External drives vs cloud storage for photo and file backups

Who is this for?

People with growing local libraries

You need room for photos, videos and documents, and want a local copy you can access without a continuous internet connection.

People who move large files between devices

You regularly transfer files between computers or other devices and need a portable drive whose connector, format and host requirements fit those devices.

Households protecting irreplaceable files

You need more than spare capacity: separate copies, a workable account-recovery method if you use cloud storage, and a way to test restoration.

What matters when choosing?

External HDD

Consider it when: You want a sizeable local copy that remains accessible without internet access.

Trade-off: You must run the backup and store the drive safely; the National Cyber Security Centre advises disconnecting a backup drive when it is not in use.

External SSD

Consider it when: You frequently carry and transfer large files between devices with suitable connections.

Trade-off: Rated transfer speeds depend on the host, cable and protocol; a portable SSD still needs a separate backup routine.

Paid cloud storage

Consider it when: Access to selected files across compatible, signed-in devices matters more than offline access.

Trade-off: Backup coverage depends on service settings, while continued access depends on the account, its recovery arrangements and an ongoing subscription.

Cloud and external drive

Consider it when: Important files need both convenient access and a separate copy that is not continuously connected.

Trade-off: You must maintain two backup arrangements, protect cloud-account access and check that files can be restored.

Concern	What to check	Who this matters to
Recoverable copies	Check where the originals and separate copies live, when backups run and whether you can restore a test file.	If losing important photos or documents would be difficult to recover from, I need a copy separate from the device I use every day. Roughly 33% of consumers put recoverability first.
Transfers and compatibility	Check each device’s connector, operating system and drive format; where speed matters, check the port, cable and protocol requirements.	When I move large files between devices regularly, I need the drive to work with each one without relying on its headline speed. Around 27% of consumers prioritise transfers and device fit.
Local capacity and offline access	Allow for the library’s growth, and check the drive’s power needs and where you will store it between backups.	If my collection keeps growing or internet access is unreliable, I want enough local room to keep a copy close at hand. About 20% of consumers place local capacity and offline access first.
Cloud access and allowance	Confirm which files are included, what shares the storage allowance, and the subscription and account-recovery terms.	When I use several devices, I want selected files available without carrying a drive, while keeping control of the account. Roughly 20% of consumers make cross-device cloud access their primary need.

Backup mistakes to avoid

Treating extra space as a recoverable backup

A larger drive or cloud allowance does not help if important files still have only one usable copy. The National Cyber Security Centre warns that a connected backup drive may be affected alongside the original device.

Keep separate copies of important files, disconnect the external backup when it is not being updated, and test that you can restore a file.
Choosing an SSD by its headline speed alone

Samsung says the stated maximum speeds of its T7 require a USB 3.2 Gen 2-capable host, a suitable cable and UASP; compatibility and formatting also matter across devices.

Check the ports and operating systems you intend to use, and treat rated speeds as conditional maximums.

A different cable, adapter or drive format may be needed for the intended devices.
Counting only photos when choosing cloud capacity

Google says Drive, Gmail and Photos share one account storage allowance. Existing email and documents therefore count alongside photos.

Check current use across the services sharing the allowance, leave room for growth and review the subscription’s renewal and cancellation terms.
Enabling stronger encryption without planning recovery

Apple says its optional Advanced Data Protection leaves recovery of most protected data with the user’s trusted recovery arrangements if account access is lost.

Before enabling it, set up and securely maintain the supported recovery contact or recovery key and trusted devices.

Relevant storage and backup brands

Seagate

External HDD and SSD ranges to consider when a local copy is part of the plan.

Seagate describes external hard drives in its UK range with capacities up to 24 TB.
Check the exact model’s capacity, connector, format, power needs and warranty; range-wide descriptions do not apply to every drive.

Samsung

Portable SSD options for people moving files between compatible devices.

Samsung states maximum sequential speeds of up to 1,050 MB/s read and 1,000 MB/s write for its T7.
Samsung says those maximums require USB 3.2 Gen 2, UASP and a suitable host and cable; some operating systems may require reformatting.

Microsoft OneDrive

A cloud option for selected computer folders and access across signed-in devices.

Microsoft Support describes backup for selected standard folders.
Check the folders covered and the available allowance rather than assuming the whole computer is backed up.

Google One

Paid cloud storage for people using storage across Google services.

Google says account storage is shared across Drive, Gmail and Photos, with Google One plans increasing the total allowance.
Check combined usage, current plan terms and recovery options; Google says recovery-option availability varies by region, account and device.

Apple iCloud

Cloud storage and backup features for people primarily using Apple devices.

Apple offers optional Advanced Data Protection, under which trusted devices hold the encryption keys for most protected data.
Apple says that setting makes the user responsible for recovery of that protected data if account access is lost; maintain a supported recovery contact or recovery key.

Joybuy products

Questions about storage and backups

Does cloud storage back up everything on my computer or phone?

Do not assume it covers the whole device: Microsoft Support describes OneDrive backup for selected standard folders. Check the service and device settings to see exactly which photos, folders, app data or settings are included before relying on that copy.

What should I set up before relying on a cloud backup account?

Set up the provider’s available account-recovery and sign-in protections, then make sure you can use the recovery method with your account and devices. Google says recovery options vary by region, account and device; Apple says recovery under Advanced Data Protection depends on the user’s supported recovery arrangements.

Should I leave an external backup drive connected?

Disconnect it when it is not being used if it is meant to remain a separate recovery copy. The National Cyber Security Centre warns that connected USB or network storage can be affected by the same incident as the original files.