Softwr

Communication · head to head

Chatwork vs Telegram

Chatwork logo

Chatwork

Communication

Group chat for global teams, built to replace email with real-time communication

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Telegram logo

Telegram

Communication

Pure instant messaging — simple, fast, secure, and synced across all your devices

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Chatwork free plan limited to 100 users; Telegram end-to-end encryption applies only to Secret Chats; private and group Cloud Chats use server-client encryption, so Telegram holds the data
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Chatwork and Telegram actually diverge.

Attributes where Chatwork and Telegram differ
AttributeChatworkTelegram
PlatformsWebWeb, Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android
FoundedUnknown2013

Identical on both: starting price (Free), pricing model (freemium), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Communication).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Chatwork

Nothing recorded that Telegram does not also cover.

Only in Telegram

  • Cloud-based messaging
  • End-to-end encryption
  • Self-destructing messages
  • Large group chats
  • Voice and video calls
  • Bot platform
  • Channels and broadcasts
  • Cross-platform sync

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Chatwork

  • Team communication and collaborationnot Telegram

Telegram

  • Group messaging and large channels with files of any type and sizenot Chatwork
  • Private device-bound conversations with self-destructing messagesnot Chatwork
  • Running bots and broadcast channels for an audiencenot Chatwork

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Chatwork

  • Free plan limited to 100 users
  • Free plan message history limited to last 40 days
  • Standard plan pricing: $7/month annual or $8.40/month monthly

Telegram

  • End-to-end encryption applies only to Secret Chats; private and group Cloud Chats use server-client encryption, so Telegram holds the data
  • Secret Chats are device-specific and are not part of the Telegram cloud, so they can only be read on the device they started on
  • Logging out destroys all of your Secret Chats
  • The Secret Chat self-destruct timer applies only to messages sent after the timer is set and has no effect on earlier messages
  • Telegram states screenshot detection cannot be guaranteed on some Android and Windows Phone devices, so screenshots of Secret Chats can be taken silently
  • Messages cannot be forwarded out of Secret Chats
  • The self-destruct timer in cloud chats covers media only, not text

Pricing, plan by plan

Chatwork

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Secure messaging
    • Unlimited group chats
    • 1:1 video calls
  • Standard$7/month
    • All Free features
    • Unlimited message history
    • Group video calls

Telegram

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Unlimited messages
    • 2GB file sharing
    • Group chats up to 200K members
  • Telegram Premium$4.99/month
    • Everything in Free
    • 4GB file uploads
    • Faster downloads

Which should you pick?

Choose Chatwork if

  • You want to start without paying.
Chatwork review

Choose Telegram if

  • You need cloud-based messaging.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android.
  • You also want end-to-end encryption.
Telegram review

Questions people ask

Is Chatwork or Telegram better?
Neither clearly leads. Chatwork starts at Free and Telegram at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Chatwork or Telegram?
Chatwork starts at Free and Telegram at Free.
Does Chatwork or Telegram run on more platforms?
Chatwork runs on Web. Telegram runs on Web, Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android.
Can I use Chatwork for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Chatwork best used for?
Chatwork is most often used for team communication and collaboration. Of those, team communication and collaboration is not what Telegram is typically brought in for.
What can Chatwork do that Telegram cannot?
Telegram covers Cloud-based messaging, End-to-end encryption, Self-destructing messages, Large group chats.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Chatwork: How much does Chatwork cost?

Chatwork is free for up to 100 users. The Standard plan costs $7 per month with annual subscription or $8.40 per month with monthly subscription for unlimited users.

Source
Telegram: Does Telegram cost money?

Telegram is a completely free messaging application. There are no subscription plans, in-app purchases, or ads. The service is funded through cryptocurrency investments.

Source
Chatwork: What is the limit on the Chatwork free plan?

The free plan supports up to 100 users and limits message history to the last 40 days. It includes secure messaging, unlimited group chats, 1:1 video calls, 10GB storage per organization, and task management.

Source
Chatwork: What does the Chatwork Standard plan add?

The Standard plan ($7-8.40/month) adds unlimited message history, group video calls, 10GB storage per user instead of per organization, advanced search, dedicated support, user management controls, and CSV contact import.

Source
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