Choose by how you would recover your files, not just where you can store them. A removable drive can hold a local copy of a large collection, while a cloud service can provide off-site access and automatic copying. For irreplaceable photos and records, use both an off-site copy and a separately protected local copy, then check how each can be restored.
If family photographs, scans or household records would be difficult to recreate, prioritise a copy away from the main device and a way to restore it. The National Cyber Security Centre advises keeping important backup data in a separate safe location.
Files used across phones, tablets and computers may benefit from cloud access. Check whether the service is synchronising the current files or preserving a separate recoverable copy: Apple Support says iCloud Drive changes appear across signed-in devices.
A removable drive may suit a sizeable collection, particularly if you want a local copy as well as off-site storage. Measure the files you intend to protect, allow for growth and decide whether the drive needs to travel or can stay at home.
Start with the files you could not replace and how you would restore them; then choose the capacity, automation and access controls your household needs.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Recovering lost or changed files | Keep a copy separate from the main device and test restoring a file. Check deletion and version-retention rules for cloud copies. | If a family photo or record disappears, I need a copy I can actually restore, not merely another view of the same changed file. About 33% of consumers would put recovery first. |
| Automatic copying across devices | Confirm which folders and devices are covered, and whether changes are synchronised or independently backed up. | When files are spread across my phone and computer, I want recent copies without remembering a manual transfer. For about 27% of consumers, that convenience would be the primary need. |
| Capacity and portability | Measure the files to be copied and allow for growth. Match the drive’s connection and size to where you will use it. | A growing photo or video library needs room to fit, while a drive I carry must be practical to connect. Roughly 20% of consumers would prioritise capacity and portability. |
| Sensitive records and account access | Check protection on the exact drive or cloud plan, and keep account-recovery methods current. | For scanned identity or financial records, I want to limit unwanted access without locking myself out. Protecting those records and retaining access would come first for about 20% of consumers. |
A mistaken change or deletion can reach other devices. Apple Support says iCloud Drive changes appear across devices; recovery and version-history rules differ between services.
Keep an independent copy of irreplaceable files, and check the chosen service’s deletion and version-retention rules.
The National Cyber Security Centre warns that connected backup storage can be affected by the same ransomware incident as the computer.
Confirm each backup has completed, disconnect removable media when it is not needed and practise restoring a file.
The quoted maximum for Samsung’s T7 Shield requires a compatible USB 3.2 Gen 2 connection and UASP support. A different computer or cable may not meet those conditions.
Check the drive, computer port and cable together before making transfer speed a deciding factor.
Extra authentication can protect sensitive files, but losing access to trusted devices or recovery methods can delay access. Apple Support says its account-recovery process may take several days or longer.
Keep recovery contact details current and set up any suitable recovery options before you need them.
The T7 Shield is a portable SSD example for files that are moved regularly.
Backup Plus Portable illustrates a removable hard-drive route for a sizeable local collection.
The My Passport range includes portable hard drives for a removable local copy.
These Joybuy selections are portable external drives for keeping a local copy of household files. A drive used for backup still needs a copying routine, a tested restore and, for irreplaceable files, another copy kept separately.
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Consider this portable hard drive if you want a 5TB local copy for a Mac-based file collection. Check its setup for any Windows computer you intend to use, and establish how you will restore files before relying on it as a backup.
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This portable SSD suits a 1TB local collection that you move between compatible devices. Samsung states maximum sequential speeds of 1,050 MB/s read and 1,000 MB/s write for the T7 Shield, conditional on USB 3.2 Gen 2 and UASP support; check your port and cable. Its resistance ratings do not replace a separate copy.
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Consider this portable SSD if a compact drive for a compatible USB-C device fits your copying routine. Its title states USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 and a maximum transfer speed of up to 2,000 MB/s; check the host connection before relying on that figure. If magnetic attachment or direct ProRes recording matters, confirm the requirements for the particular iPhone 15 or 16 Pro model you use.
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This portable hard drive is an option when a 2TB local copy fits the files you plan to protect. Confirm the formatting or driver requirements for your computers, particularly if you use macOS, and test a restore as part of your backup routine.
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Consider this portable hard drive for a larger local collection if 4TB meets your measured backup needs. Its product title specifies USB 3.0; check the connection and file-system requirements for each device you will use. Disconnect the drive after completed backups when it is not needed.
No. Synchronisation keeps changes current across devices, which can include unwanted deletions. Apple Support says iCloud Drive changes appear across devices; check your service’s recovery and version-history rules, and retain an independent copy of irreplaceable files.
Measure the folders, photos and records you will copy, then allow room for growth and any versions your backup method retains. The required capacity depends on that backup set, which may be smaller than everything stored on the device.
Not permanently if it is your only local backup. The National Cyber Security Centre advises against leaving backup storage permanently connected because a ransomware incident can also affect connected copies. Connect it for the backup, confirm completion and safely disconnect it when appropriate.
Keep the recovery methods for your chosen account current before you need them. Google Account Help describes recovery phone numbers and email addresses; Apple Support says account recovery can take several days or longer and offers a recovery-contact option. Check which methods your own provider supports and how you would use them if your usual device were unavailable.