Choose backup storage according to where you need to recover your files: an external drive provides a local copy, cloud storage provides an off-device route, and a network-attached storage device can serve several computers in one household. For important files, keep a separate recovery copy, check which folders are included and make sure you can restore them; a fast drive alone does not establish that the files are protected.
If family photos or personal records would be difficult to recreate, you need a recoverable copy away from the original computer. The National Cyber Security Centre advises keeping important data in a separate, safe location.
If you move photo or video collections between places, consider how easily you can carry and connect a local drive. Check the computer and cable before relying on a drive’s advertised transfer speed.
A shared network-attached storage device may suit several computers if someone can manage its setup, storage and access. It still needs a separate recovery copy.
An external HDD suits a local archive, while a portable SSD is worth considering when carrying and transferring large files matters. Cloud storage offers an off-device route, and a NAS offers a shared local destination that needs ongoing management; use a USB flash drive for moving a limited set of files rather than assuming it can hold your primary backup.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Recovering files | Check that a separate copy is made, which folders it includes and how to restore a file. Keep removable media apart from the computer when appropriate. | If losing the computer would also mean losing irreplaceable files, I need a copy I can retrieve independently. Roughly 36% of consumers put recoverability first. |
| Capacity and backup history | Allow for the files you need, future growth and retained versions. For Time Machine, Apple recommends a backup disk with at least twice the Mac’s storage capacity; check cloud storage limits and renewal terms separately. | As my photo archive grows, I need room for complete copies without losing the history I intend to keep. Capacity is the primary concern for around 29% of consumers. |
| Portable use | Check the computer’s port and the supplied cable. Treat speed and physical-protection claims as specific to the model and stated conditions. | When I carry large files, I want a drive that connects to my computer and withstands the handling I expect. About 21% of consumers primarily weigh portable use. |
| Several devices | Check each computer’s backup-software compatibility, the NAS requirements and who will maintain a second copy. | With more than one computer at home, I need a manageable shared destination rather than separate manual copies for each device. For roughly 14% of consumers, multi-device backup comes first. |
A synced folder may not retain the earlier version you need, and a drive left connected can be exposed alongside the computer. The National Cyber Security Centre advises keeping a backup in a separate safe location and not leaving removable backup media permanently connected.
Check whether your service retains recoverable versions, keep another copy separate and practise restoring a small file.
Backup history and a growing archive need room beyond the files currently visible. Apple recommends a Time Machine disk with at least twice the Mac’s storage capacity; Google account storage is shared across Drive, Gmail and Photos.
Measure the folders you intend to protect, allow for growth and check how much history the chosen setup can retain.
Samsung’s maximum T7 and T7 Shield speed claims depend on the host connection, cable and supported USB mode; actual performance can vary by computer.
Check the port and cable you will use, and treat maximum transfer figures as conditional rather than a promised backup time.
A NAS can provide a shared local backup destination, but its location does not by itself separate it from an incident affecting the home. Synology backup functions also have model and configuration requirements.
Confirm the required drives, software and filesystem for your intended tasks, then arrange a separate recovery destination for important files.
Its portable T7 SSD range is relevant when you want a local copy you can carry; protection features depend on the exact model.
Its One Touch range includes external HDD, SSD and desktop storage options for local files.
Its NAS software is relevant to households prepared to manage a shared backup destination for several computers.
Windows users can consider File History for a local or network destination and OneDrive folder backup for selected cloud-stored folders.
These portable HDDs and SSDs offer local destinations for personal-file copies. Choose capacity and connections for your computer and files, then keep another recoverable copy separate where practical.
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Consider this portable HDD for a local copy of personal files if 2TB accommodates the folders and backup history you intend to keep. Check its connection and backup-software setup for your computer, and store a separate recovery copy elsewhere.
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This Mac-focused portable HDD is an option for a larger local archive if 5TB covers your files and retained history. Confirm the required setup for the computer you will use, and check the applicable warranty terms before buying.
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Consider this portable SSD when you want a local copy to carry or use for large files. It is a 2 TB USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2 variant; check your computer’s connection, the capacity you need and how you will make regular copies.
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This 1TB portable SSD may suit a local copy carried between devices, provided its capacity meets your backup needs. It uses USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2; check connection compatibility and Samsung’s conditions for any model-specific protection claims.
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Consider this 4TB portable HDD for a local archive once you have checked the size of your files and intended backup history. Check USB 3.0 connection and computer compatibility before setting up backups; keep an independent copy of important files.
Apple recommends a backup device with at least twice the Mac’s storage capacity for Time Machine. This allows room for backup history, but it is not a capacity rule for every computer or backup route.
Yes. Microsoft says File History can make regular backups to either destination and restore previous file versions. Check that the folders you value are included; folders outside the default libraries may need to be added to a library.
Do not leave it permanently connected if it is your only local recovery copy. The National Cyber Security Centre’s ransomware guidance advises disconnecting backup media; choose a backup routine you can maintain, then keep the drive separately when appropriate.
No: check the service’s selected folders and backup settings rather than relying on account capacity alone. Microsoft’s OneDrive folder backup covers standard PC folders, while Google account storage is shared across Drive, Gmail and Photos.