There are so many things you can do on Telegram, like use stickers or join one of the best Telegram channels. To further expand its functionality, Telegram allows developers to create alternative apps for its platform. Besides having the same features as the official app, these apps — also called Telegram clients — incorporate more features to improve the user experience. You can find dozens of alternatives to the official Telegram app, each distinguishing itself by addressing specific user needs.
But with so many Telegram client apps, it can be challenging to pick the best. This article will highlight some of these Telegram client apps to enable you to pick one that best suits you.
The Best Telegram Client Apps
Because Telegram doesn’t provide standard development criteria for client apps, each has unique capabilities and features. When choosing your Telegram client, you ought to consider a few factors. First, consider whether the user interface is easy to navigate to ensure you can effortlessly access all features and use them without a learning curve. Secondly, consider whether the app is compatible with your operating system.
Also, your security should come into play. Your chosen app should have adequate security features to prevent any breach of your privacy. Finally, consider efficiency and speed to ensure your client app doesn’t affect your device’s performance.
Here are the best alternative Telegram client apps that you should consider:
1. Nicegram
With Nicegram, you can do more on your Android or iPhone than your Telegram app. While Telegram allows you to create, at most, three profiles, you can create unlimited profiles on Nicegram. This helpful feature lets you separate your conversations into categories under different profiles. You can also organize your group chats by topics and pin important messages. You can always delete unwanted Telegram accounts you don’t need later on.
To enhance the looks of your chatting dashboard, Nicegram has customizable themes with unique colors and graphics. If you like keeping your online status anonymous, you can hide the read status of your messages or the typing status.
You can also register your Nicegram account anonymously without providing your personal details. So you don’t have to worry about your data privacy. To ensure your chats are only accessed by you, there are security features such as touch ID, passcodes, and face ID.
Pros
- Compatible with iOS and Android
- Unlimited features for business and personal use
- Highly customizable features
Cons
- Profile anonymity is risky
- It can be slow sometimes
- End-to-end encryption might fail to apply to some messages
→ Nicegram
2. NekogramX
NekogramX, also called NekoX, is specifically designed for Android and boasts over one million downloads. This open-source client app has more advanced features than the Telegram app. It has built-in proxy support that bypasses internet censorship in countries where Telegram isn’t allowed.
With its integrated bot commands, you can automate activities to save time. Also, you can find interactive commands that allow you to engage in fun activities like games, polls, and quizzes. To enhance visual appeal, NekogramX has customizable themes and smooth animations. Finally, you can create multiple accounts to keep your activities organized.
Pros
- Accessible from any region
- Intuitive interface
- Easy customization
Cons
- Only compatible with Android devices
- Collects personal data
- Not available in the Google Play Store
→ NekogramX
3. Telegram X
Telegram X is a client available for iOS and Android developed by the company behind the Telegram app, but with features that improve performance and stability. Though it has all the features available in the Telegram app, its user interface is more straightforward and cleaner because it separates some tabs like chats and calls.
Telegram X has a bubble mode that adds spacing within chats to make your texts appear neat. If you want to read messages in ghost mode, you can long-press it, and it’ll appear in a pop-up window without being opened. Unlike the Telegram app, Telegram X has a section dedicated to stickers.
Finally, this client supports picture-in-picture, allowing you to do multiple tasks at once. For instance, you can watch videos while browsing.
Pros
- It has a cleaner user interface
- Available for Android and iOS
- High speed
Cons
- It uses one locking feature: fingerprint or pin
- Only accessible on mobile phones
- It takes longer to integrate Telegram’s new features
→ Telegram X
4. Plus Messenger
Plus Messenger has over 20 million users, thanks to its uncluttered user interface and enhanced customization features. It allows you to customize backgrounds, themes, chat bubbles, and fonts to improve your messaging experience.
Unlike other apps where you have to keep scrolling to go to the start of a conversation, Plus Messenger has a one-click option that takes you to the top messages of your chat. Also, it shows floating notifications when someone is online or typing. It supports more than 20 languages, giving you more flexibility to connect without a language barrier.
Apart from two-factor authentication and secret chats, this app has more security features, including passcodes, fingerprints, and PINs. This app is only available for Androids.
Pros
- Zero lags
- Delivers messages using the least amount of bytes
- Adequate security
Cons
- Encrypts only secret chats
- Takes longer to integrate new Telegram features
- Updates are not frequent
→ Plus Messenger
5. Kotatogram
If you prefer using Telegram on your computer, consider Kotatogram, a cross-platform option that’s compatible with Linux, Windows, and macOS.
Like other clients, it has more advanced features than Telegram. Its chat feature has additional elements, including filters and chat folder names. Also, the app allows you to forward a message to multiple people simultaneously and add clickable links to your bio. You can also share GIFs easily from the GIF section.
Pros
- Compatible with multiple operating systems
- You can add links in the bio
- Keeps the screen on when chatting or video calling
Cons
- Regular freezes
- No ghost mode
- Can’t hide proxy sponsors
→ Kotatogram
6. Unigram
Although Unigram is compatible with Windows and macOS, you can access it on your phone by scanning a QR code under the devices section in the settings. It can also sync your conversation across your devices, but this happens if you’re logged in to the same account.
In addition to the features available in Telegram, Unigram has a built-in photo editor that allows you to enhance the quality of your photos and videos. You can share and receive videos and photos up to 1.5GB.
Your conversations are end-to-end encrypted, and you can also use the secret chat feature to enhance your privacy. However, you should beware that the mobile access doesn’t have a voice call and secret chat option.
Pros
- It’s fast and secure
- Has a QR code for mobile use
- Syncs your conversations across your devices
Cons
- Lacks some features available in the Telegram app
- Experiences performance lags
- No system tray shortcuts
→ Unigram
7. Graph Messenger
Graph Messenger, or Telegraph Messenger, is an Android client that allows up to 100 active accounts. It has many customizable features and themes to enhance your messaging interface. Using its built-in media player, you can download and play files from the internet within the app. Also, you can manage your downloads using a multi-queue download manager.
If you’re in a place where typing a reply is inconvenient, the app’s auto-generated responses from the auto-answer machine can help you respond instantly.
One unique feature compared to other clients is the ability to draw anything and send it as a message. To improve your privacy, you can lock your chats or use patterns.
Pros
- It has a speed booster
- It allows large file download
- Supports hidden chat
Cons
- Learning curve due to advanced features
- Supports few languages
- Only compatible with Android
→ Graph Messenger
Pick Your Telegram Client
From using secret chat to customizing groups and individual messages, there are a lot of Telegram offers. But you have many options if you still find Telegram unsatisfying in some of your needs.
The above discussion will help you pick the best client, whether using Telegram on a phone or desktop. But remember, you have to check if your chosen client is compatible with your operating system.
What specific need led you to look for Telegram clients? Which of the above apps will help you meet that need? Tell us in the comment section below.
FAQ
Is Telegram X faster than Telegram?
One difference between the two is that Telegram X has a lighter and faster user interface. It can be seen as the Lite version of the Telegram app.
Which Telegram clients have premium features?
Telegram clients usually aim to be great at just one or two features. Using the original Telegram application, you will still get the most all-round premium experience.