In today’s digital world, instant messaging apps are no longer just tools for chatting—they are gateways to our private conversations, personal media, and daily communication. For more than a decade, WhatsApp has dominated this space in India. However, privacy concerns and data ownership debates have opened the door for new alternatives.
One such contender is Arattai, a Made-in-India messaging app developed by Zoho Corporation. Over the past few days, I used both apps side-by-side to understand how they compare in real-world usage.
This article offers a detailed, unbiased comparison of WhatsApp vs Arattai, focusing on privacy, features, performance, and overall user experience.
WhatsApp vs Arattai: Origin and Ownership
WhatsApp is owned by Meta (formerly Facebook), a US-based technology giant. With over two billion users globally, WhatsApp is deeply integrated into everyday communication in India—from families and friends to businesses and institutions.
Arattai, on the other hand, is developed by Zoho Corporation, a Chennai-based company well known for its privacy-first approach. The word Arattai means “chat” in Tamil, reflecting its local roots and Indian identity.
Verdict:
If supporting Indian technology and local data control matters to you, Arattai has a clear advantage.
Privacy and Data Security: Where Your Data Lives
Privacy is the biggest differentiator between these two apps.
WhatsApp uses end-to-end encryption, which means messages cannot be read by outsiders. However, WhatsApp does collect metadata such as contacts, device information, usage patterns, and location data. Some of this data may be shared with Meta for business and analytics purposes.
Arattai takes a stricter stance on privacy. It offers end-to-end encryption and states that it does not share user data with third parties. Messages and related data are stored on servers located in India, aligning with the idea of data sovereignty. Zoho’s long-standing reputation for avoiding ad-based monetization further strengthens trust.
Verdict:
For users who prioritize privacy, transparency, and Indian data hosting, Arattai is the stronger choice.
Features and User Experience Comparison
Both apps cover essential messaging needs, but their maturity levels differ.
WhatsApp feels extremely polished, with smooth animations, reliable calling, and strong multi-device support. Arattai’s interface feels familiar and lightweight, often consuming less battery and loading faster, though some features are still evolving.
Feature Comparison Table
| Feature | Arattai | |
|---|---|---|
| One-to-One & Group Chats | Yes | Yes |
| Group Size | Large, widely used | Up to 1000 members |
| Voice & Video Calls | Excellent and stable | Good, still improving |
| Media Sharing Limit | Up to 100 MB | Up to 100 MB |
| Status / Stories | Status | Moments |
| Multi-Device Support | Stable and widely available | In beta |
| Backup Options | Google Drive / iCloud | Local + Zoho Cloud (optional) |
Performance and Everyday Usage
In daily use, WhatsApp benefits from years of optimization and a massive user base. Messages deliver instantly, calls are reliable even on slower networks, and almost everyone you know is already there.
Arattai performs well for messaging and media sharing, with a noticeably lighter footprint on the phone. The main limitation is adoption—convincing contacts to switch or install an additional app takes time.
Who Should Use Arattai?
Arattai may not replace WhatsApp overnight, but it fills an important gap in the Indian messaging ecosystem.
Arattai is ideal for:
- Users concerned about data privacy
- People who prefer Indian-hosted services
- Families or small groups seeking private communication
- Users looking for a lightweight alternative to WhatsApp
Recommendation:
Keep WhatsApp for large networks and public communication, but use Arattai for personal, privacy-sensitive conversations.
Download WhatsApp and Arattai
- Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.whatsapp
- iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/whatsapp-messenger/id310633997
Arattai
- Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.zoho.arattai
- iOS: https://apps.apple.com/in/app/arattai/id1532898686
Final Thoughts
WhatsApp remains the most popular messaging app in India due to its reach and stability. However, Arattai proves that India can build secure, privacy-respecting alternatives without compromising usability.
The goal is not to abandon WhatsApp completely—but to support strong competitors that push global platforms toward better privacy practices. Arattai is a meaningful step in that direction.
If you value privacy, data sovereignty, and Indian technology, Arattai deserves a place on your smartphone.