Pogoplug icon

Pogoplug

Pogoplug transforms your storage into a personal cloud, offering ample space and seamless access to all your files, photos, and media from any device. It's designed for the mobile-first user, ensuring your digital life is always within reach, without the limitations of traditional cloud services. Developed by Cloud Engines

License: Freemium
Available for:
Mac OS X Windows Online Android iPhone HP webOS Blackberry Android Tablet iPad

About Pogoplug

Pogoplug is a compelling solution for anyone looking to create a personalized, accessible cloud storage system without relying solely on third-party services and their associated costs. Instead of uploading all your data to external servers, Pogoplug utilizes your existing storage devices (like external hard drives or USB sticks) connected to a small hardware device, turning them into network-attached storage accessible from virtually anywhere. This approach offers several distinct advantages.

Key features that differentiate Pogoplug include:
  • Unlimited Storage Potential: Unlike many cloud services with tiered storage plans, your storage capacity is limited only by the size of the drives you connect to the Pogoplug device. This is a significant advantage for users with large media libraries or extensive file collections.
  • Direct Media Streaming: Seamlessly stream your stored music, videos, and photos directly to your mobile devices or computers without the need to download them first. The built-in player and viewer ensure compatibility with a wide range of file formats.
  • Comprehensive File Management: Access, organize, and manage your files remotely with the intuitive built-in file manager. Create folders, move files, delete items – all from your connected devices.
  • Flexible Access and Sharing: Share files and folders with friends, family, or colleagues easily and securely. Control who has access and for how long.
  • Automatic Photo and Video Uploads: Set up your mobile devices to automatically upload photos and videos to your Pogoplug, ensuring your memories are instantly backed up as they are captured.

Pogoplug effectively bridges the gap between local storage convenience and cloud accessibility, making it an attractive option for users who value control, privacy, and cost-effectiveness.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Potentially unlimited storage based on your own hardware without recurring costs.
  • Seamless streaming of music and videos directly from your storage.
  • Easy access and management of files from any device.
  • Simple setup process compared to some traditional NAS devices.
  • Maintain control and privacy of your data on your own hardware.

Cons

  • Performance depends significantly on internet connection and hardware.
  • Relies on a healthy hardware ecosystem.
  • May lack some advanced features found in commercial cloud services.

What Makes Pogoplug Stand Out

Your Own Personal Cloud

Transform your existing storage devices into a private cloud accessible from anywhere.

Cost-Effective Unlimited Storage

Leverage your current storage hardware for potentially unlimited capacity without recurring monthly fees.

Direct Media Streaming

Stream your entire media library directly to any device without downloading.

Easy Setup and Access

Simple plug-and-play setup with intuitive web and mobile interfaces for easy access.

What can Pogoplug do?

Review

Pogoplug Software Review

Pogoplug offers a unique approach to cloud storage, shifting the paradigm from relying solely on remote data centers to utilizing personal storage devices as the foundation for a personal cloud. This review examines the software component of the Pogoplug system, focusing on its functionality, user experience, and overall value proposition.

Functionality and Features

The core functionality of the Pogoplug software is to provide seamless access to files stored on drives connected to the Pogoplug hardware device. This is achieved through a combination of web interface and dedicated mobile applications for various platforms. The software successfully creates a network-attached storage (NAS) experience that is accessible remotely like a traditional cloud service.

Key features that stand out include:

  • Robust File Management: The built-in file manager is functional and provides essential tools for navigating, organizing, and manipulating files and folders. Users can easily create, rename, move, copy, and delete items directly through the interface.
  • Integrated Media Playback: The inclusion of built-in players and viewers for common media formats is a significant convenience. This allows for direct streaming of music, videos, and photos without requiring files to be downloaded first, enhancing the mobile "access from anywhere" experience.
  • Synchronization and Backup: The software supports file and folder synchronization between connected devices and the Pogoplug storage. This is crucial for ensuring files are consistent across devices and for creating automatic backups of important data. File versioning is a valuable addition for recovery purposes.
  • File Sharing Capabilities: Securely sharing files and folders with others is straightforward. The ability to generate links and control access is a standard but important feature for collaboration or sharing media with friends and family.

While the feature set is comprehensive for a personal cloud solution, some advanced features found in more mature cloud platforms, such as deep integration with third-party productivity suites beyond basic viewing, might be less prominent. However, for its primary purpose of personal storage and media access, the software is well-equipped.

