In the world of messaging apps, WhatsApp has long been the global favorite. But India now has its own strong contender—Arattai, developed by Zoho. Over the past few weeks, Arattai has gone viral, sparking conversations about whether it can really compete with WhatsApp.
While WhatsApp remains the go-to platform for billions worldwide thanks to its end-to-end encryption (E2EE), huge user base, and strong business features, Arattai is carving its niche as a lightweight, ad-free, India-first app with some unique tools like Pocket and built-in Meetings. However, one key point stands out—Arattai still does not provide full E2EE for text messages.
Let’s break down everything you need to know: founders, features, differences, and which app might suit you better.
Who Founded Arattai?
Arattai comes from Zoho Corporation, one of India’s most successful tech companies. It was co-founded by Sridhar Vembu, a billionaire entrepreneur known for his “rural-first” philosophy.
Vembu, an IIT Madras graduate with a PhD from Princeton, worked at Qualcomm before building Zoho into a global SaaS powerhouse. Despite his success, he lives in a village in Tamil Nadu, promoting rural employment and digital independence. His vision for Arattai is simple: create a “Made in India, privacy-first messaging app” that doesn’t rely on ads or data monetization.
What is Arattai and When Did It Launch?
The word “Arattai” means “casual chat” in Tamil—an apt name for a messenger app.
- Soft-launched in January 2021, Arattai gained attention when WhatsApp’s privacy policy changes made users explore alternatives.
- In September 2025, the app exploded in popularity after receiving endorsements from Indian government officials. Within days, it became the #1 app on the App Store’s social networking chart and saw a 100x spike in daily sign-ups.
Zoho had to quickly scale up its servers to keep up with the surge.
Arattai vs WhatsApp: Key Differences
Privacy & Security
- WhatsApp: Offers full end-to-end encryption for messages, calls, and media.
- Arattai: Provides E2EE for voice and video calls, but text messages are not fully encrypted yet. Data is stored in India, and the app is strictly ad-free.
Features & Productivity
- Both apps support messaging, voice/video calls, groups, Stories/Status, and Channels.
- Arattai unique features:
- Pocket – a personal storage space for notes, reminders, and media.
- Meetings tab – lets you create, schedule, and join video meetings (like Zoom or Google Meet).
- Mentions view – shows messages where you’re tagged.
- WhatsApp unique strengths:
- Polished features, stronger reliability, and seamless integration with Meta’s ecosystem.
Performance & Accessibility
- Arattai: Lightweight, optimized for low-end phones and slow 2G/3G networks.
- WhatsApp: Stable on almost all devices, with massive infrastructure backing.
Groups & Multi-Device
- Arattai: Supports up to 1,000 group members and works on mobile, desktop, and Android TV (up to 5 devices).
- WhatsApp: Supports up to 1,024 members with advanced admin tools; no Android TV support.
File Sharing & Media
- Arattai: Share files up to 1 GB; built for weaker networks.
- WhatsApp: Supports up to 2 GB, with smoother compression and sharing.
Business & Ecosystem
- Arattai: Early stage—good for small teams, communities, and creators.
- WhatsApp: Mature business tools (catalogs, payments, automations) with huge adoption by SMEs, enterprises, and even government agencies.
Platform Availability
- Arattai: Android, iOS, desktop, and Android TV (supports 5 devices).
- WhatsApp: Android, iOS, desktop, and web (no Android TV).
Why is Arattai Trending?
Arattai’s rise isn’t just about features—it’s about timing and sentiment. With the growing push for swadeshi apps and concerns over global data privacy, Arattai offers a localized, ad-free alternative. Backed by Zoho’s reputation and Sridhar Vembu’s vision, the app has quickly built momentum.
But, as experts point out, breaking WhatsApp’s network effect won’t be easy. To truly compete, Arattai will need to keep innovating and deliver long-term reliability.
Which App Should You Use?
Use WhatsApp if:
- You want end-to-end encrypted text messaging.
- Most of your contacts and business workflows are already on WhatsApp.
- You rely on advanced business tools like payments and catalogs.
Use Arattai if:
- You prefer an India-first, ad-free app with local data storage.
- You want Pocket for personal organization or Meetings for quick scheduling.
- You use Android TV or need something lightweight for low-end phones and weak networks.
Quick FAQ
Q: Who is the founder of Arattai?
A: Sridhar Vembu, co-founder of Zoho Corporation.
Q: When did Arattai launch?
A: Soft launch in January 2021, with mass adoption in September 2025.
Q: Is Arattai end-to-end encrypted?
A: Yes, but only for voice and video calls. Text messages are not yet fully encrypted.
Q: What makes Arattai special?
A: Pocket, Meetings, Mentions view, Android TV support, lightweight design, and ad-free experience.
Q: What makes WhatsApp stronger?
A: Full E2EE, global adoption, polished features, and powerful business integrations.
Bottom Line
WhatsApp is still the safest bet for most users—thanks to its end-to-end encrypted messaging, massive network, and business ecosystem.
Arattai, however, is a refreshing alternative for those who want a Made-in-India, lightweight, ad-free app with unique tools like Pocket and Meetings.
If privacy of text messages is critical, WhatsApp wins. If you want an Indian app built for low bandwidth and productivity, Arattai is worth trying alongside WhatsApp.