Choose cloud storage if off-site access and automatic copying matter most; choose an external drive if you need a separate local copy or cannot rely on internet access. For important records, consider both: protect the cloud account, disconnect the drive between backups and test that you can restore files. The National Cyber Security Centre advises considering online storage alongside a storage-device backup.
If losing household, self-employment or tax-related documents would be disruptive, an off-site copy and a separately stored local copy reduce reliance on one location. The National Cyber Security Centre advises keeping backup storage separate from the main device.
Work out how much you intend to back up, allow for growth and check the computer connection before choosing a local drive. Capacity and connection requirements differ between the models described by Samsung, Crucial and Seagate.
A compact local copy may be useful between locations, but its size also makes secure storage important. Check who can access the files and how you would regain access if the device or account became unavailable.
Decide where a recoverable copy must be available, then check the capacity, connection and access controls needed for your files. Neither an online account nor a local drive removes the need to try a restore.
Choose it when: You need an off-site copy or access from more than one device, and have reliable internet access.
Accept that: Recovery depends on account access and the service; check which folders and earlier file versions you can restore.
Choose it when: You want a local copy of a substantial file collection or cannot depend on internet access.
Accept that: A drive kept beside or permanently connected to the computer can share its physical or malware risks.
Choose it when: Important records need both off-site availability and an independent local recovery path.
Accept that: You must maintain two copies, store the drive securely and check that both restore methods work.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Separate recovery copy | Choose a location separate from the computer; test a restore and disconnect local storage between backups. | If my computer fails or becomes inaccessible, I need another copy I can actually open. Around 25% of consumers put this separate recovery path first. |
| Portable local storage | Compare your file volume with drive capacity, then check the computer port and supplied cable. | When I carry files or repeatedly make local copies, I need a device that fits both my files and my equipment; roughly 19% of consumers make portable local storage their primary concern. |
| Automatic off-site access | Confirm which folders are copied, the storage allowance and how to restore older or deleted files. | I want records copied without relying on a manual routine and available away from my main device. For around 31% of consumers, that off-site access is the leading need. |
| Sensitive-record security | Review sharing permissions, account protection and how recovery details will be stored securely. | If my records contain sensitive household or client information, I need to control access without locking myself out; approximately 25% of consumers prioritise that protection. |
Changes to a cloud folder can be copied across devices, but that alone does not establish whether an earlier usable version will be available. The Information Commissioner's Office advises checking whether a cloud service's security and availability suit the files involved.
Check the included folders, version and restore options, account recovery and storage allowance. Keep an independent copy of important records.
The National Cyber Security Centre warns that malware can affect storage connected to an infected computer. A permanently attached drive therefore does not provide the same separation as one disconnected after use.
Disconnect the drive after a completed backup and store it securely away from the main computer.
Samsung and Crucial specify host and connection conditions for the stated performance of their T7 Shield and X10 Pro models. A computer or cable that does not meet those conditions may not achieve the advertised maximum.
Check the drive's USB standard against the computer port and cable, including any USB-C or UASP requirement for the exact model.
A completed copy does not show that the files can be found and opened after the original device becomes unavailable. The NI Cyber Security Centre advises practising restoration.
Periodically restore a representative folder to a different location, open its files and confirm that you can access the necessary account, drive and recovery details.
Its T7 Shield is a portable SSD to consider when compact local storage and the computer connection both matter.
Its X10 Pro portable SSD illustrates why host compatibility and formatting belong on the buying checklist.
Its external hard-drive range is relevant when the size of a local archive is the starting point.
These portable hard drives and solid-state storage devices are options for a separate local copy. Choose the capacity and connection for your own files and computer, and plan how the device will be stored and restored; a local device does not replace an off-site copy.
No image available
Consider this 2TB portable drive if your selected records fit within that capacity and you want a local copy you can store separately. Check the connection and how you would restore earlier files before relying on it.
No image available
This 5TB portable drive is a local-copy option for a larger archive, particularly if you are considering a Mac-oriented model. Confirm its connection and file-system setup for every computer you intend to use, and test file restoration.
No image available
Consider this 1TB USB Type-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2 model for a compact local copy if its capacity suits your files. Samsung states that its maximum transfer speeds require a compatible USB 3.2 Gen 2 host and cable with UASP enabled; its model-specific protection claims do not guarantee against damage or loss.
No image available
This 1TB device is another portable local-copy option. If transfer performance is important to your choice, check whether your computer supports its stated USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 connection; keep a separate recovery path for important files.
No image available
Consider this 4TB USB 3.0 portable drive for a local archive that fits within its capacity. Check the connection and file-system requirements of the computers you use, then store the completed backup separately.
Cloud storage can provide an off-site copy, but an additional copy on separate local storage gives you another recovery path. The National Cyber Security Centre advises considering both online storage and a storage device; protect the account and check how you would restore the files.
Disconnect it when the backup is complete and the drive is not in use. The National Cyber Security Centre warns that viruses can also affect storage connected to an infected computer; store the drive securely and separately afterwards.
Choose capacity against the files and retained versions you actually plan to back up, with room for growth. There is no single capacity that fits every archive; the NI Cyber Security Centre notes that small USB flash drives have limited space and can be easily lost.
Check the computer port, drive interface and cable against the exact model's requirements. Samsung says the T7 Shield's stated maximum speeds need a compatible USB 3.2 Gen 2 host and cable with UASP enabled; Crucial says full USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 performance for its X10 Pro requires a USB-C host.
According to the Information Commissioner's Office, processing personal data solely for a personal or household activity, with no professional or commercial connection, falls outside the UK GDPR's scope. If the files include customers' or clients' personal data for your work, assess the security appropriate to that activity, including how access can be restored after an incident.