Today, smartphones have become an integral part of or daily routine and messaging is one of the most popular ways to connect. WhatsApp is today the most popular instant messaging platform and ever since its launch back in 2009, it has had tremendous success. WhatsApp is an instant messaging app for smartphones that operates under a subscription business model. The proprietary, cross-platform app uses the Internet to send text messages, images, video, user location and audio media messages.
Back in 2013, another instant messaging app called Telegram came to existence claiming it to be more secure than WhatsApp which always had privacy issues. To prove Telegram is secure, the company ran a contest challenging people to break their cryptography and disclose confidential information. Both these services have lots of similarities. So which is better instant messaging service.
Lets have a look at the features being offered.
 |
 |
|
|
Users (Approx) |
50 millions | 800 millions |
|
IM Style Chat |
Yes | Yes |
|
Group Chat |
Yes max 200 users | Yes max 100 users |
|
Make video calls |
No | No |
|
Group calls |
No | No |
|
Delivery |
Yes | Yes |
|
Make phone calls |
No | Yes |
|
Free phone calls |
No | Yes |
|
Subscription cost | Free | 0.99 USD/year |
|
Customizations |
Background/ Font/ Sound | Background/ Font/ Sound |
|
Share photo |
Yes | Yes |
|
Share video |
Yes | Yes |
|
Share voice message |
Yes | Yes |
|
Registration |
With Phone number | With Phone number |
|
Platforms Supported |
||
|
Windows
|
Yes | Via Chrome |
|
Android |
Yes | Yes |
|
IOS |
Yes | Yes |
|
Mac OS |
Yes | Yes |
|
Windows Phone |
Yes | Yes |
Based on the number of users, you can see WhatsApp is way more popular and Telegram and also offers voice calls between contacts which are free. But Telegram offers more security for your messages with an encrypted messaging. It also offers self destructible secret messages which can be sent between your contacts. Telegram is also free unlike WhatsApp where you need to pay 0.99 every year although the cost is very low. Telegram also supports proper desktop app for Windows which is missing for WhatsApp (WhatsApp can be accessed using Google Chrome on desktops).
The major issue with Telegram is that the number of users is low compared to WhatsApp you you might have difficulties in finding all of your friends on Telegram.
Telegram Pros:
- Highly Secure
- File Transfer
- Free
- Desktop App
- Secret Messages
WhatsApp Pros:
- More users
- Voice Calls
The biggest advantage for WhatsApp is the voice calling facility which was rolled out recently.
