Why Settle for Basic? The Best Unofficial Telegram Apps are here [via Reddit]

A few weeks ago, I was living in blissful ignorance, thinking the Telegram app on my phone was all there was. Little did I know, there’s a buffet of unofficial Telegram apps out there, and they’re packed with features that make the official app look like a plain cheese sandwich. Once I found out about them, I couldn’t resist diving into the rabbit hole.

What started with one innocent Google search led to me testing way too many third-party clients. Some were hits, others… well, let’s just say they had personality. Here’s how it all went down.

The Apps That Kicked Off My Obsession

I began with Nagram because, let’s face it, the name is catchy. It’s hosted on GitHub (for the techy crowd) and offers features I didn’t know I needed—like advanced chat tools and custom layouts. The interface felt snappy, but I quickly realized it’s more suited for users who enjoy tweaking every little setting.

From there, I stumbled across Cherrygram. Its minimalist design gave me serious “declutter your life” vibes. It’s clean, lightweight, and surprisingly fast. If you like Telegram but wish it came with fewer distractions, this app’s for you.

Testing More, Getting Pickier

At this point, I was fully committed to trying everything on the list.

• AyuGram: Think of it as the zen master of Telegram clients. It’s smooth, sleek, and optimized for a light, fast experience. It felt like I was gliding through my chats instead of scrolling.
• Mercurygram: This one brought out my inner space geek (no, it’s not actually space-related, but the name is cool). While it was functional, it didn’t stand out much compared to the others. Still, it’s worth a try if you’re exploring.
• exteraGram: Oh man, this app deserves a shoutout. It has its own website and feels super polished. The added features made managing my messages and channels so much easier. This quickly became one of my favorites.

The Quirky Side of the Bunch

Then came the apps that were… let’s say unique:

• Forggram: This one was for the customization nerds. You can tweak almost every element, but honestly, it overwhelmed me a bit. Too many options!
• Mdgram: It had a nostalgic charm, but the last update was in 2023, so it felt a bit like dusting off an old VHS player. It works, but you know it’s seen better days.

Google Play Gems

Next, I turned to apps available on Google Play. These were easier to install and packed with user-friendly features:

• Plus Messenger: This one changed the game for me. With tabs to organize my chats, channels, and groups, it was like finally finding socks that match. No more chaos in my inbox!
• TurboTel Pro: If apps were judged on their names, this would win. It’s feature-rich and super responsive, with advanced options for the power user. I spent way too much time tinkering with it.
• Telegram X: An official-ish alternative created by Telegram itself. It’s modern and fast, with a sleeker design than the main app. Definitely a solid choice if you want simplicity without going full third-party.

Turrit: The Wild Card

Finally, there was Turrit. I don’t know if it’s the name or the fact that it looks so different, but this app had me intrigued from the start. It’s not as feature-heavy as others, but it’s quirky and functional enough to earn a spot on my list.

My Takeaways (and a Little Advice)

After trying all these apps, I can confidently say this: there’s no one-size-fits-all Telegram client. Each app has its strengths, whether it’s customization, speed, or organization.

If you’re someone who loves fine-tuning your apps to suit your every whim, go for Forggram or Nagram. If you’re more about clean simplicity, Cherrygram or AyuGram might be your jam. And if you want something ready-made with bells and whistles, Plus Messenger or TurboTel Pro is the way to go.

Just remember, with great power comes great responsibility. These apps are fun to experiment with, but not all are as stable or secure as the official Telegram. So, play around, but maybe don’t use them for your top-secret chats. 😉

Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to pick which app gets to stay on my phone… or maybe I’ll just keep them all. Who needs storage space anyway? 🤷‍♂️

What do you think? Did I miss your favorite third-party Telegram app? Let me know—I might still have room for one more!