Choose cloud storage if automatic, recent copies across everyday devices matter most; choose an external drive if you want a removable copy that does not depend solely on access to an online account. For irreplaceable photos and documents, using both gives you another recovery path, provided you check what each backup includes, keep the drive separately and test that you can restore a file.
If photos and device data mainly live on a phone or tablet, check which categories are copied automatically and how you would restore them on a replacement device. Apple and Google both describe device-backup options, but the settings and included data need checking for your device.
Several people or devices can make storage capacity and family-sharing settings important. Check existing use alongside photos and videos, and find out what other members can see before choosing a shared cloud plan.
An external drive can hold a local copy without making recovery depend entirely on an online account; a USB stick can hold a deliberately limited file set. The National Cyber Security Centre identifies removable media as a backup option, but the copy still needs updating and safe storage away from the original device.
Start with the files you would need to recover, then decide how they will be copied and where a separate copy will be kept. Cloud storage, an external drive and a USB stick can serve different parts of that plan rather than replacing one another in every situation.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Automatic backup and restoration | Check the included folders and device data, then restore a test file. Google advises Android users to review Backup details; Microsoft says Windows File History backs up library folders once configured. | If my phone is lost or my computer fails, I need a recent copy I can actually restore. Around 33% of consumers would put automatic recovery first. |
| Capacity and household sharing | Measure storage already used by photos, documents and other account data; check which family members can use the plan. Apple lists 5 GB of included iCloud storage, while Google says up to 15 GB is shared across Drive, Gmail and Photos. | As our household's photo library grows, I need enough usable space without confusing shared storage with shared files. Roughly 25% of consumers would make capacity and household sharing their primary concern. |
| A separate local copy | Check drive capacity and connection compatibility, arrange regular copying and store the drive separately. A drive warranty should not be treated as a backup of its contents. | I want another way to retrieve important files if I cannot access my device or online account. About 25% of consumers would prioritise a separately stored local copy. |
| A limited portable file set | Choose the documents to copy, check the USB connector and update the copy after changes. A USB stick holding selected files is not a full-device backup. | I only need to carry a small set of essential documents and can keep that copy up to date myself. Around 17% of consumers would put this limited-file need first. |
Backup coverage depends on the device, service and settings. Google directs Android users to review Backup details, while Windows File History covers library folders after it is configured.
Check the categories and folders you care about, then use the relevant restore function to recover a non-sensitive test file.
Google says its included storage is shared across Drive, Gmail and Google Photos. Other account data can therefore use space you expected to keep for pictures.
Check your current use and the space available to each household member before settling on a capacity.
Samsung's resistance claims for the T7 Shield are based on specified tests; Samsung says real-world resistance may vary and that liquid, dust and drop damage are not covered by its warranty.
Keep another copy of irreplaceable files rather than relying on the drive's casing to protect your only copy.
Seagate says its standard limited warranty does not cover data loss or data-recovery costs unless the product was purchased with its Rescue Data Recovery Services programme.
Check the exact model's service eligibility and maintain an independent backup regardless of warranty coverage.
iCloud is relevant if your household uses Apple devices and wants to consider device backup, restoration or Family Sharing.
Google Backup and Google One are relevant to Android users and households storing files across Google Photos, Drive and Gmail.
Windows File History and OneDrive offer different ways to recover files for households using Windows.
Samsung's T7 Shield portable SSD range is relevant when a compact, removable local copy is part of the backup plan.
Seagate external drives are worth considering if you want local storage and plan to check whether a particular model includes Rescue Data Recovery Services.
These external drives and USB flash drive are options for keeping a removable copy of personal files. Choose capacity for the files you intend to copy, check your device's connection and set up a routine for updating and testing the copy.
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Consider this for a removable copy of a large photo and document library used with a Mac. The named variant has 5TB capacity; check the required device setup, which folders your backup process will copy and how you will restore them. Confirm the applicable warranty terms before buying.
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This 4 TB removable drive is an option for a local copy of a sizeable file library. Its named connection is USB Type-C with USB 3.2 Gen 2x2; check your computer's port if connection speed matters, and establish a backup and restore routine before relying on it.
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Consider this 2TB drive for a separate copy of selected photos and documents. If you use a Mac, confirm the setup it requires; whichever computer you use, check the folders included in your backup and test a restore.
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This 1TB removable SSD can hold a separate local copy of files that fit its capacity. Check USB Type-C compatibility and how you will copy and restore your files; do not treat resistance to everyday damage as a reason to keep only one copy.
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Use this for a deliberately selected set of documents rather than assuming it will back up a whole device. Its 128GB capacity and USB-A and Type-C connectors may suit moving those files between compatible devices; check file-system compatibility and update the copy after important changes.
It may, but compare your current use with the space available to your account. Apple lists 5 GB of included iCloud storage; Google says up to 15 GB is shared across Drive, Gmail and Google Photos, so photos do not have that entire allowance to themselves.
Yes, with the provider's family-sharing settings. Apple says family members keep private files in separate Apple Accounts, although each person's storage use can be visible to the group. Google says family members cannot access one another's files without permission and that invitees must live in the same country.
Restore a non-sensitive test file or folder using the service or operating system you intend to rely on, then open it on the intended device. Microsoft documents restore functions for Windows File History and OneDrive; check that the route you choose also covers the files most important to you.
No. Seagate says its standard limited warranty does not cover data loss or recovery costs unless the product was purchased with its Rescue Data Recovery Services programme. Check the exact drive's terms and keep another copy of important files.