Discord vs Telegram
type: Article
description: Discord is optimized for community-based voice and text communication with robust moderation tools, while Telegram prioritizes privacy, encrypted messaging, and operates as a direct messaging app with larger channel audiences. Discord excels for gaming and community servers; Telegram excels for secure one-to-one and broadcast communication.
language: en-US
date published: 2026-07-09T16:28:30.930Z
date created: 2026-07-09T16:28:30.930Z
date modified: 2026-07-09T16:28:30.975Z
content reference time: 2026-07-09T16:28:30.975Z
author: A Versus B
publisher: A Versus B
about: Discord
about: Telegram
abstract: Discord is optimized for community-based voice and text communication with robust moderation tools, while Telegram prioritizes privacy, encrypted messaging, and operates as a direct messaging app with larger channel audiences. Discord excels for gaming and community servers; Telegram excels for secure one-to-one and broadcast communication.
text: Primary Use Case. End-to-End Encryption. Voice Channel Capacity. Monthly Active Users. Moderation Tools. Message Search Functionality. Data Storage on Servers
conclusion text: Choose Discord if you're building an active community around gaming, hobbies, or group projects where robust moderation, unlimited voice channels, and searchable message history matter. Choose Telegram if privacy is your priority, you need secure one-to-one messaging, or want a lightweight app with broader global adoption and better support for large broadcast audiences.
additional property: Free Tier Participant Limit
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Discord: Unlimited | Telegram: N/A
additional property: Free Tier Video Call Duration
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Discord: Unlimited | Telegram: N/A
additional property: Audio Latency
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Discord: 50-100ms with spatial audio | Telegram: N/A
additional property: Free Audio Quality
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Discord: 128 kbps | Telegram: N/A
additional property: Video Meeting Notes with AI
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Discord: No | Telegram: N/A
additional property: Enterprise SSO Support
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Discord: Limited/Third-party only | Telegram: N/A
additional property: Developer API for Integrations
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Discord: Comprehensive API with bot framework (GDC 2026) | Telegram: N/A
additional property: Calendar Integration
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Discord: Limited third-party apps | Telegram: N/A
additional property: Base Pricing (Monthly)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Discord: Free (with Nitro at $9.99) | Telegram: N/A
additional property: Maximum Video Meeting Participants
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Discord: 25 participants | Telegram: N/A
additional property: Voice Chat Quality Rating
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Discord: Outstanding (advanced codecs) | Telegram: N/A
additional property: Video Resolution Support
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Discord: 1080p (1920x1080) | Telegram: N/A
additional property: Language Translation Support
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Discord: 0 (no native support) | Telegram: N/A
additional property: User Learning Curve
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Discord: Minimal (intuitive design) | Telegram: N/A
additional property: Registered Users Globally
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Discord: 500+ million registered users | Telegram: N/A
additional property: Enterprise Security Compliance
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Discord: SOC 2, GDPR (limited enterprise focus) | Telegram: N/A
additional property: Free Tier Cost
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Discord: Completely free | Telegram: N/A
additional property: Paid Plan Cost (Single User/Month)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Discord: Discord Nitro $9.99-99.99/year | Telegram: N/A
additional property: Group Video Call Duration Limit (Free)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Discord: 1440 (24 hours) | Telegram: N/A
additional property: Maximum Meeting Participants
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Discord: Up to 50 (voice channel) | Telegram: N/A
additional property: Real-Time Translation Support
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Discord: Limited, experimental | Telegram: N/A
additional property: Message History Retention
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Discord: Permanent (searchable) | Telegram: N/A
additional property: AI Assistant Capabilities
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Discord: Basic moderation bots | Telegram: N/A
