Choose an external HDD for a high-capacity local copy that will mainly stay at home, or an external SSD if you carry the drive or transfer large libraries regularly. A USB flash drive is more suitable for a limited secondary copy or file transfer, while cloud storage can provide an off-site copy; for irreplaceable photos and videos, the National Cyber Security Centre advises considering both cloud and removable-media copies.
Keep a recoverable copy outside the main computer so that loss, theft, damage, accidental deletion or malware does not leave the originals as the only copy. The National Cyber Security Centre advises considering both cloud and removable-media copies for irreplaceable family photos and videos.
Choose storage that works with the computer connection and backup tool. Microsoft says File History can back up to an external drive or network location, while Apple supports external USB or Thunderbolt storage for Time Machine.
A portable SSD can suit frequent transfers and travel when speed and resistance to knocks matter. Check that the computer, cable and USB mode can support the drive’s stated transfer performance.
Start with the files and devices you need to protect, then check whether the route can be kept separate from the original and restored when needed.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Separate recovery copy | Keep the backup in a separate safe location; disconnect removable media when it is not being used; make sure files can be restored. | I want a copy that remains available if the computer is lost, damaged, erased or affected by malware. |
| Usable capacity | Measure the folders to protect, allow room for growth and version history, and compare that total with drive capacity. For Time Machine, Apple advises at least twice the Mac’s storage capacity. | My photo library, documents and backup history need room to grow rather than filling the drive immediately. |
| Device compatibility | Check USB-C, USB-A or Thunderbolt connections, supplied cables, adapters, formatting and compatibility with the chosen backup tool. | The drive needs to work with the Windows, Mac or mobile devices already used at home. |
| Transfer and portability | For frequent large transfers, compare the SSD interface with the computer and cable. Keep an HDD mainly at home if carrying it regularly would expose it to knocks. | I regularly move large photo or video libraries, or need a backup copy that can travel between locations. |
| Access and restore checks | Use password or encryption options where appropriate, keep recovery credentials safely, and restore a sample file or folder after setup. | I want a misplaced drive or compromised account to be less accessible to others, without making my own files impossible to recover. |
Malware can reach attached removable media, while a single local copy can be lost, stolen or damaged alongside the main computer.
Keep the backup separately, disconnect removable media when it is not backing up, and consider both cloud and removable-media copies for irreplaceable photos and videos.
Backup systems need room for selected folders and, in some cases, earlier versions of files. Apple advises a Time Machine disk with at least twice the storage capacity of the Mac.
Measure the folders and devices to protect, allow for growth and backup history, then choose capacity for the intended setup.
Samsung says its T7 Shield maximum transfer figures require a USB 3.2 Gen 2 host, suitable cable and UASP mode, so older connections can be slower.
Check the exact computer port, cable, USB version and any adapter before choosing a high-speed SSD for frequent transfers.
A backup can miss recent files or be difficult to locate when an emergency occurs. The National Cyber Security Centre recommends checking that important content is present.
After setup and major device changes, restore a non-critical sample file or folder to a safe test location.
Relevant for households considering a portable external HDD with higher stated capacities and USB-C connectivity. Western Digital’s UK My Passport USB-C page lists capacities from 2TB to 6TB.
Relevant for portable external SSD buyers who prioritise faster transfers, compact storage and a route intended for more demanding carrying conditions.
Relevant as one of the external-drive brands included in Which?’s UK testing of HDD and SSD models sold through key UK retailers.
These Joybuy options cover external SSDs for portable local copies and one higher-capacity external HDD for a home-based archive.
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Consider this external SSD for a removable photo or video copy that travels between locations.
1TB capacity; USB 3.2 Gen 2 with stated read/write speeds up to 1,050/1,000MB/s; stated Mac, PC, Android and game-console compatibility. Maximum speeds require a compatible USB 3.2 Gen 2 host, cable and UASP mode. Check that 1TB covers the files and backup history you intend to keep.
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Consider this higher-capacity HDD for a substantial household archive kept mainly at home.
Stated 5TB capacity, USB-C connection with USB-A adapter, Windows setup, configurable backup scheduling and AES-256 password protection. The listing states that macOS use requires reformatting; check the format and backup-tool compatibility before purchase.
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This portable SSD suits households moving large photo libraries between devices or carrying a secondary backup copy.
1TB capacity; USB 3.2 Gen 2 with stated read/write speeds up to 1,050/1,000MB/s; USB-C-to-C and USB-C-to-A cables included. The listing states Windows, Mac and Android recognition, optional AES-256 hardware encryption and a 58g body; it is not stated to be waterproof or dustproof.
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Consider this SSD for a mixed USB-A and USB-C household that also wants password-controlled storage.
1TB capacity; USB 3.2 Gen 2 with stated read/write speeds up to 1,050/1,000MB/s; USB-C-to-C and USB-A-to-USB-C cables included. The listing states PC, Mac and mobile compatibility plus Lexar DataShield 256-bit AES encryption software. Check formatting requirements for every device you plan to use.
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This 2TB external SSD is a local-copy option for photo and video libraries that need more space than a 1TB drive.
Stated 2TB capacity, read speeds up to 800MB/s, 40g weight and drop protection up to 2m. Check the supplied connector, compatibility with your computers and whether password protection or encryption is available before choosing it for sensitive family files.
It can be a backup when it holds a copy kept separately from the original device and the files can be restored from it. The National Cyber Security Centre warns that malware can reach attached removable media, so disconnect a backup drive when it is not in use.
Apple advises using a Time Machine backup device with at least twice the storage capacity of the Mac. Keep the intended backup history in mind rather than filling the drive with unrelated files.
Use automatic backups where the chosen tool supports them and confirm that the folders you care about are included. Apple says Time Machine can retain hourly, daily and weekly backups until the disk fills, while Microsoft says File History monitors included folders and makes regular backups after setup.
Check that recently created photos, files and folders are present, then restore a non-critical sample file or folder to a safe test location. A copied file is only useful when you can find and recover it later.
For irreplaceable photos and videos, the National Cyber Security Centre advises considering both a cloud copy and a removable-media copy. Cloud storage can help keep a copy current, but it depends on reliable internet and should be protected with a strong password and two-factor authentication.