Home photo and document archivists
Suitable if photo libraries, personal documents or laptop storage are growing and you need a repeatable local backup rather than a one-off transfer.
Who these drives suit
Portable-workflow users
Useful for people who move large files between a laptop and storage or carry a drive between locations, where transfer speed, cable compatibility and physical resilience affect the choice.
People protecting irreplaceable family files
Designed for backup plans where photos or videos cannot be recreated, so separate copies, encryption where theft is a risk and restore checks matter alongside capacity.
What to check before buying
Start with the amount of data and backup history you need, then match the drive type and connection to how often you copy files and where the drive will be kept.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity and backup history | Compare stated capacity consistently, allow room for library growth and reserve sufficient space for backup versions. Apple recommends a Time Machine disk with at least twice the storage capacity of the Mac. | I want room for repeated backups and future photos, not just the files currently stored on my computer. |
| Backup workflow | Check that the drive works with your operating system and backup tool. Confirm which folders are included and whether scheduled backups need separate software or setup. | A routine matters more to me than occasional manual copying, and I need photos and documents to be included. |
| Speed and portability | Choose an HDD for long-term, capacity-led backups or an SSD for frequent large transfers. For an SSD, check the computer port, cable and supported USB mode before relying on its stated maximum speed. | I move large photo or video libraries often, or I need a drive that is practical to carry between locations. |
| Copy separation and security | Keep another copy in a separate location or cloud service for irreplaceable files. Disconnect removable media after backup sessions where practical, and consider encryption if physical theft is a risk. | I do not want one lost, failed or connected drive to be the only recoverable copy of important files. |
Backup mistakes to avoid
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Buying capacity based only on today’s used storage
Backup versions can fill a drive as files accumulate. Apple advises using a Time Machine disk with at least twice the storage capacity of the Mac, and older backups are deleted when the backup disk fills.
Measure the data you need to protect, allow for growth and, for Time Machine, consider keeping the backup drive dedicated to backups rather than mixing it with general files.
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Treating an attached drive as a complete backup strategy
A connected drive can be affected by ransomware, and a single device can be lost, stolen or fail. The National Cyber Security Centre advises considering both cloud and removable-media copies for irreplaceable photos and videos.
Maintain another copy in a separate location or cloud service, and disconnect the removable drive after backup sessions where practical.
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Assuming advertised SSD speed will occur on every laptop
Samsung states that its T7 maximum 1,050/1,000 MB/s figures require USB 3.2 Gen 2 support, a suitable cable and UASP; Crucial also notes that performance varies with the host system.
Check your computer’s actual USB-port specification and the supplied cable before choosing a high-speed SSD for large transfers.
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Assuming rugged means damage is always covered
Samsung says its T7 Shield has controlled-test IP65 and drop-resistance claims, but real-world resistance can vary and liquid, dust and drop damage are excluded from its warranty.
Treat rugged features as extra protection for travel, not as a replacement for careful handling and a separate backup copy.
Relevant storage brands
Samsung
Relevant for portable SSD buyers who prioritise fast transfers, compact size and optional password-based encryption. The T7 range is a model-specific example, not a judgement on all Samsung external storage.
- Samsung states that the T7 can reach up to 1,050 MB/s read and 1,000 MB/s write when the host, cable and UASP mode support USB 3.2 Gen 2.
- T7 Shield IP65 and drop-resistance claims are model-specific, based on controlled testing, and real-world resistance can vary.
Crucial
Relevant for portable-SSD buyers seeking a high-speed local-copy drive for moving photo or video libraries between devices.
- Crucial states that the X10 can reach up to 2,100 MB/s and has model-specific IP65 dust and water resistance plus up to 3 m drop resistance.
- Crucial says performance and compatibility vary with host capabilities and formatting, so the computer port and intended file system need checking.
Seagate
Relevant for buyers looking for HDD or SSD lines with backup-oriented software and options spanning portable and desktop storage.