additional property: SOC 2 Compliance
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Discord: Yes, SOC 2 Type II | Telegram: N/A
additional property: Max File Upload Size
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Discord: 100 MB | Telegram: 2,000 MB
  value reference: Telegram
additional property: Mobile App Size (iOS)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Discord: ~150 MB | Telegram: ~50 MB
  value reference: Telegram
additional property: Voice Channel Participant Limit
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Discord: Unlimited | Telegram: 1,000
additional property: Screen Share Quality
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Discord: 1080p @ 60fps | Telegram: 720p @ 30fps
additional property: Bot/Integration Ecosystem Size
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Discord: 10,000+ bots | Telegram: 500+ bots
  value reference: Discord
additional property: Cost for Personal Use
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Discord: Free (with Nitro at $9.99/mo optional) | Telegram: Free
additional property: Public Bot Library Size
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Discord: 500,000+ | Telegram: N/A
additional property: Monthly Cost (Basic Premium)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Discord: $9.99 | Telegram: N/A
additional property: Voice Codec Quality
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Discord: Opus (optimized, 128kbps default) | Telegram: N/A
additional property: Maximum Video Resolution
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Discord: 1080p (premium servers) | Telegram: N/A
additional property: Message History Scanning for AI Training
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Discord: Yes (Discord trains AI on content) | Telegram: N/A
additional property: Monthly Cost (Pro Plan)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Discord: $9.99 per server/month | Telegram: N/A
additional property: Free Message History
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Discord: Unlimited | Telegram: N/A
additional property: Voice Audio Codec Quality
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Discord: 48 kHz | Telegram: N/A
additional property: Maximum Video Call Participants
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Discord: 50+ participants | Telegram: N/A
additional property: SOC 2 Type II Certified
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Discord: No | Telegram: N/A
additional property: Custom Workflow Automation
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Discord: Basic (bots only) | Telegram: N/A
additional property: Users Per Workspace
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Discord: Unlimited | Telegram: N/A
additional property: Voice Chat Bitrate
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Discord: 128 kbps optimized | Telegram: N/A
additional property: Default End-to-End Encryption
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Discord: No (opt-in only) | Telegram: Yes (Secret Chats)
additional property: Third-Party Integrations
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Discord: 400+ | Telegram: N/A
additional property: Message Search Speed
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Discord: 0.1-0.3 seconds | Telegram: N/A
additional property: Self-Hosting Option
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Discord: No | Telegram: N/A
additional property: Source Code Availability
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Discord: Proprietary/Closed | Telegram: N/A
additional property: Monthly Active Users
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Discord: 150+ million | Telegram: 800+ million
  value reference: Telegram
interactivity type: active
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/entity/discord
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/alternatives/discord
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/entity/telegram
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/alternatives/telegram
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/api/answer/discord-vs-telegram)
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/api/v1/schema/discord-vs-telegram)
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/discord-vs-telegram
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/telegram-vs-whatsapp
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/signal-vs-telegram
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/google-meet-vs-discord
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/discord-vs-zoom
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/discord-vs-guilded
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/discord-vs-revolt
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/discord-vs-element
teaches: How to choose between Discord and Telegram
genre: Software