User Experience

The user experience with the Pogoplug software is generally positive. The setup process, in conjunction with the hardware, is designed to be relatively simple, focusing on getting users online quickly.

  • Intuitive Interfaces: Both the web interface and mobile applications are designed with a focus on usability. Navigation is logical, and core functions are easily accessible. The visual presentation is clean and uncluttered.
  • Performance: The performance of accessing and streaming files depends heavily on the user's internet connection and the quality of the connected storage drives. However, the software itself is generally responsive for file management and basic streaming.
  • Mobile Accessibility: The mobile applications are a strong point, providing convenient on-the-go access to files and media. Features like automatic photo uploads are well-implemented and add significant value for mobile users.

Potential areas for improvement in user experience could include more advanced customization options within the file manager or a more visually rich media browsing experience, although the current implementation is perfectly functional.

Value Proposition

The primary value proposition of Pogoplug lies in its ability to provide a personal cloud solution with potentially unlimited storage for a one-time hardware cost, avoiding recurring subscription fees associated with many commercial cloud services. This makes it a compelling option for users with significant storage needs who prefer to maintain control over their data.

Compared to traditional NAS devices, Pogoplug often offers a simpler setup process and a more consumer-friendly interface, making it accessible to users who may not have extensive technical knowledge. The focus on mobile access and integrated media features further enhances its appeal for households with multiple devices and large media libraries.

Conclusion

The Pogoplug software, in conjunction with the hardware, provides a viable and cost-effective alternative to traditional cloud storage, particularly for users who want to leverage their existing storage infrastructure and have direct control over their data. The software is functional, user-friendly, and well-suited for personal media consumption and file access on the go. While it may lack some of the advanced features of enterprise-grade cloud platforms, it excels in its intended use case of creating a personal, accessible, and scalable cloud from your own devices.

For users seeking an affordable solution for unlimited personal cloud storage, direct media streaming, and easy file access from multiple devices, Pogoplug is a strong contender worth considering.

Similar Software

4Shared
4Shared

4shared Mobile is a free user-friendly app that enables you to access and manage files in your personal secure cloud storage at 4shared.

Adrive
Adrive

ADrive provides online cloud storage and backup solutions for personal, business and enterprise-level data.

Air Sharing
Air Sharing

Air Sharing was a file sharing and document viewing application.

Pydio
Pydio

Pydio, formerly known as AjaXplorer, is an open-source file-sharing and synchronisation software that runs on the user's own server.

Amazon Drive
Amazon Drive

Amazon Drive, formerly known as Cloud Drive, is a cloud storage application managed by Amazon.

Asus WebStorage
Asus WebStorage

ASUS WebStorage is a Cloud Storage Service that helps user backup data, sync file between devices and share data to friends.

Box
Box

Box is an online file sharing and content management service.

Gladinet
Gladinet

Gladinet is an on-premises, enterprise file synchronization and sharing (EFSS) platform.

Jungle Disk
Jungle Disk

Jungle Disk is an online backup software service.

LiveDrive
LiveDrive

Livedrive is the complete Backup and Sync solution. Backup an unlimited amount of files on your PC or Mac.

Microsoft OneDrive
Microsoft OneDrive

Microsoft OneDrive is a cloud-based storage solution from Microsoft.

Mozy
Mozy

Mozy is an online backup service for both Windows and macOS users.

Screenshots

Help others by voting if you like this software.

Compare with Similar Apps

Select any similar app below to compare it with Pogoplug side by side.

Compare features, pricing, and reviews between these alternatives.

Compare

Compare features, pricing, and reviews between these alternatives.

Compare

Compare features, pricing, and reviews between these alternatives.

Compare

Compare features, pricing, and reviews between these alternatives.

Compare

Compare features, pricing, and reviews between these alternatives.

Compare

Compare features, pricing, and reviews between these alternatives.

Compare

Compare features, pricing, and reviews between these alternatives.

Compare

Compare features, pricing, and reviews between these alternatives.

Compare

Compare features, pricing, and reviews between these alternatives.

Compare

Compare features, pricing, and reviews between these alternatives.

Compare

Compare features, pricing, and reviews between these alternatives.

Compare

Compare features, pricing, and reviews between these alternatives.

Compare