Arattai vs WhatsApp
Arattai vs WhatsApp, India’s crowded messaging space is suddenly buzzing with fresh energy. For years, WhatsApp has been the undisputed ruler of personal and professional communication in the country. But a new contender, Arattai, has begun to shake things up. Built by Zoho, one of India’s most respected software companies, Arattai is pitching itself as a homegrown, privacy-first alternative that speaks directly to Indian users.
The timing is striking. Concerns about data privacy, a rising “Made in India” sentiment, and government encouragement for local digital products have combined to put Arattai in the spotlight. The Tamil word Arattai translates to “casual chat” — a fitting name for an app that wants to make everyday conversations simpler, more secure, and distinctly Indian.
Feature Showdown: How Arattai Stacks Up Against WhatsApp
On the surface, both apps look familiar: text messaging, group chats, voice notes, video calls, and media sharing. But scratch a little deeper, and the differences become clearer.
Multi-Device Access
WhatsApp’s multi-device feature is still evolving. It works well for phones and web browsers but doesn’t extend much further. Arattai, by contrast, is built with flexibility in mind. It runs not just on Android and iOS, but also on desktops (Windows, macOS, Linux) and even Android TVs. One account can be linked to five devices at once — something heavy WhatsApp users often wish for.
The Pocket Feature
This is where Arattai gets creative. Its Pocket feature is essentially a personal locker inside the app — a place to save notes, links, reminders, and media for later. It feels like a mix of “Message Yourself” on WhatsApp and a mini cloud storage space. For students, freelancers, or anyone juggling tasks, it’s surprisingly useful.
Lightweight Design
Arattai has been designed to run on older smartphones and patchy internet connections. In a country where many still rely on budget devices or slower networks, this could be a deciding factor. WhatsApp, while more feature-heavy, does demand more storage and data.
Business and Social Features
WhatsApp has carved a space in business communication with its Business App and payment features. Shopkeepers, tutors, and even small brands have built customer relationships around it. Arattai doesn’t yet have that scale. Instead, it offers channels and stories for broadcasting updates, plus its dedicated “Meetings” tab for video conferencing — a feature that blends elements of Zoom and WhatsApp.
It’s clear Zoho is aiming at both personal and professional use, even if WhatsApp currently dominates the commercial side.
Privacy, Security, and the Made-in-India Appeal
Privacy is where Arattai has made its loudest claims.
Encryption: WhatsApp provides end-to-end encryption (E2EE) by default for all messages, calls, and shared files. Arattai, at present, offers E2EE for voice and video calls but not yet for text chats — though Zoho has confirmed it’s in the pipeline.
Ads and Monetisation: WhatsApp is part of Meta’s ad-driven ecosystem. Arattai, on the other hand, is free, ad-free, and promises not to sell user data.
Data Localisation: Perhaps the strongest differentiator is where the data lives. Arattai’s servers are in India. For users wary of their data being shipped overseas, that’s a strong reassurance.
This “Made in India, hosted in India” identity has played a big role in its recent surge in popularity.
Technical Details and Availability
Group Size: WhatsApp allows up to 1,024 members in a group; Arattai supports around 1,000.
Availability: Both apps are free and available on Google Play Store and Apple App Store. Arattai also extends to desktop and Android TV.
Performance: Arattai is lighter, faster on low-end devices, and optimised for poor connectivity.
FAQs About Arattai and Zoho
What is Zoho Arattai?
Arattai is a messaging app created by Zoho, designed as a simple, private, and ad-free communication tool.
Who is the owner of the Arattai app?
Arattai is owned by Zoho Corporation, founded by Indian entrepreneur Sridhar Vembu.
Is the Arattai app safe?
Yes. While full encryption for texts is still on the way, the app offers secure calls and promises zero data exploitation or ads.
Who is the CEO of Zoho?
Zoho is led by Sridhar Vembu, its co-founder and CEO.
Are Zoho apps free?
Many of Zoho’s apps, including Arattai, are free. Some business software under Zoho comes with premium tiers.
What is the Zoho app used for?
Zoho builds tools for businesses — from CRM and accounting software to HR and communication apps like Arattai.
Is Zoho made in India?
Yes. Zoho is proudly Indian, headquartered in Chennai, with Arattai’s data centers hosted entirely within the country.
WhatsApp Challenged? The Essential Differences Between Arattai and the Global Giant (Arattai vs WhatsApp)
The battle isn’t just about features. WhatsApp has scale, encryption, and business reach. Arattai, though, has freshness, flexibility, and a promise of data sovereignty.
If WhatsApp is the global default, Arattai is the local underdog that’s beginning to look like a serious challenger.
Arattai vs WhatsApp: The Verdict
For most Indians, switching away from WhatsApp won’t happen overnight — too many friends, family members, and businesses are tied to it. But Arattai has made a dent. Its multi-device support, Pocket feature, ad-free model, and Indian hosting make it stand out.
The missing piece is encryption for text chats. If Zoho fixes that quickly, Arattai could become more than just a patriotic choice — it could be a genuinely better one.
In the bigger picture, the Arattai vs WhatsApp rivalry is about more than messaging. It’s a test of whether India can build and sustain a digital product that competes with the biggest tech names in the world.