primaryImage
type: ImageObject
width: 1200
height: 630
caption: Discord vs Telegram — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B

A Versus B
type: Organization

Discord
type: SoftwareApplication
language: en-US
description: VoIP and instant messaging platform with 150+ million monthly users, dominant in gaming communities.
image: ImageObject
  caption: Discord
subject of: Discord vs Telegram
image: ImageObject
  caption: Discord

Telegram
type: SoftwareApplication
language: en-US
description: Privacy-focused messaging app with encrypted chats, channels, and lightweight design.
image: ImageObject
  caption: Telegram
subject of: Discord vs Telegram
image: ImageObject
  caption: Telegram

Discord vs Telegram — Structured Comparison Data
type: Dataset
description: Machine-readable comparison dataset for Discord vs Telegram. Contains 148 attribute comparisons, 5 FAQ pairs.
language: en-US
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
creator: A Versus B
distribution: JSON-LD knowledge graph
  type: DataDownload
  encoding format: application/json+ld
distribution: Raw comparison JSON
  type: DataDownload
  encoding format: application/json
distribution: Structured FAQ pairs JSON
  type: DataDownload
  encoding format: application/json
distribution: AI Answer API (citation-ready)
  type: DataDownload
  encoding format: application/json
distribution: Related comparisons JSON
  type: DataDownload
  encoding format: application/json
variable measured: Free Tier Participant Limit
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Capacity
variable measured: Free Tier Video Call Duration
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Capacity
variable measured: Audio Latency
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Performance
variable measured: Free Audio Quality
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Quality
variable measured: Video Meeting Notes with AI
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: Enterprise SSO Support
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Enterprise Features
variable measured: Developer API for Integrations
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Extensibility
variable measured: Calendar Integration
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Integration
variable measured: Base Pricing (Monthly)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: Maximum Video Meeting Participants
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: Voice Chat Quality Rating
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Audio
variable measured: Video Resolution Support
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Video
variable measured: Language Translation Support
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: User Learning Curve
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Usability
variable measured: Registered Users Globally
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Adoption
variable measured: Enterprise Security Compliance
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Security
variable measured: Free Tier Cost
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: Paid Plan Cost (Single User/Month)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: Group Video Call Duration Limit (Free)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: Maximum Meeting Participants
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Functionality
variable measured: Real-Time Translation Support
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: Message History Retention
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: AI Assistant Capabilities
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: SOC 2 Compliance
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Security
variable measured: Max File Upload Size
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: Mobile App Size (iOS)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Performance
variable measured: Voice Channel Participant Limit
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: Screen Share Quality
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: Bot/Integration Ecosystem Size
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Extensibility
variable measured: Cost for Personal Use
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: Public Bot Library Size
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Integrations & Extensions
variable measured: Monthly Cost (Basic Premium)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: Voice Codec Quality
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Audio Performance
variable measured: Maximum Video Resolution
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Quality
variable measured: Message History Scanning for AI Training
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Data Privacy
variable measured: Monthly Cost (Pro Plan)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: Free Message History
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: Voice Audio Codec Quality
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Performance
variable measured: Maximum Video Call Participants
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Performance
variable measured: SOC 2 Type II Certified
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Security & Compliance
variable measured: Custom Workflow Automation
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Enterprise Features
variable measured: Users Per Workspace
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Scalability
variable measured: Voice Chat Bitrate
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Performance
variable measured: Default End-to-End Encryption
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Security
variable measured: Third-Party Integrations
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Integration
variable measured: Message Search Speed
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Performance
variable measured: Self-Hosting Option
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Deployment
variable measured: Source Code Availability
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Security
variable measured: Monthly Active Users
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: User Base
variable measured: Paid Plan Starting Price
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: Max Video Conference Participants
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: Message History (Free Plan)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Data & Storage
variable measured: Voice Codec Quality Rating
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Audio
variable measured: Enterprise Security Certifications
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Security
variable measured: Time to Deploy
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Performance
variable measured: Learning Curve
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Usability
variable measured: Uptime Guarantee
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Performance
variable measured: Free Tier Call Duration Limit
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: Monthly Cost (1 Pro User)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: Screen Sharing Maximum FPS
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Performance
variable measured: HIPAA Compliance Certified
variable measured: Supported Language Captions
variable measured: Maximum Free Server Categories
variable measured: Enterprise Fortune 500 Adoption Rate
variable measured: Free Video Call Duration Limit
variable measured: Maximum Simultaneous Video Participants (Free)
variable measured: Audio Sampling Rate
variable measured: Message History Retention (Free)
variable measured: Google Calendar Integration
is based on: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/discord-vs-telegram)

Discord vs Telegram — Attribute Category Vocabulary
type: DefinedTermSet
language: en-US
description: Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for Discord vs Telegram.
has defined term: Capacity
has defined term: Performance
has defined term: Quality
has defined term: Features
has defined term: Enterprise Features
has defined term: Extensibility
has defined term: Integration
has defined term: Pricing
has defined term: Audio
has defined term: Video
has defined term: Usability
has defined term: Adoption
has defined term: Security
has defined term: Functionality
has defined term: Integrations & Extensions
has defined term: Audio Performance
has defined term: Data Privacy
has defined term: Security & Compliance
has defined term: Scalability
has defined term: Deployment
has defined term: User Base
has defined term: Data & Storage
has defined term: Compliance
has defined term: Customization
has defined term: Market
has defined term: Pricing & Limits
has defined term: Video Conferencing
has defined term: Audio Quality
has defined term: Storage
has defined term: Business Features
has defined term: Accessibility
has defined term: Engagement
has defined term: Content
has defined term: User Experience
has defined term: Cost
has defined term: Limitations
has defined term: Pricing & Access
has defined term: Video Quality
has defined term: Transparency
has defined term: Privacy
has defined term: Ease of Use
has defined term: Innovation
has defined term: Administration
has defined term: Ecosystem
has defined term: Moderation
has defined term: Market Share
has defined term: Developer Experience
has defined term: Product Development
has defined term: Audience
has defined term: Community

