Arattai Messaging App: India’s Homegrown WhatsApp Alternative

In recent years, millions of Indians have been searching for a secure and Made-in-India alternative to WhatsApp. With rising concerns over privacy and data security, the spotlight has turned to Arattai, a homegrown messaging app by Zoho Corporation. Promoted as a fast, simple, and private chat app, Arattai is quickly gaining attention among tech users, privacy advocates, and even policymakers.

Introduction

With data privacy concerns and the search for Indian tech alternatives, Arattai — developed by Zoho Corporation — has emerged as a strong contender to WhatsApp. The word Arattai means “chat” in Tamil, and the app is designed to deliver secure, fast, and simple communication for Indian users.

Key Features of Arattai

• Text, Voice & Video Calls – Free one-to-one and group communication.

• Stories & Channels – Share updates or broadcast content to communities.

• Multi-Device Support – Use up to 5 devices with synced chats and settings.

• Low Bandwidth Optimized – Works smoothly on weak networks and budget phones.

• Quick UI Enhancements – Easy forwarding, simple design, and fast response.

Privacy & Security

• Encrypted Calls – End-to-end encryption for voice and video.

• Data Encryption in Transit – Protects information between devices and servers.

• Limitations – Text messages are not yet fully end-to-end encrypted, raising concerns compared to WhatsApp and Signal.

Why Arattai Matters

• Made in India – Aligns with Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) vision.

• Rural Reach – Optimized for low-end devices and poor connectivity.

• Zoho Backing – Strong ecosystem and reputation in enterprise tech.

Challenges Ahead

• No Full E2E Encryption for Messages – May affect user trust.

• Network Effect – Success depends on large-scale adoption.

• Feature Parity – Needs advanced tools like payments, bots, and integrations.

Conclusion

Arattai is India’s most promising homegrown messaging app, combining local appeal, lightweight performance, and Zoho’s trusted ecosystem. However, without full message encryption and a wider user base, it has a long way to go before rivaling WhatsApp.

For now, it’s a great option for those who want to try an Indian alternative with growing features and strong government backing.

FAQ

1. What is Arattai app used for?
Arattai is an Indian messaging app developed by Zoho, designed for personal and group communication with features like chats, voice calls, video calls, and file sharing.

2. Is Arattai better than WhatsApp?
While WhatsApp is globally dominant, Arattai emphasizes data privacy, ad-free usage, and servers hosted in India, making it a strong local alternative.

3. Is Arattai app free to use?
Yes, Arattai is completely free to download and use on Android and iOS devices.

4. Who owns the Arattai app?
Arattai is developed and owned by Zoho Corporation, a renowned Indian SaaS company.

5. Does Arattai support video calls?
Yes, Arattai supports high-quality video and voice calls, along with group chats and multimedia sharing.