Arattai vs WhatsApp is one of the most discussed topics among messaging app users in 2025. While WhatsApp continues to dominate the global chat market, Arattai — a Made-in-India alternative by Zoho Corporation — is quickly gaining attention for its privacy-first approach. If you’re wondering which app is better for daily use, this detailed Arattai vs WhatsApp comparison will help you decide.
Table of contents
- Arattai vs WhatsApp: Which Is Better in 2025
- 1. Arattai vs WhatsApp Overview
- 2. User Interface and Ease of Use (Arattai vs WhatsApp UI)
- 3. Arattai vs WhatsApp: Messaging Features
- 4. Privacy and Security (Arattai vs WhatsApp Privacy)
- 10. Arattai vs WhatsApp: Additional Features
- 11. Pros and Cons — Arattai vs WhatsApp
- 12. Final Verdict — Which Is Better: Arattai or WhatsApp?
Arattai vs WhatsApp: Which Is Better in 2025
1. Arattai vs WhatsApp Overview
What is Arattai?
Arattai (meaning “chat” in Tamil) is a Made-in-India messaging app launched by Zoho Corporation. It focuses on data privacy, simple design, and smooth performance. Arattai was introduced as a safe alternative to WhatsApp after privacy concerns arose about WhatsApp’s data-sharing policies.
Key Highlights of Arattai:
- Developed by Zoho Corporation (India)
- Focus on privacy and local data storage
- Lightweight and fast app performance
- Supports both Android and iOS
What is WhatsApp?
WhatsApp, owned by Meta (Facebook), is the world’s most popular messaging platform with over 2.7 billion users. It’s known for real-time messaging, video calls, group chats, and seamless cross-platform support.
Key Highlights of WhatsApp:
- Owned by Meta (Facebook)
- Global reach and user base
- Supports multimedia sharing, voice & video calls
- Integrated with Facebook ecosystem
2. User Interface and Ease of Use (Arattai vs WhatsApp UI)
Arattai:
Arattai offers a clean and minimalistic interface with simple navigation. It focuses on delivering fast chat experiences without unnecessary clutter. The interface is similar to WhatsApp, making it easy for users to switch.
Pros:
- Light and smooth UI
- Easy navigation
- No ads
Cons:
- Limited customization options
WhatsApp:
WhatsApp’s interface is modern, intuitive, and familiar to most users. It has more features integrated directly into chats, such as stickers, payments, and polls.
Pros:
- Feature-rich interface
- Easy access to calls, media, and chats
- Supports themes (light/dark mode)
Cons:
- Heavier app with frequent updates
- Slightly slower on low-end phones
🏆 Winner: WhatsApp (for advanced features and better polish)
3. Arattai vs WhatsApp: Messaging Features
Arattai:
It provides end-to-end encrypted chats, group messaging, voice notes, and multimedia sharing. It’s lightweight and delivers messages instantly with minimal data usage.
Arattai Key Features:
- End-to-end encryption
- Group chats & broadcast lists
- Voice notes and stickers
- Cloud backup on Zoho servers
- File sharing up to 100MB
WhatsApp:
Whatsapp leads with multimedia features, status updates, and cross-device sync. It now allows sending HD photos, voice message previews, and multi-device login.
WhatsApp Key Features:
- End-to-end encryption
- Status updates (Stories)
- Disappearing messages
- HD photo/video sharing
- WhatsApp Channels and Payments
🏆 Winner: WhatsApp (for extra functionality and multi-device support)
4. Privacy and Security (Arattai vs WhatsApp Privacy)
Arattai:
Privacy is Arattai’s biggest strength. Zoho ensures no data sharing with third parties, and user data is stored within India. It does not use your chats for ad targeting or algorithmic profiling.
Privacy Features:
- No third-party data sharing
- Encrypted messages and calls
- Indian data centers
- No ads or trackers
WhatsApp:
WhatsApp uses end-to-end encryption, but being owned by Meta means it collects metadata such as contact lists, device info, and location for analytics and advertising.
