One difference is WhatsApp offers end-to-end encryption on all messages, whereas on Telegram, you have to use the Secret Chats feature—any other kind of message on Telegram uses different forms of encryption. Telegram is also known for its channels, which allow account holders to share information to a large group of people. WhatsApp recently added channels, in September 2023, so it will take time to pick up steam. Telegram also can accommodate up to 200,000 people in a group chat, which makes it attractive as a service for organizing large events, whereas WhatsApp’s max is 1,024.