Start with the built-in backup option when it covers the files you need, then choose local or cloud storage according to your data size, need for remote access and preferred restore speed. For irreplaceable household files, a local backup that is disconnected when not in use plus a separate off-site copy can reduce reliance on one device or location; check restoration and account access before relying on either.
Choose a setup for recovery after loss, theft, damage or malware, not simply for extra storage. Which? notes that a separate copy helps make important files retrievable, while the National Cyber Security Centre advises keeping at least one backup offline.
Decide whether Windows Backup and the available OneDrive storage cover your folders, or whether File History on an external drive is also needed for local versions and larger restores. Microsoft Support states that Windows Backup uses a personal Microsoft account and selected folders sync to OneDrive.
Use a separate, compatible Time Machine disk with enough room for versioned backups. Apple recommends backup storage of at least twice the Mac’s capacity.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Recovery and isolation | Check whether backups run automatically, retain earlier file versions and include a copy that can be disconnected. File History can back up to an external drive or network location and restore earlier versions. | I want photos and documents to remain recoverable if the computer is lost, damaged or affected by malware. Keep one copy separate from the everyday computer and disconnect it when it is not being used. |
| Capacity and growth | Compare the computer’s used storage with drive capacity, allow room for future files and version history, and check whether cloud storage is allocated per person or as a shared pool. | My backup needs to fit today’s files as well as a growing photo, video and document archive. For a Mac, Apple recommends a Time Machine disk at least twice the Mac’s storage capacity. |
| Household access | Check account ownership, family-plan allocation, privacy settings and the restore process for each person. Confirm the renewal terms before starting a cloud subscription. | I may want a shared household arrangement without making everyone’s files visible to one another. Apple says iCloud+ Family Sharing keeps members’ photos and files separate, while Microsoft 365 Family describes storage as up to 1TB per person. |
The National Cyber Security Centre has reported ransomware incidents affecting connected USB drives, network backups and connected cloud backup locations alongside live data.
Keep at least one backup offline and digitally disconnected when it is not actively being used. Reconnect it only for planned backup or restoration.
A USB-C connector alone does not guarantee maximum transfer speed. Samsung states that the T7 Shield’s stated maximum requires a compatible USB 3.2 Gen 2 host, suitable cable and UASP; Crucial also notes that formatting and host capability can affect performance and compatibility.
Check the computer port, supplied cable, operating system and backup-tool compatibility before paying more for a faster SSD.
Storage can be allocated to separate people rather than pooled into one account. Apple says iCloud+ Family Sharing keeps each member’s photos and files private, while Microsoft describes Microsoft 365 Family as up to 1TB per person for one to six people.
Check whether the plan is per person or a shared pool, invite each household member through their own account, and confirm storage allocation and renewal terms before subscribing.
Windows Backup requires selected folders, while Time Machine can use exclusions and requires a suitable backup-disk setup. A backup that misses key document, photo or archive folders will not meet the recovery need.
After setup, confirm that the intended folders are included and restore a small file before relying on the arrangement in an emergency.
A portable external SSD route for households that need compact local copies and may carry the backup drive between locations.
A portable SSD option for households seeking a compact local drive for common PC and Mac backup workflows.
A portable external HDD route for a larger local archive when capacity matters more than SSD-class transfer speed.
A Windows-focused route through Windows Backup, File History, OneDrive and Microsoft 365 subscriptions.
A Mac-focused route through Time Machine and iCloud+ Family Sharing for automatic local backup and separate private files under a shared subscription.
Joybuy product options for local household backup, including portable HDD and SSD choices for documents, photos and larger media libraries.
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A local option for routine copies of documents, photos and media where 2TB capacity suits the household archive.
Stated USB 3.2 Gen 1 connectivity, AES-256 hardware encryption, password setup and Windows 10+ support. Check the required macOS driver and file-system arrangement before using it across Windows and Mac; keep another backup disconnected or off-site.
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A portable local-copy option for larger household photo and document sets across compatible PCs and Macs.
Stated USB 3.2 Gen 2, up to 1,050MB/s read and 1,000MB/s write, with USB-C and USB-A cables supplied. Confirm formatting and the intended backup-tool setup before placing the only copy of files on the drive.
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A higher-capacity local destination for substantial photo, video and document archives.
Stated USB 3.2 Gen 2x2, up to 2,000MB/s transfers, AES-256 hardware encryption, password authentication and USB-C/USB-A cables. Check the computer interface and file-system setup before use.
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A compact local-copy option when the backup drive may move between household devices or locations.
Stated USB 3.2 Gen 2 and up to 1,050MB/s read and 1,000MB/s write. The stated maximum requires a compatible host, suitable cable and UASP; check whether 1TB suits current files and version history.
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A sizeable local backup option for expanding photo, video and document archives.
Stated USB 3.2 Gen 2x2, USB-C, up to 2,000MB/s transfer rate, AES-256 hardware encryption and password authentication. Verify the operating system, file system and backup software before relying on it.
Not for irreplaceable files when you need protection against more than one failure mode. Windows Backup can sync selected folders to OneDrive, but the National Cyber Security Centre warns that ransomware incidents have affected connected local and cloud backup locations; keep a separate copy and ensure at least one backup is offline when not needed.
Apple recommends a backup disk with at least twice the storage capacity of the Mac. Reserve it for Time Machine backups where possible, because version history uses space over time.
It can connect physically when the port and cable are compatible, but backup use may require formatting or reformatting. Apple notes that a Time Machine disk may need erasing during setup, so confirm the file-system arrangement before putting the only copy of files on the drive.
Some family plans support this. Apple says iCloud+ Family Sharing lets up to six people share eligible services while each person’s photos and files remain private; Microsoft describes Microsoft 365 Family as up to 1TB per person for one to six people.
For processing carried out purely for personal or household activities, the Information Commissioner’s Office states that the UK GDPR does not apply. This does not cover business, charity, landlord, employer or other non-household processing, which may need separate data-protection assessment.