Arattai App Alternatives: In today’s fast-paced digital world, staying connected is everything. With over 500 million smartphone users in India, messaging apps have become the lifeline for chats, calls, and sharing everything from memes to important documents. Enter Arattai, Zoho’s shiny new homegrown gem that’s turning heads with its end-to-end encryption and seamless features. But what if you’re looking for more options? Whether Arattai feels too new, lacks a specific feature, or you just want to mix things up, there are plenty of Indian-made alternatives that prioritize privacy, affordability, and that desi touch.
This guide dives into the best 10 Indian messaging apps as alternatives to Arattai. We’ll break down what makes each one tick, highlight key features, and even throw in a handy comparison table. If you’re tired of global giants dominating your chat history, these apps are built right here in India, supporting local languages and data sovereignty. Let’s jump in—your next favorite app might be just a download away.
What Makes Arattai Stand Out—and Why Seek Alternatives?
Launched in late 2024 by Zoho Corporation, Arattai is more than just another chat app; it’s a secure fortress for your conversations. Think WhatsApp meets Indian innovation: end-to-end encryption for texts, voice notes, audio/video calls, photo sharing, and even stories. It’s lightweight, ad-free, and supports regional languages like Tamil, Hindi, and Telugu, making it a hit among privacy-conscious users wary of data leaks.
But no app is perfect. Arattai is still building its user base, so network effects (like finding all your contacts) can be spotty. Plus, if you’re into group chats for work or niche features like sticker packs, you might crave variety. That’s where these Arattai app alternatives shine—they’re all Indian-developed, compliant with local regs like the IT Rules 2021, and often free from the bloat of international rivals.
Top 10 Indian Messaging Apps: Our Picks for 2025
We’ve handpicked these based on user ratings, download numbers, and real-world perks like speed and security. Each one offers a fresh twist on chatting, from government-backed simplicity to fun, feature-packed platforms.
1. HikeLand (Formerly Hike)
Hike’s revival as HikeLand brings back the nostalgia with a modern edge. It’s all about stickers and games integrated into chats—perfect for casual users.
- Key Features: HD voice/video calls, unlimited group chats (up to 1,000 members), and a massive sticker library.
- Why Switch from Arattai? More playful for social butterflies; supports offline messaging.
- Best For: Teens and families.
2. Sandes
Straight from the government’s NIC (National Informatics Centre), Sandes is the no-nonsense choice for secure, official comms. It’s free, reliable, and integrates with e-gov services.
- Key Features: End-to-end encryption, document sharing up to 100MB, and multilingual support (12+ Indian languages).
- Why Switch? Zero ads and full data localization—ideal if privacy paranoia runs deep.
- Best For: Professionals and public sector folks.
3. JioChat
Reliance Jio’s powerhouse app bundles messaging with entertainment. If you’re already on Jio, this feels like an extension of your plan.
- Key Features: Live streaming in groups, voice-to-text, and international calling at low rates.
- Why Switch? Seamless Jio integration for buffer-free calls; great for NRIs.
- Best For: Jio subscribers craving multimedia.
4. Elyments
Backed by the Bachchan family, Elyments screams Bollywood glamour with robust privacy tools. It’s gaining traction for its clean interface.
- Key Features: Self-destructing messages, channel broadcasting, and AR filters for fun videos.
- Why Switch? Celebrity appeal plus strong anti-harassment features.
- Best For: Influencers and social media enthusiasts.
5. Troop Messenger
A team-focused beast that’s spilling into personal use, Troop excels in organized chats without the chaos.
- Key Features: Task assignments in chats, file sync across devices, and AI-powered search.
- Why Switch? Better for hybrid work-life balance than Arattai’s basic groups.
- Best For: Small businesses and freelancers.
6. Kimbho (Bolo Messenger)
This one’s a vocal favorite—literally—with emphasis on voice notes and calls in regional dialects.
- Key Features: Voice transcription, community forums, and low-data mode for rural users.
- Why Switch? Hyper-local focus on non-English speakers.
- Best For: Vernacular chatters in Tier 2/3 cities.
7. MeetOxx
A rising star in private messaging, MeetOxx prioritizes anonymity with features like burner accounts.
- Key Features: Ephemeral chats, VPN integration, and cross-platform sync.
- Why Switch? Extra layers of anonymity Arattai doesn’t offer.
- Best For: Privacy hawks.
8. Namaste Bharat Chat
Patriotic to the core, this app promotes “Made in India” vibes with cultural stickers and festival-themed updates.
- Key Features: Group polls, event invites, and eco-friendly low-battery usage.
- Why Switch? Feels community-driven, with user-voted features.
- Best For: Cultural connectors.
9. Alyke
Simple yet slick, Alyke is for those who want WhatsApp basics without the Meta baggage.
- Key Features: Quick polls, location sharing, and ad-light experience.
- Why Switch? Faster load times on budget phones.
- Best For: Everyday users.
10. Zoho Cliq
Zoho’s own sibling to Arattai, but geared toward productivity with integrations galore.
- Key Features: Bot automation, calendar sync, and enterprise-grade security.
- Why Switch? If Arattai feels too casual, Cliq amps up the pro tools.
- Best For: Remote teams.
Quick Comparison: Arattai vs. Top Alternatives
Wondering how they stack up? Here’s a snapshot table to help you decide at a glance.
| App Name | Encryption | Group Size | Unique Perk | User Rating (2025) | Free? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arattai | E2E | 500 | Stories | 4.5/5 | Yes |
| HikeLand | E2E | 1,000 | Sticker Games | 4.3/5 | Yes |
| Sandes | E2E | 250 | Gov Integration | 4.6/5 | Yes |
| JioChat | E2E | 500 | Live Streaming | 4.2/5 | Yes |
| Elyments | E2E | 300 | AR Filters | 4.4/5 | Yes |
| Troop Messenger | E2E | Unlimited | Task Management | 4.7/5 | Freemium |
| Kimbho | Standard | 200 | Voice Transcription | 4.1/5 | Yes |
| MeetOxx | E2E | 400 | Burner Accounts | 4.5/5 | Yes |
| Namaste Bharat | E2E | 300 | Cultural Stickers | 4.0/5 | Yes |
| Alyke | E2E | 250 | Quick Polls | 4.2/5 | Yes |
| Zoho Cliq | E2E | 1,000 | AI Bots | 4.6/5 | Freemium |
(Data sourced from Google Play and app analytics as of Nov 2025.)
FAQ: Your Burning Questions on Indian Messaging Apps
Q: Are these apps really more secure than WhatsApp? A: Many, like Sandes and MeetOxx, offer full data localization and E2E encryption, aligning with India’s data laws—often a step ahead for local users.
Q: Can I switch from Arattai without losing chats? A: Most support chat exports via JSON or PDF. Tools like WhatsApp’s export feature work similarly here.
Q: Which one is best for low-data usage? A: Kimbho or Alyke—they’re optimized for 2G/3G networks in remote areas.
Q: Do they support video calls for 10+ people? A: Yes, JioChat and HikeLand handle large groups effortlessly.
Q: Are there any paid features? A: Mostly free, but Troop and Cliq have premium tiers for advanced tools (starting ~₹99/month).
Wrapping Up: Find Your Perfect Chat Match
Exploring Arattai app alternatives isn’t just about ditching one app—it’s about discovering tools that fit your life, from Sandes’ reliability to HikeLand’s fun factor. In 2025, India’s messaging scene is booming with innovation, proving we don’t need foreign apps to stay connected. Download a couple, test the waters, and see what clicks. After all, the best chat is the one that feels like home. What’s your go-to? Drop a comment below—we’d love to hear! ABOUT US
