As a tech blogger in India with over a decade of experience reviewing gadgets and apps, I always keep an eye on homegrown innovations that challenge global giants. Today, I dive deep into Arattai – Made in India Messenger, Zoho’s bold entry into the messaging world. This app promises secure chats with a desi twist, and I explore its full features while stacking it up against WhatsApp, the undisputed king of instant messaging in India.
Launched in 2021, Arattai quickly gained traction amid privacy debates, but it exploded in popularity this September 2025, topping app store charts. Users flocked to it, boosting daily sign-ups from 3,000 to over 350,000 in days. Now, with the government’s push for self-reliance, Arattai stands as a true Made in India alternative. But does it outshine WhatsApp? Let’s find out.
What is Arattai – Made in India Messenger?
Arattai draws its name from Tamil, meaning “casual conversation” or “chit-chat.” Zoho Corporation, the Chennai-based tech powerhouse behind CRM tools, created this free, ad-free app to foster easy communication without data exploitation. Unlike foreign apps, Arattai stores all user data in Indian servers, aligning with digital sovereignty goals.
The app targets everyday Indians, from urban professionals to rural users on budget phones. It supports Android, iOS, and a web version for seamless cross-device use. Since its soft launch, Arattai evolved with user feedback, adding features that blend messaging with productivity. This makes it more than just a chat tool—it’s a complete communication hub.
Transitioning to its core appeal, Arattai emphasizes simplicity and security in a crowded market. With no third-party data sharing, it builds trust among privacy-conscious users. Now, let’s unpack its standout features.
Key Features of Arattai – Made in India Messenger
Arattai packs a punch with essential messaging tools that keep conversations lively and organized. Users send texts, voice notes, and share photos or documents effortlessly. Audio and video calls deliver crystal-clear quality, even on spotty networks.
One highlight is the Stories feature, where you post temporary updates visible for 24 hours, much like social media feeds. Channels allow broadcasting messages to large audiences, perfect for communities or businesses. Group chats support up to 1,000 members, enabling vibrant discussions without lag.
Arattai shines with its Pocket feature—a private self-chat space. Here, you store notes, reminders, photos, and videos securely for personal use. This goes beyond basic saving; it helps organize thoughts on the go. Plus, end-to-end encryption protects voice and video calls from prying eyes.
The Meetings tab sets Arattai apart for professional needs. Schedule or join video meetings instantly, with options for calendars and invites. This rivals dedicated tools like Zoom, all within one app. Meanwhile, multi-device sync lets you link up to five gadgets, including Android TVs, for TV-based chats.
Accessibility drives Arattai’s design. It runs smoothly on low-memory phones and 2G/3G connections, consuming less data than rivals. Regional language support, including Tamil and Telugu, makes it inclusive for non-English speakers. No ads interrupt your flow, keeping the experience clean.
Furthermore, Arattai integrates web access via QR code scanning, mirroring desktop convenience. Updates promise more, like business APIs and Zoho app ties. Overall, these features make Arattai a versatile pick for modern Indians.
Arattai vs WhatsApp: A Head-to-Head Comparison
WhatsApp dominates with over 500 million Indian users, offering familiar tools like text chats and calls. However, Arattai challenges it by focusing on local needs and lighter performance. Let’s compare core aspects to see where each excels.
Messaging and Media Sharing
Both apps handle texts, voice notes, and media shares with ease. WhatsApp edges out with richer stickers and GIFs, plus quick replies for efficiency. Arattai keeps it simple, prioritizing speed on low-end devices. You share files up to 100MB in Arattai, similar to WhatsApp’s limits.
Transitioning smoothly, Arattai’s lightweight build uses 30-50% less data for the same tasks. This benefits users in data-scarce areas, where WhatsApp might drain batteries faster. Both support disappearing messages, but Arattai’s regional fonts enhance readability for Indian scripts.
Privacy and Security
Security defines modern messaging, and here WhatsApp leads with full end-to-end encryption for texts, calls, and media. No one, not even Meta, accesses your chats. Arattai secures calls end-to-end but leaves texts vulnerable, though it vows no data selling. Indian storage adds a sovereignty layer absent in WhatsApp’s global servers.
