Unigram

Open source Telegram client for Windows PCs

Unigram is a free desktop client for Telegram users who want a familiar messaging experience on Windows, with a few extra touches that make it worth considering. It is built as an open-source alternative and is designed to work closely with Windows 10 features, giving it a native PC feel rather than simply copying a mobile app onto a larger screen.

If you already know Telegram, Unigram will be easy to understand. The layout is very similar, with your chats, groups, and conversations arranged in a familiar way. You can sign in using your phone number or by scanning a QR code with the Telegram app, and support for multiple accounts makes it practical for users who separate personal and work messaging.

Feature-wise, Unigram covers the core Telegram experience while adding some useful options. It offers a larger selection of emoji sets, which is a small but welcome customization feature for frequent chat users. Its video handling is also flexible: you can use the built-in player with playback controls and full-screen viewing, or choose to cast videos to another device or open them in a separate media player.

Privacy is one of Unigram’s more notable strengths. It supports end-to-end encryption for chats and includes the option to set messages to self-destruct, giving users more control over sensitive conversations.

There are some trade-offs. Performance can feel sluggish at times, so it may not always be as responsive as users expect from a desktop messaging app. It also lacks a system tray shortcut, which makes quick access and notification handling less convenient.

Overall, Unigram is best for Telegram users on Windows who want an open-source client with familiar controls, multi-account support, flexible media playback, and stronger privacy options. It is not perfect, but its practical feature set makes it a solid everyday messaging choice.