Arattai vs WhatsApp: Which Messaging App Should You Choose in 2025?

3. How to Install and Set Up Arattai

If you’re curious to try Arattai, here’s a quick setup guide:

Step 1: Download the App

• Go to the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
  
  

• Search for “Arattai by Zoho Corporation” and install the app.
  
  

Step 2: Register with Your Mobile Number

• Open the app and enter your mobile number (Indian numbers are prioritized).
  
  

• You’ll receive a 6-digit OTP for verification.
  
  

Step 3: Create Your Profile

• Add your name, profile picture, and status message if you like.
  
  

• You can also enable dark mode for a smoother experience.
  
  

Step 4: Start Chatting

• Allow contact access so Arattai can sync your phonebook.
  
  

• Tap on any contact to start a chat, make a voice/video call, or send attachments.
  
  

 Pro Tip: Arattai allows you to send messages even with low mobile data speeds, making it great for users in rural or low-network areas.

4. How to Install and Set Up WhatsApp

If you’re new to WhatsApp or setting up on a new device:

Step 1: Download WhatsApp

• Available on Play Store, App Store, and WhatsApp Web/Desktop.
  
  

Step 2: Verify Your Number

• Enter your mobile number and confirm it using the OTP sent to you.
  
  

Step 3: Restore Backup (Optional)

• WhatsApp will ask if you want to restore your previous chats from Google Drive or iCloud.
  
  

Step 4: Customize Your Profile

• Add your profile photo, display name, and bio.
  
  

Step 5: Start Messaging

• WhatsApp will automatically sync your contacts and let you start chatting, calling, or creating groups instantly.
  
  

5. Privacy & Security: Who Protects You Better?

Arattai: Privacy-Focused by Design

Zoho has long been known for its “privacy-first” philosophy. Arattai:

• Doesn’t share user data with advertisers or third-party partners.
  
  

• Stores all user data within Indian servers, ensuring compliance with local laws.
  
  

• Offers strong encryption standards for both personal and group chats.
  
  

• Has no ads, no trackers, and no Meta-like data profiling.
  
  

WhatsApp: Secure, But Integrated

WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption ensures that no one—not even Meta—can read your messages. However:

• Metadata (like who you talk to, for how long, and when) can be analyzed for business insights.
  
  

• The integration with Meta’s advertising ecosystem has raised privacy concerns among some users.
  
  

In short:
  Choose Arattai if you want maximum data privacy and local control.
  Choose WhatsApp if you need strong encryption with advanced features and global interoperability.

6. Performance & User Experience

• Arattai is lightweight—perfect for low-end Android devices or slower 3G/4G networks. It uses minimal data and battery.
  
  

• WhatsApp, while more feature-rich, can be heavier on storage, especially with auto-downloading media and backups.
  
  

Both apps offer voice and video calls, status updates, and file sharing, but WhatsApp’s overall polish and cross-platform sync make it more convenient for professional and international use.

7. Common User Reviews

Arattai Reviews

Pros:

• Simple, fast, and ad-free
  
  

• Strong privacy and Indian data storage
  
  

• Supports local languages
  
  

• Smooth on older devices
  
  

Cons:

• Smaller user base (most friends still use WhatsApp)
  
  

• Lacks advanced features like desktop sync or business tools
  
  

• Occasional bugs on iOS
  
  

WhatsApp Reviews

Pros:

• Huge global user base
  
  

• Excellent call quality and media sharing
  
  

• Business integrations and secure backups
  
  

• Cross-device sync (mobile + web)
  
  

Cons:

• Data-sharing concerns with Meta
  
  

• Occasional spam and fake news issues
  
  

• Heavy on data and storage
  
  

8. Which One Should You Choose?

In essence:

• Arattai is best for users who prioritize privacy, simplicity, and local data sovereignty.
  
  

• WhatsApp remains unbeatable for global communication and advanced features.
  
  

Both apps are evolving rapidly, and the right choice depends on what matters most to you  privacy or convenience.

Final Thoughts

The messaging app landscape is no longer a non-competitive environment. By launching Arattai, Indian users now have a secure and privacy-compliant alternative that won’t trade user information for ads. At the same time, WhatsApp continues to lead through its global reach, business tools, and adequately featured app. 

In the end, you may find that you end up using both WhatsApp for work and messaging friends around the world, while using Arattai for friends and messaging privately.

Either way, it’s exciting to see a Made-in-India app take on the big tech companies around the world. This shouldn't be confused with the fact that privacy, performance, and simplicity are all meaningful.