TL;DR: BatChat encrypts all messages by default, while Telegram only encrypts Secret Chats. BatChat stores nothing on servers; Telegram stores everything except Secret Chats. For privacy-first users, BatChat is the stronger choice out of the box.
Introduction
Telegram and BatChat (蝙蝠聊天) serve overlapping but distinct audiences. Telegram is one of the world’s largest messaging platforms, with over 1 billion monthly active users. BatChat is a China-developed encrypted messenger targeting users who prioritize on-device privacy features within China’s app ecosystem.
The comparison is worth examining because both apps offer encryption — but they implement it fundamentally differently. Telegram’s default chats are client-server encrypted, not end-to-end encrypted. End-to-end encryption (E2E) is only available in “Secret Chats,” and those are limited to device-to-device (no multi-device sync). BatChat applies its encryption to all conversations by default.
For Chinese-speaking users, this comparison is especially relevant. Telegram is blocked in China and requires VPN access. BatChat works natively within China’s network. That practical distinction alone determines which app many users can actually run.
Encryption Model
Telegram: Client-Server Encrypted by Default
Telegram uses the MTProto 2.0 protocol for all default chats. MTProto encrypts data between the client and Telegram’s servers but does not provide end-to-end encryption. This means Telegram’s servers can read message content (they store it in the cloud for sync across devices).
For end-to-end encryption, Telegram offers Secret Chats. These use a different layer of MTProto with device-bound keys. The limitations are significant:
- No multi-device sync. Secret Chats only exist on the device where they were created. If you start a Secret Chat on your phone, it will not appear on your desktop.
- No cloud storage. Messages in Secret Chats are stored locally only.
- No message forwarding. Secret Chat messages cannot be forwarded.
- Self-destruct timer available. Configurable message deletion after viewing.
Telegram’s MTProto has been criticized by cryptographers for design choices including the use of SHA-1 (deprecated for cryptographic purposes), server-side key generation (the server participates in key establishment), and a custom transport protocol rather than TLS. Telegram has defended these choices as pragmatic trade-offs for speed and usability.
BatChat: Client-Side Encrypted by Default
BatChat encrypts all messages on the device before transmission (消息安全防护后传输). The app uses RSA for key exchange, SRP for authentication, and Double Ratchet for forward secrecy. All conversations — individual and group — receive this treatment by default.
BatChat’s server claims zero data storage (服务器零数据存储). Encrypted data passes through the server but is not retained. This differs from Telegram’s model, where cloud-stored messages persist on Telegram’s servers indefinitely.
| Criterion | Telegram | BatChat |
|---|---|---|
| Default encryption | Client-server (MTProto) | Client-side E2E |
| Secret/private chat | Secret Chats (E2E) | All chats E2E by default |
| Multi-device E2E sync | No (Secret Chats device-bound) | Yes |
| Forward secrecy | Not in Secret Chats | Double Ratchet |
| Protocol | MTProto 2.0 (custom) | RSA + SRP + Double Ratchet |
| Open source | Client only (server closed) | Closed source |
Key takeaway: BatChat encrypts everything by default with E2E. Telegram’s E2E is opt-in, limited, and compromises multi-device usability.
Data Collection and Privacy
Telegram’s Data Practices
Telegram stores all non-Secret Chat messages on its servers. This is a deliberate architectural choice — cloud storage enables seamless multi-device sync, fast search across message history, and large file transfers. The trade-off is that Telegram can access the plaintext of your default chats.
Telegram’s privacy policy allows collection of:
- Phone numbers (required for registration)
- Contact lists (if synced)
- IP addresses (used for anti-spam)
- Device information
- Message content in default (non-Secret) chats
Telegram is registered in the British Virgin Islands with operations in Dubai. The company has historically resisted government data requests, claiming it has “disclosed 0 bytes of user messages to third parties.” However, in 2024, Telegram disclosed data for 203 legal requests from Brazil and 6,992 requests from India (its largest market).
