Zoho Arattai vs WhatsApp: India’s Homegrown Chat App Takes on the Global Giant
Zoho Arattai vs WhatsApp: Zoho’s Arattai is India’s homegrown messaging app competing with WhatsApp. Explore key differences in features, privacy, security, and business integrations to decide which one fits your needs in 2025.
Messaging apps have become an inseparable part of daily communication. While WhatsApp dominates the global messaging market with over 2 billion users, Zoho Arattai, a homegrown Indian app from Zoho Corporation, is gaining traction as a privacy-focused alternative. This article compares Zoho Arattai vs WhatsApp in terms of features, security, user experience, and business usage to help users make an informed choice.
Background of the Apps
- WhatsApp: Launched in 2009 and acquired by Meta (Facebook) in 2014, WhatsApp is the world’s most popular messaging app. It supports chats, voice & video calls, media sharing, WhatsApp Business, and integrations with other Meta services.
- Zoho Arattai: Introduced in 2021 by Zoho Corporation, Arattai (Tamil for “chit-chat”) was built as a Made-in-India secure messaging platform. It leverages Zoho’s expertise in enterprise software, aiming to provide both personal and professional communication solutions.
Key Feature Comparison
| Feature | Zoho Arattai | |
|---|---|---|
| User Base | Growing, mainly India-centric | Global, 2B+ users |
| Ownership | Zoho Corporation (Indian company) | Meta Platforms (U.S.) |
| Platform Availability | Android, iOS, Web | Android, iOS, Web, Desktop |
| End-to-End Encryption | Yes, for personal chats | Yes, for personal chats |
| Group Features | Supports groups, limited size vs WhatsApp | Groups up to 1,024 members |
| File Sharing | Supports docs, images, video, Zoho Docs integration | Docs, images, videos, up to 2GB limit |
| Business Integration | Tight integration with Zoho suite (CRM, Mail, Cliq) | WhatsApp Business, APIs for SMEs & enterprises |
| Data Privacy | Claims no third-party data monetization | Shares data with Meta ecosystem |
| Customization | Indian themes, local language focus | Limited customization |
| Video Calls | Multi-participant (smaller groups) | Up to 32 participants |
| Cloud Backup | Encrypted backups planned, linked to Zoho ecosystem | Google Drive/iCloud backups (not always end-to-end encrypted) |
Privacy & Security
- Zoho Arattai markets itself as a privacy-first app with no ads, no data harvesting, and no third-party tracking. Given Zoho’s strong stance on user privacy, Arattai avoids monetizing user data.
- WhatsApp, while encrypted, shares metadata (usage patterns, device info, contact sync) with Meta, raising concerns about privacy for many users.
If privacy is your top priority, Arattai offers a stronger promise, especially for Indian users who prefer data staying within the country.
Business & Professional Use
- Arattai: Seamlessly integrates with Zoho’s enterprise tools like Zoho Mail, CRM, Cliq, and Projects, making it highly suitable for businesses already using Zoho software.
- WhatsApp Business: Widely adopted by small businesses for customer interaction, with advanced tools like catalogs, automated messages, and payment support. Its global penetration makes it ideal for businesses targeting international customers.
User Experience
- WhatsApp offers a more polished, globally tested interface, large group features, and better video calling support.
- Arattai focuses on simplicity, cultural relevance, and Indian users. Its integration with Zoho’s productivity ecosystem gives it a unique edge for enterprises.
Pros & Cons
Zoho Arattai Pros
- Indian-made, privacy-first
- No ads, no data monetization
- Seamless Zoho ecosystem integration
- Local language support
Zoho Arattai Cons
- Smaller user base
- Limited global adoption
- Some advanced features are still developing
WhatsApp Pros
- Huge global network
- Rich features (calls, status, payments)
- Strong adoption by individuals & businesses
- Continuous updates & innovations
WhatsApp Cons
- Privacy concerns due to Meta ownership
- Data sharing with advertisers
- Not fully customizable
Conclusion
When it comes to Zoho Arattai vs WhatsApp, the choice depends on user priorities:
- If you want a globally connected, feature-rich messaging app with a huge user base, WhatsApp is still unmatched.
- If you value privacy, Made-in-India innovation, and enterprise integration with Zoho tools, Arattai is a strong alternative.
As digital privacy concerns grow, Zoho Arattai may gain more traction, especially among Indian businesses and privacy-conscious individuals.
