Best for Google integration
Hangouts vs Skype vs Telegram: which communication app should you choose?
Hangouts suits people already using Google services, Skype is the stronger pick for video calls and screen sharing, and Telegram fits users who want fast, customizable messaging and large groups.
At a glance
| App | Google Play rating | Price | In-app purchases | Platforms | Age rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HangoutsGoogle LLC | 4.1 out of 53,000,000 ratings | Free | – | Android | PEGI 3 |
 SkypeSkype | 4.4 out of 511,726,754 ratings | Free | Yes ($2.99 - $96.79 per item) | Android, iOS | Everyone |
 TelegramTelegram FZ-LLC | 3.8 out of 517,343,583 ratings | Free | Yes ($0.31 - $289.99 per item) | Android, iOS | Mature 17+ |
Ratings, prices and age ratings come from the Google Play listings, read on Nov 7, 2026. Listings change over time.
How we compared them
All three apps connect people through messaging and calls, and each is free to download. Their priorities differ: Hangouts centers on Google integration, Skype emphasizes calls and cross-platform communication, and Telegram focuses on fast messaging, large groups, and customization.
This comparison weighs their core features, trade-offs, Google Play ratings, and available store details to help you decide which app fits the way you communicate.
How we compared them
We compared the apps’ stated messaging, calling, group, and platform features, along with their strengths and drawbacks. We also considered Google Play ratings, install figures, prices, ads, and in-app purchase ranges where available.
Store figures were read from Google Play on 2026-11-07. Telegram’s Google Play data safety declaration says it shares no data with third parties, collects several categories of information, encrypts data in transit, and lets users request deletion. No data safety declaration is included here for Hangouts or Skype.
Hangouts
Google LLC4.1 out of 5 on Google Play
Best for people who rely on Google services for everyday communication
Hangouts combines messaging, voice calls, and video calls, with Google service integration and synchronization across devices. Its approachable interface and group chats make it a straightforward option for people already in Google’s ecosystem.
Compared with Skype, it offers fewer advanced calling features; compared with Telegram, it has less customization. Video calls can lag, it needs an internet connection, and it does not offer end-to-end encryption.
- Price
- Free
What we like
- Integrates with Google services
- Combines messaging with voice and video calls
- Syncs across devices and supports group chats
What to know
- No end-to-end encryption
- Fewer advanced features and customization options
Skype
Skype4.4 out of 5 on Google Play
Best for people who prioritize video calls and screen sharing
Skype’s strongest case is calling: it offers video and voice calls, screen sharing, and cross-platform compatibility. It also supports free international calls, giving it a broader calling focus than Hangouts or Telegram.
Its higher Google Play rating of 4.4 comes from 11,726,754 ratings. The trade-offs are a need for a stable internet connection, potentially high data and CPU use, and occasional dropped calls; some features are paid through in-app purchases.
- Price
- Free
What we like
- Screen sharing alongside voice and video calls
- Cross-platform compatibility
- Free international calls
What to know
- Calls need a stable internet connection and may drop
- Can use substantial data and processing power
Telegram
Telegram FZ-LLC3.8 out of 5 on Google Play
Best for people who want fast, customizable messaging and large groups
Telegram focuses on speed and messaging, with large group chats, themes, bots, and cross-platform synchronization. Those options give it more room for customization than Hangouts and a stronger group-messaging emphasis than Skype.
Its 3.8 Google Play rating is based on 17,343,583 ratings. Telegram’s end-to-end encryption does not apply to all chats, its video calling features are limited, and signing up requires a phone number. Its content rating is Mature 17+.
- Price
- Free, no ads
What we like
- Supports large group chats
- Offers themes and bots for customization
- Synchronizes across platforms
What to know
- Not all chats are end-to-end encrypted
- Video calling is more limited than Skype’s
Which one should you pick?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which app is best for video calls?
Skype is the strongest choice for video calls among these three: it also offers screen sharing and free international calls.
Which app is best for large group chats?
Telegram is the clearest fit for large groups, with customization options such as themes and bots.
Which app offers end-to-end encryption?
Skype and Telegram list end-to-end encryption among their strengths, but Telegram does not encrypt all chats end to end. Hangouts does not offer end-to-end encryption.
Which app has the highest Google Play rating?
Skype has the highest rating at 4.4 from 11,726,754 ratings. Hangouts has 4.1 from 3,000,000 ratings, and Telegram has 3.8 from 17,343,583 ratings.