Telegram vs textPlus: Ultimate Messaging App Comparison for 2024
Telegram is a cloud-based instant messaging app known for its speed, security, and cross-platform sync, ideal for users who need a robust primary messaging tool. textPlus offers free texting and calling with a real US phone number, perfect for those who want a secondary number without a SIM card. While Telegram excels in group chats and channels, textPlus focuses on providing a virtual phone number for communication. This comparison helps you choose based on your needs.
Telegram
Recommended- Rating
- ★ 3.86
- Downloads
- 1,000,000,000+
- Developer
- Telegram FZ-LLC
textPlus: Text Message + Call
- Rating
- ★ 4.09
- Downloads
- 50,000,000+
- Developer
- textPlus
Pure instant messaging — simple, fast, secure, and synced across all your devices. One of the top 5 most downloaded apps in the world with over 1 billion active users. FAST: Telegram is the fastest messaging app on the market, connecting people via a unique, distributed network…
Pros
- End-to-end encryption for secret chats and voice calls
- Very fast message delivery with a distributed network
- Syncs seamlessly across all devices (phones, tablets, PC)
- Supports huge group chats up to 200,000 members
- Free cloud storage for media and files up to 2GB each
Cons
- Default chats are not end-to-end encrypted (only secret chats are)
- No built-in phone number for calling regular phone lines
- Some users may find the interface less intuitive than competitors
Join over 150 million people who use textPlus to text free, call, and stay connected with a real second phone number. textPlus is one of the most popular free texting apps that lets you text free, send messages, and make calls using WiFi or mobile data. Get a real U.S. phone numb…
Pros
- Provides a real US phone number for free texting and calling
- Works over WiFi and mobile data, no SIM required
- Supports group messaging and multimedia sharing
- Low data usage compared to some messaging apps
- Easy to set up and use for international communication
Cons
- Ads are displayed in the app, which can be intrusive
- Calls to non-textPlus numbers require credits (in-app purchases)
- Less secure than Telegram; no end-to-end encryption
Final Verdict
Our pick: Telegram
Telegram is the better choice for most users due to its superior security, speed, and extensive feature set including bots, channels, and large file sharing. textPlus is useful for obtaining a US number for free texting and calling, but it lacks the privacy and functionality of Telegram. With over 1 billion installs and a higher rating on the Play Store, Telegram is more reliable and feature-rich. For secure, versatile messaging, Telegram is recommended. However, if you specifically need a second phone number for texting and calling, textPlus serves that niche well.
Telegram Screenshots
Official app screenshots from the Google Play Store.
textPlus: Text Message + Call Screenshots
Official app screenshots from the Google Play Store.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which app has a higher rating on Google Play?
textPlus has a slightly higher rating of 4.09 compared to Telegram's 3.86, though both are well-regarded.
Can I use these apps offline?
Telegram requires an internet connection for sending and receiving messages, but you can view previously synced messages offline. textPlus also needs internet for texting and calling; neither supports true offline play.
Do these apps contain ads?
Telegram is ad-free. textPlus displays ads within the app, which can be removed via in-app purchase.
What are the device requirements for these apps?
Both apps require Android 4.1 or higher. Telegram is lightweight (around 50MB) and works on most devices; textPlus is similarly sized and compatible.
Which app should I choose for privacy and security?
Choose Telegram if you prioritize security, as it offers end-to-end encryption for secret chats and has a strong privacy policy. textPlus is less secure and not recommended for sensitive communications.
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