The Best Telegram Alternative
Anonymous, powered by industry-proven encryption protocols
Telegram is hugely popular, but data leaks, opaque security choices, and proprietary encryption have hit its reputation. Most chats aren’t E2E encrypted, cloud history sits on servers, and metadata may still be processed.
EXTRA SAFE offers a more private alternative: anonymous, lightweight communication with encrypted calls, file sharing, and auto-clearing chats. P2P connections and asymmetric E2EE ensure no trace is left behind.
EXTRA SAFE vs Telegram
Video Calls
P2P calls, always E2EE
P2P by default: video and audio streams flow directly between devices; no data processing via a central server. The call sessions are E2E encrypted, with asymmetric cryptography. Your device generates a key pair to sign and secure the session – only you can access the data.
Server-routed calls with MTProto encryption; not P2P by default
Uses its own MTProto encryption. Researchers have identified issues with key exchange and session key reuse that can weaken protection against adversaries, making its call encryption weaker than systems based on established protocols. P2P calling is not the default.
Chats
P2P messaging, E2EE, disappearing by default
Provides P2P, E2E encrypted in-call messaging and file transfer, plus standalone E2EE chats with disappearing messages that auto-delete in a user-set time. The encryption keys are generated and stored locally on devices, so only participants see the content.
Cloud chats stored on servers; only Secret Chats are E2EE
Regular (cloud) chats are not E2E encrypted; they are stored on Telegram servers and synchronized across devices. Only Secret Chats use E2EE, and disappearing messages apply only there. Cloud chats may persist indefinitely and can be accessed on multiple devices.
Encryption & Security
E2EE by default, locally managed keys, ephemeral chats
Asymmetric E2EE protects all communication: messaging, file transfer, calls. Private keys stay on users’ devices, and public keys secure every session. Servers don’t have access to content or critical metadata, and nothing is retained: chats auto-clear on your timer, and in-call messages disappear the moment the session ends.
Mixed encryption model, proprietary protocol, cloud history
It is not E2E encrypted by default. Only direct Secret Chats use E2EE, and the user must enable it manually. All regular and group chats are stored and processed on Telegram’s servers, meaning most conversations aren’t protected with actual end-to-end encryption.
Anonymous Access
Fully anonymous
Anonymous access with a simple start: choose a display name and receive your unique anonymous number. In the browser, you can start a meeting with one click and invite others via a link – they can join instantly, even without installing the app.
Requires phone number; identity tied to it
Requires a phone number for registration and identity verification. Contacts sync to expose which users you know. Pseudonymity is possible, but not anonymity – identity remains linked to a SIM.
Privacy & Data Collection
Zero data collection, zero footprint
No collection of user identities, metadata, or message history: storage is encrypted and temporary by default, following your timer.
Cloud storage, metadata retention, leak history
Telegram logs IP addresses, device info, activity patterns, and interaction metadata. Regular cloud chats are stored on Telegram’s servers and accessible to the company and law enforcement; only Secret Chats are E2EE.
Pricing & Limits
Free, all features unlocked
Completely free, with no subscriptions, time limits, or hidden fees. All features – video calls, messaging, screen sharing, and file transfer – are available without restriction.
Some advanced features are paywalled
Free with optional premium tier for faster download speeds, additional features, and larger upload limits.
Server Dependency
Minimal – P2P whenever possible
High – cloud storage by design
History Persistence
Auto-clearing, ephemeral
Cloud retention; auto-deletion may be manually turned on
The Ultimate Privacy-Focused Communication Comparison
| Features | | |
|---|---|---|
Anonymous Access | ||
Asymmetric Encryption | ||
Peer-to-Peer Calls | ||
Peer-to Peer Chats | ||
Disappearing messages | ||
No Data Collection | ||
Free | ||
Join Without App |
Get Started With EXTRA SAFE
E2EE Anonymous Chat App
Available for iOS and Android
FAQs
Telegram stores messages, contacts, and files using a cloud-based system linked to user accounts. EXTRA SAFE delivers all communication peer-to-peer with locally generated keys, and clears session data automatically.
Standard Telegram chats are encrypted between client and server, but stored on Telegram’s cloud. End-to-end encryption is limited to one-on-one Secret Chats. Group chats, channels, and cloud conversations are not protected with end-to-end encryption. EXTRA SAFE applies end-to-end protection to all communication by default, using locally generated keys.
Each session is temporary by design. Messages and calls are handled device-to-device and removed when the conversation finishes. EXTRA SAFE uses Self-Destructing Sessions to ensure all information disappears at the end — without logs, backups, or syncs.
While Telegram requires a phone number to register, EXTRA SAFE launches sessions without any user profile or contact details.
Yes. EXTRA SAFE works in any browser — including mobile, without requiring any downloads. A native app is also on the way - it will run without registration, sign-up, or identity steps.