The world of messaging apps is changing fast. WhatsApp, the leader with billions of users, now faces competition from a new contender called Arattai, developed by Indian software company Zoho. Arattai has gained attention recently, and many users are curious about how it stacks up against WhatsApp especially on features, privacy, and day-to-day use.
What Are the Apps Like?
Arattai, whose name means “chat” in Tamil, is Zoho’s response to the demand for a homegrown messaging app. It offers familiar features like text messages, voice notes, media sharing, group chats, stories, and channel broadcasting. It also works across mobile, desktop, and even Android TV, which WhatsApp currently doesn’t support.
Arattai’s design focuses on simplicity, speed, and ease of use especially for users with basic devices or slow internet connections. This makes it feel lightweight and accessible in regions where connectivity may be patchy.
Privacy and Security
Both platforms talk about privacy, but they do it differently.
WhatsApp has end-to-end encryption (E2EE) by default on messages, calls, and media. This means only the sender and receiver can read the chats; neither Meta nor anyone else has access to the content.
Arattai also promises privacy and stores user data only in India, without selling it for ads or analytics. While early versions lacked full encryption for text messages, Zoho has been rolling out end-to-end encryption for individual chats, bringing it closer to industry standards. Group chat encryption and encrypted backups are expected soon.
Features and Missing Elements
Arattai comes with some interesting additions that WhatsApp doesn’t have like a “Pocket” cloud space for storing personal notes and media, a Meetings feature for scheduling video calls, and a mentions tab similar to Slack. It also avoids ads and heavy AI integrations found on WhatsApp.
However, users still note that Arattai’s ecosystem is younger, and it doesn’t yet match WhatsApp’s massive global user base or deep third-party integrations. Some advanced WhatsApp features, such as business tools and certain backup options, remain stronger on the older platform.
WhatsApp remains the go-to choice for most people due to its global reach, robust encryption, and mature feature set. Arattai, on the other hand, is carving out its space as a Made-in-India alternative with fresh ideas and a focus on privacy, lightweight performance, and new tools. As both platforms evolve, users will benefit from better options and stronger competition in the messaging world.
