5 Best Telegram Clients for Windows (Compared & Ranked)

If you use Telegram on a Windows PC, you’re probably familiar with the official Telegram Desktop app — and while it gets the job done, it’s far from the only option. Whether you want better performance, added privacy features, or deeper customization, there are several third-party Telegram clients for Windows that offer a better overall experience.
In this guide, we’ve handpicked the 5 best Telegram clients for Windows, each with their unique strengths. Whether you’re a casual user or a power user, there’s a client here that can seriously upgrade how you use Telegram on your PC.
1. Unigram – Best Overall for Windows Users
Unigram is a Windows-exclusive Telegram client designed from the ground up for Windows 10 and 11. It offers native system integration and several features missing from the official client.
Key Features:
- Supports Secret Chats (end-to-end encrypted)
- Native Windows Hello authentication
- Live Tile support for Start Menu
- Multi-account management
- Drag-and-drop file sharing
- Enhanced emoji search with multiple emoji sets
- Built-in photo/video editor
- Windows My People contact integration
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Native Windows 10/11 aesthetics | Only compatible with Windows 10 and 11 |
| Better accessibility and performance | No playback speed controls for videos |
| Officially recommended on Telegram’s site | Being third-party, it may not be ideal for sensitive usage |
| Secret chat support (unavailable in the official desktop app) | |
| Action Center & system notification support |
We’ve a detailed comparison on Telegram vs Unigram here.
2. Kotatogram – Best for Customization & Power Users
Kotatogram is a modified version of Telegram Desktop packed with productivity and customization tools.
Key Features:
- Local folders for organizing chats
- Unquoted and multi-message forwarding
- Admin titles in group member lists
- Custom sticker sizes
- Message ID & chat ID visibility
- Clickable links in bios
- Advanced profile tools for admins
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Extensive UI and chat management tweaks | No secret chat support |
| Available on Windows, macOS, and Linux | Updates come slower than the official app |
| Transparent, open-source development | May trigger antivirus warnings (due to unsigned builds) |
| Useful tools for admins and community managers | Development paused at times (though now resumed) |
Related: 5 Tricks to Use Telegram Without Using Phone Number
3. Telefuel – Best Productivity Layout (Discontinued)
Telefuel was a Slack-style Telegram client built for productivity-focused users. While it’s no longer being updated, it introduced a great design concept.
Key Features:
- Slack-style workspace interface
- Folders for DMs, groups, bots, and channels
- Highlighted mentions and unread filters
- Keyboard shortcuts
- Limited multi-workspace support
- Custom branding options
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Clean, workspace-oriented UI | Discontinued – No new updates or security patches |
| Great for managing multiple group chats | Free version was limited (3 workspaces) |
| Helpful for business and community managers | Lacks voice/video call support |
| Not ideal for sensitive or private use |
4. AyuGram – Most Feature-Rich for Privacy & Ghost Mode
AyuGram is a power-packed Telegram client with advanced privacy options, including controversial features like ghost mode.
Key Features:
- Ghost mode (hide online status & read receipts)
- Anti-delete for received messages
- Streamer mode for hiding content during screen capture
- Chat history preservation
- Font and theme customization
- Telegram Premium unlockers
- Built-in screenshot tools
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Advanced privacy controls | Ghost mode violates Telegram’s ToS |
| Highly customizable appearance | May risk account ban |
| Fast-growing, active development | Questionable ethics depending on use case |
| Cross-platform availability | Steep learning curve for beginners |
| Open-source transparency |
5. 64Gram – Best for Performance & Media Handling
64Gram is a lightweight Telegram Desktop fork that enhances performance, especially for media-heavy users.
Key Features:
- Faster loading and smooth transitions
- Improved photo/video viewing
- Better voice message controls
- Multiple account login
- Cross-platform support
- 64-bit optimized for modern systems
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fast and efficient | Lacks unique customization features |
| Great for media consumption | No privacy add-ons like ghost mode |
| Simple interface similar to the official client | Feels similar to Telegram Desktop in design |
| Lightweight and actively maintained | Basic UI might not appeal to power users |
| Open source |
Which Telegram Client Should You Use on Windows?
Here’s our verdict:
- Best overall experience: Unigram – Great Windows integration with secret chat support.
- Best for customization: Kotatogram – Perfect for admins and advanced users.
- Best for performance: 64Gram – Smoothest operation and optimized media handling.
| Feature | Unigram | Kotatogram | Telefuel | AyuGram | 64Gram |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Secret Chats | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Cross-Platform | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Business Features | ⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️ |
| Customization | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️ |
| Performance | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
| Development Status | Active | Recently Resumed | Discontinued | Active | Active |
Note: Avoid Telefuel due to discontinued status, and use AyuGram cautiously due to potential Terms of Service violations with ghost mode features.
All of these are free to use, and most are open-source — giving you full control over your Telegram experience on Windows.
More on Telegram:
1. Best Telegram Bots for Movies
2. Best Telegram Channels for Viral Videos
