Arjun Mehra- India’s Zoho has launched Ulaa, a new web browser focused squarely on user privacy, aiming to challenge the dominance of data-hungry browsers like Google Chrome.
- Ulaa sets itself apart with features like built-in ad and tracker blocking, fingerprinting protection, and unique user modes for Work, Personal, Kids, and more.
- The browser has seen a rapid rise in popularity, even topping App Store charts in India, reflecting a growing global demand for privacy-first technology.
- An enterprise version is also available, offering enhanced security and granular controls for businesses concerned with data protection.
Zoho’s Ulaa Browser Is Here to Challenge Chrome on Privacy
In a digital world where personal data has become the most valuable commodity, the conversation around online privacy has never been louder. It seems every week brings a new story about data breaches or how our digital footprints are being tracked, sold, and used in ways we never agreed to. Stepping into this heated debate is Zoho, a titan of India’s software-as-a-service (SaaS) industry, with its new web browser, Ulaa. It’s a bold move, positioning itself as a direct challenger to giants like Chrome, not by trying to be flashier, but by promising something far more fundamental: genuine respect for user privacy.
The core difference is stark. “Zoho claims that Ulaa does not collect, store, or sell user data, drawing a sharp contrast with Google, which collects user data for personalised advertising,” said Shobhana Nair, Senior Tech Reporter at the Financial Express. This isn’t just a minor feature; it’s the entire foundation of Ulaa’s identity and its main selling point to a world growing weary of digital surveillance.
A Corporate Vision Built on Privacy
For those familiar with Zoho, this move isn’t entirely surprising. The company has spent years building a reputation for robust, business-oriented software while maintaining a strong pro-privacy stance. The development of Ulaa feels like a natural extension of that ethos. Zoho isn’t just jumping on a trend; it’s doubling down on a principle it has long championed.
Zoho’s founder, Sridhar Vembu, put it plainly in a recent press statement: “Our users deserve tools that respect their digital footprint. Ulaa is an effort to ensure that privacy is a right, not a privilege.” This philosophy was previously seen with other Zoho products, like its Arattai messaging app, which also prioritised user privacy over data collection. Ulaa is the company’s most ambitious step yet in bringing this vision to the mainstream web experience.
What Really Sets Ulaa Apart in a Crowded Field
So, what makes Ulaa different from the browser you’re likely using right now? It boils down to a privacy-first architecture. It’s not just a feature you can toggle on; it’s the default setting. Ulaa actively blocks trackers and intrusive ads from the moment you open it, and it flat-out refuses to collect your browsing data for its own gain. Raju Vegesna, Chief Evangelist at Zoho Corp., emphasized this, stating, “Ulaa was built from the ground up for privacy. No telemetry, no hidden trackers, and no data sold to advertisers.”
One of its standout features is the multi-profile mode, which lets users create distinct browsing environments. You can have separate modes for Work, Personal, Kids, Developer, and an “Open Season” mode with no restrictions. Each mode has its own set of cookies, tab groups, and privacy settings, preventing data from your work life from bleeding into your personal browsing, or vice-versa. This is a far cry from browsers like Google Chrome, whose entire business model is built on collecting unified user data, or even newer AI-integrated browsers like Comet and Atlas, which often require data access to power their intelligent features.
A Look at Ulaa’s Security Against Competitors
When it comes to security, Ulaa’s design philosophy is to reduce reliance on third-party extensions. It comes with a built-in ad and tracker blocker, protection against browser fingerprinting (a technique used to create a unique profile of you), and a commitment to frequent security updates. This integrated approach is winning fans, particularly in the business world. According to industry analyst Preeti Rao, “Enterprise customers are gravitating towards browsers capable of granular controls—Ulaa’s design is a timely alternative to mainstream options.”
This approach contrasts sharply with its competitors. Chrome’s security model is robust, but its ad-based revenue stream creates a fundamental conflict of interest regarding user privacy. Newer players like Perplexity’s Comet and OpenAI’s Atlas are pushing the boundaries with AI integration, but their reliance on cloud-based processing raises different questions about where and how user data is handled. Ulaa, by keeping its privacy tools built-in, aims to offer a simpler, more transparent layer of protection against the growing threat of AI-driven cyberattacks.
Recommended Tech
For users looking to take their digital security a step further, The TechBull recommends exploring a comprehensive protection service. Tools like Aura can complement a private browser by offering identity theft protection, a VPN, and antivirus, creating a multi-layered defense against a wide range of online threats.
User Experience and Smart Productivity
Privacy is great, but a browser also needs to be fast and functional. Since Ulaa is built on Chromium, the same open-source project as Chrome, it feels familiar and snappy. Pages load quickly, and it supports the vast library of extensions available on the Chrome Web Store, so you don’t have to give up your favorite tools. Some tests even suggest Ulaa is lighter and faster than Chrome, especially on machines with less memory.
Ulaa also brings its own productivity tools to the table. As reported by Security Review Magazine, its built-in AI assistant, Zia, helps with tasks like tab organization and even offers phishing detection to warn you of suspicious websites. This blend of privacy and productivity is resonating with users. Tech reviewer Rajesh Nair posted, “Switching between Work and Kids mode is seamless. The privacy dashboard actually shows what’s blocked in real time—something I never see on Chrome.”
Early Signs of a Breakout Hit
The buzz around Ulaa isn’t just talk. Shortly after its launch, the browser surged to the top of the App Store rankings in India, impressively beating Google Chrome. This rapid adoption signals a real hunger for privacy-focused alternatives. “Ulaa’s rapid rise reflects user appetite for privacy-focused browsing in developing markets,” said Rohit Saxena, lead analyst at analytics firm AppFigures. The browser also made a splash at Zoholics 2025, Zoho’s annual user conference, where initial feedback from enterprise clients was overwhelmingly positive.
Enterprise Solutions for a Modern Workforce
Recognizing the needs of its core business audience, Zoho also launched Ulaa Enterprise. As detailed by Business Wire, this version is tailored for organizations, offering advanced security features, AI-powered threat detection, and centralized management tools. It allows IT departments to enforce security policies at the browser level, a crucial defense layer in an era of remote work.
Prashant Nair, Zoho’s VP of Product, explained the vision: “Ulaa Enterprise is our answer to organizations’ need for browser-level security without adding extra layers of complexity.” The company has also promised a steady stream of performance enhancements and feature updates, keeping the browser on the cutting edge.
What the Experts Are Saying
The industry has taken notice of Zoho’s ambitious play. Hannah Catherine of Venture Magazine wrote, “Ulaa is set to challenge not only Chrome’s dominance but the privacy standards of browsers worldwide.” The browser’s fundamental approach is what truly sets it apart for many security experts. An assessment from Security Review Magazine noted, “Ulaa deploys privacy tools as defaults, not afterthoughts, giving it an edge in user protection.”
How to Download and Get Started
Getting started with Ulaa is straightforward. As a Zoho spokesperson, Manish Kumar, stated, “Ulaa is free and available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. No registration required to start browsing privately.” You can download it directly from the official Ulaa website and have it running in minutes.
A Shift in Browser Culture
Zoho’s launch of Ulaa feels like more than just another product release. It’s a statement. It represents a potential shift in browser culture, moving away from a model of ad-driven surveillance and towards one that empowers users and respects their data. From a leading company in India’s booming tech scene, this move could have a ripple effect across the industry. As privacy advocate Harini Mule aptly concluded, “With Ulaa, India takes a bold step in enshrining privacy as the cornerstone of web navigation.” For internet users everywhere, that’s a welcome change.
