Compare listed plans and check current offer terms with Telegram Bot API
The catalog lists this free option; confirm its current limits and eligibility with Telegram Bot API
💡 Pro tip: Start with the free tier to test if Telegram Bot API fits your workflow before upgrading to a paid plan.
This guide does not establish that Telegram Bot API has an active coupon, education discount, or seasonal promotion. Confirm current offers on the vendor's website before paying.
If Telegram Bot API's pricing doesn't fit your budget, consider these messaging & communication alternatives:
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Message @BotFather on Telegram, send /newbot, choose a name and username, and receive your bot token. That's it — you can start making API calls immediately. No approval process, no verification, no fees.
By default, bots only see commands and direct replies (privacy mode). You can disable privacy mode via @BotFather to receive all group messages. This is useful for context-aware AI agents but means the bot processes more data.
30 messages per second to different chats, 20 messages per minute within a single group chat. For most AI agent use cases, these limits are more than sufficient. Bulk notification features are available for bots with many users.
Telegram is dramatically easier and cheaper for bot development — free, no approval, rich bot features. WhatsApp requires Business API access, template message approval, per-message pricing, and has more restrictive policies. Telegram is better for developer tools and community bots; WhatsApp is better for customer communication in markets where WhatsApp dominates.
Start with the free tier and upgrade when you need more features
Get Started with Telegram Bot API →Listed prices may change. Confirm current prices and offer terms with the vendor.