Choose a backup approach by deciding what you need to recover after a deletion, unwanted change or device failure, not just where you can see today’s files. Cloud synchronisation helps keep files accessible across devices, but changes can travel between them; for important files, check earlier-version recovery, device coverage and whether a separate copy is kept away from the main device or home.
If losing work, study files or photos would matter, prioritise an earlier copy you can actually restore after a deletion, unwanted change or device failure. Microsoft Support describes earlier-version restoration in OneDrive; the National Cyber Security Centre also stresses protecting backup data from attempts to destroy it.
If you switch between a computer and phone, keeping current files available is useful, but it is a different question from restoring an older copy. Google explains that Drive for desktop synchronises edits and deletions; Apple distinguishes iCloud syncing from its device backups.
If you carry a drive or keep sensitive files on it, consider what happens if the device is lost. The Information Commissioner’s Office identifies encryption as a safeguard for stored personal information; cloud users should also review who can access shared files.
For files spread across computers and phones, decide what must remain recoverable first. Then choose where the copies will live and check which devices and data types each approach actually covers.
Consider it when: You want a separate local copy of computer files and can connect the drive for scheduled or regular backups.
Keep in mind: A drive kept beside the computer can be affected by the same loss or damage, so plan another destination away from home.
Consider it when: You frequently move or duplicate large working files between compatible devices.
Keep in mind: It remains a local copy; check the host connection and establish a separate recovery routine.
Consider it when: Access to current files across devices and a copy outside the home are priorities.
Keep in mind: Google says Drive for desktop synchronises deletions as well as edits, so check version history and deleted-file recovery separately.
Consider it when: Several devices need a central local backup destination and you can manage its setup and retention.
Keep in mind: A NAS at home still needs a separate backup destination and a restore process you understand.
Consider it when: You want automatic backups of a supported computer rather than relying on manual copying.
Keep in mind: Device coverage and retention vary by service. Backblaze, for example, describes its Computer Backup product as backup for Mac and Windows computers, not a file-sharing archive.
| Concern | Buying checks | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Recovering earlier files | Check which changes and deletions can be reversed, how long versions remain available, and whether a separate copy can be changed through the same account. | If a file is deleted or damaged, I need an earlier usable copy rather than another copy of its current state. Roughly 42% of consumers put this recovery need first. |
| Device and file coverage | List the computers, phones and file types involved; check supported systems and whether each service syncs files, backs up a device or covers connected drives. | When I work across a computer and phone, I need to know which files I can reach and which device data I could restore. Keeping files covered across devices comes first for around 33% of consumers. |
| Privacy and storage control | Check encryption and access credentials, cloud sharing permissions, available capacity and what happens when a storage plan changes. | If I carry sensitive files or keep them in cloud storage, I want to control access without losing track of where copies are held. For about 25% of consumers, that control is the primary concern. |
Google says Drive for desktop copies edits, moves and deletions between locations. A synced current file may therefore be less useful than an earlier version when you need to undo a change.
Check version retention and deleted-file recovery, and keep an independent copy of files you cannot replace.
The same theft or damage at home could affect both the computer and a nearby drive. The National Cyber Security Centre also cautions that neither local nor cloud backups are resistant to destructive attacks by default.
Keep another copy away from the main device or home, and check whether one account could delete or overwrite both copies.
A drive’s stated maximum speed depends on the connection. Samsung says the cited T7 Shield maximum requires a host and cable supporting USB 3.2 Gen 2, with UASP enabled.
Check the computer or phone port and cable as well as the drive before relying on a stated transfer speed.
Backblaze describes its Computer Backup product as an evolving backup rather than an archive, while Synology allows retention policies that remove older versions.
Set retention for the period you may need to go back, and keep a separate archive copy of files deliberately removed from everyday devices.
An iCloud route for people primarily protecting iPhone, iPad and Mac data.
A cloud-file route for access through a Google account and supported devices.
Portable SSDs for people moving or copying large files between compatible devices.
External-drive options for keeping local copies of computer files.
A NAS route for managing backups from several devices through a central local system.
A managed computer-backup route for supported Mac and Windows computers.
These portable SSDs and external hard drives are options for keeping local file copies. Whichever drive you choose, decide how you will make and restore backups, and keep another copy away from the main device for important files.
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Consider this portable SSD for a local copy you need to carry between compatible devices. The named variant has 1 TB capacity and USB 3.2 Gen 2; check your device connection and make a separate copy of important files.
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Consider this drive when you need a 2 TB local destination for files moved between compatible devices. Its name specifies USB 3.2 Gen 2; check your connection, set up any encryption you need and plan how earlier files could be restored.
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Consider this 2 TB drive as a local destination for computer-file backups. If you use a Mac or move files between operating systems, check the required driver and file format; also check what the backup setup can restore.
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Consider this 2 TB portable SSD for carrying a local file copy. Confirm compatibility with the particular computer or phone you intend to use, and check encryption and earlier-file recovery if either is essential to your backup plan.
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Consider this 4 TB USB 3.0 drive when a larger local file collection needs a separate destination. Check formatting before using it with a Mac, and arrange another location for a copy of important files.
No, not by itself: synchronisation keeps current files aligned, while a recoverable backup must let you retrieve the copy you need. Google says Drive for desktop synchronises edits, moves and deletions; check historical versions and deleted-file recovery before relying on it after a mistake. Apple likewise distinguishes iCloud syncing from device backups.
Test a non-sensitive file and confirm that you can retrieve the required copy to a different folder or device. Make a controlled change after backing it up, then check whether the earlier version is available and how long the service retains it; Microsoft Support describes earlier-version restoration for OneDrive files.
Encryption is worth assessing when the drive holds personal information and could be lost or stolen. The Information Commissioner’s Office identifies it as a safeguard for stored personal data; check how encryption is enabled and how you will retain the credentials needed to restore the files.
Check the provider’s allowance and make sure you can keep or download files that exceed it. For iCloud+, Apple’s UK guidance advises downloading or removing content above the new allowance before downgrading or cancelling, and says the change takes effect after the current billing period.