Choose an external HDD when you need substantial local capacity for periodic computer backups, and choose a portable SSD when frequent large-file transfers and portability matter more. Cloud storage is useful for automatic, cross-device copies, while a separate local copy gives important photos and files another recovery path if a device or account becomes unavailable.
Automatic, cross-device protection and enough shared capacity can help prevent photo and video uploads from stopping when an account quota fills. National Cyber Security Centre guidance and Google and Apple account information are relevant here.
A separate copy of Pictures, Documents, Desktop and other important folders can help when a computer is lost, damaged, replaced or affected by malware. This follows National Cyber Security Centre guidance on keeping important data backed up.
A portable SSD may suit households that regularly transfer large files and want a compact drive to carry between locations. Which? distinguishes SSDs as the faster external-drive route, while SanDisk publishes model-specific transfer specifications.
Start by deciding where the extra copy will live, then check capacity, transfer needs and account recovery before choosing a drive or subscription.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Separate recovery copy | Keep a copy away from the original device; consider one local copy that is disconnected when not updating it; check how files can be restored. | I want valued photos, videos and documents to remain recoverable if one computer, phone or drive is unavailable. The National Cyber Security Centre advises storing backups separately and keeping at least one backup offline at any given time. |
| Capacity for growth | Measure the current library and allow room for new photos and files; check whether cloud storage is shared with email, files or other backups; confirm exact drive capacity. | My storage should hold today’s library as well as future additions. Google One says its storage can be shared across Drive, Gmail, WhatsApp backups and Google Photos, so the allowance needs to cover all relevant services. |
| Transfer speed and portability | Compare the exact drive type, USB interface, cable and host-device port; check stated read and write figures where supplied; consider whether the drive will travel. | I regularly copy large photo or video collections and do not want transfers to become the limiting part of my routine. Which? says HDDs suit longer-term backup storage, while SSDs offer faster speeds. |
| Cloud account access | Set up account-recovery options and two-step verification; check deletion and version-recovery rules; review family-sharing permissions and quota conditions. | I need to retain access to a cloud copy without assuming synchronised storage is a permanent archive. Apple says iCloud Photos deletions synchronise to enabled devices, while Microsoft says OneDrive version history has a stated retention period. |
Synchronisation can carry a deletion across connected devices. Apple states that deleting an item in iCloud Photos also deletes it from devices using iCloud Photos.
Keep another independently managed copy of irreplaceable photos and files, and test restoring a file before an emergency.
Google says its account storage can be shared across Drive, Gmail, WhatsApp backups and Google Photos. A full quota can affect photo and video backup as well as other services.
Check current usage, expected media growth and the services that count towards the allowance before choosing a plan.
A paid subscription may be needed as the collection grows.
Actual transfer capability depends on the exact drive, capacity, cable, USB interface and connected device. Which? notes that HDD and SSD speed scores are not directly comparable because SSDs are faster as a category.
Verify the exact model, capacity, interface, stated read and write performance, computer-port compatibility and warranty before buying.
If every copy is connected to the same live system, one incident can affect them together. The National Cyber Security Centre advises keeping at least one backup offline at any given time.
Disconnect at least one local copy when it is not being updated, use two-step verification on cloud accounts and keep recovery details current.
A UK external-drive supplier with portable and desktop-style storage for high-capacity local backups and media collections.
A portable external SSD route for households prioritising compact storage and faster transfers for photos, videos and files.
A cloud-storage route for Apple households wanting shared storage for photos, documents and iPhone or iPad backups through Family Sharing.
A cloud-storage route for households using Google Photos, Gmail and Google Drive that want an optional family-shared plan.
A cloud backup route especially relevant to Windows households that want standard folders available across signed-in devices.
Joybuy external-drive options for households creating a separate local copy of family photos, videos, documents and computer files.
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A local HDD option for routine photo, document and computer backups where capacity is the main priority.
Stated specifications include 2 TB capacity, USB 3.2 Gen 1 connectivity, bus-powered portability, scheduled-backup software and password-enabled 256-bit AES hardware encryption.
macOS use is stated to require a downloadable compatibility driver; confirm the intended Mac version. Keep a separate additional copy for irreplaceable files, as advised by the National Cyber Security Centre.
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A portable local-copy option for households that frequently move large photo and video libraries between locations.
The listing states 2 TB capacity, up to 800 MB/s read performance, a 40 g form factor and up to 2-metre drop protection.
A write-speed figure, exact USB connector and host-device requirements are not stated in the listing, so check expected write performance, cable and port compatibility before buying. Retain another separately managed copy for irreplaceable files.
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This portable SSD suits frequent transfers between compatible household devices and travel-oriented file copying.
Listed specifications include 1 TB capacity, USB 3.2 Gen 2, up to 1,050 MB/s read and 1,000 MB/s write speeds, IP65 resistance and up to 3-metre drop resistance.
The highest stated rates depend on compatible hardware, cable and USB interface. IP65 is stated for temporary water exposure rather than long-term submersion, and no automatic backup schedule is stated.
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A portable SSD option for photo and file transfers from newer USB-C phones, computers and cameras.
The listing states 1 TB capacity, USB 3.2 Gen 2, up to 1,050 MB/s read and 1,000 MB/s write speeds, plus USB-C-to-C and USB-A-to-C cables.
The magnetic attachment is stated for iPhone 15 and 16 series with the supplied case or ring, not iPhone 14 or earlier models. MagSafe wireless charging is not supported, and the encryption description should be checked if protection method matters.
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A capacity-led HDD option for periodic copies of a large family photo, video and document library.
The listing states 4 TB capacity, USB 3.2 Gen 1 and 5 Gbps connectivity, plug-and-play storage, an included USB-A cable and Windows 10+ recognition.
Mac and other operating systems may require reformatting. The drive is stated not to be waterproof or dustproof, and automatic backup scheduling is not stated; keep it separate when not updating it and maintain another recovery copy.
Start with family photos and videos, important documents and other personal files that would cause real inconvenience or loss if they became inaccessible. The National Cyber Security Centre says backups can cover selected files or the entire contents of a phone or computer, so prioritise what matters most before expanding the routine.
An external hard drive can provide a useful local recovery copy, particularly for a large computer backup, but it should not be the only copy or remain connected all the time. The National Cyber Security Centre advises keeping at least one backup offline or digitally disconnected so one incident cannot affect every copy simultaneously.
A portable SSD is most useful when you repeatedly copy large photo or video libraries, travel with the drive or need faster transfers. Which? distinguishes HDDs as suitable for long-term computer-file backups and SSDs as faster; check the exact model’s interface and stated or tested speed before deciding.
Cloud storage can provide a copy away from the device and support automatic backup and replacement-device access, but it depends on account access, available quota and provider recovery rules. Apple says iCloud Photos deletions synchronise across enabled devices, so a separate copy remains useful for irreplaceable media.
Check the provider’s family-plan rules before subscribing. Google says family members can share a Google One storage quota while files are not automatically accessible to other members without permission, and Apple says iCloud+ Family Sharing uses individual Apple Accounts while sharing plan storage.