Just upload and share
Netlify is built around Git workflows and build processes. Pond lets you just drag and drop files. Done.
Pond vs Netlify
Simpler than Netlify.
Just upload.
Netlify is amazing for developers with complex build pipelines. But if you just want to host files or static sites without the complexity, Pond is simpler and more straightforward.
- Just upload
- No build minutes
- Simpler interface
- Predictable pricing
Feature comparison
| Feature | Pond | Netlify |
|---|---|---|
Deployment method How you deploy your site | SupportedDrag and drop | PartialGit-based workflow |
Build minutes Limits on build time | SupportedNo builds needed | Unsupported300 min/month free |
Learning curve Ease of use for beginners | SupportedSimple for anyone | UnsupportedDeveloper-focused |
File hosting Host any file type | SupportedAny file type | UnsupportedSites only |
Custom domains Use your own domain | SupportedPaid plans | SupportedFree tier |
SSL certificates HTTPS security | SupportedFree on all plans | SupportedFree on all plans |
Git integration Deploy from Git repos | UnsupportedNot available | SupportedFull integration |
Serverless functions Backend code execution | UnsupportedNot available | SupportedFull support |
Why choose Pond over Netlify?
Simple hosting without the developer complexity
No build minutes
Netlify limits build minutes on free plans. Pond has no build process: upload your files and they're live.
Simpler for everyone
Netlify is powerful but complex. Pond is designed for people who just want to host files and sites simply.
File hosting too
Host documents, images, and media, not just websites. More versatile for everyday file sharing.
Predictable pricing
No surprise bills from bandwidth overages or build minute limits. Simple, predictable costs.
Password protection
Protect your sites with passwords on all plans. Netlify requires paid plans for this feature.
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