Zoho Arattai App: India’s Privacy-First Alternative to WhatsApp
For more than a decade, WhatsApp has dominated personal and business communication in India. But concerns around privacy, data sharing, and dependence on global platforms have left space for a homegrown alternative.
Enter Zoho Arattai—a secure, ad-free messaging app from Zoho Corporation, one of India’s most respected software companies. Designed to be lightweight, privacy-first, and accessible even in low-connectivity areas, Arattai is positioning itself as a serious challenger to WhatsApp.
If you’d like to try it right away, here are the official links:
Now, let’s explore what makes Arattai unique.
What is Zoho Arattai?
Arattai is a free, cross-platform instant messaging and VoIP app developed by Zoho Corporation.
- Meaning of the name: Arattai is a Tamil word that means casual conversation or chat.
- Positioning: Marketed as a Made in India, privacy-first alternative to WhatsApp.
Key Features of Arattai
Arattai covers the basics but also adds a few distinctive features:
| Feature Category | Arattai Features | Why It Stands Out |
|---|---|---|
| Messaging | Text, voice notes, media, and document sharing | Supports regional languages, optimized for low-bandwidth |
| Calling | Audio and Video calls with end-to-end encryption | Secure, reliable even on slow networks |
| Group Communication | Large groups (1,000+), channels, stories | Combines features from WhatsApp, Telegram, and Instagram |
| Multi-Device Support | Works on iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, Linux, Android TV | Broader support than most competitors |
| Productivity Tools | Pocket (self-chat), Mentions, Meetings tab | Pocket acts as personal storage; Meetings rivals Zoom/Meet |
| User ID | Username-based chatting (no phone number needed) | Big win for privacy |
| Accessibility | Lightweight, supports 2G/3G and low-end smartphones | Designed for digital inclusion |
Privacy and Core Principles
This is where Arattai separates itself from WhatsApp:
- No ads, no data selling: Your data isn’t monetized.
- Data sovereignty: Indian data stays in Zoho’s Indian data centers.
- Encryption: Calls are already end-to-end encrypted; text chat encryption is in development.
- Ad-free forever: Unlike global rivals, Arattai commits to an ad-free experience.
For details: Zoho Privacy Policy
Who Should Use Arattai?
- Individuals who value privacy over convenience.
- Users in semi-urban and rural areas who rely on budget phones and slower networks.
- Professionals and businesses looking for a secure, Indian-made tool aligned with data sovereignty.
Arattai also gained momentum after endorsements by Indian government leaders, connecting it with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative.
Zoho Arattai vs WhatsApp
| Feature | Zoho Arattai | WhatsApp (Meta) |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | India (Zoho) | US (Meta) |
| Business Model | Free, ad-free, no data monetization | Free, but user data integrated into Meta ecosystem |
| Text Chat Encryption | In development | Fully enabled |
| Calls | End-to-End Encrypted | End-to-End Encrypted |
| Accessibility | Lightweight, 2G/3G friendly | Heavy, optimized for modern devices |
| Unique Features | Pocket, Meetings tab, Username-based ID | Payments, Business APIs |
| Ads | None | Data indirectly used for ads |
Conclusion: The Road Ahead for Arattai
Zoho Arattai is more than just another chat app. It represents India’s growing digital independence and commitment to user privacy.
- Strengths: No ads, no data monetization, username-based privacy, lightweight design.
- Challenges: Needs to deliver full end-to-end encryption for chats and scale against WhatsApp’s entrenched dominance.
- Future: If Zoho successfully integrates Arattai with its ecosystem of business tools, it could become India’s most trusted communication platform.