Moreover, Arattai skips AI integrations that WhatsApp uses for translations and suggestions, avoiding potential privacy risks. WhatsApp’s Meta ties raise ad-targeting fears, while Zoho’s clean model reassures users. For Indians wary of foreign oversight, Arattai feels safer.
Calls and Meetings
Voice and video calls work reliably on both platforms. WhatsApp supports group calls up to eight, but Arattai handles larger meetings via its dedicated tab. Schedule sessions, add participants, and record—features WhatsApp lacks natively. Arattai’s calls perform better on slow networks.
In comparison, WhatsApp integrates with external calendars, but Arattai’s built-in tools streamline workflows. This makes Arattai ideal for small teams or families needing organized video huddles.
Social and Organizational Tools
Stories in Arattai mirror WhatsApp’s Status, both for 24-hour shares. Channels on Arattai broadcast to unlimited followers, akin to WhatsApp’s but with easier admin controls. Arattai’s Pocket outshines WhatsApp’s “Chat with Yourself” by adding reminders and notes.
WhatsApp boasts polls, location sharing, and payments in India—Arattai skips these for now but plans expansions. Multi-device support favors Arattai with five links versus WhatsApp’s four, plus TV compatibility.
Performance and Accessibility
Arattai wins on efficiency, running on older Android versions and low RAM. It loads faster and syncs without glitches on 2G. WhatsApp demands more resources, sometimes lagging on budget phones. For urban users, WhatsApp’s polish shines; for rural India, Arattai delivers reliability.
User base tilts heavily toward WhatsApp’s network effects—everyone’s on it. Yet, Arattai’s 2025 surge shows growing adoption. Both are free, but Arattai stays ad-free forever.
Why Choose Arattai – Made in India Messenger Over WhatsApp?
In a WhatsApp-saturated market, Arattai appeals to patriots and pragmatists. Its low-data design empowers remote users, aligning with India’s diverse landscape. Privacy hawks appreciate local data control, especially post-global scandals.
Professionals love the Meetings and Pocket for productivity. Families enjoy seamless multi-device chats. While WhatsApp suits global connectivity, Arattai fosters a self-reliant ecosystem. As adoption grows, expect more integrations.
However, switch if network effects matter less than sovereignty. For now, dual-use makes sense—keep WhatsApp for contacts, Arattai for new vibes.
How to Install and Set Up Arattai
Getting started with Arattai – Made in India Messenger is straightforward On Android, search “Arattai Messenger” in Google Play and install from Zoho. iOS users find it in the App Store. Avoid unofficial APKs for safety.
Open the app, select your country, and enter your phone number. Verify with OTP, then grant permissions for contacts, camera, and mic. Set a profile name and photo. For web use, scan QR from the mobile app. You’re chatting in minutes!
FAQs About Arattai – Made in India Messenger
What makes Arattai different from other messaging apps?
Arattai focuses on Indian users with local data storage, low-data usage, and regional language support, setting it apart from global apps like WhatsApp. It also includes unique tools like Pocket for personal organization.
Is Arattai secure for private conversations?
Voice and video calls use end-to-end encryption, but texts do not yet. Zoho ensures no data sharing with third parties, and servers stay in India.
Can I use Arattai on multiple devices?
Yes, link up to five devices, including web and Android TVs, for synced chats. This exceeds WhatsApp’s limits in some ways.
Does Arattai support group video calls?
The Meetings feature allows scheduling and joining large video meetings, better than WhatsApp’s basic group calls. It handles up to 1,000 in groups overall.
Is Arattai free and ad-free?
Absolutely, Zoho offers it as freeware with no ads or data monetization. Updates remain cost-free.
How does Arattai perform on slow internet?
It excels on 2G/3G networks with minimal data use, ideal for rural areas unlike resource-heavy WhatsApp.
In wrapping up, Arattai – Made in India Messenger emerges as a promising contender, blending familiarity with innovation. As India pushes for tech independence, apps like this could reshape our digital lives. Give it a try and see if it fits your chat style.