Telegram vs WhatsApp Comparison

MTProto 2.0, Telegram's own protocol: cloud chats are encrypted between the app and Telegram's servers, and secret chats add a client-to-client layer on top.

The Signal Protocol, with Sender Keys for group chats; connections between the apps and WhatsApp's servers run through a separate Noise-based encrypted channel.

Telegram may keep the IP address, devices, apps used and username history for up to 12 months, and may disclose the IP address and phone number to authorities in response to a legal request.

WhatsApp collects usage, device and connection information and shares information with the other Meta companies; it states it does not retain messages once they are delivered.

The service is provided by Telegram Messenger Inc.; its parent, Telegram Group Inc, is located in the British Virgin Islands. Data of users who signed up from the UK or the EEA is stored in data centers in the Netherlands.

WhatsApp LLC is based in Menlo Park, California; users in the EEA are served by WhatsApp Ireland Limited.

Implementation review of the Auditable Key Directory library behind WhatsApp's key transparency feature, commissioned by Meta; a separate 2024 NCC Group assessment covered the protocol that stores contacts. Neither covers the apps' messaging code as a whole.

Founder financing for most of the company's history, then Sponsored Messages in public channels (since 2021) and the Premium subscription (since 2022). Telegram states private messaging stays free.

Funded by its parent company, Meta. Ads appear only in Status and Channels, separate from personal chats and calls.