Mobile App
How Much Does It Cost to Build an App Like Arattai
Updated 17 Oct 2025
In a world increasingly dependent on digital communication, messaging applications have become the cornerstone of how people and businesses connect. From casual chatting to remote collaboration, the shift towards mobile-first communication is evident. According to Statista’s 2026 forecast, the global instant messaging app market is expected to reach USD 180 billion in revenue, driven by surging smartphone usage and the adoption of data-driven communication solutions. Furthermore, over 3.6 billion people are expected to use instant messaging apps globally by 2026 — proving that messaging platforms are more than just chat tools; they’re digital ecosystems.
In this rapidly growing environment, platforms like Arattai App have carved out a niche by offering secure, India-focused, privacy-friendly communication tools. With users becoming increasingly aware of data security and seeking local alternatives to global platforms, Arattai App has emerged as a popular choice. As more entrepreneurs and businesses explore how to develop chat app solutions like Arattai, one pressing question arises: “How much does it cost to build an app like Arattai?”
Let’s break down everything — from the factors that affect the Arattai app, to pricing, features, team requirements, and how to hire developers for an Arattai-like app effectively.
Understanding the Arattai App: What Makes It Unique?
Before jumping into the cost, let’s understand what the Arattai App offers. Developed by Zoho Corporation, Arattai was launched as an Indian alternative to global messaging apps. The word “Arattai” itself means “chit-chat” in Tamil — symbolising free, casual, and secure communication.
- Instant Messaging with text, images, videos, and documents
- High-quality voice and video calls
- Group chats and channels for communities and workplaces
- End-to-end encryption for enhanced security
- Media sharing and cloud backup options
- Offline messaging capabilities
- Multi-device sync across mobile and desktop
When entrepreneurs inquire about the Build an app like Arattai price, they’re essentially asking what it takes to replicate these robust functionalities and seamless user experience.
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The Growing Demand for Chat Apps in 2026
The year 2026 is expected to witness unprecedented growth in mobile communication technologies. With 5G networks expanding, cloud-native backends maturing, and AI-driven chat enhancements becoming standard, building messaging apps has become both a strategic business move and a profitable investment.
- The average smartphone user now spends over 32% of their time on messaging apps.
- More than 85% of businesses plan to integrate chat apps or AI bots into their customer service workflows by 2026.
- The mobile app development market itself is predicted to grow at a CAGR of 13.8% from 2024–2026.
For companies like Q3 Technologies — a leading Mobile App Development Company — this surge represents massive opportunities to create customised, scalable messaging platforms tailored to business or community needs.
How to Develop a Messaging App Like Arattai
If you’re wondering how to develop a messaging app, you must start with a well-defined plan. Developing an Arattai-like platform involves a structured approach across multiple phases — from ideation and design to deployment and maintenance.
Research & Requirement Analysis
Start by studying competitors, including Arattai vs WhatsApp app development cost, market demand, and target users. Identify what makes your app unique — for instance, data privacy, niche community focus, or enterprise communication.
Wireframing & UI/UX Design
Design plays a vital role in app adoption. Clean navigation, responsive layouts, and intuitive user journeys attract and retain users. A visually appealing interface enhances usability and creates brand recall.
Backend Development
The backend is the backbone of your chat app. It manages data storage, message routing, encryption, and authentication. A scalable backend ensures smooth performance even when millions of users are active simultaneously.
Frontend Development
Frontend engineers work on the visible side of the app. Whether you opt for native development (Swift for iOS, Kotlin for Android) or cross-platform frameworks (Flutter, React Native), the goal is a fluid and consistent experience.
Integration of Real-Time Communication
Implement WebSocket or MQTT protocols for instant message delivery, presence indication (online/offline), and push notifications.
Security & Encryption
Modern users value privacy. End-to-end encryption, two-factor authentication, and GDPR compliance are non-negotiable features.
Testing & Quality Assurance
Rigorous testing ensures the app performs seamlessly across devices, screen sizes, and network conditions. It also helps eliminate security loopholes.
Deployment & Maintenance
Once the app is launched, continuous updates, bug fixes, and performance optimisations are essential to keep it relevant and secure.
