Choose an external HDD for a large local copy that will mainly stay at home, or an external SSD when you regularly carry files and value quicker transfers. Cloud storage suits automatic off-site access across devices, but check the quota, renewal, account recovery, sharing permissions and deletion limits; for irreplaceable files, keep separately managed local and cloud copies.
Choose capacity for a recoverable local copy of photos, videos and documents. A portable HDD is a practical route to consider when multi-terabyte local storage matters, while an SSD is more suitable if you move the library frequently.
Cloud storage can provide off-site access across devices and may automate copying, but check whether the allowance covers the whole library and secure the account before relying on it.
When losing files would be serious, keep a separately managed local copy as well as an off-site cloud copy rather than depending on a single storage location.
Start with the copies you need to keep, then check capacity, device fit and whether you can recover files after a device, account or location fails.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Recovery after loss or deletion | Keep a copy away from the original computer; disconnect local backups when not in use; check cloud deletion and version-recovery windows. | I want files I can restore if a computer is lost, damaged, deleted from or affected by malware. The National Cyber Security Centre advises keeping one or more backups offline or digitally disconnected. |
| Usable capacity | Allow room for the current library and growth; check what counts towards a cloud quota; consider whether online-only files suit your connection. | My backup needs to hold the files I actually want to protect without unexpectedly stopping because a drive or account is full. |
| Transfer speed and compatibility | Check the drive’s stated speed alongside the computer port and cable; confirm file-system format, operating-system support and supplied connectors. | I move large photo or video collections between devices, so the drive needs to fit my computer, phone and everyday workflow. |
| Cloud account control | Use a unique strong password, recovery information and multi-factor authentication where available; review sharing settings, renewal and cancellation terms. | I need continued access to cloud files without leaving them exposed through an unsafe sharing setting, a compromised account or a missed renewal. |
A single available copy can be affected by device loss, malware, accidental deletion or account compromise. The National Cyber Security Centre has reported incidents where ransomware affected original data and connected backup locations.
Keep at least one separately managed copy in another location. Disconnect a local backup when it is not being used, and test restoration with a few important files.
A headline transfer rate may not be reached when the host device, cable or USB mode does not support it.
Check your available port, the included cable and the conditions behind the stated speed before choosing a high-speed SSD.
A compatible cable or adapter may be needed for some device combinations.
Some drives are formatted for Windows and need reformatting for macOS; cable types can also differ from the USB-C ports on newer devices.
Confirm your operating systems, sharing needs, ports and included cable before buying. Copy existing files elsewhere before reformatting a drive.
Allow time for reformatting and file transfer if the selected format does not fit your devices.
Recovery features can have time limits. Microsoft states that personal OneDrive deleted files can be restored within 30 days, while permanently deleted recycle-bin files cannot be restored.
Read the provider’s recovery and version-history terms before making it your sole backup, and keep a second independent copy of irreplaceable files.
Relevant for portable HDD backup, including One Touch models with 5 TB variants listed on Seagate’s UK support pages.
Relevant for portable SSD buyers transferring large files, working from a drive or carrying a local copy.
Relevant for people already using Google Photos, Drive and Gmail who want shared cloud storage across devices.
Relevant for Windows and Microsoft 365 users who want cloud storage across PC, Mac and mobile devices.
Relevant for Apple-device households using iCloud for device backups, photos and files.
Joybuy product options for making a local SSD or HDD copy of photos and documents. These products support local storage expansion and backup; use a separately managed off-site copy as well for irreplaceable files.
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A local option for carrying photo and video files between locations.
Stated USB 3.2 Gen 2 performance is up to 1,050 MB/s read and 1,000 MB/s write, with IP65 protection and up-to-3-metre drop resistance.
Maximum speed depends on a compatible USB 3.2 Gen 2 host, cable and setup. Check whether 1 TB leaves enough room for your library and future growth.
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A compact local drive for moving a photo library between computers.
It states up to 1,050 MB/s read and 1,000 MB/s write, USB 3.2 Gen 2, USB-C-to-C and USB-C-to-A cables, optional AES-256 password protection and up-to-2-metre drop resistance.
Stated maximum speed requires a compatible USB 3.2 Gen 2 port. Password protection requires Samsung Portable SSD software setup.
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A local-copy option for moving files between compatible phones and computers.
Stated features include USB 3.2 Gen 2, up to 1,050 MB/s read and 1,000 MB/s write, USB-C-to-C and USB-A-to-USB-C cables, plus Lexar DataShield AES-256 encryption software.
The magnetic attachment is specified for iPhone 15/16 series with the supplied case or ring, not iPhone 14 or earlier. Check the required file system before transferring existing files.
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A higher-capacity local option for a larger photo and document collection.
The listing states 2 TB capacity, up to 800 MB/s read speed, a 40 g compact design, up-to-2-metre drop protection and an attachment hook.
Confirm the write speed, connector type, supplied cable and file-system compatibility for your devices before buying.
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A local HDD option for backing up a full laptop or a large photo library mainly at home.
The listing states 5 TB capacity, USB-C with a USB-C-to-USB-A adapter, AES-256 hardware encryption and password protection.
It is pre-formatted for Windows, so macOS use requires reformatting. Avoid moving or disconnecting this mechanical HDD during transfers.
Not necessarily. Syncing can propagate deletion, overwritten files or ransomware-affected changes, so check the provider’s version and deleted-file restoration terms and retain a separately managed local copy for irreplaceable files.
Use a unique strong password, add current recovery information, enable multi-factor authentication where available, and check each folder’s sharing status. The ICO advises users to consider who can access cloud files and whether a service’s security and availability suit their files.
Only if the collection fits with room for future uploads and other data sharing the same account. The National Cyber Security Centre lists free allowances of 5 GB for iCloud, 15 GB for Google Drive and 5 GB for OneDrive; a large library may need paid capacity or a local drive.
Check the provider’s current over-quota policy and move or download files if the resulting allowance will not cover what you store. Google states that cancellation or downgrade takes effect at the start of the next plan month and that cancelled plans are non-refundable.