The 5 Best Telegram Client Apps for Android — 2025 Overview

Telegram’s rise in popularity hasn’t slowed, but the official app is no longer the only way people connect to the platform. Telegram’s open API allows independent developers to create alternative clients, each with its own interface, settings, and extra features. While the core messaging system stays the same, these apps sometimes offer layout changes, added controls, or tools that the default version doesn’t include.

One name that appears regularly in user discussions is Nicegram. It’s often the first alternative people mention when looking for a slightly different approach to Telegram’s interface. In 2025, several clients continue to attract regular use, not because they reinvent Telegram entirely, but because they fine-tune it in ways that certain users appreciate. Here are five of the most widely used options for Android right now.

1. Nicegram – Familiar but Adjusted: Nicegram works on top of Telegram’s own infrastructure but rearranges some elements for convenience. Commonly used moderation functions such as muting or removing participants are easier to reach, and folders for separating chats are more visible. The changes are modest—this is still recognisably Telegram—but the navigation is slightly more direct. For many, it’s these small adjustments that make Nicegram a regular companion to the official app.

2. Telegram X – Faster Transitions: Telegram X was initially developed as an experimental branch to test a different codebase, TDLib. It has a similar appearance to the main client but tends to feel quicker when opening chats or switching screens. Animations are smoother and battery usage can be lower, which explains why it remains in use despite slower development in recent years. It’s a straightforward alternative for those who value speed and a clean interface.

3. Plus Messenger – High Level of Customisation Plus Messenger stands out for the number of interface changes it allows. Users can alter font sizes, change theme colours, and adjust how chat bubbles appear. In addition to visual options, it includes practical tweaks such as extra pinned messages and widget shortcuts. These are incremental changes rather than major new functions, but for those who prefer an interface they can shape to their own taste, it remains a common choice.

4. Nekogram / NekoX – Translation and Privacy Controls: Nekogram, and its variant NekoX, is recognised for its built-in message translation and added privacy settings. Translation can be applied directly inside a chat without opening another app, which is useful in multilingual conversations. Privacy adjustments include hiding typing indicators, controlling “last seen” visibility, and refining read receipt behaviour. It retains Telegram’s usual layout but includes these tools for people who prioritise privacy and language accessibility.

5. Graph Messenger – Additional User Controls: Graph Messenger includes a collection of extra controls not present in the main app. These include the ability to read messages without appearing online, see messages that others have deleted, and lock individual chats with a passcode. The overall experience is still Telegram-based, but with more options for adjusting how information is displayed and managed. The variety of settings can be extensive, so it tends to attract users who are comfortable exploring configuration menus.

Why These Five?

These five clients are among the most used in 2025 because they combine reliability with specific adjustments to the Telegram experience. They are compatible with the same servers as the official app, meaning messages, media, and account settings remain consistent across clients. While some older alternatives have faded from use or stopped receiving updates, these continue to function well alongside Telegram’s ongoing changes.

How Users Choose Between Them

Choice often comes down to a few personal priorities. Those who manage large groups may lean toward Nicegram or Graph Messenger for their moderation tools, while people who want speed without extra clutter might prefer Telegram X. Customisation fans often gravitate to Plus Messenger, and multilingual users find Nekogram’s translation functions a practical addition. Since all of these connect to the same Telegram account, many users experiment with two or more before deciding which one suits their daily habits.

Considerations When Choosing a Client

Switching between Telegram clients is straightforward, as all connect to the same account data stored on Telegram’s servers. However, each app can handle features and settings differently. Before settling on one, it’s worth considering:

• Update activity – Apps that are regularly maintained are less likely to break after Telegram updates its API.
• Security – Download only from reputable sources such as Google Play, F-Droid, or the developer’s verified release page.
• Learning curve – Some clients add enough settings to require time to configure properly.
• Specific needs – Speed, customisation, translation, or privacy may each point to a different choice.

Final Notes

The official Telegram client remains the baseline for most users, but alternative clients offer variations that can better match individual preferences. Whether it’s small interface rearrangements, faster screen transitions, greater control over appearance, or extra privacy tools, these differences shape how people interact on the platform.

In 2025, Nicegram, Telegram X, Plus Messenger, Nekogram, and Graph Messenger stand out not for radically changing Telegram, but for refining it in ways that specific groups of users find practical.