Signal is the preferred choice for users who prioritize privacy and security due to its default end-to-end encryption and minimal data collection. Telegram Premium is better suited for users who need large group chat sizes and larger file sharing capabilities, and are willing to pay for extra features and cloud storage, while accepting less stringent privacy standards in regular chats.
| Attribute | Signal (Enhanced Privacy Version) | Telegram Premium |
|---|---|---|
| End-to-end encryption | Uses the Signal Protocol for end-to-end encryption in all conversations. The protocol is open-source and has been independently audited. | Offers end-to-end encryption (E2EE) in Secret Chats only. Regular chats use client-server encryption. |
| Data collection practices | Collects minimal data, primarily phone numbers for registration and the date of last connection. Does not store messages on its servers, and doesn't log contacts or usage. | Collects more metadata than Signal, including IP addresses, device details, and contact details. This data is stored for up to 12 months. Requires only a phone number for registration. |
| Open-source availability | Client software for Android, iOS, and desktop is open-source and available on GitHub under a free software license (AGPL-3.0-only). | Server code is closed source, but its app code is open. Employs end-to-end encryption protocols that can be independently verified through its open-source code and documented encryption standards. |
| Message self-destruct feature | Offers a disappearing messages feature with timers ranging from seconds to weeks. Messages are permanently removed from the chat thread for both users. | Offers self-destruct timers for messages in Secret Chats, ranging from 1 second to 1 week. Auto-delete timers can be enabled in all chats, with options for 24 hours or 7 days. |
| Voice and video call quality | Provides one-to-one and group voice and video calls with end-to-end encryption. Group calls can include up to forty participants. | Offers voice and video calls. |
| Group chat size limit | Limits group chats to 1,000 users. | Allows up to 200,000 members in a group. |
| File sharing size limit | Images: iOS: 8 MB, Android: 100 MB, Desktop: 6 MB. GIFs: 25 MB across all platforms. Videos: iOS: 95 MB, Android: 500 MB, Desktop: 100 MB. | Free Telegram users can send files up to 2GB. Telegram Premium users can send files up to 4GB. |
| Platform availability (iOS, Android, Desktop) | Available on iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, and Linux. Desktop use requires registration with an iOS or Android device. | Available on iOS, Android, and desktop. Also has a web-based version. |
| Cost (subscription vs. free) | Free to use. It is a non-profit organization funded by donations and grants. | Offers a free version with basic features. Telegram Premium is a paid subscription service. The cost varies by country and platform, but is approximately $4.99 per month in the US. |
| Advanced features (e.g., screen sharing, polls) | Offers features like encrypted stickers, screen security, and the ability to add notes to yourself. Supports message reactions and deleting seen messages. | Includes features like increased upload limits, faster downloads, voice-to-text conversion, premium stickers, advanced chat management, animated profile pictures, and no ads. |
| User interface and ease of use | Known for its simple and intuitive interface. | User-friendly. Has more options for customization. |
| Data storage location and policies | Stores messages locally on your device. It does not store user data on the cloud. | Stores data in the cloud. |