People keeping irreplaceable photos
If family photos or personal records would be difficult to replace, the priority is being able to restore them after deletion, loss or device failure, not simply finding more storage space.
Who needs a recoverable copy?
Students and self-employed file users
Coursework and small-scale work files may need to remain accessible across devices and recoverable if a laptop or drive fails.
People working with large local files
Frequent transfers of large folders or media make drive capacity, connections and transfer conditions worth checking alongside the safety of the backup itself.
What matters when choosing a backup?
Start with how you would recover your files after a device failure. Then decide whether you also need access away from that device or a separate copy protected from the same incident.
External hard drive
Consider it when: You need a local copy of a substantial photo or file archive, particularly when uploading is impractical.
Trade-off: One drive at the same location does not protect against losing both the computer and the drive; disconnect and store it after backing up.
External SSD
Consider it when: You regularly carry or copy large work folders between devices.
Trade-off: It remains a local copy, and advertised transfer speeds depend on the drive and compatible connections.
Cloud storage or backup
Consider it when: You need files available on other devices or away from home and have dependable internet access.
Trade-off: Check which files are backed up, the account’s storage allowance and how long deleted files remain recoverable.
Local and cloud copies
Consider it when: Losing coursework, work files or family photos would be difficult to put right.
Trade-off: Two copies need a routine: check that each backup finishes, disconnect the local drive and try restoring a file.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Separate, recoverable copies | Check that important folders are copied separately from the working device. Restore a test file, and disconnect a local drive between backups. | If my computer fails or an unwanted change spreads to connected storage, I need another copy I can actually restore. Around 31% of consumers put this resilience need first. |
| Capacity and plan limits | Compare the space your files use with drive capacity or the cloud allowance, leaving room for new files. Check what changes if a cloud plan is downgraded. | A growing photo library or work archive needs enough room for the folders I intend to protect. For around 25% of consumers, capacity is the primary concern. |
| Access and recovery tools | Check the devices and apps you use, which folders are included, and the service’s deletion and restore rules. | When I switch between my phone and computer, I need to reach the right files and understand how to recover one I delete. That access-and-recovery need comes first for around 25% of consumers. |
| Portable local transfers | Confirm the drive’s capacity and connector against your devices. Treat maximum transfer speeds as conditional on the host and connection. | Moving large media or project folders regularly makes a portable local copy easier to work into my routine. Around 19% of consumers prioritise that transfer need. |
Backup mistakes to avoid
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Using a synchronised folder as the only backup
Deleted files or unwanted changes may be reflected across synchronised devices. Apple, Google and Microsoft each describe limits on recovering deleted files through their cited consumer services.
Keep another separate copy of files you cannot recreate, and try restoring a file before depending on the arrangement.
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Leaving the only backup drive connected
The National Cyber Security Centre warns that ransomware can affect connected USB and network drives as well as the original data.
Check that the backup completed, then disconnect and store the drive securely. Consider an additional off-site or cloud copy for irreplaceable files.
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Overlooking shared cloud storage allowances
Google says its included allowance is shared across Drive, Gmail and Photos. Microsoft says that cancelling certain Microsoft 365 plans reduces the storage allowance and can interrupt uploads and synchronisation when usage exceeds it.
Check everything counted towards the allowance and make another copy of files you need before changing plans.
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Assuming every computer can reach a drive’s rated speed
Samsung says the stated maximum transfer rate for its Portable SSD T7 MU-PC1T0T/WW requires a compatible USB 3.2 Gen 2 host, cable and UASP support.
Check your device’s port and file-system requirements before choosing a drive for large transfers; speed does not replace a second backup copy.
Relevant brands to consider
Apple
iCloud+ is relevant when photos, files and iPhone or iPad backups are already part of an Apple-device setup.
- Apple describes access to iCloud Drive files on Apple devices, Windows PCs and the web.
- Apple says deleted iCloud Drive files can be recovered within 30 days through its stated recovery route; keep a separate copy of irreplaceable files.
