Goodbye Google Chrome? Zoho Launches Ulaa Browser as India’s Better Alternative

Ulaa Browser : In May 2023, Zoho Corporation, the Chennai-based tech giant, launched Ulaa, a privacy-first, Chromium-based web browser that’s been hailed as a “Made in India” alternative to Google Chrome. After winning India’s Indigenous Browser Development Challenge (IWBDC) and rolling out Ulaa Enterprise in May 2025, Ulaa has sparked buzz as a potential “Chrome killer.” Social media platforms are abuzz with users praising its speed and privacy features, but does it truly outshine Chrome? Let’s compare the two across privacy, performance, usability, and more to find out.

What is Ulaa?

Ulaa is a free browser available on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, developed by Zoho, the company behind tools like Zoho CRM and Mail. It emphasizes user privacy, blocks trackers and ads by default, and integrates tightly with Zoho’s ecosystem. The Enterprise edition, launched in 2025, adds advanced security controls and AI features powered by Zoho’s Zia assistant, appealing to businesses and privacy-focused users.

So, how does Ulaa stack up against Google Chrome, which holds a dominant 65% global market share? Let’s break it down.

Privacy: Ulaa’s Strongest Suit

Ulaa is built for users who value privacy, setting it apart from Chrome’s data-heavy approach:

• Tracker and Ad Blocking: Ulaa automatically blocks trackers, ads, and browser fingerprinting, minimizing your online footprint.
• DuckDuckGo Default: It uses the privacy-centric DuckDuckGo as its default search engine, avoiding Google’s ecosystem.
• Browser ID Reset: Each session starts with a fresh browser ID, making cross-site tracking difficult.
• End-to-End Encryption: Sync data (bookmarks, passwords, etc.) is fully encrypted, and Zoho claims it collects no telemetry data.
• Motion Sensor Blocking: Ulaa disables access to device motion sensors, a lesser-known tracking vector.

Chrome, by contrast, relies on Google’s data collection for targeted advertising. To achieve similar privacy protections, you’d need extensions like uBlock Origin or Privacy Badger. For privacy-conscious users, Ulaa is the clear winner.

Performance: Chrome Holds the Edge

Speed and resource efficiency are critical for a smooth browsing experience. Here’s how they compare:

• Ulaa: User reviews praise its quick startup and smooth performance for light to moderate use. However, it consumes more CPU and RAM than Chrome, especially with multiple tabs (e.g., 500MB+ idle with 10 tabs, spawning more processes). Its memory saver mode helps but isn’t as refined as Chrome’s.
• Chrome: Known for its optimization, Chrome handles heavy multitasking and complex web apps with ease, using tab hibernation to keep resource usage low.

Recent benchmarks (as of September 2025) show Chrome outperforming Ulaa in JavaScript execution and page load times, especially on demanding sites like video editors or gaming platforms. If speed is your priority, Chrome remains the leader.

Ease of Use: Familiarity vs. Features

Both browsers are user-friendly but cater to different audiences:

• Ulaa (9.1/10 on user reviews): Its clean interface, customizable dashboards (minimal or smart with tracker stats), and browsing modes (Work, Personal, Kids) are popular. However, non-Zoho users may face a slight learning curve, and some report occasional login issues with Zoho IDs.
• Chrome (9.6/10 on user reviews): Chrome’s minimalist design and universal familiarity make it effortless to use. Its integration with Google services like Gmail and Drive is a plus for many.

Chrome wins for simplicity, but Ulaa’s unique features—like isolated modes and Zoho app integration—make it a productivity gem once mastered.

Extensions and Ecosystem: Chrome’s Strength

Extensions are a browser’s lifeblood, and both being Chromium-based helps with compatibility:

• Ulaa: Supports most Chrome Web Store extensions, but its native library is smaller. Built-in tools like an ad blocker and password manager reduce the need for some add-ons, but power users may find the options limited.
• Chrome: With a vast extension library and near-universal compatibility, Chrome is the go-to for customization.

If you rely on niche extensions or developer tools, Chrome’s ecosystem is unmatched. Ulaa Browser is improving but still lags behind.

Security: A Tight Race

Security is a priority for both browsers, with different strengths:

• Ulaa: Features auto-updates, browser ID rotation, and robust privacy controls. The Enterprise edition offers IT admin tools like policy enforcement and data loss prevention, ideal for businesses.
• Chrome: Google’s frequent patches and Safe Browsing protect against phishing and malware, but its open extension ecosystem can introduce risks if you install unverified add-ons.

For individuals, it’s a tie—Ulaa’s privacy focus balances Chrome’s patching prowess. Businesses may lean toward Ulaa Browser Enterprise for its advanced controls.

Battery and Memory: Chrome’s Efficiency

Battery life is key, especially for mobile and laptop users:

• Ulaa: Performs decently on mobile, but user feedback notes higher battery drain than Chrome, particularly during video streaming or heavy tab usage.
• Chrome: Its tab hibernation and optimized rendering make it more power-efficient for prolonged use.

For low-spec devices or extended sessions, Chrome is the better choice.

Integration: Ecosystem Matters

Your preferred apps can sway your choice:

• Ulaa: A boon for Zoho users, offering one-click SSO login to Zoho apps (CRM, Mail, etc.) and Zia AI for searching across Zoho data. It’s less compelling outside the Zoho ecosystem.
• Chrome: Ideal for Google Workspace users, with seamless access to Gmail, Drive, and Meet.

Zoho users will love Ulaa’s integration; Google loyalists will stick with Chrome.

What Users Are Saying

As of September 30, 2025, social media and reviews reflect strong opinions:

• Ulaa Fans: Users praise its “fast, ad-free browsing” and privacy focus, with many in India switching for “Swadeshi” pride. It earns 4.5/5 on app stores for its sleek UI and speed.
• Critics: Some complain about crashes or high RAM usage (“Ulaa eats resources”). A few mention Zoho ID login bugs, though Zoho’s support is responsive.
• Chrome’s Grip: Chrome’s reliability and speed keep it dominant for most users.

The Verdict: Is Ulaa Better Than Chrome?

Ulaa Browser is a bold Indian innovation, excelling in privacy and Zoho integration. It’s ideal if you:

• Want to escape Google’s tracking and prioritize privacy.
• Use Zoho apps and value a tailored browsing experience.
• Support India’s push for homegrown tech.

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Chrome, however, leads in:

• Performance and battery efficiency.
• Extension variety and compatibility.
• Google ecosystem integration.

Final Take: Ulaa Browser isn’t a Chrome killer yet, but it’s a strong contender for privacy hawks and Zoho users. If you need speed, extensions, or Google’s ecosystem, Chrome—or alternatives like Brave—may still be your go-to.