Choose a portable HDD for a dedicated local copy with higher capacity, or a portable SSD if you carry the drive often or regularly move large files. Cloud storage keeps a copy away from the computer but brings account and subscription considerations; for irreplaceable files, a local drive plus a separate cloud copy reduces reliance on one location or account. Check the backup software, connector, operating system and file format before relying on any setup.
Keep separate copies of family photos, personal documents and other files that would be difficult to recreate after loss, theft, damage, malware or accidental deletion. The National Cyber Security Centre advises storing a backup in a separate safe location and being able to restore it.
Use a removable drive for recurring copies through File History. Microsoft Support confirms that File History can use an external drive or network location, but the selected drive needs to be connected or otherwise available for the routine.
Use Time Machine for automatic copies of files, apps, photos, email and documents. Apple notes that a Windows-formatted disk may need to be erased and reformatted before it can be used as a Time Machine destination.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Recoverable copies | Keep a copy separate from the computer; confirm how you will restore files; consider local and off-site copies for irreplaceable material. | I want family photos and documents to remain recoverable if the computer is lost, damaged, infected or unavailable. |
| Compatibility | Confirm the computer port, backup software and destination format; check whether formatting will erase files already on the drive. | I need a drive that works with my Windows or Mac routine without putting the only copy of existing files at risk. |
| Capacity and portability | Measure the files to protect and allow for future growth; compare the stated capacity, interface and transfer specification for the exact model. | I want enough room for my household library, while choosing a smaller SSD only if frequent carrying or faster copies matter to me. |
| Cloud continuity | Check available capacity, shared-storage use, renewal terms, price-change notices, cancellation consequences and restoration options. | I need to know that an online copy will fit my files and that I can still access it under the plan terms I choose. |
A removable drive creates another copy, but it can still be affected by theft, fire, loss or damage at the same location as the computer. UK cyber-security guidance recommends separated copies so that one incident does not affect everything.
For irreplaceable files, keep at least one copy away from the computer’s usual location and periodically check that you can restore it.
Apple says a Windows-formatted drive may need to be erased and reformatted for Time Machine, permanently removing files already stored there.
Copy any needed files elsewhere first, decide whether the drive is for File History, Time Machine or ordinary cross-platform storage, then format only after confirming the intended workflow.
Google storage can be shared across Gmail, Drive and Photos, while Microsoft’s free OneDrive allowance is limited. GOV.UK advises checking auto-renewal, service changes and what happens if an account is suspended or cancelled.
Measure the files to protect, check restoration and version-history options, use strong account security and retain a separate local copy for important files.
Cloud storage can involve recurring subscription charges and access may be affected if an allowance is exceeded, a subscription ends or account terms change.
A portable SSD can offer faster stated transfers and easier carrying, while a portable HDD may offer more capacity for a dedicated local copy. Faster hardware does not create an off-site copy, automation or a tested restore process.
Choose the backup route first, then compare the exact model’s capacity, connector, software setup and current terms on a like-for-like basis.
Relevant for a conventional portable HDD used as a dedicated local backup destination. Western Digital’s WD Elements material describes USB 3.0 connectivity and capacities up to 4TB for that range.
Relevant for households considering a portable SSD for frequent transfers or travel, including the T7 Shield range.
Relevant for Windows households using File History with an external drive or considering OneDrive as a cloud-storage route connected to a Microsoft account.
Relevant for Mac households using an external drive with Time Machine or considering iCloud+ for cloud-held files and device content.
Relevant for households already using Gmail, Google Drive or Google Photos and considering Google One for additional cloud capacity.
Joybuy product options for local household backups, including higher-capacity external hard drives and a portable SSD for frequent carrying or faster file transfers.
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Consider this for routine local copies of household photos and documents on a dedicated removable drive.
Stated 2TB capacity, USB 3.2 Gen 1 USB-A connectivity and Windows 10+ formatting; the listing also states that scheduled-backup software is included.
For Time Machine, confirm the format before use and preserve existing files before reformatting. A drive kept with the computer is not an off-site copy.
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Consider this when a larger photo, video and document library needs a defined local backup destination.
Stated 6TB capacity, USB 3.2 Gen 1 and USB 3.0 connectivity, bus-powered operation and an included USB-A cable; the listing identifies Windows Backup or File History setup.
It is stated to be pre-formatted for Windows. Mac use can require reformatting, which can erase files already on the drive.
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Consider this as a removable local destination for routine household backups where 4TB is enough for the files you plan to keep.
Stated 4TB capacity, USB 3.2 Gen 1 and USB 3.0 connectivity, with an included USB-A cable and Windows 10+ recognition.
Confirm the backup software and destination format before setup. The listing states that this drive is not waterproof or dustproof.
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Consider this for a fixed household setup with a very large archive or several computers to back up locally.
Stated 12TB capacity, USB 3.2 Gen 1 and USB 3.0 connectivity, Windows NTFS setup and external AC power.
Its desktop format and power adapter make it less convenient for regular carrying. macOS use requires a file-system plan before setup.
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Consider this when the backup drive travels often or large files are copied regularly between compatible computers.
Stated 1TB capacity, USB Type-C USB 3.2 Gen 2, up to 1,050 MB/s read and 1,000 MB/s write, IP65 rating and up to 3m drop resistance.
Quoted speeds depend on the computer connection and conditions. Check that 1TB covers the files and backup history you intend to keep, and confirm the Time Machine format if using a Mac.
Yes. Microsoft says File History lets you select an external drive or network location and turn on file backup. Keep the chosen drive connected or available for scheduled backups, then test restoring a file before relying on the setup.
Not directly as a Time Machine destination. Apple says Time Machine cannot back up to a Windows-formatted disk; reformatting the disk can permanently remove its existing data. Apple identifies APFS or APFS Encrypted as the preferred Time Machine format.
Cloud storage can keep a copy in a separate location, but check capacity, renewal, cancellation and restoration terms before relying on it. The National Cyber Security Centre also warns that cloud backups are not ransomware-resistant by default, so use strong account security and avoid treating synchronisation alone as proof of a recoverable backup.
Check the files you need to protect, current shared-storage use, renewal terms, price-change notices and what happens to access if you cancel or the account is suspended. GOV.UK advises consumers to look for auto-renewal and service-price notices.
Yes. GOV.UK states that discarded external drives fall within the UK’s WEEE framework for electrical and electronic equipment. Check the appropriate reuse or recycling route available in your area before disposal.