Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Telegram VS LINE

Compare Telegram VS LINE and see what are their differences

Telegram logo Telegram

Telegram is a messaging app with a focus on speed and security. It’s superfast, simple and free.

LINE logo LINE

LINE is a Japanese proprietary application for instant messaging on smartphones and PCs.
  • Telegram Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-10-21
  • LINE Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-04-22

Telegram

$ Details
Release Date
2013 January
Startup details
State
Dubai
City
Dubai
Founder(s)
Nikolai Durov
Employees
10 - 19

Telegram features and specs

  • Privacy and Security
    Telegram offers end-to-end encryption for its Secret Chats and uses its MTProto protocol to ensure secure communication.
  • Multi-Platform Support
    Telegram is available on multiple platforms, including iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, and Linux, ensuring seamless access across different devices.
  • Cloud Storage
    Users can store and access their messages, files, and media in the cloud, making it easy to retrieve conversations from any device.
  • Large Group Chats
    Telegram supports large group chats with up to 200,000 members, making it suitable for communities and public discussion groups.
  • Bots and Automation
    Developers can create custom bots to automate tasks, provide customer service, or deliver content, enhancing the utility of the platform.
  • Customization
    Users can customize the app's appearance with themes, chat backgrounds, and other visual settings to suit their preferences.
  • Free and Ad-Free
    Telegram is free to use and does not show advertisements, which enhances the user experience.
  • File Sharing
    Users can share various types of files, including videos, documents, and images, with a generous file size limit of up to 2GB.

Possible disadvantages of Telegram

  • Data Privacy Concerns
    Despite claims of security, Telegram's servers are proprietary, and the company's data practices have been questioned by privacy advocates.
  • Limited E2E Encryption
    End-to-end encryption is only available for Secret Chats and not for all conversations, leaving standard chats potentially less secure.
  • Spam and Misinformation
    The platform's large group support and open nature make it susceptible to spam and the spread of misinformation.
  • Not Fully Open Source
    While Telegram's client-side code is open source, the server-side code remains proprietary, which limits transparency.
  • Blocked in Some Countries
    Telegram is blocked or restricted in certain countries due to its use by various groups, which may limit its accessibility for some users.
  • Resource Intensive
    The app can be resource-intensive on both mobile and desktop platforms, potentially affecting performance on lower-end devices.
  • No Direct Monetization Options for Users
    Users cannot directly monetize their content or channels within Telegram, which may be a disadvantage for content creators.

LINE features and specs

  • Wide Range of Features
    LINE offers a diverse suite of features beyond messaging, including voice and video calls, group chats, stickers, games, and mobile payment options. This makes it a versatile app for various communication and entertainment needs.
  • High-Quality Voice and Video Calls
    LINE provides high-quality voice and video calling capabilities, ensuring clear and reliable communication for users, making it suitable for both personal and business use.
  • Stickers and Emojis
    LINE popularized the use of stickers and emojis, offering a vast collection of both free and purchasable options. This adds a fun and expressive layer to messaging.
  • Security Features
    The app includes various security features such as end-to-end encryption for chats and a two-step verification process, ensuring that user data is protected.
  • Integration with Other Services
    LINE integrates with numerous other services, including LINE Pay, LINE Music, and LINE TV, providing a comprehensive ecosystem for various digital needs.
  • Platform Availability
    LINE is available on multiple platforms, including iOS, Android, and PC, making it accessible to a wide range of users.

Possible disadvantages of LINE

  • Privacy Concerns
    Despite strong security measures, there have been concerns about user data privacy and how it is handled by the company, especially concerning third-party integrations.
  • Bloatware
    The app can feel cluttered due to the wide range of features, some of which are not essential for all users. This can result in a heavier app that takes up more storage and resources.
  • Limited Popularity in Some Regions
    While LINE is extremely popular in certain countries like Japan, Thailand, and Taiwan, its user base is limited in other regions compared to apps like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger.
  • Monetization of Stickers
    Many of the more interesting stickers and features are locked behind a paywall, which can be frustrating for users who expect these to be free.
  • In-App Advertisements
    The presence of in-app advertisements can be intrusive and detract from the overall user experience, especially in the free version of the app.
  • Account Recovery Issues
    Users have reported difficulties in recovering their accounts if they forget their credentials or if their account is compromised.

Analysis of Telegram

Overall verdict

  • Telegram is generally considered a good messaging platform, especially for users who prioritize privacy and need advanced features for group communications. However, it's important to assess personal needs and privacy concerns when choosing a messaging app.

