Choose a backup arrangement around how you would recover your photos and documents, not capacity alone. An external drive provides a local copy, while an online service can keep a copy away from home; for irreplaceable files, the National Cyber Security Centre advises considering both cloud and removable-media copies. Whichever route you choose, check what is actually backed up and test how you would restore it.
If family photos or videos cannot be recreated, plan for the loss of a device or an entire local copy. The National Cyber Security Centre advises considering both a cloud copy and removable media for irreplaceable files.
Automatic copying matters when files are spread across phones and computers. Microsoft, Apple and Google describe different folder, device and photo-backup features, so check the included data on each device rather than assuming one setting covers everything.
A local drive may make a large restore more practical when downloading the archive would be difficult. Check its capacity and computer compatibility, then store it securely and disconnect it between backups; the National Cyber Security Centre warns that connected backup media can be affected by ransomware.
Consider it when: You need a local copy or a way to restore a large library without downloading it.
Trade-off: A drive or NAS kept at home is not an off-site copy; the National Cyber Security Centre also warns about malware reaching connected backup storage.
Consider it when: You need an off-site copy, automatic computer backup or access to selected files across devices.
Trade-off: Synchronised folders, phone backups and computer-backup services cover different data. Restoration also depends on the service and your internet connection.
Consider it when: Losing one copy of irreplaceable photos or documents would leave you without a usable recovery route.
Trade-off: You must maintain both copies and check that recently added files can be restored from them.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Independent copies | Check that a second copy is separate from the computer and that a removable drive can be disconnected and restored from. | If I cannot replace family photos, I need a copy that will survive the loss of my main device or backup drive. Around 31% of consumers would put protection against a single-copy failure first. |
| Automatic coverage | Confirm which folders, photos and device data are included, and what must happen for backups to run. | With files on several devices, I want recent copies without having to remember each transfer. For roughly 31% of consumers, automatic coverage would be the primary need. |
| Capacity and recovery | Measure the library, allow for growth, and check drive compatibility or cloud quota alongside the method for restoring large amounts of data. | If my photo and video archive is large, I need room for it and a workable way to get it back after a failure. About 23% of consumers would prioritise capacity and practical recovery. |
| Access and control | Check account access, encryption credentials and recovery responsibilities; for a NAS, confirm supported backup software and a separate destination. | If several people use shared storage, I want to know who can open files and who can recover the backup. For around 15% of consumers, control and home administration would come first. |
A drive beside the computer can be lost in the same incident, and the National Cyber Security Centre warns that ransomware can reach connected backup media.
Keep another independent copy, and disconnect a removable backup drive when it is not in use.
Apple distinguishes synchronised iCloud data from iCloud Backup; Google separates Android backup from Google Photos; and Microsoft OneDrive Folder Backup covers selected folders.
List what you would need after replacing a device, check each service’s coverage and try restoring a small selection of files.
A drive still has to work with the intended computer. Online capacity does not settle how a large archive will be delivered: Backblaze limits downloadable ZIP restores to 500GB per request.
Check ports, operating-system requirements and the available restore methods before committing your library.
Google says a full account can prevent new photo and video backups. Backblaze states that its default retention for deleted files and earlier versions is 30 days.
Monitor available space, check retention and renewal terms, and make another copy before closing an account you rely on.
iCloud is relevant to households backing up Apple devices and keeping selected data available through Apple services.
Android backup and Google Photos are relevant to households protecting phone data, photos and videos.
OneDrive Folder Backup is relevant when selected computer folders need to be available across devices.
The Basic portable hard-drive range illustrates the local-storage route for household files.
The T7 Touch portable SSD is relevant when a household wants a local drive with access controls.
Personal Backup is relevant to Mac or PC households seeking an automatic off-site computer copy rather than only a synchronised folder.
Synology NAS equipment is relevant to households willing to manage shared local storage and backup tasks.
These external hard drives and portable SSDs are options for keeping household photos and documents locally. Choose the capacity and connection for your computer, then plan a separate copy if losing the local drive would leave you without your files.
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This portable drive suits a household wanting a 2TB local copy of photos and documents.
If scheduled copying matters, confirm that the backup software works with your computer; check macOS setup requirements before buying.
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This 5TB portable drive is a local-storage option for a larger household archive, particularly when choosing a drive for a Mac.
Check setup requirements if you intend to use it with Windows, and confirm the applicable warranty terms before purchase.
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This 2 TB portable SSD suits a household that regularly moves a local copy between compatible devices.
Check the computer connection and how you will copy files regularly; a portable local copy does not replace an off-site backup.
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This 4TB local drive is an option for a household keeping a sizeable photo, video and document library.
Check whether your computer needs reformatting before use, and decide how you will keep its copies up to date.
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This desktop drive suits a household seeking a stationary 10TB local archive.
Allow space and power for a desktop drive, check the intended computer’s formatting needs, and keep another copy of files you cannot replace.
No, you should not assume they cover the same data or offer the same recovery options. Apple distinguishes synchronised iCloud services from iCloud Backup snapshots; check how your chosen service handles deleted files and practise restoring what matters to you.
Yes, when the relevant feature is enabled and its conditions are met. Apple says automatic iCloud device backups require power, Wi-Fi and a locked screen; Google describes automatic Android backup separately from Google Photos. Check the included data and the date of the last successful backup on each phone.
Start by measuring the photos, videos, documents and device data you intend to protect, then leave room for growth and any versions you need. For cloud storage, check what else uses the allowance: Google says Drive, Gmail, WhatsApp backups and Photos share account storage.
Check the renewal and cancellation terms, continued access to your files and how you would export them. GOV.UK consumer guidance advises watching for renewal or service-change notices and allowing time to transfer data or make another copy before leaving a provider.
No: a NAS can manage shared local storage and backup versions, but one kept at home is not an off-site copy. Synology describes multiple destinations for Hyper Backup; choose an independent destination and test that you can restore files from it.