Arattai vs WhatsApp: A Detailed Comparison of Messaging Apps
Introduction
Instant messaging has become the backbone of digital communication worldwide. Among the giants in this space, WhatsApp has long been the global leader with over 2 billion users. However, new players like Zoho’s Arattai are emerging, offering privacy-focused alternatives with unique features tailored for the Indian market and beyond.
This article provides an in-depth comparison of Arattai vs WhatsApp in terms of features, security, usability, and future potential.
What is Arattai?
Arattai, meaning “chat” in Tamil, is an Indian instant messaging application developed by Zoho Corporation. Launched quietly in 2021, it was initially promoted as a “Made in India” alternative to WhatsApp. Arattai focuses on privacy, productivity, and seamless integration with Zoho’s ecosystem of business tools.
Key highlights of Arattai:
- Indian-made, developed by Zoho (a global SaaS leader).
- Promises data privacy, hosted on Zoho’s own servers.
- Offers personal and business communication features.
What is WhatsApp?
WhatsApp is a globally dominant messaging platform owned by Meta (formerly Facebook). Since its launch in 2009, it has become the default communication tool in many countries, offering free text, voice, video calls, and multimedia sharing.
Key highlights of WhatsApp:
- Over 2 billion active users worldwide.
- End-to-end encryption powered by Signal Protocol.
- Wide availability across Android, iOS, Web, and Desktop.
- Deep integration with Facebook/Meta ecosystem.
Arattai vs WhatsApp: Feature Comparison
| Feature | Arattai | |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Made in India (Zoho) | US-based (Meta/Facebook) |
| User Base | Growing, niche (India-focused) | 2+ billion global users |
| Availability | Android, iOS, Web | Android, iOS, Web, Desktop |
| End-to-End Encryption | Yes (Zoho promises strong encryption) | Yes (Signal Protocol) |
| Data Hosting | Hosted in Zoho’s Indian data centers | Globally distributed servers (Meta-owned) |
| Privacy | No ads, Zoho claims no third-party data sharing | Data linked with Meta for ad targeting |
| Messaging | Text, voice, video, multimedia | Text, voice, video, multimedia |
| Group Chats | Available | Available (up to 1024 members) |
| File Sharing | Supports images, docs, videos | Supports images, docs, videos (up to 2 GB) |
| Calls | Voice & video calls | Voice & video calls (1:1 and group) |
| Business Use | Potential integration with Zoho apps (CRM, Workplace) | WhatsApp Business app, API for enterprises |
| Web/Desktop | Strong support (WhatsApp Web/Desktop apps) | Strong support (WhatsApp Web/Desktop apps) |
| Additional Features | Indian language support, privacy focus, business productivity potential | Status updates, Payments (UPI in India), Broadcast lists, Channels |
| Monetization | Free app (Zoho may expand into business bundles) | Free for personal use, monetized via Business API |
Privacy and Security
Arattai
- Zoho emphasizes data privacy as its core selling point.
- Claims to not rely on ads or third-party data monetization.
- Data stored in Zoho-owned Indian servers, giving it an edge for compliance with Indian data localization policies.
- Offers end-to-end encryption for messages and calls.
- Criticized for sharing metadata with Meta, raising concerns about data privacy.
- Subject to international data regulations (GDPR, CCPA, etc.).
Pros and Cons
Arattai – Pros
âś… Made in India, data localization advantage.
âś… No third-party data monetization.
✅ Potential integration with Zoho’s productivity ecosystem.
âś… Focused on privacy.
Arattai – Cons
❌ Limited user base compared to WhatsApp.
❌ Still evolving
❌ Network effect missing—friends & family may not be on Arattai.
WhatsApp – Pros
âś… Global adoption with billions of users.
âś… Rich features: voice/video calls, payments, channels.
âś… Cross-platform availability (mobile, web, desktop).
âś… Strong encryption (Signal Protocol).
WhatsApp – Cons
❌ Owned by Meta, criticized for data sharing with Facebook.
