Advice Request What are the key differences between Telegram, Signal and Discord?

[Ink]

I'm unable to get a strong 4G connection to do my own research.

People use Telegram as a group chat / support channel, similar to Discord, but what are the key differences?

I use Signal for SMS, but doesn't offer the above, when it's compared against Telegram.

Thanks in advance.

 

[ForgottenSeer 85179]

I never use discord but it's mainly for gamer & streaming while Telegram is a normal messenger like Signal or WhatsApp.

Signal can handle sms but sms is still a non encrypted protocol so it doesn't increase anything. You can use the stock sms app for that too. Signal is even worse then stock sms app if it's used as messenger too, network need to be allowed while network for sms app can be blocked.

 

[McLovin]

I use Discord, alot. Use it for gaming. Only time I use Telegram is for engagement groups for Instagram.

 

[Mountainking]

Discord:
- Multi function: Can do gaming, archives, courses etc etc (very granular controls on access rights, channels etc).
- Uses email for login.
- Data stored on their cloud servers
- Accessible from a browser or any other platform/app.
- No video calls

Telegram:
- Basically a chat (whatsapp style) with encryption and uses your phone number.
- Data stored on server?
- Need app on mobile for access?

Signal:
No clue

 

[ForgottenSeer 85179]

Telegram:
- Data stored on server?
- Need app on mobile for access?

- yes but you can delete the data or use E2E
- no app needed (web version works) but for Android it exist a F-Droid version and beside the normal Window program, a Windows Store app exist (not AppContainer) and a unofficial AppContainer version (called Unigram). Yeah the original Windows maintainer doesn't care about AppContainer and the official program from GitHub use insecure %appdata% folder by default.

 

[silversurfer]

Telegram doesn't offering end-to-end encryption for your messages on group-chats, that's possible only between two people as "Secret Chats"

We support two layers of secure encryption. Server-client encryption is used in Cloud Chats (private and group chats), Secret Chats use an additional layer of client-client encryption. All data, regardless of type, is encrypted in the same way — be it text, media or files.

Our encryption is based on 256-bit symmetric AES encryption, 2048-bit RSA encryption, and Diffie–Hellman secure key exchange. You can find more info in the Advanced FAQ.

Secret chats are meant for people who want more secrecy than the average fella. All messages in secret chats use end-to-end encryption. This means only you and the recipient can read those messages — nobody else can decipher them, including us here at Telegram (more on this here). On top of this, Messages cannot be forwarded from secret chats. And when you delete messages on your side of the conversation, the app on the other side of the secret chat will be ordered to delete them as well.

You can order your messages, photos, videos and files to self-destruct in a set amount of time after they have been read or opened by the recipient. The message will then disappear from both your and your friend's devices.

All secret chats in Telegram are device-specific and are not part of the Telegram cloud. This means you can only access messages in a secret chat from their device of origin. They are safe for as long as your device is safe in your pocket.

Source: Telegram FAQ

 

[bayasdev]

It depends of your target audience

 

[Terry Ganzi]

Signal is generally considered to be one of the most secure messaging apps available. It's open source, uses end-to-end encryption by default, and unlike WhatsApp, it doesn't store any message metadata or use the cloud to back up messages.

Signal becomes European Commission’s messaging app of choice in security clampdown

Encrypted emails will continue to be used internally.

www.theverge.com

Signal is a cross-platform encrypted messaging service developed by the Signal Foundation and Signal Messenger LLC. It uses the Internet to send one-to-one and group messages, which can include files, voice notes, images and videos. Wikipedia

Best encrypted messaging app for Android of 2025

The best Android encrypted messaging apps keep your messages private

www.techradar.com

Best Secure and Encrypted Messaging Apps in 2025

We analyzed the best secure messaging services that will encrypt and secure your communications. Here are the top recommendations.

restoreprivacy.com

 

[CyberTech]

What are you looking for? gaming, private life, business, etc?

 

[Ink]

What are you looking for? gaming, private life, business, etc?

General information. Why is Telegram used as a support channel?

 

[CyberTech]

General information. Why is Telegram used as a support channel?

Same here i dont know why...

 

[codswollip]

It depends of your target audience

For example?

 

[ForgottenSeer 85179]

General information. Why is Telegram used as a support channel?

Because it's easy to use and a known Messenger.

Also channels are useful for post news without allowing comments. Of course a channel with allowed comments can be added and also pinned like in my screenshot.

"Stumm" means silent and "Diskutieren" redirect to the comments channel.

 

[bayasdev]

For example?

If your audience are gamers you should have a Discord server otherwise Telegram is good

 

[codswollip]

I use Signal for SMS

There's little advantage to Signal using SMS, apart from its "open source". Might as well run Google's Messages, with RCS.

Why Signal for SMS?