• Technology
• /
• 10 / 04 / 2026

Why Arattai App Is Gaining Attention as a WhatsApp Alternative

A Smarter, Privacy-Focused Messaging Alternative Emerging from India

Arattai is a messaging application developed by Zoho as a Made-in-India alternative to WhatsApp. The name means “casual chat” in Tamil. It allows users to send text and voice messages, make voice and video calls, and share photos, videos, and documents. The app also includes features like Stories, Channels, and group chats, along with support for multiple devices such as smartphones, desktops, tablets, and even Android TV

Multi-Device Access and Platform Support 

Arattai stands out with its wide device compatibility. It supports up to five devices at the same time, including Android TV, which allows users to attend video calls and meetings on a large screen using a remote. WhatsApp supports multiple devices as well, but it does not offer a native Android TV app and allows fewer simultaneous connections.

Messaging, Groups, and Broadcast Features 

Both apps support group chats with large member limits, but Arattai adds more structured communication tools. It includes Channels and Stories for broader sharing. A key update is its redesigned broadcast messaging system, where messages are delivered individually. This ensures replies remain private and recipients cannot see others in the list. 

Arattai also introduced polls in group chats, helping users collect opinions easily. This makes it more interactive compared to standard messaging features.

Productivity and Collaboration Tools

Arattai includes built-in tools designed for both personal and professional use. The Meetings feature allows users to schedule, join, and record video meetings directly within the app. It supports large participant groups and includes screen sharing, making it comparable to dedicated meeting platforms. 

Another important feature is Pocket, a private storage space where users can save notes, links, photos, and videos. Unlike simple self-chat options in other apps, this works like an organised cloud vault synced across devices. 

The Mentions tab helps users track messages where they are tagged, ensuring important conversations are not missed in busy group chats.

Privacy, Security, and Data Control 

Arattai focuses strongly on privacy. It now offers mandatory end-to-end encryption for text messages, along with existing encryption for voice and video calls. The platform is completely ad-free and does not use user data for targeted advertising. 

All user data is stored on servers located in India, giving users more control over their data. In comparison, WhatsApp operates on global servers and may use metadata for advertising within the Meta ecosystem.

Performance and Accessibility 

Arattai is designed to be lightweight and efficient. It works well on low-memory smartphones and performs smoothly even on slower networks like 2G or 3G. It also consumes less battery and storage compared to heavier messaging apps.

Chat Migration and Future Scope 

Users can move their WhatsApp chat history to Arattai through a manual export and import process. This supports text and media files, though some features like reactions and pinned messages are not transferred. 

Arattai is also working on future features such as UPI-based payments and offline messaging using peer-to-peer technologies like Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct.

A Strong Contender for Users Seeking Control, Privacy, and Productivity

Arattai offers a strong alternative to WhatsApp with its focus on privacy, multi-device support, and built-in productivity tools. While WhatsApp remains widely used globally, Arattai provides a more controlled and feature-rich experience, especially for users looking for better organisation and data privacy