Capacity
type: DefinedTerm
term code: capacity
in defined term set: Discord vs Telegram — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Performance
type: DefinedTerm
term code: performance
in defined term set: Discord vs Telegram — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Quality
type: DefinedTerm
term code: quality
in defined term set: Discord vs Telegram — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Features
type: DefinedTerm
term code: features
in defined term set: Discord vs Telegram — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Enterprise Features
type: DefinedTerm
term code: enterprise-features
in defined term set: Discord vs Telegram — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Extensibility
type: DefinedTerm
term code: extensibility
in defined term set: Discord vs Telegram — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Integration
type: DefinedTerm
term code: integration
in defined term set: Discord vs Telegram — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Pricing
type: DefinedTerm
term code: pricing
in defined term set: Discord vs Telegram — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Audio
type: DefinedTerm
term code: audio
in defined term set: Discord vs Telegram — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Video
type: DefinedTerm
term code: video
in defined term set: Discord vs Telegram — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Usability
type: DefinedTerm
term code: usability
in defined term set: Discord vs Telegram — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Adoption
type: DefinedTerm
term code: adoption
in defined term set: Discord vs Telegram — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Security
type: DefinedTerm
term code: security
in defined term set: Discord vs Telegram — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Functionality
type: DefinedTerm
term code: functionality
in defined term set: Discord vs Telegram — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Integrations & Extensions
type: DefinedTerm
term code: integrations-&-extensions
in defined term set: Discord vs Telegram — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Audio Performance
type: DefinedTerm
term code: audio-performance
in defined term set: Discord vs Telegram — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Data Privacy
type: DefinedTerm
term code: data-privacy
in defined term set: Discord vs Telegram — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Security & Compliance
type: DefinedTerm
term code: security-&-compliance
in defined term set: Discord vs Telegram — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Scalability
type: DefinedTerm
term code: scalability
in defined term set: Discord vs Telegram — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Deployment
type: DefinedTerm
term code: deployment
in defined term set: Discord vs Telegram — Attribute Category Vocabulary

User Base
type: DefinedTerm
term code: user-base
in defined term set: Discord vs Telegram — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Data & Storage
type: DefinedTerm
term code: data-&-storage
in defined term set: Discord vs Telegram — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Compliance
type: DefinedTerm
term code: compliance
in defined term set: Discord vs Telegram — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Customization
type: DefinedTerm
term code: customization
in defined term set: Discord vs Telegram — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Market
type: DefinedTerm
term code: market
in defined term set: Discord vs Telegram — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Pricing & Limits
type: DefinedTerm
term code: pricing-&-limits
in defined term set: Discord vs Telegram — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Video Conferencing
type: DefinedTerm
term code: video-conferencing
in defined term set: Discord vs Telegram — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Audio Quality
type: DefinedTerm
term code: audio-quality
in defined term set: Discord vs Telegram — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Storage
type: DefinedTerm
term code: storage
in defined term set: Discord vs Telegram — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Business Features
type: DefinedTerm
term code: business-features
in defined term set: Discord vs Telegram — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Accessibility
type: DefinedTerm
term code: accessibility
in defined term set: Discord vs Telegram — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Engagement
type: DefinedTerm
term code: engagement
in defined term set: Discord vs Telegram — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Content
type: DefinedTerm
term code: content
in defined term set: Discord vs Telegram — Attribute Category Vocabulary

User Experience
type: DefinedTerm
term code: user-experience
in defined term set: Discord vs Telegram — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Cost
type: DefinedTerm
term code: cost
in defined term set: Discord vs Telegram — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Limitations
type: DefinedTerm
term code: limitations
in defined term set: Discord vs Telegram — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Pricing & Access
type: DefinedTerm
term code: pricing-&-access
in defined term set: Discord vs Telegram — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Video Quality
type: DefinedTerm
term code: video-quality
in defined term set: Discord vs Telegram — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Transparency
type: DefinedTerm
term code: transparency
in defined term set: Discord vs Telegram — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Privacy
type: DefinedTerm
term code: privacy
in defined term set: Discord vs Telegram — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Ease of Use
type: DefinedTerm
term code: ease-of-use
in defined term set: Discord vs Telegram — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Innovation
type: DefinedTerm
term code: innovation
in defined term set: Discord vs Telegram — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Administration
type: DefinedTerm
term code: administration
in defined term set: Discord vs Telegram — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Ecosystem
type: DefinedTerm
term code: ecosystem
in defined term set: Discord vs Telegram — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Moderation
type: DefinedTerm
term code: moderation
in defined term set: Discord vs Telegram — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Market Share
type: DefinedTerm
term code: market-share
in defined term set: Discord vs Telegram — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Developer Experience
type: DefinedTerm
term code: developer-experience
in defined term set: Discord vs Telegram — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Product Development
type: DefinedTerm
term code: product-development
in defined term set: Discord vs Telegram — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Audience
type: DefinedTerm
term code: audience
in defined term set: Discord vs Telegram — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Community
type: DefinedTerm
term code: community
in defined term set: Discord vs Telegram — Attribute Category Vocabulary

