Arattai is a free messaging and calling app developed by Zoho Corporation, one of India’s leading technology companies. The word Arattai means “casual conversation” or “chat” in Tamil, which perfectly reflects the app’s goal—making communication simple, secure, and user-friendly.
Arattai stands apart from global apps by being developed specifically with digital sovereignty and data privacy in mind, responding to India’s rising need for homegrown, privacy-focused technology solutions.
Why Was Arattai Created?
Arattai was created to fill this void caused by foreign messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram that became widely popular but left users without local alternatives for communicating.
- Swadeshi Approach: Supporting an Indian-made alternative.
- Privacy-First Design: Ensuring data remains in India.
- User Trust: Offering transparency over data usage.
The timing of Arattai’s launch coincided with India’s push for self-reliance in digital platforms, making it more than just an app—it’s a movement.
Key Features of Arattai
Messaging and Media Sharing
Arattai allows users to send texts, voice notes, images, videos, and documents seamlessly.
Voice and Video Calls
Arattai provides superior audio and video calling experiences with end-to-end encryption protecting calls so as to guarantee safe, private communication.
Group Chats and Channels
Users can create groups for collaboration or join public channels for community engagement—similar to Telegram’s model.
Stories and Updates
Like WhatsApp and Instagram, Arattai supports “Stories,” letting users share updates that disappear after 24 hours.
Device Compatibility and Accessibility
One of Arattai’s biggest strengths is its multi-device support. It works not just on smartphones but also on tablets, desktops, and Android TV.
It’s also optimized for slow internet networks, making it accessible to rural as well as urban users.
Security and Privacy in Arattai
Calls vs. Messages Encryption
Arattai currently provides end-to-end encryption for calls; full message encryption remains in development – an area in which WhatsApp stands out.
Data Storage and Localization
Unlike many foreign apps, Arattai stores all user data within India, giving users more confidence in data sovereignty.
Arattai vs. WhatsApp and Other Apps
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | Arattai | Telegram | |
| Developed by | Zoho (India) | Meta (USA) | Telegram (Dubai) |
| End-to-End Encryption | Calls only (messages in progress) | Calls + Messages | Secret Chats only |
| Ads | No | No | No |
| Multi-device Support | Yes (including TV) | Limited | Yes |
| Data Storage | India | Global servers | Global servers |
Popularity and Adoption in India
Arattai skyrocketed in popularity after endorsement from Indian government officials and campaigns supporting Made in India apps, even topping the Social Networking category in app stores for a brief period. Users clearly desire an effective Indian alternative!
Advantages of Using Arattai
- Free and ad-free
- Built in India, for India
- Works on low-speed internet
- Focused on privacy and security
- Great for both personal and business communication
Limitations and Challenges
- Full end-to-end encryption still in progress
- Limited adoption outside India
- Competing with global giants like WhatsApp
Business Communication with Arattai
Zoho has long been revered as an enterprise software solutions provider; Arattai extends this expertise into communication. It’s particularly suitable for smaller businesses in search of an secure Indian-made tool to manage team collaboration and client communication.
Future of Arattai
Zoho plans to roll out:
- Full message encryption
- Advanced collaboration tools
- More integration with Zoho’s ecosystem
With these updates, Arattai is set to become even stronger in the messaging landscape.
FAQs About Arattai
1. Is Arattai completely free?
Yes, Arattai is free to download and use with no ads.
2. Is Arattai safe for private conversations?
Calls are end-to-end encrypted, and full message encryption is in progress.
3. Can I use Arattai on multiple devices?
Yes, including smartphones, tablets, desktops, and Android TV.
4. Who owns Arattai?
It is developed by Zoho Corporation, headquartered in Chennai, India.
5. How is Arattai different from WhatsApp?
Arattai is Indian-made, stores data locally, and focuses on privacy.
6. Can businesses use Arattai?
Yes, it’s suitable for both personal and business communication.
Conclusion
Arattai stands as more than just another messaging app–it represents India’s growing independence in the digital sphere. Offering free and ad-free service with privacy-first protocols as a core principle and strong local roots roots make Arattai an alternative choice to global messaging giants like Telegram or Whatsapp. If Zoho continues to enhance their encryption and add features, Arattai could become the go-to communication platform for millions across India and beyond.