Telegram has never been subjected to a comprehensive, independent security audit.
BatChat’s Data Practices
BatChat claims zero server data storage. The company states that all message content is encrypted on the device before transmission, and no plaintext (or ciphertext) is stored server-side. After delivery, the data exists only on the sender’s and recipient’s devices.
BatChat is developed by Chengdu Feifu Technology (成都飞蝠科技有限公司), registered in Chengdu, China. The company is subject to Chinese data regulations, including the National Security Law (2015), Cybersecurity Law (2017), Data Security Law (2021), and the Personal Information Protection Law (PIPL, 2021).
If BatChat’s zero-storage claim is accurate, the legal compulsion question is largely moot — there is no data to hand over. But the closed-source nature means this cannot be independently verified.
| Criterion | Telegram | BatChat |
|---|---|---|
| Server storage of messages | Cloud storage (default chats) | Claimed zero storage |
| Phone number required | Yes | Yes |
| IP address logging | Yes (anti-spam) | Not documented |
| Metadata collection | Contact lists, device info, IP | Not documented |
| Jurisdiction | BVI / Dubai | China |
| Government transparency report | Some data via transparency bot | None published |
| Independent audit | None | None |
Group Features
This is an area where Telegram excels. Telegram supports groups up to 200,000 members with extensive admin tools: pinned messages, slow mode, granular permissions, bot integration, inline keyboards, and content filtering.
BatChat supports groups (蝙蝠社群) with security protection applied uniformly. Group features include member protection, in-group voting, and screenshot/recording blocking. The maximum group size is not publicly documented.
| Criterion | Telegram | BatChat |
|---|---|---|
| Max group size | 200,000 members | Not documented |
| Channels (broadcast) | Unlimited subscribers | Not available |
| Admin controls | Granular permissions | Basic |
| Group E2E encryption | No (default chats) | Yes |
| Screenshot protection | No | Yes |
| Group voting | Via bots | Built-in |
| Bots in groups | Full API support | Not documented |
Advantage: Telegram for group scale and feature richness. Advantage: BatChat for group-level privacy protection.
File Transfer and Media
Telegram is well-known for generous file transfer limits. Users can send individual files up to 2 GB each (4 GB with Telegram Premium). Files are stored in Telegram’s cloud, accessible from any device, and do not expire.
BatChat supports file transfer with client-side encryption applied before upload. Because BatChat claims zero server storage, files pass through the server during transfer but are not retained. This means files must be downloaded by the recipient during the transfer window, and there is no cloud-based file archive.
| Criterion | Telegram | BatChat |
|---|---|---|
| File size limit | 2 GB (4 GB Premium) | Not documented |
| Cloud file storage | Yes | No (zero storage) |
| File E2E encryption | No (default chats) | Yes |
| File access across devices | Yes (cloud sync) | Only receiving device |
Advantage: Telegram for file sharing convenience. Advantage: BatChat for file transfer privacy.
Bot Ecosystem and Extensibility
Telegram has one of the most robust bot ecosystems in messaging. The Telegram Bot API supports custom commands, inline queries, payment processing, web apps, mini apps, and deep integration with external services. Telegram bots range from simple notification services to complex group management tools, games, and productivity suites.
BatChat does not appear to offer a comparable bot API or third-party developer ecosystem. The app focuses on built-in features rather than extensibility.
Clear advantage: Telegram. If you rely on bots, automation, or third-party integrations, Telegram is unmatched.
Chinese Market Availability
This is where the practical comparison becomes stark.
Telegram is blocked in China. Accessing Telegram from within mainland China requires a VPN or proxy. This makes Telegram inaccessible to many Chinese users as a daily messaging tool.
BatChat works natively in China. It is available through Chinese app stores (Apple App Store China, Android app stores), registered with ICP 备案 (蜀ICP备19040194号), and operates on Chinese network infrastructure without VPN. The app is in Chinese, designed for Chinese users, and includes features like the BatChat avatar system (蝙蝠形象) that appeal to Chinese social media preferences.