❌ Heavily dependent on user metadata for business monetization.
❌ Privacy concerns in India and Europe.
Who Should Use Arattai?
- Users who prioritize privacy and data security.
- Indian businesses already using Zoho applications (CRM, Zoho One, etc.).
- People looking for a non-Meta alternative to messaging.
Who Should Use WhatsApp?
- Users who want to connect globally with friends, family, and businesses.
- Those relying on advanced features like WhatsApp Business API, WhatsApp Pay, and Status updates.
- Enterprises with global customer bases.
Future Outlook
- Arattai: If Zoho integrates Arattai tightly with its business ecosystem, it could emerge as a strong productivity-first communication tool, especially for Indian enterprises. However, it must scale its user base to compete meaningfully with WhatsApp.
- WhatsApp: Will continue to dominate globally, but privacy concerns could push niche users and enterprises to alternatives like Arattai, Signal, or Telegram.
Conclusion
The Arattai vs WhatsApp debate highlights the growing demand for privacy-first messaging apps. While WhatsApp remains the undisputed global leader with unmatched reach, Arattai offers a Made in India alternative with strong data privacy promises and potential integration into business tools.
For everyday communication, WhatsApp remains unbeatable due to its massive user base. But for privacy-conscious users and businesses seeking Indian-hosted, ad-free solutions, Arattai is a rising contender worth watching.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Arattai App
Q1. What is the Arattai app?
Arattai is an instant messaging app developed by Zoho Corporation, designed as a secure and privacy-focused alternative to WhatsApp.
Q2. Who developed the Arattai app?
Arattai is developed by Zoho Corporation, an Indian tech company known globally for its enterprise software solutions.
Q3. Is the Arattai app made in India?
Yes, Arattai is a 100% Indian app built under the “Made in India” initiative to provide a domestic alternative to global messaging platforms.
Q4. How can I download the Arattai app?
You can download Arattai from the Google Play Store (for Android) and Apple App Store (for iOS).
Q5. Does Arattai support end-to-end encryption like WhatsApp?
Yes, Arattai offers end-to-end (e2e) encryption for voice and video calls, but not for chats yet, with Zoho reportedly working to roll out full E2E chat encryption soon.
Q6. Is Arattai free to use?
Yes, Arattai is completely free to download and use, similar to WhatsApp.
Q7. Can Arattai be used for voice and video calls?
Yes, Arattai supports high-quality voice and video calls, along with text messaging and media sharing.
Q8. What makes Arattai different from WhatsApp?
Arattai emphasizes data privacy, Indian servers, and ad-free usage, while WhatsApp is owned by Meta and shares some user data for ad targeting.
Q9. Can I create groups on Arattai?
Yes, you can create group chats on Arattai, similar to WhatsApp, to communicate with multiple people at once.
Q10. Does Arattai support file sharing?
Yes, Arattai allows sharing of images, videos, documents, and other files with your contacts.
Q11. Is Arattai available worldwide or only in India?
Arattai is available worldwide, but its primary user base is in India.
Q12. Can Arattai replace WhatsApp in India?
Arattai has the potential, but WhatsApp’s massive global user base makes it difficult. However, users seeking privacy and local alternatives may prefer Arattai.
Q13. Is Arattai safe from data leaks?
Zoho claims that user data stays within India and that the app does not share data with third parties, making it safer for privacy-conscious users.
Q14. Does Arattai work without ads?
Yes, unlike WhatsApp and other free apps, Arattai does not show ads, offering a distraction-free experience.
Q15. Can businesses use Arattai like WhatsApp Business?
Currently, Arattai is focused on personal messaging, but Zoho may extend business integration features in the future, leveraging its enterprise expertise.
Explore
- Microsoft Store: https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9NFSL94JN89M?hl=en-us&gl=IN&ocid=pdpshare
- Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.aratai.chat
- App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/arattai/id1522469944?ls=1
- Official website: https://www.arattai.in/
- Desktop app and andriod TV App: https://www.arattai.in/download.html
