Skype vs Telegram: Why Telegram is Better for Text Chat
The Declining Reliability of Skype
While widely recognized for its voice and video calling capabilities, Skype also incorporates a text chat function. However, the platform has become increasingly known for its instability and consistent performance issues.
The unreliability of Skype has led to a significant shift in user preference. Many individuals, including my own social circle, have transitioned to alternative messaging applications like Telegram, which offers a more dependable experience.
Microsoft's Approach to Skype
Instead of addressing the fundamental issues plaguing the service, Microsoft has repeatedly focused on redesigning the Skype client. This iterative approach to client-side changes has, arguably, been a misallocation of resources.
The core problem of inconsistent connectivity and functionality remains unresolved despite these ongoing rewrites. A focus on foundational stability would likely yield more positive results for users.
Telegram, in contrast, has gained popularity due to its consistent performance and reliability, becoming the preferred communication method for many.
Ultimately, the persistent issues with Skype have driven users towards more stable and dependable alternatives.
Skype’s Unreliable Performance with Message Delivery, Synchronization, and Notifications
Following Microsoft’s acquisition of Skype, the Windows Live Messenger service—previously known as MSN Messenger—was discontinued, with users encouraged to transition to Skype for fundamental text-based communication.
Despite expectations that Microsoft’s investment would enhance Skype’s stability, my experience, and that of many others, suggests otherwise. This isn’t based on isolated incidents; widespread dissatisfaction regarding Skype’s text chat dependability is evident online.
Skype remains functional for voice and video calls, though even these can be disrupted by intrusive video advertisements during group sessions. However, its performance regarding text messaging is demonstrably poor.
I have encountered a number of issues personally while using Skype:
- Delayed or Missing Notifications. When my computer is inactive, I anticipate receiving message notifications on my mobile device to maintain ongoing conversations. Frequently, these notifications are either significantly delayed or fail to appear altogether, resulting in delayed awareness of new messages until I manually open the Skype application.
- Unreliable Message Sending. While intermittent mobile data or network connectivity can be a factor, messages sometimes fail to send completely. They may be indicated as sent within the chat interface, but the recipient does not receive them. Unlike platforms like Telegram, which persistently attempt delivery until successful, Skype abandons transmission attempts upon encountering network issues, requiring manual re-submission.
- Synchronization Issues with Messages. Retrieving recently viewed messages on different devices—such as a phone or another computer—can be slow. This makes referencing past exchanges difficult, as messages may not be immediately visible.
- Inconsistent Unread Status. Even with successful message synchronization, messages may incorrectly remain marked as “unread” across devices. This can include older messages, necessitating a review of already-read content to accurately reflect message status.
- Resource Intensive Application. The Skype application proves to be demanding on both Android and iOS devices, exhibiting slow launch times and substantial battery consumption.
- Disordered Message Display. During conversations, messages are not always displayed chronologically. Incoming or outgoing messages can appear interspersed with older exchanges, disrupting the flow of communication. This issue was particularly noticeable on the Windows version of Skype, ironically, and while now resolved, contributed to user frustration.
To tolerate such a range of problems simply due to a program’s popularity is unreasonable.
Skype's Advertising Practices: A Windows-Specific Issue
Users of Skype on Windows are now encountering integrated banner advertisements. These advertisements are dynamically selected based on the user’s online browsing history.
The ads consistently manifest within the user’s active chat interfaces. Reports indicate instances where these advertisements have initiated audio playback automatically.
Unexpected Audio Playback
Some users have described a frustrating experience of locating the source of unexpected audio, ultimately discovering a minimized Skype window playing an advertisement. This can be disruptive during work or other computer activities.
It’s important to note that this advertising experience is not universal across all Skype platforms.
Platform Disparity
Skype versions for Mac, Android, iPhone, Linux, and web browsers remain free of advertising. This creates a significant difference in user experience depending on the operating system.
To reiterate, while Microsoft owns Skype, the inclusion of advertisements is exclusive to the Windows version. This suggests a superior experience is offered on platforms other than Microsoft’s own operating system.
Removing Advertisements
On Windows, the advertisements can be removed by purchasing Skype credit. However, this requirement is unique to the Windows platform; users on other systems are unaffected.
Impact on Video Calls
Furthermore, Skype interrupts group video calls with video advertisements unless a payment is made. This practice is driving users towards alternative communication platforms like Google Hangouts.
This situation encourages exploration of other options for video conferencing and instant messaging.
Transitioning to Telegram: A Superior Chat Experience
Ultimately, any dependable chat application would fulfill the requirement. Even Skype, in its earlier iterations, would have been adequate. However, I have transitioned to Telegram to manage my text-based communications.
Telegram's Key Features
Telegram is well-recognized for its robust end-to-end encryption capabilities, making it a strong choice for users prioritizing privacy. Furthermore, it facilitates exceptionally rapid message transmission.
- Platform Availability: Clients are available for Windows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android, and even via the web.
- Seamless Synchronization: These clients consistently synchronize with each other, ensuring a unified experience.
- User Interface: The interface is straightforward and completely free of advertisements.
You don't need to prioritize the advanced encryption features to benefit from using Telegram.
Above all, it functions reliably. I have not experienced any missed or delayed notifications. Message delivery is consistently successful, and synchronization is instantaneous.
Reliability and Performance
Messages are stored locally, allowing for quick access on mobile devices even with a weak data connection. The application launches with greater speed. If a network disruption occurs, Telegram persistently attempts to deliver the message until it is successfully sent.
Notably, chat messages are displayed in the correct chronological order.
While Telegram does not currently offer voice or video calling functionality like Skype, maintaining Skype for those features may still be necessary. However, for text-based conversations, Telegram represents a significantly improved solution.
Having used it for several months, I cannot recall a single instance of the issues previously encountered. These problems occurred daily when Skype was my primary chat application.
Telegram is a dependable chat application capable of seamless device transitions, swiftly sending and synchronizing messages without interruption.
The Shift Away From Skype
The increasing adoption of Telegram isn't solely attributable to its merits; it also reflects the perceived decline in Skype's performance and reliability. A compelling case could be made for switching to numerous alternative chat services, including Facebook Messenger, Apple's iMessage, or Google Hangouts.
It wouldn't be surprising to observe a widespread migration from Skype to a variety of other platforms.
Image Credit: Dominiek ter Heide on Flickr