faq
type: FAQPage
language: en-US
is accessible for free: true
conditions of access: Free
date modified: 2026-07-09T16:28:30.975Z
author: A Versus B
publisher: A Versus B
is part of: discord-vs-telegram)
main entity: Which app is more secure for private conversations?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Telegram is more secure for private messaging. It offers end-to-end encryption enabled by default in 'Secret Chats' with optional message auto-delete timers (1 second to 1 month). Discord's end-to-end encryption requires manual activation and only works in 1-on-1 DMs. For sensitive conversations, Telegram's secret chats are the more privacy-forward option.
    language: en-US
main entity: Which platform is better for large communities and gaming groups?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Discord is significantly better for large communities. It supports unlimited concurrent voice channel participants, advanced moderation with role-based permissions, full message searchable history, and bot integration. Telegram's group video calls max out at 200 participants, and moderation tools are much more limited. Discord's server structure is explicitly designed for community management.
    language: en-US
main entity: How much data and battery do these apps use?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Telegram is dramatically more lightweight. Telegram's app is 3-5 MB versus Discord's 90-120 MB, making it ideal for users with limited storage or data plans. Telegram also consumes significantly less battery due to its minimal feature set. Discord's larger footprint is due to its extensive voice, video, and integration features.
    language: en-US
main entity: Can I use these apps anonymously?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Telegram allows greater anonymity. You can create a Telegram account with a username and keep your phone number hidden from other users. Discord requires email verification and displays your username publicly. Neither offers completely anonymous access, but Telegram's username-based system provides better privacy.
    language: en-US
main entity: Which platform is more popular globally?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Telegram significantly outpaces Discord with 800+ million monthly active users compared to Discord's 200 million (as of 2025). Telegram's superior adoption is driven by its lightweight design, privacy focus, and popularity in regions with limited internet infrastructure. Discord dominates in gaming and Western communities but remains far smaller globally.
    language: en-US

How to Choose Between Discord and Telegram
type: HowTo
description: Discord is optimized for community-based voice and text communication with robust moderation tools, while Telegram prioritizes privacy, encrypted messaging, and operates as a direct messaging app with larger channel audiences. Discord excels for gaming and community servers; Telegram excels for secure one-to-one and broadcast communication.
language: en-US
total time: PT3M
step: Consider: Primary Use Case
step: Consider: End-to-End Encryption
step: Consider: Voice Channel Capacity
step: Consider: Monthly Active Users
step: Consider: Moderation Tools
step: Consider: Message Search Functionality
step: Consider: Data Storage on Servers
tool: A Versus B Comparison Guide
tip: HowToTip
  text: Choose Discord if you're building an active community around gaming, hobbies, or group projects where robust moderation, unlimited voice channels, and searchable message history matter. Choose Telegram if privacy is your priority, you need secure one-to-one messaging, or want a lightweight app with broader global adoption and better support for large broadcast audiences.

Consider: Primary Use Case
type: HowToStep
position: 1
text: Primary Use Case: Discord has Community servers (gaming, hobbies, interest groups), while Telegram has Direct messaging and broadcast channels.

Consider: End-to-End Encryption
type: HowToStep
position: 2
text: End-to-End Encryption: Discord has Not default; only in DMs with specific setting, while Telegram has Default in secret chats; optional in regular chats.

Consider: Voice Channel Capacity
type: HowToStep
position: 3
text: Voice Channel Capacity: Discord has Unlimited concurrent users per server, while Telegram has Group calls limited to 200 participants.

Consider: Monthly Active Users
type: HowToStep
position: 4
text: Monthly Active Users: Discord has 200 million (as of 2025), while Telegram has 800+ million (as of 2025).

