In todayās world, an instant messenger is more than a texting appāitās a gateway to our private lives. For over a decade, WhatsApp has been the default choice, but a new wave of challengers like Arattaiāan Indian-made app from Zohoāis rising with a bold focus on privacy and data sovereignty. I spent the last few days using both apps side-by-side. Hereās my honest take on how the global giant stacks up against the homegrown hero.
1. The Tale of Two Apps: Origin & Ownership
WhatsApp is a household name, owned by US-based Meta (formerly Facebook). With over two billion users worldwide, itās installed on nearly every smartphone in India. Arattai, on the other hand, is proudly Made in India by Zoho Corporation, a Chennai-based tech company renowned for its privacy-first philosophy. The name "Arattai" literally means āchatā in Tamilāa fitting identity for an app built on home soil.
Verdict: If data sovereignty and supporting Indian technology are important to you, Arattai wins this round decisively.
2. The Privacy Divide: Where Your Data Lives š
This is where the two apps diverge most. Following its 2021 policy update, WhatsApp increased its data sharing with its parent company, Meta. While your chats remain end-to-end encrypted, WhatsApp collects a significant amount of metadata, including your location, contacts, and usage patterns. Arattai counters with a simple promise: no data sharing with third parties. All communication is end-to-end encrypted and stored on Indian servers, giving users greater control and peace of mind. Zoho's reputation for not monetizing user data adds a layer of trust that's hard to ignore.
Verdict: For users who prioritize privacy and data transparency above all else, Arattai is the clear winner.
š Download Options
You can try both easily below:
š¢ WhatsApp
WhatsApp
š² Arattai
3. Features & User Experience: A Head-to-Head Look
Both apps cover the essentials, but there are subtle differences in their execution. Arattaiās user interface feels familiar and lightweight, often loading faster and consuming less battery. However, WhatsAppās years of refinement are evident in its smoother animations and overall polish. Hereās a direct comparison of their core features:
| Feature | Arattai | |
|---|---|---|
| Chats & Groups | Smooth and universally adopted | Works well, with up to 1000-member groups |
| Voice & Video Calls | Excellent, reliable quality | Good quality, but still improving |
| Media Sharing | Up to 100 MB per file | Up to 100 MB per file |
| Status / Stories | Yes (called "Status") | Yes (called āMomentsā) |
| Multi-Device Support | Widely available and stable | Currently in beta testing |
| Backup Options | Google Drive / iCloud | Local storage + Zoho Cloud (optional) |
The Final Verdict: Who Is Arattai For? š
Arattai may not be ready to replace WhatsApp for everyone overnight, primarily because its user base is still growing. However, it stands out as one of the most compelling Indian alternatives available today. Itās lightweight, respects your privacy, and is built with genuine purpose.
My Recommendation: Keep WhatsApp for your wider circle and global connections, but install Arattai and encourage family and close friends to join. Itās the perfect choice for private conversations where data security is a priority.
The world doesnāt need to ditch WhatsApp, but it desperately needs strong competitors to keep it accountable. Arattai proves that India has the talent to build world-class, privacy-respecting technology right here at home. Letās give it the audience it deserves.
š Download Options
You can try both easily below:
š¢ WhatsApp
WhatsApp
š² Arattai