In a world where communication apps are an extension of how we live, work, and socialize, Telegram has carved out a unique place with its speed, privacy focus, and broad feature set. But not everyone sticks with the official app. Whether for added customization, improved usability, or specific tools, many users explore third-party Telegram clients to enhance their experience—especially on Android, where customization thrives.
If you’ve ever felt like Telegram could use just a bit more control, or maybe you’re hunting for something sleeker or more efficient, there are some solid alternatives out there. One name you’ll see mentioned often is Nicegram, but it’s far from the only one worth checking out. We’ve rounded up five of the best Telegram client apps for Android that are currently making noise in the app world. Each one brings something unique to the table without feeling like a carbon copy of the original.
1. Nicegram
Nicegram isn’t just a Telegram wrapper—it’s a refined rethinking of the whole Telegram experience. Originally popular among iOS users, it’s gained steady traction on Android thanks to its slick UI and a few thoughtful extras. Nicegram gives users granular control over folders, tabs, and hidden chats, which is especially helpful if your Telegram account is overflowing with groups, bots, and channels.
One notable feature is the ability to create custom tabs that sort chats the way you want—no more endless scrolling through cluttered lists. Privacy settings are also a bit more accessible, with options that go beyond what’s offered in the standard app. However, Nicegram sticks closely enough to the official Telegram framework that you don’t lose core functionality.
If you’re after a cleaner, more organized Telegram experience without losing power features, this app is a strong candidate.
2. Plus Messenger
Plus Messenger has been around for years and continues to attract Android power users. Based on the Telegram API, it keeps everything end-to-end encrypted while offering more control over how the interface looks and behaves. One of its key strengths is appearance customization—users can choose from hundreds of themes or even create their own.
Beyond the visual tweaks, Plus Messenger lets you separate channels, bots, groups, and private chats into different tabs, which drastically improves navigation for heavy users. It also supports hiding phone numbers from the contact list and can auto-mute new group chats—features that seasoned Telegram users often find invaluable.
For anyone who wants Telegram to feel more like their own tool instead of a one-size-fits-all solution, Plus Messenger gives you the reins.
3. Telegram X
Telegram X is an official alternative developed by Telegram itself, built on an entirely different codebase for improved speed and animation smoothness. Although development has slowed compared to the main app, it still works well and remains a favorite for users who prioritize performance.
The design is noticeably more fluid, with faster chat loading, slick transitions, and more responsive gestures. It also includes a night mode toggle that adapts automatically to your system theme—a small but welcome touch.
Because it’s still under Telegram’s umbrella, you don’t have to worry about security or updates straying too far. That said, new features typically appear in the main Telegram app first, so Telegram X is more about speed and interface than feature advancement.
4. Graph Messenger (Telegraph)
Graph Messenger, sometimes listed as Telegraph, is a third-party client that dials things up a notch with tools aimed at users who really want more from their messaging app. It includes options like hidden chats secured with a password, built-in download managers, and even a ghost mode that lets you read messages without triggering read receipts.
While some of the features feel niche, others—like the ability to translate messages in-app or use multiple accounts with independent settings—make it genuinely useful for daily communication, especially in multilingual or business environments.
Graph Messenger also offers additional filtering options and backup tools, making it more than just a prettier Telegram. It’s not as well-known as others on this list, but for those who want depth over familiarity, it’s worth a serious look.
5. Vidogram
Vidogram stands out with its mix of Telegram-based chat and integrated video call features—something not all third-party clients support to the same level. It also includes some social media-style touches, like built-in video player options and chat heads for multitasking.
It’s geared more toward multimedia users and those who consume a lot of content within Telegram. You can forward messages with more flexibility, use smart notifications, and enjoy features like message “stickers” (that act like comment tags) for a more expressive experience.
However, because it combines different technologies, updates sometimes lag slightly behind the core Telegram app. Still, for users who want an enriched media-sharing experience, Vidogram adds a colorful, video-friendly layer to messaging.
Final Thoughts
Telegram’s versatility is part of what makes it so widely used, but not everyone wants to stick to the default setup. That’s where third-party clients come into play—offering more choice, cleaner layouts, advanced privacy features, or just a better fit for personal use.
Apps like Nicegram and Plus Messenger appeal to users looking for a cleaner and more organized way to manage chats. Others like Graph Messenger and Vidogram go further with added features that sometimes feel like extensions of a different app entirely. And with Telegram X, you still get something official, just with a twist of speed and minimalism.
The key takeaway? If the standard Telegram experience feels just a bit too limiting or cluttered, Android’s open ecosystem gives you alternatives. And best of all, these clients are constantly being updated in line with Telegram’s API, so you’re not left behind when it comes to security or messaging features.
Before switching, it’s always a good idea to double-check app permissions and developer credibility, since not all third-party clients are created equal. But in the case of the five listed here, you’ll find well-maintained, community-supported options that expand what Telegram can be—without reinventing the wheel.