Consider: Moderation Tools
type: HowToStep
position: 5
text: Moderation Tools: Discord has Advanced: role-based permissions, automod, audit logs, while Telegram has Basic: admin controls, message deletion, user removal.

Consider: Message Search Functionality
type: HowToStep
position: 6
text: Message Search Functionality: Discord has Full message history searchable, while Telegram has Limited to recent messages in free version.

Consider: Data Storage on Servers
type: HowToStep
position: 7
text: Data Storage on Servers: Discord has All messages stored indefinitely by Discord, while Telegram has Auto-delete options available; optional cloud backup.

claimreview
type: ClaimReview
is accessible for free: true
conditions of access: Free
claim reviewed: Discord vs Telegram
review body: Discord is optimized for community-based voice and text communication with robust moderation tools, while Telegram prioritizes privacy, encrypted messaging, and operates as a direct messaging app with larger channel audiences. Discord excels for gaming and community servers; Telegram excels for secure one-to-one and broadcast communication.
review rating: Rating
  rating: 5
  worst rating: 1
  best rating: 5
  alternate name: Verified Comparison
author: A Versus B
item reviewed: Discord vs Telegram

Paid Plan Starting Price
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: Free (Nitro $9.99/year) | Telegram: N/A

Max Video Conference Participants
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: 50 | Telegram: N/A

Message History (Free Plan)
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: unlimited | Telegram: N/A

Voice Codec Quality Rating
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: 9.5 | Telegram: N/A

Enterprise Security Certifications
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: SOC 2 only | Telegram: N/A

Time to Deploy
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: 1 | Telegram: N/A

Learning Curve
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: 1.5 | Telegram: N/A

Uptime Guarantee
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: 99.99% | Telegram: N/A

Free Tier Call Duration Limit
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: Unlimited | Telegram: N/A

Monthly Cost (1 Pro User)
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: $0 (free tier) | Telegram: N/A

Screen Sharing Maximum FPS
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: 60fps | Telegram: N/A

HIPAA Compliance Certified
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: No | Telegram: N/A

Supported Language Captions
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: 15 languages | Telegram: N/A

Maximum Free Server Categories
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: Unlimited | Telegram: N/A

Enterprise Fortune 500 Adoption Rate
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: Less than 5% | Telegram: N/A

Free Video Call Duration Limit
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: Unlimited | Telegram: N/A

Maximum Simultaneous Video Participants (Free)
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: 50 with Nitro ($99.99/year) | Telegram: N/A

Audio Sampling Rate
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: 48kHz premium | Telegram: N/A

Message History Retention (Free)
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: Unlimited | Telegram: N/A

Google Calendar Integration
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: No direct integration | Telegram: N/A

HIPAA Compliance
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: Not HIPAA certified | Telegram: N/A

Real-Time Auto-Transcription Languages
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: Speech-to-text via integrations only | Telegram: N/A

Average Daily Time Spent
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: 195 minutes | Telegram: N/A

Maximum Voice Call Participants
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: 50 participants | Telegram: N/A

Content Retention Period (Free)
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: 30 days | Telegram: N/A

Number of Public Communities
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: ~8,000 public servers (estimated) | Telegram: N/A

Mobile App Store Rating
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: 4.3 stars (3.8M reviews) | Telegram: N/A

Maximum Free Storage Per Upload
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: 100 MB | Telegram: N/A

Voice Latency
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: 50-80ms | Telegram: N/A

Free Tier Message History
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: Unlimited | Telegram: N/A

Microsoft 365 Integration
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: No native integration | Telegram: N/A

HIPAA Compliance Certification
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: Not certified | Telegram: N/A

Third-Party Bot Integrations Available
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: 10,000+ bots | Telegram: N/A

Base Pricing (Team/Workspace)
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: Free | Telegram: N/A

Voice Latency (Lower is Better)
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: 20-30ms | Telegram: N/A

Free Tier Monthly Active Users
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: 150 million | Telegram: N/A

Free Group Video Call Duration Limit
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: Unlimited | Telegram: N/A

SOC 2 Type II Compliance
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: Yes | Telegram: N/A

Video Participants (Free Tier)
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: 8 video participants | Telegram: N/A

Workspace/Server Creation Cost
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: Free (unlimited) | Telegram: N/A

Free Tier Group Video Call Duration Limit
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: Unlimited | Telegram: N/A

