Home photo archivists
You want a separate copy of photos, documents and a growing media library, rather than simply somewhere to move files when your computer fills up.
Who needs external storage?
Laptop-space reclaimers
Your laptop is full, and you need room for older files or active projects while keeping practical access to them.
Portable large-file movers
You regularly carry substantial photo or video folders and need to consider the computer port, cable and how the drive will be handled in transit.
What matters when choosing?
Decide whether you need a dependable backup, room for a growing library or frequent transfers before comparing drive specifications.
External HDD
Choose it when: You need substantial space for a mostly stationary photo archive or routine local backup.
Bear in mind: An HDD is less suited to frequent rapid transfers than an SSD, and one local drive should not be your only copy.
Portable SSD
Choose it when: You often move large folders or carry working files between locations.
Bear in mind: Advertised transfer speeds depend on the host connection and cable; capacity still needs to fit your files.
USB flash drive
Choose it when: You need to hand off a small document set or selected photos between devices.
Bear in mind: Its limited space and risk of being lost make it a poor sole home for a large photo archive.
Cloud storage
Choose it when: You want a separate copy away from the computer and local drive, alongside your local setup.
Bear in mind: Access and automatic backups depend on your account, its security and a suitable internet connection.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| A recoverable backup | Decide how you will make regular copies, where you will keep the drive when disconnected and how you will test a restore. | If my laptop or files are lost, I need a separate copy I can actually restore. Around 31% of consumers would put backup resilience first. |
| Capacity for growth | Compare your current files with the drive's capacity and allow for growth. For Time Machine, Apple advises a backup device with at least twice the Mac's storage capacity. | A full laptop and an expanding photo library leave me needing space for both today's files and future backups; roughly 31% of consumers would make capacity their primary concern. |
| Large-file transfers | Check the computer's USB capability and whether the cable supports the SSD's stated connection speed. | When I move substantial photo or video folders regularly, transfer time and carrying the drive matter most. Around 23% of consumers would prioritise speed and portability. |
| Format and privacy | Confirm the intended operating systems, backup-disk format and whether the exact drive supports the password protection you need. | I need the drive to work with my backup setup without risking existing files, or I need to protect personal data if it is lost; about 15% of consumers would put compatibility and privacy first. |
Mistakes that can put files at risk
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Treating extra space as a backup
Moving the only copy of a photo folder from a full laptop to an external drive frees space but does not protect the folder if that drive fails or disappears.
Keep a separate copy, disconnect a local backup when it is not being updated and try restoring selected files. The NI Cyber Security Centre recommends copies on different devices, including one kept offline in another location.
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Choosing an SSD by its maximum speed alone
A fast SSD cannot reach its stated connection-dependent speed if the laptop port or cable does not support the required mode.
Check the computer's USB specification and the supplied cable. For example, Samsung says the T7 Shield's stated maximum speeds require a USB 3.2 Gen 2 host and cable, with UASP enabled.
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Reformatting before copying existing files
Changing a drive's format for a backup setup can erase files already stored on it. Apple says a Windows-formatted disk may need reformatting for Time Machine, which permanently removes its contents.
Make a separate, checked copy of those files before reformatting, then choose a format for the drive's intended use.
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Enabling encryption without a password plan
Password protection creates an access risk as well as protecting a lost drive. Western Digital warns that data on a supported drive cannot be recovered if its WD Security password is forgotten; the drive must be erased before reuse.
Keep the password and any applicable recovery information securely, away from the encrypted drive.
Brands to consider for external storage
Seagate
Relevant if you are comparing external HDDs, portable drives and desktop options for personal files and local backup.
- Seagate describes scheduled backup options and, on selected One Touch models, password protection and hardware encryption.
- Check the exact model's supported operating systems, backup features and encryption options; they are not shared by every drive in the range.
Western Digital
Relevant if you are considering My Passport portable HDDs or My Book desktop storage and want to assess backup software or password protection.
- Western Digital provides backup-software information for specified My Passport models and WD Security password protection for supported drives.
- Software and security support are model-specific. Western Digital says a forgotten WD Security password cannot be recovered without erasing the drive.
Samsung
Relevant if you carry large photo or project files and are considering a portable SSD such as the T7 Shield.
- Samsung specifies up to 1,050 MB/s read and 1,000 MB/s write for the T7 Shield, subject to a compatible USB 3.2 Gen 2 host, cable and UASP connection.
- Samsung's IP65 and drop-test claims are conditional; it says resistance varies in use and damage from liquid, dust or drops is not covered under warranty.
SanDisk
Relevant if you are comparing compact portable SSDs for carrying and transferring files.
- SanDisk specifies up to 2,000 MB/s and built-in 256-bit AES encryption for its listed 1 TB Extreme Portable SSD.
- Check the exact capacity and model before relying on that speed, its resistance claims or its stated limited warranty.
Joybuy HDD and SSD options
These portable HDDs and SSDs address local storage for a growing file library or transfers between devices. Choose capacity for the files you intend to keep, and check your computer connection and backup method before relying on any drive as a separate copy.
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Samsung Portable SSD T7 4 TB, Grey
Consider this portable SSD if you need 4 TB for a substantial file library and frequently move files. It specifies USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2; check your computer's port and cable before choosing it for transfer speed.
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Western Digital My Passport Ultra 5 TB, Blue
Consider this portable HDD if your priority is space for a growing photo or file archive: the listed capacity is 5 TB. If you plan to use it for scheduled backups or with a Mac, check the exact model's software and backup compatibility.
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Western Digital My Passport Ultra 4 TB, Silver
This 4 TB portable HDD is an option for keeping a substantial local copy of photos and documents. For a Mac backup, check the drive's format and the backup software you intend to use before putting files on it.
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Samsung T7 Shield Portable SSD 1 TB, Blue
Consider this 1 TB portable SSD for moving files when you also want the T7 Shield's stated IP65 and drop-test features. Samsung's maximum transfer-speed specifications require a compatible USB 3.2 Gen 2 host, cable and UASP; its resistance claims are not a guarantee against damage.
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Lexar ES5 Portable SSD 1 TB, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2
Consider this 1 TB portable SSD if you move large folders and can check whether your computer supports USB 3.2 Gen 2x2. Its listed read and write speeds are up to 2,000 MB/s; the product name also specifies IP65 and MagSafe attachment, so confirm phone compatibility if you plan to use those features.
Common questions
Can one external drive be my only photo backup?
No: one external drive can hold a backup copy, but it should not be the only protection for irreplaceable photos. The NI Cyber Security Centre recommends three copies on two different devices, with one kept offline in a different location. Disconnect a local backup when it is not being updated and check that you can restore files from it.
How much capacity does a Mac Time Machine backup need?
Apple advises a backup device with at least twice the Mac's storage capacity for Time Machine. That guidance is for a Time Machine backup, not every archive of selected files; for selected folders, consider the data you have now and room for growth.
Can I keep Windows files and a Mac Time Machine backup on one drive?
It may be possible, but decide how the drive will be formatted before copying files to it. Apple says a Windows-formatted disk may need reformatting for Time Machine, which permanently erases its contents; APFS or APFS Encrypted is its preferred Time Machine format. Copy existing files elsewhere before making changes to the disk.
What happens if I forget an encrypted drive's password?
You may lose access to the files, depending on the drive's security system. Western Digital says data protected by WD Security on supported drives cannot be recovered if the password is forgotten, and the drive must be erased before reuse. Keep password and recovery information secure and separate from the drive.