BatChat also offers features that resonate with Chinese privacy concerns: screenshot protection addresses the common worry of chat content being截图 shared on social media. The preset password (预设密信) adds protection even within the device.
| Criterion | Telegram | BatChat |
|---|---|---|
| Works in China without VPN | No (blocked) | Yes |
| Chinese app store availability | No | Yes |
| ICP registration | No | Yes (蜀ICP备19040194号) |
| Chinese language support | Community translations | Native |
| Features designed for Chinese users | No | Yes |
Clear advantage: BatChat for Chinese users. Clear advantage: Telegram for users outside China who need a globally accessible platform.
User Interface
Telegram’s UI is polished and feature-rich. It supports themes, custom chat backgrounds, animated emoji, message effects, and a highly customizable interface. Telegram’s design philosophy prioritizes speed and features.
BatChat’s UI includes several distinctive elements. The BatChat avatar system (蝙蝠形象) allows users to create digital personas with customizable facial features, clothing, and animations — from cyberpunk to traditional Chinese styles. The app emphasizes a “novel interaction” design (新颖交互) and includes a watermark camera for photo metadata protection.
Telegram feels like a feature-complete messaging platform. BatChat feels like a privacy-focused messenger with social/gaming elements layered on top. The target audiences have different expectations, and both apps deliver on their respective promises.
Pricing
Both apps are free to use. Telegram offers Telegram Premium as a subscription with additional features (larger file uploads, faster downloads, exclusive stickers, boosted channels). BatChat appears to be fully free with no premium tier.
Verdict
Choose Telegram if:
- You need a globally accessible messaging platform with 1B+ users
- Large groups (200K members), channels, and bots are essential
- File sharing with cloud storage and cross-device access matters
- You are outside China and can access it freely
- You want a feature-rich experience with themes, animations, and customization
Choose BatChat if:
- You need a messenger that works in China without VPN
- Default E2E encryption on all conversations is a requirement
- Screenshot and screen recording protection is critical
- The preset password feature (预设密信) fits your threat model
- You prefer a Chinese-language app with native features
- Server-side zero data storage is important to you
The fundamental trade-off is clear: Telegram offers a vastly more feature-complete platform with cloud convenience, but sacrifices default E2E encryption. BatChat encrypts everything by default and stores nothing, but offers a narrower feature set an
d operates under Chinese jurisdiction with closed-source code.
For Chinese users who cannot use Telegram, BatChat is a credible encrypted alternative. For users outside China with access to both, the choice depends on whether you prioritize features (Telegram) or default privacy (BatChat).
FAQ
Is Telegram end-to-end encrypted by default?
No. Telegram’s default chats use client-server encryption (MTProto 2.0). Messages are encrypted between your device and Telegram’s servers, but Telegram can read them. End-to-end encryption is only available in Secret Chats, which are device-bound and do not sync across devices.
Does BatChat work without VPN in China?
Yes. BatChat is registered with Chinese authorities (ICP备案), available in Chinese app stores, and operates on Chinese network infrastructure. No VPN is required.
Which app has better group chat features?
Telegram, by a wide margin. Telegram supports groups up to 200,000 members with channels, bots, granular admin controls, and extensive customization. BatChat’s groups are functional but lack the scale and feature depth of Telegram’s offering.
Can Telegram bots be used for automation?
Yes. Telegram’s Bot API is one of the most comprehensive in the messaging ecosystem, supporting custom commands, web apps, payments, inline queries, and deep integration with external services. BatChat does not offer a comparable bot platform.
Is BatChat’s encryption stronger than Telegram’s default encryption?
Yes. BatChat’s default encryption is end-to-end (device to device with RSA + SRP + Double Ratchet), whereas Telegram’s default encryption is client-server only. However, Telegram’s Secret Chats provide E2E encryption with different trade-offs (device-bound, no multi-device sync).