Choose cloud storage when access across devices and automatic phone backup matter most, a separate external drive when you need a local copy, or a network-attached storage (NAS) system when you are prepared to manage shared storage and its backups. For irreplaceable photos and work files, combine a local copy with an off-site copy rather than relying on one drive, sync folder or account. Check what each service actually backs up and how you would restore files before choosing a plan.
If phone photos, videos and household documents need to be available on several devices, check both the sync service and the device backup. Apple, for example, handles data already synchronised to iCloud separately from its daily device backup.
If losing a laptop or an earlier version of a work file would cause problems, prioritise a copy you can restore. A folder that stays synchronised across devices does not, by itself, establish an independent backup.
If several devices hold substantial photo or video libraries, local drive capacity or shared NAS storage may matter more than access to every file on a phone. Plan a separate destination for files that cannot be replaced.
Decide how you need to recover files before choosing a drive or subscription: access to current files, recovery of older copies and recovery after losing a device are different tasks. Then check capacity, device support and the work needed to maintain the chosen setup.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Recoverable copies | Check which files and device data are backed up, how older versions are retained and whether you can restore a sample folder from a separate destination. | If losing a computer or accidentally changing important files is my main worry, I need a copy I can actually restore; roughly 30% of consumers put recovery first. |
| Access across devices | Confirm supported phones and computers, included folders and photos, and whether the service provides sync, device backup or both. | When I use a phone and computer for the same household files, keeping them accessible without manual copying is my priority; that is the primary need for roughly 25% of consumers. |
| Capacity and transfers | Allow room for a growing library; for a portable SSD, check the computer port and cable before relying on a quoted transfer rate. | With a large photo, video or work-file library, I care most about fitting and moving the files; roughly 25% of consumers place capacity and transfers first. |
| Shared local storage | Check how devices will use the NAS, who will maintain it and where its additional backup copy will be kept. | If several household devices need one managed local store, I am willing to handle its upkeep for that control; roughly 20% of consumers make shared storage their main concern. |
Sync keeps selected files current across locations. As Google explains for Drive for desktop, edits synchronise between the computer and Drive; that does not make the folder a separately protected historical copy.
Use sync for access, but check version and deletion recovery and keep another recoverable copy of irreplaceable files.
An external drive can be lost with the computer or home. Synology also warns that RAID or drive failure can cause data loss, while the National Cyber Security Centre says neither local nor cloud backups resist ransomware by default.
Keep another copy in a different location or service, and practise restoring a sample folder.
A NAS or main external drive may therefore need a second backup destination as part of the setup.
Google account storage is shared across Drive, Gmail and Photos. Apple distinguishes storage on a device from storage in iCloud, so the space needed for photos and backups may not match the space shown on the device.
Check current usage and which services share the allowance before selecting capacity, leaving room for new files.
Moving to a larger cloud tier can introduce a recurring subscription commitment.
Samsung says the quoted maximum speeds for its T7 Shield depend on a compatible host, cable and USB connection. A drive's stated maximum is not a promise of the same speed with every computer.
Check the requirements for the exact SSD and your computer's port before choosing it for frequent large transfers.
iCloud and iCloud+ are relevant to Apple-device households using phone backup alongside synchronised photos and files.
Google One and Drive suit households whose files and photos already use Google services.
OneDrive and Microsoft 365 are relevant to households using Office files across computers and phones.
Samsung portable SSDs are relevant when a compact local copy needs to move between devices.
Synology NAS systems are relevant when a household is prepared to configure and maintain shared local storage.
These portable SSDs and hard drives are options for making a local copy of household photos and work files. Choose capacity and device compatibility for your own files, then arrange a separate copy for anything you cannot replace.
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For a large local copy of photos or work files that you need to carry between computers.
4 TB portable SSD with a USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2 connection. Check your computer's port and cable when assessing transfer speed, and keep an additional copy of important files elsewhere.
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For carrying a local copy of selected household files between devices.
The product title specifies a 1 TB portable SSD and USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2. Confirm the capacity of the selected variant and check the connection requirements before ordering; the drive does not provide cloud sync.
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For a larger portable local archive centred on a Mac.
This 5 TB external hard drive uses USB-C. For Windows 10 or later, check the stated downloadable HFS+ driver requirement; confirm the applicable warranty term before ordering.
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For storing a substantial local copy of photos, videos and documents.
This portable hard drive is labelled 4 TB with USB 3.0. Check whether reformatting is needed for a Mac or another operating system, and protect the drive from physical shocks.
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For a portable local copy of household documents and a selected photo or work-file library.
This external hard drive is labelled 2 TB. Check the driver requirements for the computer you intend to use, and confirm the backup and restore process before relying on it for recovery.
Sync keeps selected data current across devices; a backup is a separate copy from which you can restore lost files. Device recovery restores saved device data, but its scope may differ from data synchronised separately: Apple, for instance, handles iCloud-synchronised information separately from its device backup.
No, not as part of the daily device backup: Apple says photos and videos already uploaded through iCloud Photos are not included in it. Check both iCloud Photos sync and iCloud Backup before relying on them to recover your phone's data.
OneDrive offers recovery within limits set by Microsoft. Its file version history is retained for 30 days, and Microsoft 365 subscribers can roll back an entire OneDrive within the last 30 days; a file permanently deleted from the OneDrive recycle bin cannot be recovered.
No. Synology warns that RAID crashes and hard-drive failures can still cause data loss and recommends three copies on two storage media, with one copy off-site. Plan a separate backup destination and check how you would restore files if the NAS fails.