Choose a portable SSD if you regularly move large files, or an external hard disk drive (HDD) if a substantial local archive matters more than transfer speed. Cloud storage suits access across devices, provided its storage, subscription and sharing settings meet your needs. For irreplaceable files, consider both local and cloud copies: maintain each copy, disconnect the local drive between backups and protect the cloud account with two-step verification.
If losing family photos or personal documents would be particularly difficult, focus on separate, recoverable copies rather than extra space alone. The National Cyber Security Centre advises considering both online storage and a separate storage device.
If you need current photos and documents on a phone, tablet and computer, cloud access may help when you have an internet connection. Check sharing permissions before giving family or trusted contacts access, as Which? advises.
If your photo, video or document collection mainly needs space on a physical drive, consider an HDD and a backup routine you will maintain. Which? describes the capacity and speed trade-off between external HDDs and SSDs; a single drive should not be the only copy of important files.
Which? distinguishes external drives by capacity and transfer needs, while the National Cyber Security Centre advises keeping recoverable copies separate from the original files.
Consider it: When you frequently transfer large files and want compact local storage.
Bear in mind: Check the computer connection before relying on a drive’s rated speed, and keep another copy of critical files.
Consider it: When your main task is keeping a substantial local photo and file archive.
Bear in mind: An HDD is a physical copy that needs a backup routine and does not provide remote access by itself.
Consider it: When access across devices and configured automatic backup are priorities.
Bear in mind: Access depends on your account and an internet connection; review the subscription and sharing settings.
Consider it: When losing important files would make a second, independent recovery route valuable.
Bear in mind: Both copies need maintaining, and a local backup drive should be disconnected between updates.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Recoverable copies | Plan a separate copy that can be restored; disconnect a local backup between updates and enable two-step verification for cloud access. | If my photos cannot be replaced, I need a way to recover them even if my computer or one backup location is affected. Around 33% of consumers put independent recovery first. |
| Cross-device access | Check device compatibility, automatic-backup setup and who can open shared files. | I want current documents on my phone and computer without making private folders broadly accessible. For around 27% of consumers, access and controlled sharing are the primary need. |
| Local capacity | Compare the capacity variant, connector and operating-system requirements; plan a second copy for important files. | A growing photo and video library needs enough room on a drive I can keep locally, even if transfers take longer. Around 20% of consumers prioritise local capacity. |
| Portable transfers | Match the drive’s interface and cable to your device’s port, and read speed ratings as conditional maximums. | I regularly move large batches of files and would use a compact drive often enough for transfer speed to matter. Portable transfers come first for around 20% of consumers. |
The National Cyber Security Centre warns that connected backups can be affected when the original computer is compromised. A copy in just one other location may leave no independent recovery route.
Keep a separate copy, disconnect a local backup when it is not being updated, and enable two-step verification for the cloud account where available.
Which? distinguishes SSD and HDD transfer needs, but a model’s rated speed does not describe what every computer and connection will achieve.
Check the exact interface, supplied cable and host port, then consider how often you actually move large files.
Files above a reduced storage allowance may need attention before a downgrade. Apple advises downloading or removing content that exceeds a lower iCloud+ allowance.
Check the allowance, renewal and cancellation terms, and decide how you would keep a local copy of files that exceed a smaller plan.
Which? cautions that an anyone-with-the-link setting can expose personal or sensitive files to whoever obtains the link.
Review shared folders, remove links you no longer need and use named-person access where available.
The portable T7 SSD line is relevant if compact local storage and frequent file transfers are your priorities.
The My Passport, Works with USB-C HDD line offers a local-archive route; Western Digital lists variants up to 6 TB.
The Backup Plus portable HDD line is relevant to people considering scheduled local backups.
These portable SSDs and HDDs are options for keeping local copies of photos and files. If you also use cloud storage, choose and maintain it separately as part of your backup plan.
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Consider this local SSD if you regularly move large batches of photos or files. The title identifies a 2 TB USB Type-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2 variant; check your device’s port and cable before relying on rated transfer speeds.
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Consider this portable HDD for a growing local photo and document library. It is the 4 TB variant; if you use macOS, confirm that its file-system setup suits your computer before buying.
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Consider this portable HDD if your local archive calls for a 5 TB drive. Check the intended computer and file-system setup, particularly if you plan to use it with macOS.
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Consider this 2 TB portable SSD if you want a local copy that you can carry between devices. Confirm the exact connection and compatibility with your devices before choosing it.
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Consider this 4 TB USB 3.0 portable HDD for a local file archive. Check compatibility and any reformatting needed for the computer you intend to use, especially with a Mac.
Do not assume one cloud account is your only recovery copy. The National Cyber Security Centre advises considering both online storage and a separate storage device; disconnect a local backup when you are not updating it.
Check what uses the allowance, the renewal terms and what happens to files if you downgrade while over a smaller allowance. Apple advises downloading or removing content above the new iCloud+ allowance before a downgrade; check the terms of the service you intend to use.
Give access to named people where the service allows it, review existing permissions and avoid broad sharing links for sensitive files. Which? warns about anyone-with-the-link access, and the National Cyber Security Centre advises enabling two-step verification for cloud accounts.
Check the exact drive variant against your computer’s port, cable and operating-system requirements before buying. A connection that fits physically does not settle whether the drive’s file-system setup or backup software suits your intended workflow.