Privacy first
We don't mine your data or use it for advertising. Your files are yours; we just host them.
Pond vs Google Drive
A privacy-focused
Google Drive alternative.
Google Drive is powerful but complex. If you want simpler file sharing without ecosystem lock-in or privacy concerns, Pond is the better choice.
- Privacy focused
- Simpler interface
- Global CDN
- No ecosystem lock-in
Feature comparison
| Feature | Pond | Google Drive |
|---|---|---|
Privacy How your data is handled | SupportedNo data mining | UnsupportedData used for ads |
Account requirements What accounts are needed | SupportedEmail signup only | UnsupportedGoogle account required |
Free storage Storage on free tier | Supported5MB total | Supported15GB (shared with Gmail) |
Custom domains Use your own domain | SupportedAvailable on paid plans | UnsupportedNot available |
Static website hosting Host HTML sites and web apps | SupportedFull support | UnsupportedNot supported |
Sharing interface Ease of sharing files | SupportedSimple, direct links | PartialComplex permissions |
Ecosystem lock-in Dependency on other services | SupportedNo lock-in | UnsupportedTied to Google |
Dedicated storage Storage just for files | SupportedDedicated to hosting | UnsupportedShared with email/photos |
Why choose Pond over Google Drive?
Simple file sharing without the complexity or privacy trade-offs
Simpler sharing
Google Drive's sharing permissions can be confusing. Pond keeps it simple: upload, get a link, share.
No ecosystem lock-in
Use Pond without being tied to Google's ecosystem. No Google account required for you or your recipients.
Custom domains (paid)
Share files from your own domain. Google Drive doesn't offer this level of branding.
Static site hosting
Host websites and documentation, something Google Drive can't do natively.
Dedicated storage
Your storage isn't shared with Gmail and Photos. What you pay for is what you get for 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