Key Features That Define the Arattai App and Their Cost Impact
The cost to build an app like Arattai depends heavily on which features you want to include. Let’s look at the breakdown:
1. Messaging & Media Sharing
- Text, images, audio, and documents form the app’s foundation.
- Real-time delivery requires scalable servers and cloud infrastructure.
- Estimated cost: £15,000–£30,000
2. Voice & Video Calls
- Voice and video functionalities demand complex integration using VoIP and WebRTC technologies.
- Integration with services like Twilio or Agora increases recurring costs.
- Estimated cost: £25,000–£60,000
3. Group Chats & Broadcast Channels
- Group creation, admin roles, and broadcast messaging expand app utility.
- Estimated cost: £10,000–£25,000
4. End-to-End Encryption
- Developing a secure encryption model adds significant complexity.
- Estimated cost: £15,000–£40,000
5. Cloud Backup & Multi-Device Sync
- Users expect message continuity across devices.
- Estimated cost: £10,000–£20,000
6. Push Notifications & Presence Indicators
- Keeps users engaged and informed.
- Estimated cost: £5,000–£10,000
7. Admin Dashboard & Analytics
- Useful for monitoring user activity and performance.
- Estimated cost: £10,000–£15,000
In total, depending on complexity, the Build an app like Arattai price typically ranges between £70,000–£180,000 in the UK market. For large-scale enterprise-grade applications with advanced encryption, moderation tools, and AI chatbots, the cost can rise to £250,000+.
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Factors That Affect the Arattai App Development Cost
Several factors affect the Arattai app cost. Understanding these ensures you allocate your budget wisely.
1. App Complexity
The number and sophistication of features directly influence cost. Adding voice/video calls, encryption, and analytics significantly increases development time.
2. Platform Selection
Developing for both Android and iOS doubles your effort unless you use cross-platform frameworks like Flutter.
3. Team Location & Expertise
Hiring a Mobile App Development Company in the UK is more expensive than outsourcing to India or Eastern Europe. However, the expertise and localisation benefits often justify the price.
4. UI/UX Design
An elegant and intuitive design ensures better retention but adds to overall cost due to the time spent on prototyping and testing.
5. Security Measures
Data encryption, user authentication, and compliance with GDPR or local data laws increase development complexity but are essential for user trust.
6. Scalability & Hosting
Your choice of backend (AWS, Azure, Firebase) impacts cost depending on usage and traffic. Cloud hosting, media storage, and CDN charges add up as the user base grows.
7. Third-Party Integrations
Integrating APIs for maps, payments, or AI features adds recurring subscription fees and one-time integration costs.
8. Maintenance & Updates
Post-launch updates, bug fixes, and server monitoring can cost 15–20% of your initial development budget annually.
Comparing Arattai vs WhatsApp App Development Cost
When we compare Arattai vs WhatsApp app development cost, the differences are enormous due to scale.
- WhatsApp serves over 2.7 billion global users, requiring thousands of servers and an enormous maintenance budget. Building a WhatsApp-level app from scratch could easily exceed £50 million considering its infrastructure, encryption algorithms, and scalability.
- Arattai App, on the other hand, targets regional users, offering a lighter, more efficient alternative. Developing a similar-scale Arattai app with core messaging and calling features would cost around £70,000–£200,000, depending on your location and tech stack.
While WhatsApp focuses on global reach, Arattai’s success lies in localisation, simplicity, and data privacy — something businesses can replicate with a clear focus and strategic planning.
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Hiring the Right Team: How to Hire Developers for an Arattai-Like App
Finding skilled developers is crucial for turning your idea into a functional app. You can Hire developers for an Arattai-like app in several ways:
1. Partner with a Mobile App Development Company
Working with an experienced Mobile App Development Company like Q3 Technologies ensures access to full-stack developers, UI designers, project managers, and QA testers — all under one roof. This approach saves time and ensures consistency in quality.
2. Hire Freelancers or Remote Developers
If you have a limited budget, you can Hire PowerApp developers or freelance professionals. However, managing them individually may pose challenges with communication and delivery timelines.
3. Build an In-House Team
For long-term projects, assembling an in-house team ensures complete control and continuous updates, but it requires significant HR investment.
4. Hybrid Approach
You can combine both models — outsourcing the core development to Q3 Technologies and hiring a small in-house team for maintenance.
