOWTO will answer this and more.

You may also be interested in: How to Create a Group Chat on Telegram

Telegram or WhatsApp?

Telegram and WhatsApp pretty much share the same groundwork. Both apps use your phone number as identification, let you chat one-on-one and in groups, share videos and pictures, and they both have a very similar user interface.

Despite their similarities, there are many differences that determine which app is "the best". After WhatsApp was bought by Facebook in 2014, more and more people have been skeptical to continue using it. There have been concerns that the new owners may start indexing user data in order to introduce ads into the app. Furthermore, WhatsApp users have been complaining at the speed of loading times and frequency of outages.

Of course, Telegram has flaws too and there are a few issues with its secret chat feature, which we will elaborate on later. Notably, you can screenshot the conversations contents. It may be a little ironic to have self-destructing messages if they can be saved by a split-second screenshot, without your consent. Both parties are notified when a screenshot is taken, but this is still probably one of the weaker features in the app.

With this said, there are a range of advantages to prove why Telegram is better. Let us list them for you.

Why is Telegram Better than WhatsApp? - Telegram or WhatsApp?

Cloud Storage

Telegram has Cloud Storage. This means all your messages and files are saved to the invisible Cloud. You are able to log in and out as many times as you want from any device and not lose your data. Moreover, you get to know the devices in which it is currently being used so you don't have to worry about backup and restore. This also ensures that you can download any file, any number of times. The makers of Telegram are so confident about their app's level of security that they are offering a $200,000 bounty to anyone who can break into 'MTProto', the foundation of Telegram.

File sharing

You can only transfer audio or video files from your "Gallery" on WhatsApp, whereas Telegram offers up to 1GB of uninterrupted data transfers. Pretty much any document or media of any kind, such as PDFs or common formats can be shared within the realm of Telegram. Furthermore, the app allows users to send high quality images and videos - they can choose whether to compress an image or video or send it as is.

Public channels and super groups

A normal group capacity in Telegram is 200. But when this is reached the Group transforms to a Super Group - with a capacity of 5000. Telegram also shows the number of online users in a Group conversation. A channel on the other hand, has no limit on the number of members and can be used to broadcast messages to large audiences. These channels can be public with a permanent URL and each post in a channel has its own view counter. The creator of the channel can decide who can post to a channel (administrators) and other members can merely view the posts. You can also create a channel purely for yourself. This is useful for storing web links, etc.

The username feature

Unlike WhatsApp, you can communicate with a Telegram user even if you do not have their contact number. This is done by adding a username. Telegram usernames must be a minimum of five characters and can contain letters, numbers and underscores. This feature, that bears much similarity to a Snapchat feature, is a great way for users to communicate with many people without handing out their phone number. Still, you do need a phone number to register with Telegram.

You can have secret chats

Telegram's secret chats are end-to-end encrypted and can't be hacked in any way. They are simply created by going to Contacts -> New Secret Chat, select your contact and start talking. Moreover, users can set a self-destruct timer that will destroy the messages after the set amount of time. As mentioned previously, users can screenshot these chats, but the sender will be notified of this.

GIFs and stickers

Telegram is highly appealing to the masses due to its creative, high quality and extensive range of stickers. You can also add and remove sticker packs, meaning you can create your own. If you want to know how to create your own Telegram stickers, read our oneHOWTO article.

Inline bots

These clever bots can help you with countless tasks on Telegram. Tasks such as: sending relevant GIFs, pictures from the Web, YouTube videos, articles, etc. Users can perform certain activities in which an image bot will fetch an image or a poll bot will take a poll in a group, for example.

Support on hand

An army of volunteers from all over the world help Telegram Users solve their grievances. The support of developers and tech-whizzes is easily accessible through the app, just by going to Settings -> 'Ask a question'. WhatsApp lacks on-device support and outsource support to your mobile carrier.

Pros and cons of WhatsApp and Telegram

Let's summarize the pros and cons of both instant messaging apps:-

  • WhatsApp Pros:
  • You can call for free
  • You can backup chats
  • There are millions of users worldwide
  • And end to end encryption everywhere (recently introduced)
  • WhatsApp Cons:
  • Limited file sharing
  • Limited members in groups and broadcasts
  • Not as many features (e.g. no stickers)
  • Lack of on-device support
  • Telegram Pros:
  • Great file sharing
  • Highly secure
  • You can mention people and edit messages
  • Use stickers & GIFs
  • Its inline Bots are a tool to enhance your chats
  • It is multi-device friendly
  • Overall more feature-rich
  • Telegram Cons:
  • You cannot call
  • You cannot backup chats
  • There are not as many users

Of course, choosing which app to use depends entirely on your lifestyle and needs. If you are a power user, then Telegram will be your go-to. If what you look for in an instant messaging service is pretty simple - sending messages back and forth on an internet connection - then WhatsApp will suffice. Yet, when you compare every feature of WhatsApp and Telegram, the latter wins the most points. Just because WhatsApp has more users at the moment does not mean it is better. Perhaps we will all make the shift to the underdog soon. Watch this space.

If you want to read similar articles to Why is Telegram Better than WhatsApp?, we recommend you visit our Internet category.

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Shauryavardhan Sengar
You can call on Telegram, even video call. I'm suggesting you edit your post.
travis
telegram is much more better than whatsapp.huh i dont have to use a number to register
OneHowTo Editor
Travis

Thank you for your comment!

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