Choose an external HDD for a large local copy when slower transfers are acceptable, or a portable SSD when you regularly move large files and need a compact drive. Cloud storage adds off-site access but depends on an internet connection, account access and available storage; for irreplaceable photos and documents, the National Cyber Security Centre supports keeping copies in separate locations.
You have family photos, personal records or other files that would be difficult to replace and need copies held separately from the original device. The National Cyber Security Centre describes a backup as a copy stored in another safe location.
You need room for documents, photos and possibly a system backup, so capacity, the scope of the backup and the restore method matter more than simple file sharing.
You want photos and files available across phones, tablets and computers, and need to compare ecosystem compatibility, free storage allowances, paid capacity and account security.
Start by deciding where the separate copy will live, then check capacity, connection compatibility and the work needed to keep backups current.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Separate copies and recovery | Keep the backup away from the original device; check whether files are included automatically; test that a file can be restored. | I want a usable copy if a computer is lost, damaged, infected or files are deleted. |
| Storage capacity | Compare the destination capacity with current used storage; allow room for extra versions where needed; check what shares a cloud allowance. | My photo library, documents and device backups need room to grow without the backup filling straight away. |
| Drive speed and compatibility | Choose HDD or SSD for the transfer pace you need; check ports, cable type and operating-system or file-format requirements. | I need a drive that connects to my computer and makes regular copying practical, rather than one with speeds my hardware cannot reach. |
| Cloud access and privacy | Check subscription renewal terms, quota alerts, two-factor authentication and folder-sharing permissions. | I want files available away from home without unexpected upload interruptions or overly broad sharing access. |
An attached drive can be affected by malware, while a single local drive offers no off-site copy if it is lost, stolen or damaged.
For irreplaceable files, keep another copy in a separate location and disconnect removable media when it is not actively being used. The National Cyber Security Centre recommends disconnecting removable backup media when not in use.
A full quota can stop new uploads, edits or syncing, leaving recent files outside the backup.
Add up photos, files, device backups and any mail attachments that share the allowance, then check current renewal terms before subscribing.
Paid cloud capacity is normally subscription-based once the free allowance is no longer enough.
Transfer performance can be lower when the computer port, cable or USB mode does not support the drive’s maximum specification.
Check your computer’s ports, the supplied cable and the exact drive requirements before paying for a faster SSD. Samsung states that maximum T7 Shield speeds require compatible USB 3.2 Gen 2 hardware, cable support and UASP mode.
Broad sharing links or folder permissions can give access beyond the intended household members.
Review who can access important folders and avoid an “anyone with the link” setting for personal or sensitive files unless that access is intended. Which? gives the same caution for personal files.
Relevant for households seeking external HDD capacity for home media, family photos and regular local backup, including desktop models that use AC power.
Relevant for households choosing a portable SSD when frequent large-file transfers, compact size or travel durability matter more than bulk capacity.
Relevant for Apple-device households wanting automatic iPhone or iPad backup and file access across Apple devices, with PC access also available.
Relevant for households using Google Photos, Gmail, Google Drive, Android devices or mixed PC and Mac setups.
Relevant for Windows households and Microsoft 365 subscribers who want cloud storage linked to a Microsoft account and file syncing.
Joybuy product options for local household backup with portable SSDs and external hard disk drives.
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A local option for a large household photo, video and document library that is copied between compatible devices.
Stated 4 TB capacity, USB 3.2 Gen 2 and up to 1,050 MB/s read and 1,000 MB/s write speeds. USB-C-to-C and USB-C-to-A cables are supplied.
Maximum speed needs a compatible USB 3.2 Gen 2 connection. Compare the 4 TB capacity with current used storage and retained backup versions, and keep a separate off-site copy for irreplaceable files.
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Suited to households that want a portable local copy for files and photo libraries across compatible computers or Android devices.
Stated 2 TB capacity, USB 3.2 Gen 2, up to 1,050 MB/s read and 1,000 MB/s write speeds, and supplied USB-C-to-C and USB-C-to-A cables.
Check whether 2 TB covers current data plus retained versions. USB 3.0 or USB 2.0 operation is stated to be slower, and the drive is not waterproof or dustproof.
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A local HDD option for routine copies of photos, documents and computer files where automatic scheduling is useful.
Stated 2 TB capacity, USB 3.2 Gen 1 connectivity, AES-256 hardware encryption and Acronis True Image scheduling for automatic local backups.
It is pre-formatted for Windows 10+; macOS 11+ use requires the specified downloadable driver components. Avoid moving or disconnecting the mechanical drive during transfers.
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A portable local-storage option for regularly copied folders and large photo libraries where fast transfers are a priority.
Stated 2 TB capacity, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2, USB-C connectivity, up to 2,000 MB/s transfer rates, password authentication and 256-bit AES hardware encryption.
The stated top rate depends on compatible USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 hardware. Confirm operating-system support, connection options and any reformatting needs before buying.
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A high-capacity local HDD option for large household photo, video and document collections.
Stated 6 TB capacity, USB 3.2 Gen 1 and USB 3.0 connectivity, USB bus power, Windows 10+ plug-and-play support and a supplied Micro-USB-to-USB-A cable.
macOS use requires reformatting, which erases existing data. No hardware encryption is stated, so consider how sensitive files will be protected if the drive is misplaced.
For a computer backup, start with a drive at least as large as the system drive and choose more capacity if you will keep multiple versions or include a system backup. Which? presents this as general buying guidance; check the actual used storage on every computer, phone and photo library you intend to protect.
An HDD suits long-term local backup and larger storage needs when slower transfers are acceptable, while an SSD suits frequent large-file copying or carrying the drive between places. Which? says SSDs are generally faster but usually pricier, so confirm the exact model’s connection type and capacity.
Yes, if the provider supports your device and you select the right folders or backup settings. Google states that Drive for desktop can sync chosen PC or Mac folders to Drive or back them up to Google Photos; Apple says iCloud+ can be upgraded from a Mac or PC, and Microsoft provides OneDrive storage through a personal Microsoft account or subscription.
They can when free storage is insufficient. Google lists 15 GB for a Google Account, while Apple and Microsoft each list 5 GB for their free cloud storage; Apple states that upgraded iCloud+ plans are billed monthly. Check the provider’s current UK checkout or account page for renewal terms before subscribing.
Check that recent photos and newly created files are included, then test that you can restore a file. Disconnect removable media when not in use, use a strong password and two-factor authentication for cloud accounts, and review sharing permissions for sensitive folders.