Family archive keepers
If years of photos and documents are the priority, look for enough room for a separate copy and a backup routine you can repeat. Maximum transfer speed may matter less than being able to restore the files when needed.
Who needs which kind of storage?
Frequent large-file movers
If you regularly carry large photo or video folders between computers, transfer speed and how the drive handles travel may influence your choice. Check the exact drive and connection rather than relying on a connector shape alone.
Phone-first photo households
If most photos start on a phone, establish how that phone will connect to external storage before buying. Apple Support specifies format, partition and, for some drives, external-power conditions for direct iPhone use.
What matters when choosing?
For a family archive, decide how you will keep a restorable copy before choosing capacity or speed. An HDD suits capacity-led backup, an SSD suits frequent large transfers, a USB flash drive suits selected-file transfer, and cloud storage can complement a local copy rather than replace the need to protect it.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| A recoverable copy | Plan where a separate copy will be kept, when it will be disconnected and how you will test restoring a folder. | If losing the main device would also mean losing family photos, I need a copy I can actually restore. Around 36% of consumers put recovery first. |
| Room for a growing archive | Check the capacity of the exact variant and leave room for new photos, videos and household files. | When several people add files over time, I want the archive to fit without replacing the drive too soon. Capacity is the primary concern for around 29% of consumers. |
| Large transfers and carrying | Check the drive interface against the computer port and cable; read any model-specific handling or resistance conditions. | If I move large folders between devices, waiting for copies and carrying the drive matter more to me. Around 21% of consumers prioritise transfer and portability needs. |
| Computer and phone use | Check connectors, supplied cables, supported file systems and whether direct phone use needs an adapter or external power. | With photos on a phone and files on a computer, I need both workflows to work before relying on one drive. Device compatibility comes first for around 14% of consumers. |
Mistakes that can undermine a backup
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Keeping the only backup permanently connected
A connected copy may be affected by the same incident as the original. The National Cyber Security Centre describes risks to connected drives and cloud backup locations.
Keep at least one separate backup offline or digitally disconnected when it is not being updated, and try restoring representative files.
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Choosing by the USB-C plug alone
The plug shape does not establish transfer speed. Samsung says its quoted T7 and T7 Shield maximum speeds require a compatible USB 3.2 Gen 2 host and UASP.
Check the ports on your devices, the cable supplied with the exact drive and the connection required for its stated speed.
A different cable or adapter may be needed for a computer with USB-A ports.
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Assuming an HDD will work directly from a phone
Apple Support says external hard drives often need external power when connected to an iPhone; direct use also depends on the drive's format and partitioning.
Check the phone model, connector, supported file system and power arrangement before choosing a drive for phone photos.
A powered hub or suitable powered adapter may be part of that setup.
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Treating a rugged rating as protection against data loss
Samsung's T7 Shield resistance claims have test conditions, and Samsung says actual resistance can vary. The rating does not replace another copy of important files.
Read the exact model's test conditions and warranty exclusions, then maintain a separate backup.
Relevant brands to consider
Samsung
The portable T7 and T7 Shield SSD lines are relevant when compact storage and frequent file transfers matter.
- Samsung quotes up to 1,050 MB/s read and 1,000 MB/s write for the named models under compatible USB 3.2 Gen 2 and UASP conditions.
- Samsung's T7 Shield IP65 and 3 m drop-test claims are model-specific; it says actual resistance can vary and liquid or dust damage is not covered under warranty.
Seagate
The One Touch family includes portable HDDs for archive storage and SSDs for a different transfer-speed need.
- Seagate describes backup software options for One Touch HDDs and quotes up to 1,030 MB/s for its One Touch SSD line.
- Check the cable for the exact version: Seagate says a USB-C-to-USB-A cable is not included with its documented portable USB-C One Touch HDD.
Western Digital
Its My Passport portable drives and My Book desktop drives represent different ways to keep a household archive.
- PCMag UK named My Passport its portable-drive pick and My Book its desktop-drive pick in September 2026.
- Choose by the capacity, connector and setup of the particular model rather than treating that editorial selection as applying to every variant.
Joybuy storage choices
These portable SSDs address frequent file transfers or a growing photo library; the portable HDD offers a capacity-led archive option. A drive used for backup still needs a separate-copy routine.
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Samsung T7 Shield MU-PE1T0S 1 TB Black
Consider this portable SSD for moving large folders between compatible devices. It has 1 TB of storage and USB 3.2 Gen 2; Samsung quotes up to 1,050 MB/s read and 1,000 MB/s write under compatible host and connection conditions. Samsung's IP65 and drop-test claims are not a guarantee against damage or data loss.
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Lexar ES4 Portable SSD with Magnetic Set 1 TB
This 1 TB USB 3.2 Gen 2 SSD is an option if you want portable storage for large files and are considering its stated iPhone 15 or 16 workflow. The product title quotes up to 1,050 MB/s read and 1,000 MB/s write; check your device, connection and formatting requirements for the intended use.
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Samsung Portable SSD T7 2 TB Blue
Consider the 2 TB capacity if your photo and file collection needs more room while you still want a portable SSD. This variant is identified as USB 3.2 Gen 2; check the ports and cables you will use, particularly if files move between computers and a phone.
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SanDisk Portable SSD 2 TB
This portable 2 TB SSD is a choice to assess for storing and carrying a sizeable photo library. Before ordering, check its connector, supplied cable and compatibility with each device you intend to use.
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Western Digital My Passport Ultra Portable HDD 5 TB Blue
Consider this 5 TB portable HDD when a large household archive matters more than frequent fast transfers. Check its connection and file-system requirements for your devices, and keep the drive still while files are being transferred.
Common questions
Is an external drive by itself a backup?
An external drive holds a backup when it contains a separate copy you can restore if the original is lost or inaccessible. The National Cyber Security Centre advises keeping important data in a separate safe location, so copy the files you need and check that you can restore them.
Should I leave my backup drive plugged in?
Disconnect at least one backup when it is not being updated if you want an offline copy. The National Cyber Security Centre describes incidents affecting original files and connected backup locations; a permanently connected drive does not provide the same separation.
Can I connect an external drive directly to an iPhone?
Yes, if the connector or adapter, file format and power arrangement meet the iPhone's requirements. Apple Support says the drive must have a single data partition and a supported format, and notes that external HDDs often need external power.
Does a USB-C connector mean fast transfers?
No: USB-C identifies the connector shape, not the speed you will get. Check the drive, host port and cable together; Samsung says its quoted T7 and T7 Shield maximum speeds require USB 3.2 Gen 2 support and UASP.