For irreplaceable family files, a separately managed local copy plus an off-site cloud copy is generally the more resilient route: the local drive helps with large restores, while cloud storage provides access away from home and protection from a single-location incident. Choose an HDD when local capacity is the main priority, an SSD for frequent large-file transfers and portability, and check synchronisation, account access and subscription terms before relying on cloud storage alone.
For growing collections of photos, videos and documents that would be difficult to recreate. National Cyber Security Centre guidance supports keeping recovery options for computer loss, drive failure, accidental deletion and local incidents rather than treating extra storage as the only safeguard.
For households that want a substantial local copy but also need selected files on phones, tablets or another computer away from the original device.
For families using a mix of Mac, Windows, Android and Apple devices, where drive formatting, ports, cables, backup software and cloud-app requirements can decide whether a backup route works.
Start by deciding how you will recover files after a problem, then confirm compatibility and leave room for the library to grow.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Separate recoverable copies | Keep copies in more than one location; avoid leaving every copy connected to the same computer or account; test that original files can be restored. | I want a local incident, ransomware event or accidental deletion not to affect every copy. The National Cyber Security Centre recommends planning for an offline backup and an off-site copy. |
| Device and format compatibility | Check the intended backup method, drive file system, operating-system version, USB port and supplied cable before formatting or copying files. | My household uses different devices, so the drive must work for the role I need, whether that is Mac Time Machine, Windows File History or manual file copies. |
| Capacity and account continuity | Measure the current library and expected growth; check which services share a cloud quota; review sign-in recovery, renewal, cancellation and export terms. | I need enough space for a growing photo and video library, and I want to retain access to an off-site copy if I change plan or provider. |
A synchronised deletion or edit can spread across linked devices. Apple states that iCloud Photos synchronises deletions and advises users to keep backup copies of their library.
Keep another separately managed copy that is not simply a synced view of the same library, and test that you can restore original files from it.
The National Cyber Security Centre notes that incidents can affect original data and connected USB, network and cloud backup locations at the same time.
Use an external drive as one layer, disconnect it when it is not being used for backup or restoration where practical, and retain an independently managed off-site copy for irreplaceable files.
Apple states that Time Machine cannot use a Windows-formatted disk unless it is reformatted to a Mac format. Western Digital also describes different Windows, ChromeOS and macOS arrangements for its My Passport range.
Decide whether the drive is for Mac Time Machine, Windows backup, cross-platform transfer or separate volumes before placing the household archive on it.
Reformatting can permanently erase data already on the drive.
Storage allowances can be shared with other services. Microsoft states that an over-limit OneDrive account cannot upload, edit or sync new files, while UK government guidance highlights renewal, suspension and time needed to transfer data.
Measure the library, allow room for growth, keep recovery details current, record renewal dates and make a downloadable local copy before changing plan or provider.
Relevant for households seeking a portable external HDD with higher local capacity for a photo, video and document archive.
Relevant for households prioritising a compact portable SSD for frequent large transfers, travel or direct work from an external drive.
Relevant for Windows-focused households considering OneDrive alongside Windows Backup or File History.
Relevant for households already using Google Photos, Gmail and Google Drive under one Google Account.
Relevant for households centred on iPhone, iPad and Mac devices using iCloud Photos and Time Machine.
Joybuy product options for a portable local backup layer alongside a separately managed off-site copy.
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For a larger local copy that moves between USB-C and USB-A devices.
Listed with 2TB capacity, USB 3.2 Gen 2 speeds up to 1,050MB/s read and 1,000MB/s write, plus USB-C and USB-A cables. Check the supplied file system and intended backup workflow before formatting; this is a local layer, not an off-site backup.
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For frequent local transfers when the drive travels with the household.
Listed with 1TB capacity, USB 3.2 Gen 2 performance and stated IP65 and up-to-3-metre drop resistance. Confirm the file system and backup method for Mac, Windows or mixed-device use, and retain a separate off-site copy.
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For regular photo-library or video-file transfers across compatible devices.
Listed with USB 3.2 Gen 2 speeds up to 1,050MB/s read and 1,000MB/s write, AES-256 hardware encryption and USB-C-to-C and USB-C-to-A cables. Confirm the supplied format and whether 1TB leaves sufficient room for future video growth.
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For a mainly home-based archive that needs substantial local capacity.
Listed with 5TB capacity, USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C connectivity, a USB-A adapter and AES-256 hardware encryption. It is stated to be pre-formatted for Windows, with macOS use requiring reformatting; keep a separate off-site copy for irreplaceable files.
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For carrying a sizeable local photo, video and document copy away from the main computer.
Listed with 2TB capacity, read speeds up to 800MB/s, a 40g form and up-to-2-metre drop protection. Check the USB connector, supplied cable, write speed, file system and operating-system compatibility for every device before buying.
No. Apple states that iCloud Photos synchronises originals, edits and deletions across devices using the same Apple Account. Keep another separately managed location for files you cannot replace.
Potentially, but check the format first. Apple says Time Machine cannot back up to a Windows-formatted disk unless it is reformatted, which removes existing data; if general files are also needed on the same disk, consider a separate APFS volume rather than using the Time Machine volume as ordinary storage.
Microsoft’s File History can use an external drive or network location. Confirm which folders are included, ensure the intended drive is available when backups run and restore a sample file before relying on the setup.
Read the renewal, price-change, cancellation, suspension, export and refund terms before subscribing. The Consumer Rights Act 2015 covers consumer contracts for services and digital content, while GOV.UK cloud-storage guidance advises checking renewal notices, service restrictions and the time needed to copy data elsewhere; check the current contract and applicable law before relying on cancellation rights.
Check the provider’s terms before cancelling. Microsoft states that an over-limit OneDrive account cannot upload, edit or sync new files, while Google says a cancelled storage plan does not auto-renew. Download or make another local copy before changing plans rather than waiting until the account is full.