Privacy Concerns:
- Metadata sharing with Meta
- Cloud backups may not be encrypted (unless opted in)
- Limited control over data
🏆 Winner: Arattai (for stronger privacy and data protection)
5. Voice and Video Calling
Arattai:
Arattai supports HD voice and video calls, though performance depends on your internet connection. The calling interface is simple and reliable for most users.
WhatsApp:
WhatsApp offers high-quality group calls, screen sharing, and conference video calls for up to 32 participants. It also adjusts automatically for low network conditions.
🏆 Winner: WhatsApp (for group calls and cross-platform reliability)
6. File Sharing and Media Support
| Feature | Arattai | |
|---|---|---|
| File size limit | 100 MB | 2 GB |
| Photo/Video quality | High | HD option |
| Document sharing | Yes | Yes |
| Cloud backup | Yes (Zoho) | Yes (Google Drive/iCloud) |
🏆 Winner: WhatsApp (for larger file size support)
7. Group Chats and Communities
Arattai allows group chats and broadcast lists, but it doesn’t yet support large community channels like WhatsApp’s new Communities feature.
WhatsApp now allows broadcasting updates, polls, and admin controls for better group management.
🏆 Winner: WhatsApp (for community management)
8. Data Usage and Performance
Arattai consumes less mobile data and is optimized for low-end devices, making it ideal for users with slower internet connections.
WhatsApp, though optimized, consumes more data due to multimedia syncing and background updates.
🏆 Winner: Arattai (for lightweight performance)
9. Platform Availability and Sync
- Arattai: Available on Android, iOS, and Web (limited)
- WhatsApp: Available on Android, iOS, Web, Windows, and macOS with multi-device sync
🏆 Winner: WhatsApp (for full cross-platform access)
10. Arattai vs WhatsApp: Additional Features
| Feature | Arattai | |
|---|---|---|
| Stickers & Emojis | Yes | Yes |
| Payments | No | Yes (UPI-based) |
| Channels | No | Yes |
| Cloud backup | Yes | Yes |
| Dark Mode | Yes | Yes |
11. Pros and Cons — Arattai vs WhatsApp
Arattai Pros:
✅ Made in India
✅ Strong privacy
✅ Lightweight and fast
✅ No ads or trackers
Arattai Cons:
❌ Fewer features than WhatsApp
❌ Limited global reach
❌ No payment or channel support
WhatsApp Pros:
✅ Global popularity
✅ Feature-rich
✅ Excellent call quality
✅ Multi-device sync
WhatsApp Cons:
❌ Shares metadata with Meta
❌ Heavy app size
❌ Privacy concerns
12. Final Verdict — Which Is Better: Arattai or WhatsApp?
If you prioritize privacy, simplicity, and local data protection, Arattai is the better choice — especially for users in India who want a homegrown alternative.
But if you value global connectivity, advanced features, and large group communication, WhatsApp still wins the race in 2025.
Final Verdict:
- For Privacy & Performance → Arattai
- For Features & Connectivity → WhatsApp
13. Future Outlook (2025 and Beyond)
Arattai is rapidly evolving. Zoho plans to add multi-device support, payment options, and video conference tools, which could make it a serious competitor to WhatsApp soon.
Meanwhile, WhatsApp continues integrating with Meta’s ecosystem — expanding into business tools, channels, and AI-driven support.
Both apps are improving, but the real winner depends on your personal priorities:
- Privacy-first users → Choose Arattai
- Feature-seeking users → Stick with WhatsApp
Conclusion
In the debate of Arattai vs WhatsApp, both messaging apps serve their audience differently. Arattai represents India’s growing tech independence, while WhatsApp remains the global communication standard.
No matter which one you choose, always prioritize data privacy, security, and ease of use in your messaging experience.
