1. Overview
Launched in 2009 and acquired by Meta (formerly Facebook) in 2014, WhatsApp is the undisputed global leader in instant messaging. With over two billion active users, its primary purpose is to provide reliable and simple communication for a massive general audience, including personal users and businesses through its WhatsApp Business platform.
Arttai
Arttai is a newer, privacy-centric messaging app that emerged around 2022. It targets users who are increasingly wary of Big Tech's data practices, as well as those in emerging markets with low-end devices and unstable internet. Its purpose is to offer a lightweight, secure, and customizable messaging experience without the feature bloat of larger platforms.
Download the Apps
2. Messaging Features
Both apps cover the basics, but their approach and limitations differ significantly.
Text & Voice Messages: Both offer seamless text and voice messaging with read receipts and typing indicators. Arttai's voice messages are compressed more efficiently, using less data.
Video Calls: WhatsApp supports group video calls with up to 32 participants and offers high quality, but it can be data-intensive. Arttai focuses on stable 1-on-1 and small group calls (up to 8 participants), prioritizing stability over resolution on poor connections.
File Sharing: WhatsApp allows sharing files up to 2GB. Arttai has a lower limit of 500MB, reinforcing its focus on speed and essential communication rather than large file transfers.
Multi-Device Support: WhatsApp's multi-device support allows you to use it on a few linked devices, but it's still phone-centric. Arttai offers true, independent multi-device support where the app functions fully on any device without needing a phone to be connected, and it also supports multiple accounts in one app.
3. Security & Privacy
- Uses the industry-standard Signal Protocol for end-to-end encryption (E2EE) on all messages by default.
- Encrypted backups are available, but user-managed (can be a security risk if not enabled).
- Collects a significant amount of metadata (who you talk to, when, where), which is shared within the Meta ecosystem.
- Offers two-step verification.
Arttai
- Also uses robust E2EE for all communications.
- Collects almost zero metadata. It doesn't track your contacts, location, or communication patterns.
- Data storage is decentralized and minimal. Backups are device-local and encrypted by default.
- Considered safer for individuals and businesses prioritizing confidentiality over features.
4, 10, 12. User Interface, Design & Visuals
WhatsApp: Familiar & Functional
WhatsApp uses a recognizable green and white color palette. Its layout is straightforward with three main tabs: Chats, Status, and Calls. The design prioritizes function over form, which makes it universally accessible but visually dated. The typography is standard system fonts, and icons are simple outlines. While it has a dark mode, customization is minimal.
Arttai: Modern & Minimalist
Arttai features a clean, modern UI with generous whitespace and a calming blue and grey palette. Navigation is gesture-based, with a focus on keeping the chat screen uncluttered. It offers extensive theme options, allowing users to change colors, chat bubble styles, and fonts. Its icons are sleek and its typography is a modern sans-serif, giving it a premium feel.
Design Improvement Suggestions
- WhatsApp: Could benefit from a major UI refresh to look more modern, with more customization options beyond wallpaper. The settings menu could be simplified.
- Arttai: Should ensure its minimalist design doesn't hide essential features. Onboarding for new users could be improved to explain its unique privacy settings.
5. Performance & Speed
App Size: WhatsApp's app size is relatively large (often 100MB+ after installation), which can be an issue on budget devices. Arttai is highly optimized, with an installed size often under 30MB.
Loading Time & Speed: Arttai is noticeably faster, especially on low-end devices. It launches quicker and feels more responsive. WhatsApp's performance is generally good on mid-to-high-end phones but can lag on older hardware.
6 & 7. Unique Features & Monetization
Unique Features: Status (stories), Broadcast Lists, and a powerful WhatsApp Business API for large-scale enterprise communication.
Monetization: Generates revenue from businesses through the Business API and is exploring other commerce integrations. It is ad-free for regular users.
Arttai
Unique Features: True Multi-Account Support in one app, enhanced privacy controls like anti-screenshot mode, and a focus on regional content like sticker packs.
Monetization: Currently free and ad-free, likely funded by venture capital. Future plans may include a subscription model for premium features (Arttai Pro) rather than advertising, to align with its privacy-first ethos.
8. User Reviews & Popularity
WhatsApp: Dominates with 2 billion+ users. Its main strength is its network effect—everyone you know is likely on it. Common complaints revolve around privacy concerns since the Meta acquisition and occasional feature bloat.
Arttai: Has a small but rapidly growing user base, particularly among tech enthusiasts and privacy advocates. It receives high ratings for its speed and design, but the main complaint is its small network of users, making it a secondary messenger for most.
9. Comparison Table
| Feature | Arttai | |
|---|---|---|
| Target Audience | General Global Users, Businesses | Privacy-Focused Users, Low-end Devices |
| End-to-End Encryption | Yes (Signal Protocol) | Yes (Proprietary Protocol) |
| Metadata Collection | Significant | Minimal to None |
| Multi-Device Support | Linked Devices (Phone-centric) | True Independent Multi-Device |
| Multi-Account Support | No (Requires app cloning) | Yes (Built-in) |
| App Size | Large (~100MB+) | Small (~30MB) |
| Monetization | Business API | Potentially Future Subscriptions |
| Customization | Low (Wallpaper only) | High (Themes, Fonts, Colors) |
11. Recommendation: Which App Is for You?
General Users
WhatsApp is the undeniable choice due to its massive user base. For staying in touch with family and friends, its convenience is unmatched.
Students
Arttai is a strong contender. Its multi-account feature is perfect for separating personal and university life, and its lightweight nature is ideal for budget smartphones.
Professionals
For large-scale business use, WhatsApp Business API is the standard. For individuals or small teams needing high security, Arttai is superior for confidential discussions.
Privacy-Focused Users
Arttai is the clear winner. Its commitment to minimal data collection and robust privacy features makes it the go-to for anyone concerned about digital surveillance.