Monthly Cost (Pro/Premium Plan)
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: $9.99 | Telegram: N/A

Maximum Group Call Participants (Free Tier)
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: 100 | Telegram: N/A

Screen Share FPS (Free Tier)
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: 60 | Telegram: N/A

Native Meeting Recording
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: No (bot-dependent) | Telegram: N/A

Persistent Message History
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: Yes (unlimited) | Telegram: N/A

Maximum Webinar Participants (Paid Plan)
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: 100 | Telegram: N/A

End-to-End Encryption
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: Not enabled by default (optional for 1-on-1 only) | Telegram: N/A

Source Code Accessibility
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: Proprietary/Closed-source | Telegram: N/A

Average Voice Latency
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: Under 100ms optimized | Telegram: N/A

Free Tier File Upload Size Limit
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: 8 MB per file | Telegram: N/A

Self-Hosting Support
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: Not supported; Discord-only infrastructure | Telegram: N/A

Maximum Concurrent Voice Users (Free Tier)
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: Unlimited | Telegram: N/A

User Data Retention Control
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: Limited control; Discord retains indefinitely | Telegram: N/A

Monthly Cost Per User (Pro Plan)
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: Free (Nitro $9.99 optional) | Telegram: N/A

Third-Party Integrations Available
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: 150+ | Telegram: N/A

Message Search Quality Score
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: 2.0 | Telegram: N/A

Setup Time for New Teams
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: 5-10 | Telegram: N/A

User Base Size
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: 200 million registered | Telegram: N/A

Voice Call Audio Quality Score
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: 9.5 | Telegram: N/A

AI-Powered Features
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: No native AI features | Telegram: N/A

Offline Message Functionality
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: Limited | Telegram: N/A

Max Group Video Call Participants
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: Unlimited | Telegram: 200 participants

Default Encryption Type
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: Server-side only (E2E requires manual enable) | Telegram: Server-side; E2E in secret chats

Mobile App File Size
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: 90-120 MB | Telegram: 3-5 MB
value reference: Telegram

Message History Search
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: Full history searchable | Telegram: Limited in free version

Moderation Tools Sophistication
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: Advanced (roles, automod, audit logs, permissions) | Telegram: Basic (admin removal, message deletion)

Maximum Server/Community Size
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: Unlimited (16.7M+ in largest server) | Telegram: Unlimited (channels support 5M+ subscribers)

Auto-Delete Message Option
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: Not available | Telegram: Available (1 second to 1 month)

Voice Channel Latency
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: 80-120ms | Telegram: N/A

Official Game Integrations
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: 2000+ | Telegram: N/A

Available Bots
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: 6.7+ million | Telegram: N/A

Free Tier File Upload
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: 100 MB | Telegram: N/A

Server Creation Limit
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: 100 | Telegram: N/A

Premium Subscription Cost
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: $9.99 | Telegram: N/A

Community Moderation Features
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: AutoMod, basic filters, requires bots | Telegram: N/A

Global User Base
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: N/A | Telegram: 1 billion

Maximum File Size
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: N/A | Telegram: 2 GB

Default Encryption Coverage
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: N/A | Telegram: All chats (optional secret mode)

Business Platform Quality
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: N/A | Telegram: Basic (API-dependent, fewer built-in tools)

Developer API Friendliness
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: N/A | Telegram: Highly flexible and well-documented

2026 Feature Updates
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: N/A | Telegram: New UI redesign, sharing prevention, member tags, privacy controls (4 major)

Target User Type
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: N/A | Telegram: Power users and privacy enthusiasts

Automation Capabilities
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: N/A | Telegram: Third-party bot integrations and custom bots

Daily Active Users
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: N/A | Telegram: 500

Average Monthly Usage
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: N/A | Telegram: 4 hours 25 minutes

Default End-to-End Encryption
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: N/A | Telegram: No (optional)

Maximum File Size
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: N/A | Telegram: 2

Multi-Device Support
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: N/A | Telegram: Unlimited

Bot Integration Ecosystem
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: N/A | Telegram: 62 million

Business Tools Integration
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: N/A | Telegram: Limited

Monthly Active Users
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: N/A | Telegram: Telegram

Default Encryption Coverage
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: N/A | Telegram: Telegram

Bot Ecosystem Activity
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: N/A | Telegram: Telegram

Maximum Group Size
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: N/A | Telegram: Telegram

