Alternatives · Telegram
Anonymous chat without your phone number
Telegram's anonymous chat bots, like @chatbot ("Anonymous Chat"), still need a Telegram account tied to your phone number. Waku needs only a nickname and a picture: tap Random for a stranger in seconds, keep the ones you like in Chats, and watch things together in Portals.
About Telegram
Telegram is a messenger with public groups, channels and bots. Its biggest anonymous chat bot, @chatbot ("Anonymous Chat"), shows about 1.66 million monthly users. Every Telegram account needs a phone number, and since September 2024 Telegram may share IP addresses and phone numbers with authorities on valid legal requests.
Waku vs Telegram
| Waku | Telegram | |
|---|---|---|
| To sign up | A nickname and a picture. No email, no real photos | A phone number |
| Meeting people | Random strangers in seconds, or swipe and chat once they accept | Bots pair you at random |
| Watch together | Portals: movies, shows, YouTube and music, synced | Nothing built in |
| What ties to you | An anonymous card with a Pinterest picture, no face | Your phone number |
Why people switch
- No phone number, ever.
- Reveal your card only when you want to.
- Watch movies and YouTube together.
Where Telegram is better
Telegram is a full messenger with groups and channels.
Its anonymous chat bots live in an app many people already use.
Questions
Other alternatives
Waku isn’t affiliated with Telegram. Names belong to their owners. Facts checked November 2026.