Timeframe: How Long Does It Take to Build an App Like Arattai?
Time is another vital factor influencing the overall cost. Here’s a rough breakdown:
| Development Stage | Duration |
|---|---|
| Planning & Design | 3–4 weeks |
| Backend Development | 8–12 weeks |
| Frontend Development | 8–10 weeks |
| Testing & QA | 4–6 weeks |
| Deployment & Optimisation | 2–4 weeks |
Overall, it takes approximately 5 to 8 months to develop a fully functional Arattai-like application, depending on the team size and complexity.
Maintenance and Post-Launch Costs
The cost of developing your app doesn’t end with deployment. To keep your app running smoothly, regular maintenance is crucial. You’ll need to update the app for new OS versions, fix bugs, and enhance security features.
Typical maintenance costs range from £1,000–£5,000 per month, depending on:
- Number of active users
- Cloud hosting and CDN usage
- Support and customer service expenses
- Frequency of feature updates
Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and prevents issues that could affect user experience.
How Q3 Technologies Can Help You Build an Arattai-Like App
At Q3 Technologies, we specialise in creating robust, secure, and scalable communication platforms. As a leading Mobile App Development Company, we offer:
- End-to-end mobile app development from strategy to deployment
- Expertise in real-time communication protocols (WebRTC, MQTT)
- AI-powered chatbots and automation integrations
- Enterprise-grade security and compliance
- Dedicated teams to Hire PowerApp developers and app testers
- Continuous support, updates, and performance monitoring
Whether you want to develop a chat app for your business or create a local alternative to global messengers, Q3 Technologies has the expertise to make it happen — efficiently, securely, and cost-effectively.
Conclusion
In 2026, as the digital world continues to expand, building a messaging app like Arattai App offers an incredible opportunity to enter a market brimming with potential. The Build an app like Arattai typically ranges between £70,000–£200,000, depending on features, complexity, and team composition. However, the investment pays off when you combine innovation with scalability and privacy.
By understanding the factors that affect the Arattai app, comparing Arattai vs WhatsApp app development cost, and partnering with an experienced Mobile App Development Company like Q3 Technologies, businesses can launch competitive, user-friendly messaging apps that stand out in 2026’s dynamic digital ecosystem.
With the right development strategy and expert team, your idea for an Arattai-like app can become the next big name in the messaging world.
FAQs
What is the most expensive app ever created?
The most expensive app is reportedly the “World’s Most Expensive App” at around $12.5 million. Large-scale apps like WhatsApp, Snapchat, and Facebook cost millions more to build and maintain due to global reach, advanced features, and infrastructure needs.
How much does app development cost?
App development costs vary based on features, complexity, platform, team size, and developer location. The total cost can start from $5,000 and go up to $120,000 or more, depending on each stage of development.
How much does it cost to build an app?
A solo developer can create a simple app, such as a budgeting tool, for approximately $25,000. Mid-to-complex apps requiring a polished, production-ready build can cost between $50,000 and $250,000, with higher upfront costs but better scalability.
Why should you hire a mobile app developer from India?
Hiring developers from India offers significant cost advantages. Teams in India deliver the same level of experience and quality at a lower development cost compared to developers in the US or UK.
How do you build a successful app?
Treat your app like a product: validate demand, build a lean MVP, and scale strategically. Consulting experienced developers ensures proper design, development, and go-to-market support tailored to your budget.
How much does it cost to build an e-commerce app?
E-commerce apps with mid-to-complex features, including product catalogs, payment gateways, and order management, generally require a polished build. The cost varies widely based on features and platform, typically ranging from $50,000 to $250,000.
Table of Content
- Understanding the Arattai App: What Makes It Unique?
- The Growing Demand for Chat Apps in 2026
- How to Develop a Messaging App Like Arattai
- Key Features That Define the Arattai App and Their Cost Impact
- Factors That Affect the Arattai App Development Cost
- Comparing Arattai vs WhatsApp App Development Cost
- Hiring the Right Team: How to Hire Developers for an Arattai-Like App
- Timeframe: How Long Does It Take to Build an App Like Arattai?
- Maintenance and Post-Launch Costs
- How Q3 Technologies Can Help You Build an Arattai-Like App
- FAQs
