Choose a backup arrangement by checking separately that your intended files open offline and that you can restore an earlier or deleted file from a distinct backup. An external drive provides a local copy, a NAS can serve several devices, and cloud backup can add an off-site copy; each route still depends on suitable capacity, retention settings and a successful restore test.
You want full-size photos and documents to remain usable on your computer without an internet connection. Microsoft Support and Apple Support explain how their respective settings distinguish downloaded files or originals from online-only or optimised copies.
You want to restore files after deletion, a drive failure or an incident at home, so you are comparing separate copies and version-retention settings rather than storage space alone. The UK National Cyber Security Centre’s backup guidance discusses keeping copies on different devices and one off-site.
You need to gather files from more than one computer or phone and are weighing a centrally managed local destination against the extra setup. Synology’s documentation describes NAS backup options that can use separate destinations.
Choose this when: you mainly want a separate local copy that you can retrieve without relying on an internet connection.
Trade-off: a drive kept beside your computer may be affected by the same theft or household incident.
Choose this when: several devices need a shared local destination and you are prepared to configure and maintain backup jobs.
Trade-off: network access adds setup, and files stored or synchronised on a NAS are not automatically a separate, restorable backup.
Choose this when: you want an off-site copy while keeping selected originals available on your computer.
Trade-off: full local downloads use computer storage, and synchronisation alone does not establish that earlier versions can be restored.
Choose this when: you want separate local and off-site copies to address different recovery situations.
Trade-off: you will need to manage more than one destination and check any cloud subscription and retention terms.
| Concern | What to check when buying | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Offline access to originals | Check the local-copy setting for the folders and photo libraries you use, allow downloads to finish, then open full-size sample files with the internet disconnected. Microsoft Support and Apple Support describe options that use computer storage for locally available files. | I want my chosen originals to open when I am offline, not just see their names in a folder; around 33% of consumers put offline access first. |
| Restoring deleted or earlier files | Check what is backed up, how long deleted and earlier versions are kept, whether changes can reach the backup, and whether a test file can be restored. The UK National Cyber Security Centre’s guidance distinguishes resilient copies from locations exposed to the same changes. | If I delete or change a file by mistake, I want a separate copy I can recover; around 27% of consumers prioritise independent recovery. |
| Room for a growing library | Measure the folders and full-size photos you intend to keep, allow for growth and versions, and compare usable device space with any cloud plan’s renewal and retrieval terms. Downloading originals uses local storage, as Microsoft Support and Apple Support explain. | I need enough room for my growing collection without overlooking ongoing service terms; around 27% of consumers focus on capacity and continuing cost. |
| Several devices and folders | List each computer, phone and folder to protect, then check that the chosen backup setup covers them and keeps a separate version. Synology documents NAS backup destinations including USB, another NAS and cloud services. | I want to manage files from several devices through a local setup without missing a source; around 13% of consumers prioritise multi-device management. |
A file name can appear on your computer while its contents remain online-only. Apple’s Mac photo settings can also keep smaller local versions instead of full-size originals.
Check the service’s local-copy option, wait for downloads to complete, then disconnect from the internet and open sample full-size files.
Keeping full files offline uses space on your computer.
Changes or deletions can synchronise across locations. Recovery depends on the service’s version history or a separately configured backup.
Check the deletion and version-retention settings, keep a distinct copy where needed, and test restoring a file.
A separate destination or longer version retention may require additional storage and management.
A NAS can store and share files, but recovery from unwanted changes depends on a configured backup task and destination. Synology documents multi-version Hyper Backup options as well as a single-version option that overwrites older backup data.
Before choosing a unit, check which source devices its backup setup can cover and plan a separate destination for important NAS data.
The setup may require compatible installed drives and a separate backup destination.
On 2 April 2026, the UK Department for Business and Trade said the subscription protections it announced were expected to take effect in spring 2027. That announcement does not establish that those protections are already in force.
Read the service’s current renewal and exit terms, and check the rules applicable when you sign up.
The Expansion portable HDD line is a directly connected option for local storage.
The T7 line offers compact external SSDs; the T7 Shield is a separate line for buyers considering a more protected enclosure.
The two-bay DS224+ illustrates a managed local NAS route for files from several devices.
OneDrive is a cloud storage and synchronisation option for people who want selected files online and on their computer.
Computer Backup is a cloud-backup service with documented file-version choices.
These products are portable external drives for keeping a local copy of selected photos and documents. An external drive alone does not establish versioned recovery, so check your backup process separately.
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A portable local-storage option for selected photos and documents.
2 TB capacity; USB Type-C; USB 3.2 Gen 2 (3.1 Gen 2).
The listing states that this drive is not a replacement for a comprehensive backup solution.
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A portable external SSD for a growing collection of files.
4 TB capacity; USB Type-C; USB 3.2 Gen 2x2.
The listing says the drive is not waterproof or dustproof.
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A portable local-storage option for selected photos and documents.
1 TB capacity; USB Type-C; USB 3.2 Gen 2 (3.1 Gen 2). The listing describes USB Type-C to Type-C and Type-C to Type-A cables.
The listing states that this drive is not a replacement for a comprehensive backup solution and is not waterproof or dustproof.
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A portable external SSD for local copies where the listed enclosure rating is relevant to your use.
1 TB capacity; USB Type-C; USB 3.2 Gen 2 (3.1 Gen 2); IP65 rating.
The listing describes temporary water exposure, not long-term submersion. Samsung says the IP65 rating is based on controlled tests and liquid and dust damage are not covered by its warranty.
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A portable external hard drive for a larger collection of photos and documents.
5 TB capacity; USB 3.0.
Not unless you have checked that it can restore the files you need. Synchronisation can carry changes between locations, so check the service’s deleted-file and earlier-version retention and test restoring a file. Keep a distinct backup if you need protection beyond the service’s retention.
Check that the files are fully downloaded, then open representative originals with the internet disconnected. Microsoft Support explains that OneDrive Files On-Demand can leave files online-only or make selected files available offline; Apple distinguishes downloading originals to a Mac from optimising Mac storage.
Do not assume that it will. Check the configured backup task and its retained versions: Synology documents a multi-version Hyper Backup option and a single-version option that overwrites older backup data. Test restoring a file from a separate destination.
Check the current plan’s capacity, covered devices and external drives, deleted-file retention, renewal terms and how to retrieve files if you stop paying. Backblaze’s documented retention conditions differ for disconnected external drives, so check the terms for the particular service and files you intend to protect.
Check who may access your files and how the provider describes its security and availability. The UK Information Commissioner’s Office advises consumers to check these points and notes that a provider may use another organisation’s cloud services.