Why this product is good

  • Telegram is a popular messaging app known for its strong emphasis on privacy and security, featuring end-to-end encryption for secret chats. It offers a wide range of functionalities including large group chats, media sharing, bots for automation, and customization options through themes and stickers. Additionally, it is cloud-based, allowing for seamless syncing across multiple devices.

Recommended for

  • Individuals looking for enhanced privacy features
  • Users who participate in large group chats
  • Developers and tech enthusiasts interested in using bots
  • People who want cross-device syncing
  • Those who appreciate customization options for their messaging experience

Analysis of LINE

Overall verdict

  • LINE is a versatile and reliable communication app that excels in both functionality and user experience. It is especially popular in regions like Japan and Thailand due to its wide range of features and local services, making it a solid choice for users in those areas.

Why this product is good

  • LINE (line.me) is considered good because it offers a comprehensive suite of features that cater to both personal and professional communication needs. It blends instant messaging with social media capabilities, allowing users to send text messages, photos, videos, and voice messages. Additionally, LINE provides various services such as free voice and video calls, stickers for expressive chats, and even LINE Pay for mobile payments. The platform is known for its user-friendly interface, making it accessible for all age groups.

Recommended for

  • Users looking for a multifaceted communication app with messaging, calling, and payment services.
  • Individuals who appreciate expressive communication through stickers and multimedia features.
  • Businesses seeking to engage with customers via LINE's various promotional tools.
  • Regions where LINE is widely adopted, such as Japan, Taiwan, and Thailand, for seamless communication.

Telegram videos

WhatsApp vs Telegram vs Signal: Which is the BEST?!

More videos:

  • Review - 10 Reasons Why Telegram is BETTER than WhatsApp
  • Tutorial - How to Use Telegram

LINE videos

Spec Ops: The Line Review

More videos:

  • Review - Brutally Honest Review of Emma Chamberlain's Clothing Line- High Key
  • Review - 2019 Hyundai Elantra GT N-Line (i30) Review - $20,000 Hot Hatch

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Telegram and LINE)
Communication
90 90%
10% 10
Messaging
89 89%
11% 11
Group Chat & Notifications
Instant Messaging
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Telegram and LINE

Telegram Reviews

  1. Flawlessflower
    the best messanger sp far for me

    Very secure, straightforward,and i must say,more relevant nowadays, at least in my opinion.

    👍 Pros:    Intuitive|Easy user interface

20 Telegram Alternatives to Chat With in 2024
If you're looking for a Telegram alternative that actually does a lot of the same things, Facebook Groups is an option. Like Telegram, Facebook lets you cultivate large groups of people ("members") and curate content for them. And like Telegram, you can broadcast to the group (either via posts or livestreaming). People can react and join the conversation.
The 7 Best Facebook Alternatives in 2024
Telegram features all of the main communication features of Facebook’s DM service, such as text chats, voice calls, fun stickers (you can make Telegram stickers), and media attachments. It also supports group calls with support for millions of listeners, groups, and public channels that you can post to like you would on a Facebook profile.
10 Best Secure Messaging Apps to Keep Your Conversation Private
Apart from that, Telegram is fast, reliable, and packs features like large group chats, broadcasts, file and media sharing with incomparable size limitations and more. It also features cloud syncing so that you don’t lose your chats even when you are changing your devices. You can go through our article on Telegram tips and tricks to learn more about its features.
Source: beebom.com
10 Best Telegram Alternatives in 2024
Telegram was the most used texting and calling app launched by Nikolai and Pavel and platforms like this provides end-to-end encryption to users to ensure that their data are private in all sense. Telegram has a lot of features but it has a dark side too, it lacks some features as it does not support end-to-end encryption rather it only protects those chats that are marked...
Top 10 Apps like Telegram for Android and IOs [2023]
There are numerous popular apps like Telegram, that might provide fierce rivalry. When compared to Telegram features, other apps, such as Clap Messenger, have some better capabilities that can easily exceed Telegram. So, whether you want the best instant messaging platform, Clap Messenger is the best option, or if you want an all-in-one/Super app that also offers messaging...

LINE Reviews

Top 10 Apps like Telegram for Android and IOs [2023]
Line is one of the best telegram alternatives that offer a variety of services, including a digital wallet named Line Pay, a stream of news named LINE Today, video on demand named Line TV, and the distribution of digital comics under the names Line Manga and Line Webtoon.
Best Voice Messaging Apps In 2021
The user-friendly interface of Line is highly intuitive, making it a highly popular option amongst people who aren’t that tech-savvy. After downloading, it won’t take anything to use it for your business. This application works on a number of devices such as Android, iOS, Windows, and of course, your personal computer.
Source: sheley.org
9 best FaceTime alternatives for Android phones
While messaging app Line is far more prevalent in its home market of Japan, it also has millions of users in the U.S. One of its interesting standout features is that you can make group video calls with up to 200 participants (though only four faces are displayed at a time, with a drag-and-drop slider for rearranging).
11 Alternatives to Whatsapp that Actually Respect Your Privacy
While certain features require LINE to access your contacts list, location and so on, all of this is optional, and whatever data you send is encrypted on LINE’s servers. You can also set self-destruct timers to delete messages from LINE’s servers.

