Choose a portable HDD when you need substantial local space for a household archive and fast transfers are less important; choose a portable SSD when you carry the drive or regularly copy large files from compatible computers. For irreplaceable photos and documents, use cloud storage and a disconnected external drive as complementary copies rather than relying on one destination.
Identify the folders and devices holding photos, documents and other files that would be difficult to replace, then keep a separate copy that can be restored. The National Cyber Security Centre advises considering both cloud storage and removable media for irreplaceable content.
If several computers, a growing photo collection or home videos need backing up, prioritise sufficient local capacity. A portable HDD is a practical route when bulk storage matters more than the quickest transfers.
A compact SSD can suit regular large-file transfers and a drive carried between locations, provided the computer and cable support its faster USB connection. Disconnect the local drive after backup rather than leaving it attached.
Choose it when: You need a sizeable local archive for photos, videos and computer files, and backups can usually run at home.
Keep in mind: It is less suited to frequent large-file transfers than a fast SSD, and it should be disconnected after backup.
Choose it when: You carry the backup drive, move large files regularly, and have compatible USB hardware and cables.
Keep in mind: Quoted top speeds depend on the host device, cable and supported USB mode.
Choose it when: Irreplaceable files need both a local restore copy and a copy stored away from the main device.
Keep in mind: Cloud backup relies on internet access and account security; keep at least one backup disconnected when it is not in use.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | Measure the files and devices included in the backup; allow room for retained versions and future photos or videos; compare the result with the drive’s stated capacity. | I want every important folder, not only the visible documents folder, to fit in the backup plan. |
| Connection and format | Check USB-A, USB-C or Thunderbolt ports; confirm the supplied cable or adapter; check whether the file system suits Windows, macOS or both. | The drive needs to work with the computers in my household without an avoidable setup problem. Apple notes that a Windows-formatted drive may need reformatting for Time Machine. |
| Recovery protection | Disconnect removable media after backup; use password protection where appropriate; secure cloud accounts and test that important files can be restored. | I want a copy that is separate from the main computer and still usable when files are lost, stolen or affected by malware. The National Cyber Security Centre advises keeping removable backup media disconnected when not in use. |
An attached removable drive can be affected during a ransomware incident, so it is not fully separate from the computer it is protecting.
Connect the drive for backup or restoration, then disconnect it and keep it securely stored. For irreplaceable files, maintain another separately protected copy where practical.
A malware incident can affect the only backup copy if it remains attached.
Samsung states that the T7 Shield’s maximum sequential performance requires a compatible host device, connection cable, USB 3.2 Gen 2 support and UASP.
Check the ports on every computer that will use the drive, the supplied cable and any adapter needed before choosing a high-speed SSD.
The existing computer or cable may prevent the drive reaching its quoted maximum transfer rate.
Apple warns that erasing and reformatting permanently removes data. A Windows-formatted disk may need reformatting before it can be used for Time Machine.
Check the drive’s current format, copy existing files elsewhere first, and decide whether it will be dedicated to Time Machine, Windows backup or shared use.
Files already stored on the drive can be permanently erased during reformatting.
Cloud storage can add physical separation and automate updates, but connected cloud locations and attached drives can still be compromised. A single local drive can also be lost or stolen.
Keep more than one separately protected copy of files that cannot be replaced, use strong passwords and two-factor authentication where available, and test restoration of important files.
Relevant for households comparing portable HDD capacity with desktop external-drive options. PCMag UK’s 2026 external-drive roundup identifies the WD My Passport 6TB as its portable hard-drive pick and the WD My Book as its desktop-drive pick.
Relevant for portable HDD backups where multi-terabyte local storage and scheduled backup tools matter. Seagate’s UK Backup Plus Portable information states capacities up to 5TB and scheduled hourly, daily, weekly or monthly backups.
Relevant for the portable SSD route when quicker transfers and a rugged enclosure matter more than maximising local capacity. Samsung’s UK T7 Shield 2TB page lists USB 3.2 Gen 2, claimed sequential speeds up to 1,050/1,000MB/s, password protection and an IP65 rating.
Joybuy options for portable local backup, including SSDs for frequent large-file transfers and portable HDDs for larger household archives.
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A higher-capacity portable SSD option for a measured household archive and frequent large-file backups between compatible devices.
Stated 4TB capacity, USB 3.2 Gen 2 and sequential speeds up to 1,050MB/s read and 1,000MB/s write; USB-C-to-C and USB-C-to-A cables are included.
Check that the backup set, retained versions and future growth fit. The fastest transfer mode requires a compatible USB 3.2 Gen 2 host and suitable cable; the listing says the drive is not IP-rated for water resistance.
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A compact SSD route for laptop users who carry a backup drive or transfer files between devices.
Stated 1TB capacity, USB 3.2 Gen 2, speeds up to 1,050MB/s read and 1,000MB/s write, IP65 dust and water resistance, and up to 3m drop resistance.
Measure the files, retained versions and expected growth before choosing 1TB. Maximum speed depends on a compatible USB 3.2 Gen 2 connection; do not submerge the drive and keep another protected copy for irreplaceable files.
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A portable HDD option for routine household backups of photos, videos, music and documents.
Stated 2TB capacity, USB 3.2 Gen 1/USB 3.0, bus-powered operation, scheduled-backup software and password-enabled 256-bit AES hardware encryption.
Check that 2TB covers all devices, retained versions and expected media growth. Mac use requires downloadable compatibility components according to the listing; the drive is not waterproof and should be stored securely after backup.
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A larger portable HDD route for family photo, video and document collections backed up mainly at home.
Stated 4TB capacity, USB 3.2 Gen 1/USB 3.0 at 5Gbps, Micro-B connector and included USB-A cable; Windows 10+ recognition is stated.
Measure the full backup set before choosing capacity. The listing says Mac use may require reformatting, which can erase data, and describes the HDD as neither waterproof nor dustproof.
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An SSD option for households moving backups between USB-C and USB-A computers.
Stated 1TB capacity, USB 3.2 Gen 2, speeds up to 1,050MB/s read and 1,000MB/s write, 256-bit AES encryption software, plus USB-C-to-C and USB-A-to-C cables.
Confirm that 1TB suits the backup plan and future growth. Maximum transfer speed depends on the connected computer and USB support; initial formatting may be needed for the chosen operating system.
List every device and folder to protect, then measure the files actually included in the backup instead of choosing by a generic capacity rule. Include photos, videos, documents and files outside default folders, and allow for retained versions and future growth. The National Cyber Security Centre notes that backup scope can range from selected files to the whole computer.
Not fully for irreplaceable files. A local drive offers large-capacity recovery without relying on internet access, while cloud storage can provide physical separation and automatic updating when the connection is reliable. The National Cyber Security Centre advises considering both cloud and removable media for irreplaceable family photos and videos.
It depends on the disk format and partitioning. Apple says Time Machine cannot back up to a Windows-formatted disk unless it is reformatted, which permanently removes data; APFS or APFS Encrypted is Apple’s preferred Time Machine format. A separate APFS volume can be created on the same physical disk for other files.
Windows File History can use an external drive or network location. Microsoft says it automatically backs up default libraries including Documents, Pictures, Videos and Music, can include additional folders added to libraries, and can restore earlier file versions.