Built for sharing, not syncing
Dropbox is designed for syncing files across devices. Pond is built specifically for sharing files with others, simpler and more focused.
Pond vs Dropbox
A simpler alternative
to Dropbox.
Dropbox is great for syncing files across devices. But if you just want to share files with others, Pond is simpler, faster, and more affordable. No desktop app required.
- No sync required
- Simpler pricing
- Instant sharing
- Built for sharing
Feature comparison
| Feature | Pond | Dropbox |
|---|---|---|
Primary purpose What the platform is designed for | SupportedBuilt for sharing files | PartialBuilt for syncing files |
Free storage Storage available on the free tier | Supported5MB total | Supported2GB total |
Desktop app required Whether you need to install software | SupportedNo app needed | UnsupportedApp recommended |
Custom domains Use your own domain for sharing | SupportedAvailable on paid plans | UnsupportedNot available |
Static website hosting Host HTML sites and web apps | SupportedFull support | UnsupportedNot supported |
Password protection Restrict access to your files | SupportedAll plans | SupportedPaid plans only |
Global CDN Fast delivery worldwide | SupportedIncluded | SupportedIncluded |
Sync conflicts Risk of file version conflicts | SupportedNo conflicts | UnsupportedCan occur |
Why choose Pond over Dropbox?
Pond is built specifically for sharing files, not syncing them
No desktop app needed
Share files directly from your browser. No need to install software or sync folders to your computer.
Custom domains (paid)
Use your own domain for professional file sharing from just $3/month. Dropbox doesn't offer custom domain support.
Simpler pricing
Predictable pricing with no surprise fees. Know exactly what you're paying for at every tier.
Static site hosting
Host websites and static sites, something Dropbox can't do. Perfect for portfolios, landing pages, and documentation.
No sync conflicts
Upload and share without worrying about sync conflicts or version issues. Simple, straightforward file hosting.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about Pond
Pond is a modern file hosting and static website hosting platform designed for simplicity. Upload files, documents, images, or entire websites and share them instantly with a link. Pond handles hosting, global CDN delivery, SSL certificates, and security, with no server management required.
Yes, Pond offers a free tier that lets you host files and share them with anyone. Free accounts include 5MB total storage, perfect for documents and small files. For larger projects or additional features like custom domains and analytics, paid plans start at just $3/month.
Simply drag and drop your files into the Pond web interface or click to upload. Once uploaded, you get a shareable link instantly. Recipients can view files directly in their browser or download them, with no account required for viewing.
Pond supports virtually any file type including PDFs, images (JPG, PNG, GIF, WebP, SVG), videos (MP4, WebM), audio files, documents (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), code files, archives (ZIP, RAR), and more. For static websites, we support HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and all standard web assets.
When creating or editing a pond, enable password protection in the settings and set your chosen password. Anyone accessing your shared link will need to enter the password before viewing or downloading files. This keeps your content private and secure.
Pond uses a global CDN (Content Delivery Network) to serve your files from edge locations worldwide. This means visitors get fast, cached responses from servers near them, typically loading files in milliseconds regardless of their location.
Yes, custom domains are available on paid plans. Point your domain DNS records to Pond and we automatically provision a free SSL certificate. Your files and websites will be served from your custom domain with HTTPS security.
Pond offers simple, predictable pricing with no surprise bandwidth fees or hidden costs. Start with our free tier (5MB total storage), then upgrade as you grow. Paid plans start at just $3/month and include larger storage limits, custom domains, analytics, and no branding.
Your files stay online as long as your account is active. There are no automatic deletion periods; upload once and your files remain available indefinitely. For free accounts, we ask that you log in occasionally to keep your account active.
Yes, security is built into Pond. All files are served over HTTPS with SSL encryption. You can password-protect any pond, and files are stored securely in the cloud. We do not share or sell your data, and you maintain full control over access.
Yes, when you replace a file with a new version, the share link stays the same. Everyone with the link will see the updated file immediately. Our CDN cache is automatically cleared so changes go live right away.
For product questions, bugs, or partnership requests, email hello@pond.sh. Include details and any relevant links so we can help quickly. We aim to respond to all inquiries as soon as possible.
Still have questions? Get in touch