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Telegram should be more popular than LINE. It has been mentiond 136 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Telegram mentions (136)

  • Understanding the Market Dynamics of Fragment Telegram Username: An In-Depth Analysis
    Learn about Telegram’s growth and privacy features at Telegram. - Source: dev.to / 29 days ago
  • Enhancing User Experience in Fragment Telegram: A Comprehensive Analysis
    As digital identity and blockchain integration continue to evolve, Fragment Telegram sets an inspiring benchmark for other platforms looking to innovate while emphasizing ease of use and security. The discussion of these trends also intersects with broader topics in blockchain finance and development. For additional information on blockchain innovations, refer to Telegram’s official website and read about current... - Source: dev.to / 29 days ago
  • The Rise of Fragment Telegram Scams: What You Need to Know
    Digital communication platforms like Telegram have revolutionized how we stay connected, thanks to their focus on privacy and security. However, the very features that make these platforms valuable can also attract nefarious actors. One such threat is the rise of Fragment Telegram scams. In these scams, cybercriminals exploit Telegram’s groups and channels to deceive users with promises of exclusive content or... - Source: dev.to / 29 days ago
  • A hackable AI assistant using a single SQLite table and a handful of cron jobs
    *Update*: I tried writing a little Python code to read and write from a mailbox, reading worked great, but writing an email had the email disappear to some filter or spam or something somewhere. I've got to figure out where it went, but this is the warning that some people had about not trusting a messaging protocol (email in this case) when you can't control the servers. Messages can disappear. I read that... - Source: Hacker News / about 2 months ago
  • The Rise of Fragment Telegram Scams: What You Need to Know
    Instant messaging platforms like Telegram have grown in popularity because of their robust privacy and security features. However, these very strengths have attracted cybercriminals who employ Fragment Telegram scams to take advantage of unsuspecting users. This blog post details the rise of these scams, explains how they operate, and outlines strategies to recognize and counteract them. With an emphasis on... - Source: dev.to / about 2 months ago
View more

LINE mentions (19)

  • Learning Journal: Creating an App for my wedding party
    The top priority of the interface is to ensure that it doesn't inconvenience our guests. Therefore, I opted for Line, a chat application. This application is widely used and installed on everyone's phone. - Source: dev.to / over 1 year ago
  • Pharmacies that can order things in?
    Diamond Pharmacy would be your best bet. They are extremely active on Line. Go to their website, https://diamondpharmacy-th.com , contact the on Line (if you don't have it, download it at https://line.me/en/ ) and send them a list of the medicines you need. They will give you a price quote and an invoice. Source: about 2 years ago
  • This time Nijika-chan saves Bocchi-chan (by @fatcat_booster)
    One tidbit: “ロインやってる?” is not a reference to a restaurant. It’s rather an in-universe bland-name product version of LINE, a smartphone messaging app that has the overwhelming majority market share in Japan (and several other Asian countries). It can appear in many other manga/anime in various spelling variations, such as RINE, PINE, LINNE, etc. To avoid stepping on trademarks. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Top 7 Most Secure Video Calling Apps
    Line is a free app users can leverage to make voice and video calls, plus send text messages, photos, and multi-media files. Line supports 1:1 communication, group messaging, and calls for up to 200 participants. Line is available for Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux users. It encrypts all voice and video calls with AES-256 encryption, TLS 1.2 pinning, and SRT protocol encryption with a 256-bit key to... - Source: dev.to / over 2 years ago
  • alliance communications:
    This is nothing to do with reddit. LINE is a common messaging app used by mobile gamers. So is discord. Source: over 2 years ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Telegram and LINE, you can also consider the following products

Signal - Fast, simple & secure messaging. Privacy that fits in your pocket.

WhatsApp - WhatsApp Messenger: More than 1 billion people in over 180 countries use WhatsApp to stay in touch with friends and family, anytime and anywhere.

Slack - A messaging app for teams who see through the Earth!

Skype - Stay in touch with your family and friends for free on Skype. Download Skype today to chat and call on desktop and mobile.

Facebook Messenger - Facebook Messenger is a faster way to message.

Digsby - Tagged makes it easy to meet and socialize with new people through games, shared interests, friend suggestions, browsing profiles, and much more.