Choose cloud storage when automatic copies, access across several devices and an off-site copy matter most. Choose an external hard drive for a large local backup destination, or a portable SSD when you also move large files or travel; for irreplaceable files, a local copy alongside cloud storage can provide two separate recovery routes.
For people whose photos, videos, financial records or family documents would be difficult to replace. Cloud storage can keep a copy away from home, while a local drive gives you another route for restoring files.
For people working from home who need to keep employer-approved storage separate from personal storage. The Information Commissioner’s Office says workers should follow organisational policies and use approved technology when handling personal data.
For photographers, video creators and travellers who copy large files locally and carry storage between devices. A portable SSD can be a more suitable route than a basic USB flash drive when transfer speed, capacity and portability are central needs.
Start with the files you need to recover, then check how each route stores them, how you will restore them and whether it works with the devices you use.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Recoverability | Keep a copy in a separate location; confirm that the chosen files can be restored; disconnect removable media when it is not in use. | I want important files to remain recoverable if my computer or phone is lost, damaged, inaccessible or affected by malware. |
| Automatic access | Check which folders, photos, settings or device data are copied automatically; confirm support for your computer, phone and tablet; review service exclusions. | I need recent documents or photos available across the devices I actually use, without relying entirely on manual copying. |
| Capacity and ongoing use | Compare your current backup size with likely growth; allow for retained versions where relevant; check cloud-plan capacity and household-sharing terms. | My backup needs enough room for today’s files and future photos or videos, without choosing a storage arrangement that no longer fits. |
| Device compatibility | Check ports and cables; confirm the USB generation if transfer speed matters; verify file-system and backup-software requirements. | I need the storage to connect to my devices and work with the backup method I plan to use. |
The National Cyber Security Centre notes that ransomware incidents have affected connected USB and network drives holding backups. A drive attached all the time may be affected alongside the computer you need to recover.
Keep at least one removable backup copy disconnected when it is not being used, and protect access to any cloud-backup account.
A backup route that keeps documents may not include every phone setting, photo library, app-data category or work file you expect. Coverage differs by service and device type.
List the folders, photo libraries, phone data and approved work files that must be recoverable, then check the route’s stated coverage and try a small restore.
Portable SSD maximum speeds can depend on the host device, cable and supported USB mode. A computer, phone, hub or cable with different capabilities can reduce transfer performance.
Check the ports, cable and USB specification of the devices you use before paying for a high-speed portable SSD.
Personal cloud accounts and personally owned drives can conflict with an employer’s security, retention and data-protection controls.
Use only employer-approved storage, backup software and devices for organisational or personal data, and keep work files separate from household files.
Relevant for portable SSD backups where you need a compact local copy for large files, frequent transfers or travel. The T7 Shield line is an example of a rugged portable SSD route rather than a claim about every Samsung external drive.
Relevant for limited USB flash-drive backups and for checking whether a device needs USB-A or USB-C connectivity.
Relevant for Apple-device households choosing between iCloud storage and an external disk for Mac backup. Apple documents iCloud for device and file access, and Time Machine for regular Mac backups to external storage.
Relevant for Windows and mixed-device users considering OneDrive for cloud copies or File History for versioned copies to an external drive.
Joybuy product options for local, removable backup of household and home-working files. These drives can complement an off-site cloud copy where that is part of your plan.
No image available
For a large local copy of household photos, videos, documents or home-working files that you may also carry between compatible devices.
4TB capacity; USB 3.2 Gen 2; stated sequential speeds up to 1,050/1,000MB/s; USB-C-to-C and USB-C-to-A cables supplied. Maximum speeds require a compatible USB 3.2 Gen 2 host and cable. This is a local route, so keep it disconnected when not in use and consider an off-site copy for irreplaceable files.
No image available
For a portable local backup of a substantial photo, document or work-file set, with transfers between compatible PCs, Macs and Android devices.
2TB capacity; USB 3.2 Gen 2; stated sequential speeds up to 1,050/1,000MB/s; USB-C-to-C and USB-C-to-A cables supplied. Speed depends on the host and cable, and you should confirm that 2TB covers your files and retained versions.
No image available
For scheduled local copies of photos, documents and other computer files where a portable hard-drive format suits your backup routine.
2TB capacity; USB 3.2 Gen 1; USB bus-powered; stated 256-bit AES hardware encryption and scheduled-backup software. It is pre-formatted for Windows; macOS read/write use requires a downloadable driver. Check the USB-A-to-Micro-B connection and test the restore process.
No image available
For a local copy of sizeable photo, video and document collections that you want to carry during travel or regular moves between devices.
2TB capacity; stated read speeds up to 800MB/s; 40g weight; stated 2-metre drop protection. Confirm the USB connector, supplied cable and operating-system compatibility before buying, and compare 2TB with your planned backup size.
No image available
For a larger local destination for household photo, video and document libraries, particularly for Windows computer backup and file copying.
4TB capacity; USB 3.2 Gen 1 at 5Gbps; USB-A cable included; stated Windows 10+ recognition. Mac use may require reformatting, and USB-C-only devices need a suitable compatible connection arrangement. Protect the drive during transport and disconnect it when it is not backing up or restoring.
Cloud storage can be part of a backup arrangement when it keeps a recoverable copy separate from the main device, but check exactly what it includes. Apple notes that some information already synchronised to iCloud, such as iCloud Photos and Messages when enabled, is not included in an iCloud device backup.
Not always for basic backup coverage, but an external drive gives you a local restore route and can be kept disconnected when not in use. A combined arrangement can suit irreplaceable files or situations where you do not want recovery to depend only on account access and internet connectivity.
For a removable backup device, keep it disconnected except when backing up or restoring if you want to reduce the chance that malware or ransomware affecting the computer also reaches the backup. The National Cyber Security Centre advises against permanently connecting backup media.
A USB flash drive is generally more suitable for limited, selected copies unless its capacity, connector, durability and backup routine meet your full recovery need. Check that it can hold the complete backup set and connect to every device you need to restore from.
Do not assume this is permitted. The Information Commissioner’s Office says home workers should follow organisational policies, use approved technology for personal data and keep organisational data separate from personal data; ask your employer which storage and backup route is approved.