Google One is relevant when Drive files, Gmail and photos already use the same Google Account.
- Google says the included allowance of up to 15 GB is shared across Drive, Gmail and Photos.
- Google says Drive files remain in the bin for 30 days before permanent deletion; confirm that the storage allowance covers everything you intend to keep.
Microsoft
OneDrive through Microsoft 365 is relevant to people using Windows or Office files across several devices.
- Microsoft describes OneDrive use across PC, Mac, iPhone, iPad and Android.
- Microsoft says cancelling Basic or Personal reduces cloud storage to 5 GB; uploads, edits and synchronisation can be affected if stored files exceed that allowance.
Backblaze
Backblaze Computer Backup is a computer-backup option for Mac and Windows users rather than a general-purpose file-sync service.
- Backblaze describes backup of user-generated data on computers and connected external drives.
- Check its restore options and which connected drives are covered before relying on it for your files.
Samsung
Samsung portable SSDs are relevant when you need a local copy that can travel with your work files or photos.
- Samsung specifies USB-C-to-C and USB-C-to-A cables for its Portable SSD T7 MU-PC1T0T/WW.
- Samsung’s maximum transfer rating for that model depends on compatible host hardware, cables and UASP; some operating systems may require reformatting.
External drives on Joybuy
These external SSDs and hard drives are options for making local copies of work files and photos. Choose by the capacity and setup you need; for files you cannot replace, the National Cyber Security Centre advises considering a separate online copy as well.
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Samsung Portable SSD T7, 2 TB, Grey
Consider this portable SSD if you need a 2 TB local destination for copies of work files or photos.
The product name specifies USB Type-C and USB 3.2 Gen 2. Check that your devices have a suitable connection; keep another separate copy of irreplaceable files.
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Samsung T7 Shield Portable SSD, 1 TB, Blue
Consider this portable SSD for a 1 TB local copy that you can take between work locations.
The product name specifies USB 3.2 Gen 2. Confirm the connection on each device you intend to use, and do not make a single portable drive your only copy of irreplaceable files.
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SanDisk Portable SSD, 2 TB
This portable 2 TB SSD could hold a local copy of a photo collection or work folders.
Confirm its connector against your devices before purchase, and keep a separate copy if the files would be difficult to replace.
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Western Digital Elements Portable Hard Drive, 4 TB, Black
Consider this portable hard drive if you need a 4 TB local copy of photos, videos or documents.
The product name specifies USB 3.0. Confirm device and file-system compatibility, and disconnect the drive after completing backups.
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Western Digital Elements Desktop External Hard Drive, 10 TB
This 10 TB desktop hard drive suits a local archive kept at a fixed workstation rather than a drive carried between devices.
Plan where the drive will sit and how you will make an additional separate copy of files you cannot recreate.
Common questions
Is cloud storage alone enough for personal photos or coursework?
A cloud copy can help after a device fails, but a synchronised folder alone may not cover deletion, unwanted changes or account-access problems. The National Cyber Security Centre advises considering both online and storage-device backups; keep a separate copy of irreplaceable files and test that you can restore it.
How long can I recover a deleted cloud file?
Google says Drive bin items remain for 30 days, Apple describes a 30-day recovery route for deleted iCloud Drive files, and Microsoft describes recovery within 30 days for files deleted from personal OneDrive accounts. Check the rules for the particular service and file before relying on its deleted-file recovery as your only protection.
What happens to OneDrive storage if I cancel Microsoft 365 Basic or Personal?
Microsoft says the cloud storage allowance returns to 5 GB. If your stored files exceed that allowance, uploads, edits and synchronisation can be affected, so arrange another copy of files you need before cancelling.
Should I encrypt an external backup drive?
Consider encryption particularly when a portable drive contains client details or other sensitive personal information that could be exposed if the drive is lost. The Information Commissioner’s Office says encrypting personal information on backup media can protect it against unauthorised or unlawful processing; make sure you can retain and use the means of unlocking your own backup.