Choose backup storage by what you may need to restore, how long you need deleted or older files to remain available, and whether a copy must survive the loss of your device or home. Cloud storage can provide an off-site copy, while an external drive or removable media can hold local copies; the UK National Cyber Security Centre describes backups as separate copies kept in another location. For files you cannot replace, separately managed local and off-site copies address risks that either location alone leaves open.
If photos, documents or contacts need to remain recoverable after deletion, device failure or loss, check that an older or separate copy can actually be restored. The UK National Cyber Security Centre and Microsoft describe backup and file-recovery considerations relevant to this need.
Growing photo, video or computer backups call for enough space for the files and any versions you want to retain. Apple and Seagate provide capacity guidance and product information for particular backup setups.
A useful backup route needs to work with the devices, ports and restore process you actually use; access to synchronised files is not automatically the same as a complete device backup. Apple and Kingston document features and connections for specific products and services.
Start with the files you need to recover, then check how the copy is retained and whether you can restore it using your current or replacement device.
| Concern | What to check when buying | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Recovery after deletion or device loss | Files included; deleted-file and version-retention rules; restoration on a replacement device; test a restore. | I need an older copy to be recoverable after deletion or device loss, not just visible in a synced folder. About 36% of consumers put recovery after deletion or device loss first. |
| Capacity for files and backup history | Measure the files to protect and check whether the device or plan has room for future files and retained versions. | If my photo collection or computer backup is growing, I need room for the files and any versions I want to keep. Around 29% of consumers prioritise capacity for files and backup history. |
| Device compatibility and restoration | Check operating-system support, ports and cables, backup software, included data and restoration on the expected replacement device. | I need a method that works with my devices and connections and lets me restore the files I selected. Approximately 21% of consumers put compatibility and practical restoration first. |
| Privacy and control of sensitive copies | Check cloud access and sharing settings, available encryption, and whether recovery credentials will remain accessible. | When a backup contains sensitive files, I want to control who can access it without locking myself out. About 14% of consumers make privacy and control their primary concern. |
Changes and deletions can carry through to synchronised files, and recovery periods depend on the service and feature. For personal accounts, Microsoft says OneDrive deleted files can be restored within the last 30 days; Google Drive says files remain in Trash for 30 days.
Check the rules for your account and restore an earlier file before relying on the service as your only backup.
A local incident can affect both the original and a nearby copy. The UK National Cyber Security Centre also describes incidents in which ransomware affected connected backup drives.
Keep a separately protected copy and test that it can be restored; consider an off-site copy for incidents affecting your home.
A drive may not fit the intended files or connect directly to the device. Kingston specifies USB-A for its DataTraveler Exodia, while Samsung’s stated T7 Shield transfer speeds depend on the host and cable.
Check file sizes, device ports and backup-software requirements. Treat rated speeds as conditional, not a guarantee of faster restores.
Apple offers distinct options for cloud storage and Mac backups; check which one covers the files you want to restore.
OneDrive may suit people already using Microsoft file storage who need to check whether its recovery terms meet their needs.
The Expansion Portable line is a manufacturer-documented external-drive option for local copies of larger file collections.
The T7 Shield portable SSD line may suit people who want a compact external copy and have a compatible connection.
DataTraveler Exodia is a flash-drive line for carrying or separately storing selected files.
Computer Backup is a cloud-backup service for people considering retained file versions and coverage of selected external drives.
These Joybuy choices cover external storage and removable USB drives for keeping local copies of important files. A local drive alone does not create an off-site copy, so consider where a separate copy will be kept.
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Consider it for a portable local copy when your device has a compatible connection.
1 TB capacity; USB Type-C; USB 3.2 Gen 2.
A single local drive does not provide a separately located copy.
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Consider it for a large local file collection if a desktop drive suits your setup.
22 TB capacity; USB 3.0; password protection and hardware encryption; listed for PC and Mac.
A single local drive does not provide a separately located copy.
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Consider it for a sizeable portable local copy of photos, videos and documents.
4 TB capacity; USB 3.0.
Reformatting may be required for Mac or other operating systems. The drive is not waterproof or dustproof, and a single local drive does not provide a separately located copy.
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Consider it for a removable copy of selected files on a device with a compatible USB Type-C port.
512 GB capacity; USB Type-C; USB 3.2 Gen 1.
A single removable drive does not provide a separately located copy.
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Consider it for carrying selected files between devices with compatible USB-A or USB Type-C ports.
128 GB capacity; USB Type-A and Type-C connectors; USB 3.2 Gen 1.
Android use requires a device that supports USB OTG. A single removable drive does not provide a separately located copy.
Not indefinitely by default. Microsoft says personal OneDrive accounts can restore deleted files or folders within the last 30 days, while Google Drive says files remain in Trash for 30 days. Check the service’s rules and keep another copy if you need recovery outside those periods.
Apple says Time Machine can automatically back up a Mac to an external storage device. Check that the device and connection are compatible; Apple recommends a backup disk with at least twice the Mac’s storage capacity. Restore a sample file to check that the setup works.
Check the terms for the exact drive and the remedies that apply to your purchase. A manufacturer’s warranty is not a promise to recover lost files, and it is separate from statutory remedies for faulty goods.
The Information Commissioner’s Office says the UK GDPR does not apply to processing carried out by individuals purely for personal or household activities. That condition may not apply when files are handled professionally or commercially. The ICO also says the UK GDPR does not specifically require encryption of all personal information.
Check the service and the selected retention setting. Backblaze says that, under its default 30-day version history, backed-up data from an external hard drive disconnected for more than 30 days may be removed. That condition applies to Backblaze, not all cloud providers.