- Seagate states that One Touch external drives can offer one-click or scheduled backups and work with Windows and Mac on supported models.
- Expansion Desktop models require an external power supply, making them more appropriate for a fixed location than for portable use.
Joybuy external-drive options
Joybuy product options for portable HDD and portable SSD backup workflows, including capacity-led home backups and faster portable file copying.
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Samsung Portable SSD T7 4 TB, Grey
A portable option for larger photo libraries and repeat local copies when you also move sizeable files between devices.
Stated 4 TB capacity; USB 3.2 Gen 2; up to 1,050 MB/s read and 1,000 MB/s write; USB-C-to-C and USB-C-to-A cables supplied; Windows, macOS and Android compatibility; AES 256-bit hardware encryption.
Its stated maximum speed requires a compatible USB 3.2 Gen 2 host and suitable cable. Keep a separate cloud or off-device copy for irreplaceable files.
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Samsung Portable SSD T7 2 TB, Grey
Suited to portable backups of photos and documents when compact storage and password protection are priorities.
Stated 2 TB capacity; USB 3.2 Gen 2; up to 1,050 MB/s read and 1,000 MB/s write; 58 g body; USB-C-to-C and USB-C-to-A cables supplied; optional AES 256-bit hardware-encrypted password protection.
The drive is stated not to be waterproof or dustproof. Check whether 2 TB leaves enough room for your backup history and future library growth.
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Western Digital My Passport Ultra 5 TB, Blue
A capacity-led portable HDD for a growing home photo archive and routine backups without mains power.
Stated 5 TB capacity; bus-powered USB-C connection; USB-A adapter included; scheduled-backup software; AES 256-bit hardware encryption. Windows setup is stated, with macOS reformatting required.
As a mechanical HDD, it is less suited to frequent large transfers or rough travel than an SSD. Confirm the intended file system and backup setup before use.
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Western Digital My Passport 2 TB, Black
A portable HDD for regular photo, video and document backups where scheduled software and password protection matter.
Stated 2 TB capacity; bus-powered USB 3.2 Gen 1 HDD; USB-A-to-Micro-B cable included; Acronis scheduled backups; Windows, ChromeOS and macOS compatibility; AES 256-bit hardware encryption.
Avoid moving, jolting or disconnecting the drive during transfers because it has rotating mechanical parts. Check whether 2 TB is sufficient for future backup history.
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Lexar ES5 Portable SSD 1 TB
A specialised portable option for compatible mobile photo and video capture as well as transfers with USB-C laptops.
Stated 1 TB capacity; USB 3.2 Gen 2x2; up to 2,000 MB/s read and write; IP65 rating; up to 3 m drop resistance; media auto-backup app support; MagSafe-compatible attachment.
Top performance may be lower on systems without USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 support. Its phone recording features apply only to the named compatible devices, and encryption availability should be checked if loss or theft is a concern.
Frequently asked questions
Should an external drive replace cloud backup for family photos?
No. For irreplaceable photos and videos, the National Cyber Security Centre advises considering a cloud copy as well as one on removable media. A local drive can make restoration quicker, but it remains one local device unless another separate copy is maintained.
What capacity should I choose for a Mac Time Machine backup drive?
Apple advises starting with a storage device that has at least twice the capacity of the Mac. Allow further headroom if you want a longer backup history or expect the photo library to grow.
Can Windows back up to an external drive automatically?
Yes. Microsoft says File History can make regular backups to an external drive or network location. It covers default libraries such as Documents, Pictures, Videos and Music, while folders elsewhere may need adding to a library.
Do I need encryption on a backup drive?
Use encryption if losing the removable drive would expose sensitive files. The National Cyber Security Centre advises disk encryption where removable media faces a physical-theft risk; if you encrypt a Time Machine backup, keep its password safely because it is needed to restore files.
Should I leave the external backup drive connected all the time?
Disconnect it when it is not needed where practical. The National Cyber Security Centre warns that ransomware can affect attached removable media, so at least one backup should be offline or otherwise isolated.