Any framework, any files
Vercel is optimized for Next.js. Pond works equally well with React, Vue, plain HTML, or any static output.
Pond vs Vercel
Simple hosting for
any framework.
Vercel is incredible for Next.js apps with complex requirements. But if you just need to host static files or a simple site, Pond is faster to set up and easier to use.
- Any framework
- No build process
- Simpler pricing
- File hosting too
Feature comparison
| Feature | Pond | Vercel |
|---|---|---|
Framework support Which frameworks work | SupportedAny static output | PartialOptimized for Next.js |
Build process How deployment works | SupportedNo build needed | UnsupportedBuild required |
Deployment method How you deploy | SupportedDrag and drop | PartialGit push or CLI |
File hosting Host any file type | SupportedAny file type | UnsupportedSites only |
Custom domains Use your own domain | SupportedPaid plans | SupportedFree tier |
Edge/CDN delivery Global performance | SupportedGlobal CDN | SupportedEdge network |
Git integration Deploy from Git | UnsupportedNot available | SupportedFull integration |
Serverless functions Backend code | UnsupportedNot available | SupportedEdge functions |
Why choose Pond over Vercel?
Simple hosting without the deployment complexity
No build complexity
Vercel requires build configurations and Git workflows. Pond just hosts what you upload. Simple.
More than websites
Host files, documents, and media alongside your sites. Vercel is focused only on web applications.
Simpler pricing
No worrying about function invocations or bandwidth limits. Predictable pricing for predictable hosting.
Password protection
Protect your sites with passwords on all plans. Vercel requires enterprise plans for this.
Instant deployment
Upload your build folder and it's live. No waiting for builds or deployments to complete.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about static website hosting and deployment
Static website hosting serves pre-built HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files without server-side processing. This makes websites faster, more secure, and cheaper to host than dynamic sites. Pond handles all the infrastructure so you just upload your files and go live.
Upload your HTML files and assets to Pond: drag and drop a folder or ZIP archive. Your website goes live instantly with a shareable link. Upgrade to connect a custom domain for a professional URL, and Pond handles SSL certificates automatically.
Pond works with any static site generator or JavaScript framework including React, Vue, Next.js (static export), Nuxt, Astro, Svelte, Angular, Gatsby, Hugo, Jekyll, Eleventy, and more. If it outputs HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files, you can host it on Pond.
Build your React app (npm run build), then upload the build folder to Pond. Your React application goes live immediately. For SPAs, configure Pond to serve index.html for all routes to enable client-side routing.
Add your domain in the pond settings and update your DNS records to point to Pond (we provide the exact values). We automatically provision a free SSL certificate and your website goes live on your custom domain within minutes.
Yes, Pond provides free SSL certificates for all websites including custom domains. HTTPS is enabled automatically, with no configuration needed. Your visitors see the secure padlock icon and their data is encrypted in transit.
When you deploy an update, Pond automatically purges the CDN cache globally. Your visitors see the new version immediately without waiting for cache expiration. No manual cache clearing or TTL delays.
Yes, configure your pond to serve index.html for all routes, enabling client-side routing for React, Vue, Angular, and other SPA frameworks. This ensures deep links and browser refresh work correctly.
Static sites are faster (no server processing), more secure (no database or backend vulnerabilities), cheaper to host, and scale effortlessly to handle traffic spikes. Ideal for landing pages, marketing sites, documentation, blogs, and portfolios.
Yes, use our API to automate deployments from GitHub Actions, GitLab CI, or any CI/CD pipeline. Deploy automatically on every push to your repository for seamless continuous deployment workflows.
Pond offers a free tier for static website hosting with 5MB total storage. Host your personal site, portfolio, or side project at no cost. Upgrade for additional storage, custom domains, and advanced features.
Your website stays online as long as your account is active. There are no automatic takedown periods; deploy once and your site remains live indefinitely. For free accounts, we ask that you log in occasionally to keep your account active.
Still have questions? Get in touch