Arattai - Chat and Calling app, Is Arattai better than WhatsApp?
WhatsApp and Arattai are two leading messaging apps in India, each catering to users with different priorities around security, feature set, and cultural relevance. WhatsApp sets the global standard with a vast user base and advanced features, while Arattai, created by Zoho, offers India-first solutions with local data storage, a lightweight build, and growing relevance among privacy-conscious users and those seeking homegrown alternatives.
Origin and Ownership
WhatsApp is owned by Meta (Facebook), headquartered in the US, and was launched globally in 2009.
Arattai is developed by Zoho Corporation, a respected Indian software company based in Tamil Nadu, with the app launched in 2021 to address specific Indian user needs.
User Base and Adoption
WhatsApp boasts over 2 billion global users, with near-universal adoption for personal, business, and government communication in India.
Arattai is still growing, with lakhs of downloads concentrated primarily among Indian audiences, and is gaining traction amid calls for Indian tech sovereignty and more robust privacy controls.
We welcome the Honourable Union Minister of Commerce & Industry @PiyushGoyal and team to Arattai with great pride. đ Their trust and support inspire us to keep innovating and strengthening Arattai. Thank you for your support đ#StayConnected #Arattai https://t.co/ratXsyalLe
— Arattai (@Arattai) September 29, 2025
Features Comparison
| Feature | Arattai | |
|---|---|---|
| Messaging and Media Sharing | Text, voice, video, document, group chats, channels, status, polls | Text, voice, video, document, group chats, channels, stories, polls |
| Video Meetings | Basic group video calls (max ~32 participants) | Dedicated âMeetingsâ tab for scheduling and hosting calls |
| Multi-Device Support | Web, desktop, and mobile â ~4 devices simultaneously | Mobile, web, desktop, Android TV, up to 5 devices |
| Status/Stories | Status updates, visual tray | Stories and broadcast-style channels |
| Self-Chat/Pocket | âYouâ chat window for notes/media | Dedicated Pocket for organizing files, reminders, notes |
| Customization/Interface | Mature, global-themed experience, frequent updates | Lightweight, India-centric UI, special stickers |
Privacy and Security
WhatsApp uses end-to-end encryption for all chats, calls, and shared media, increasing privacy for individuals and businesses.
Arattai offers end-to-end encryption for voice and video calls, but direct messages are not fully E2EE yet, with Zoho confirming that more security upgrades are planned. However, all user data is stored in India-based data centers, aligning with Indian data sovereignty lawsâa feature WhatsApp does not provide.
WhatsApp integrates with Metaâs ecosystem and uses user data for ads and profiling, while Arattai has a strict no-ads/no-data-selling policy.
Performance and Accessibility
WhatsAppâs data and resource requirements can be higher, making it less efficient on budget or older devices.
Arattai is designed to run smoothly on low-memory smartphones and on slower networks (2G/3G), making it ideal for rural and accessibility-focused users.
Arattai typically offers higher quality image and video sharing and occupies less space on the device.
Regional Relevance
Arattai strongly emphasizes Indian regional languages, local support, and integration with Zohoâs business suite, making it highly appealing for Indian business, education, and rural users.
WhatsApp offers broad-based language support for global audiences but is optimized for mainstream, worldwide communication.
WhatsApp remains dominant due to its global ecosystem, advanced encryption, integration with other business platforms, and wide device compatibility. For many official and social needs, WhatsApp is the preferred standard. However, Arattai distinguishes itself as a privacy-first, Indian-made alternative with unique mobility, features for local users, better data control, and less bloatâespecially for users interested in supporting local tech and those requiring lighter and regionalized apps.