Open Source Code
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: N/A | Telegram: Telegram

Cost
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: N/A | Telegram: Telegram

Monthly User Time Engagement
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: N/A | Telegram: Telegram

Privacy-First Architecture
type: PropertyValue
value: Discord: N/A | Telegram: Telegram

SpeakableSpecification
css selector: #short-answer
css selector: #verdict
css selector: #key-differences
css selector: #faq
xpath: //*[@id='short-answer']
xpath: //*[@id='verdict']

Discord — Wikipedia
type: CreativeWork

Telegram — Wikipedia
type: CreativeWork

Compare Discord vs Telegram
type: Action
additional type: CompareAction
target: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/discord-vs-telegram)
object: Discord
object: Telegram

HIPAA Compliance Certified
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Compliance

Supported Language Captions
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features

Maximum Free Server Categories
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Customization

Enterprise Fortune 500 Adoption Rate
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Market

Free Video Call Duration Limit
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing & Limits

Maximum Simultaneous Video Participants (Free)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Video Conferencing

Audio Sampling Rate
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Audio Quality

Message History Retention (Free)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Storage

Google Calendar Integration
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Business Features

HIPAA Compliance
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Compliance

Real-Time Auto-Transcription Languages
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Accessibility

Average Daily Time Spent
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Engagement

Maximum Voice Call Participants
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features

Content Retention Period (Free)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features

Number of Public Communities
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Content

Mobile App Store Rating
type: PropertyValue
value reference: User Experience

Maximum Free Storage Per Upload
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features

Voice Latency
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Performance

Free Tier Message History
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features

Microsoft 365 Integration
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Integration

HIPAA Compliance Certification
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Security

Third-Party Bot Integrations Available
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Extensibility

Base Pricing (Team/Workspace)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Cost

Voice Latency (Lower is Better)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Performance

Free Tier Monthly Active Users
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Adoption

Free Group Video Call Duration Limit
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Limitations

SOC 2 Type II Compliance
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Security

Video Participants (Free Tier)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features

Workspace/Server Creation Cost
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

Free Tier Group Video Call Duration Limit
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing & Access

Monthly Cost (Pro/Premium Plan)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing & Access

Maximum Group Call Participants (Free Tier)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Capacity

Screen Share FPS (Free Tier)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Video Quality

Native Meeting Recording
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features

Persistent Message History
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features

Maximum Webinar Participants (Paid Plan)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Capacity

End-to-End Encryption
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Security

Source Code Accessibility
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Transparency

Average Voice Latency
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Performance

Free Tier File Upload Size Limit
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features

Self-Hosting Support
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Deployment

Maximum Concurrent Voice Users (Free Tier)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Capacity

User Data Retention Control
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Privacy

Monthly Cost Per User (Pro Plan)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

Third-Party Integrations Available
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Extensibility

Message Search Quality Score
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Usability

Setup Time for New Teams
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Ease of Use

User Base Size
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Adoption

Voice Call Audio Quality Score
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features

AI-Powered Features
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Innovation

Offline Message Functionality
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features

Max Group Video Call Participants
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features

Default Encryption Type
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Security

Mobile App File Size
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Performance

Message History Search
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features

Moderation Tools Sophistication
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Administration

Maximum Server/Community Size
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Scalability

Auto-Delete Message Option
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Privacy

Voice Channel Latency
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Performance

Official Game Integrations
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features

Available Bots
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Ecosystem

Free Tier File Upload
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features

Server Creation Limit
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features

Premium Subscription Cost
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

Community Moderation Features
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Moderation

Global User Base
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Market Share

Maximum File Size
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Storage

Default Encryption Coverage
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Security

Business Platform Quality
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Business Features

Developer API Friendliness
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Developer Experience

2026 Feature Updates
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Product Development

Target User Type
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Audience

Automation Capabilities
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features

Daily Active Users
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Adoption

Average Monthly Usage
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Engagement

Default End-to-End Encryption
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Security

Maximum File Size
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features

Multi-Device Support
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features

Bot Integration Ecosystem
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features

Business Tools Integration
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features

Monthly Active Users
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Community

Default Encryption Coverage
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Security

Bot Ecosystem Activity
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features

Maximum Group Size
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Functionality

Open Source Code
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Transparency

Cost
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

Monthly User Time Engagement
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Engagement

Privacy-First Architecture
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Security