Arattai vs WhatsApp: Indian Messaging App Takes on 140 Crore Users with Unique Features
India’s messaging app landscape is heating up as Zoho Corporation’s Arattai emerges as a potential challenger to WhatsApp, which already commands the trust of over 140 crore Indian users. Launched in 2021, Arattai is a fully Indian app, with its name derived from the Tamil word “Arattai,” meaning conversation. Zoho’s goal was to create a messaging platform that works seamlessly even on low-cost phones, slow networks, and supports multiple local languages.
WhatsApp: A Quick History
WhatsApp was founded in 2009 by Jan Koum and Brian Acton, former Yahoo employees. Initially created as a simple alternative to SMS, it gradually added text, multimedia, document sharing, and voice/video calling. Facebook (now Meta) acquired WhatsApp in 2014. Today, it operates in over 180 countries with more than 3 billion users worldwide.
Arattai: The Indian Contender
Arattai was designed to cater to India’s diverse digital ecosystem. Unlike global platforms, it prioritizes lightweight operation, supports regional languages, and remains functional on slower networks. It aims to provide a fast, ad-free, and secure messaging experience for Indian users, particularly in smaller cities and rural areas.
Feature Comparison: Arattai vs WhatsApp
| Feature | Arattai | |
|---|---|---|
| Language & Messaging | Focused on Indian languages; light app for low-end phones & slow networks | Global language support; widely used across India |
| Privacy & Security | Call encryption, partial message encryption; all data stored on Indian servers; ad-free | Full end-to-end encryption on all messages, calls, and media |
| Voice & Video Calls | Works on low internet speeds; conference calls supported | Group calls up to 8 people; consistent global experience |
| Groups & Channels | Up to 1000 members in groups; broadcast channels | Up to 1024 members; admin controls, pinned messages |
| File Sharing & Status/Story | Files up to 1 GB; story feature available | Files up to 2 GB; popular status feature |
| Self Chat | Pocket feature to save photos, videos, notes, reminders | Chat with Yourself for media, notes, messages |
| Business Tools | Channels and meeting scheduling for small businesses and creators | Comprehensive business tools including payments, catalog, and Meta integration |
| Ads & UX | Completely ad-free, clean, simple interface | Currently ad-free; may integrate Meta ads in the future |
Who Stands Out?
When it comes to security, WhatsApp remains ahead due to full end-to-end encryption. However, Arattai shines for users with limited internet, regional language needs, and low-end devices. For businesses and global connections, WhatsApp’s extensive features make it the stronger option.
Arattai, meanwhile, strengthens India’s digital self-reliance by providing an ad-free, lightweight, and local-language-friendly alternative. Its focus on small-town and rural users highlights its role in bridging the digital divide in the country.
With India’s vast digital market, both apps have their unique advantages. WhatsApp continues as the trusted global platform, while Arattai positions itself as a homegrown, culturally aligned, and accessible alternative for millions of Indians.
