Choose a backup route by how you would recover your photos and files, not just by how much storage it offers. An external HDD suits routine local copies, while a portable SSD is worth considering for frequent large transfers; cloud storage helps with access across devices, and a separate local and offsite copy reduces reliance on one device or location. Whichever route you choose, check the folders it protects, the space available for future backups and how you would restore a file.
If the originals would be difficult to replace, focus on a separate copy you can actually restore. The National Cyber Security Centre warns that connected backups can be affected alongside the computer during a ransomware incident.
Regular large transfers make drive type, computer ports and cables more consequential. Which? distinguishes faster SSD transfers from HDDs used for longer-term file backup; a drive's quoted speed still needs compatible equipment.
Cloud storage can make selected files available across computers and mobile devices. Check which folders are included, how much of the account allowance other services use and how you would regain access to the account.
Start with the copy you would need after a loss: a portable or desktop drive provides a local destination, while cloud storage provides an offsite route. For files you cannot replace, consider how to keep those copies separate; then choose the capacity and transfer workflow that fit your library.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Recoverability | Check that the required folders are copied, that you can restore them and that at least one copy is separate from the computer. Microsoft documents versioned backups to an external drive or network location through Windows File History. | If losing family photos or documents would be hard to put right, I need a copy that remains accessible after a problem affects my computer. Around 31% of consumers would put recoverability first. |
| Capacity and history | Allow room for new files and retained versions, not just today's folder sizes. For Time Machine, Apple recommends a disk with at least twice the Mac's storage capacity. | With a growing photo library, I want routine backups to keep running without immediately filling the destination; roughly 25% of consumers would make capacity their primary concern. |
| Transfers and portability | Match the drive connection and cable to your computer, and check any speed or physical-protection claims for the exact model. Manufacturer maximum speeds are conditional on compatible equipment. | When I regularly move large photo or video files and carry a local copy, waiting for transfers and handling the drive matter most. Around 25% of consumers would prioritise this need. |
| Cloud access and allowance | Check which folders and devices are included, how the account is protected and how its storage allowance is shared. Microsoft Support lists 5 GB for a personal Microsoft account; Google One Help lists up to 15 GB shared across Drive, Gmail and Photos for a standard Google Account. | If I use files on several devices, I need access to the right folders without losing track of the shared allowance. That would be the main concern for roughly 19% of consumers. |
A connected copy may be affected by the same incident as the computer. The National Cyber Security Centre describes ransomware incidents involving connected USB and network backup drives.
Keep another copy separate from the computer, and disconnect a local backup drive between jobs when that suits your backup routine.
A growing library and older backup versions need space beyond the current files. Apple notes that Time Machine removes older backups when its disk fills.
Measure what you intend to protect and allow for growth. For Time Machine specifically, follow Apple's recommendation of at least twice the Mac's storage capacity.
Microsoft and Google account storage can be shared with other files and services, leaving less room for the folders you want to protect.
Check account-wide usage, the folders included in your backup arrangement and the current storage terms before relying on cloud storage alone.
Samsung and Crucial quote maximum transfer figures for their portable SSD lines, but actual performance depends on the connected equipment.
Check the exact drive, computer port and cable together. Treat an 'up to' figure as a maximum specification, not your expected backup rate.
These brands illustrate different local and cloud backup routes; a brand name alone does not tell you whether a particular setup will preserve the files and versions you need.
Seagate's Expansion range includes portable and desktop HDD routes for local file storage.
Samsung's T7 line is relevant when a portable SSD fits a frequent-transfer workflow.
Crucial's X9 Pro is a portable SSD route for moving photo and file copies between compatible devices.
Microsoft provides Windows File History for local versioned copies and OneDrive for selected cloud-stored files.
Google's account storage brings together Drive, Gmail and Photos under a shared allowance.
These portable HDD and SSD options are local destinations for photo and file copies. Choose capacity against the folders and backup history you need; for a more independent recovery arrangement, plan where an additional separate copy will live.
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A portable HDD to consider for local copies of a substantial photo or document library.
Capacity: 4TB. Check that it leaves room for growth and any backup history, and confirm the restore workflow you intend to use.
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A portable SSD to consider if you frequently transfer large files and take a local copy between places.
Capacity: 1 TB. Compare it with your full backup set and check that your computer connection and chosen backup software suit the job.
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A portable SSD for a local photo or file copy when frequent transfers and a 2 TB capacity fit your needs.
The product name specifies USB 3.2 Gen 2. Check your computer's connection, available space for retained backups and the restore process before relying on it.
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A 2TB portable SSD to consider for a local copy that you need to carry between locations.
Confirm the connector and cable against your devices, and check how your chosen backup software schedules and restores files.
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A portable HDD to consider for a larger local Mac photo or file backup.
Capacity: 5TB. For Time Machine, compare that capacity with Apple's recommendation of at least twice the Mac's storage capacity; check compatibility before using the drive with another operating system.
No. Moving the only copy of a file onto a drive gives it another location, but not another recoverable copy. Keep the files you need in a backup arrangement you can restore; Microsoft's Windows File History, for example, can make recurring versioned copies to an external drive or network location.
Apple recommends a backup device with at least twice the Mac's storage capacity and says it should ideally be used only for Time Machine. That is guidance for Mac Time Machine, rather than a sizing rule for every Windows or cloud backup.
Yes. Microsoft says File History can back up files to an external drive or network location. Select the folders you need, reconnect a portable drive for backup jobs and try restoring a file before depending on the arrangement.
Consider encryption if the drive contains personal information and might be lost or stolen. The Information Commissioner's Office describes encryption as a way to protect stored personal information from unauthorised access; if you enable password protection, keep the credentials needed to restore your files.
Do not assume that access to a synchronised cloud folder gives you the earlier copy you need. Check the service's deletion and restore options, the folders it covers and how you would recover account access; keep a separate backup for files you cannot replace.