Choose cloud storage when automatic uploads and access from a replacement device matter most, and choose an external drive or SSD when you need to copy large libraries without relying on internet access. For irreplaceable family files, use both: keep an off-site cloud copy and a separate local copy that is disconnected when not in use, because the National Cyber Security Centre warns that connected local and cloud backups can both be affected during an incident.
If phones or computers are lost, stolen, damaged or replaced, automatic backup and access from a newly signed-in device are central considerations. Google and Apple both provide cloud-based access across supported signed-in devices.
Large libraries can be more practical to copy to an external drive or SSD when internet access is unavailable, uploads would take too long, or cloud capacity is no longer sufficient for the files you keep.
Important family photos, videos and documents benefit from more than one copy. The National Cyber Security Centre recommends keeping backups separate from the original data, including an offline copy when it is not being updated.
Start with the files you need to recover, then decide how often they should update and where an independent copy will be kept.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Recovery and separation | Confirm that photos, videos and documents are included in the backup. Keep the backup in a separate location from the original device and test that files can be restored. | I need a copy I can recover if the phone or computer is lost, damaged, replaced or affected by malware. |
| Automatic backup and access | Check which folders, apps and devices are covered. For cloud storage, confirm that uploads complete; for a drive, check that the chosen backup tool runs when the drive is connected. | I want recent copies without relying on everyone to remember manual transfers, and access from another signed-in device when needed. |
| Capacity and growth | Measure photos, videos, documents and existing computer data, then allow room for growth. For Time Machine, Apple recommends a backup disk with at least twice the Mac's storage capacity. | My library is likely to grow, so I need enough room for retained backups rather than only today's photo folder. |
| Protection from one incident | Keep at least one local backup disconnected when not in use. For cloud storage, review account recovery, sharing controls and use a strong unique password. | I do not want every copy exposed through the same computer or account if something goes wrong. |
Synchronised libraries can carry edits and deletions across devices. Apple states that changes made in iCloud Photos are reflected on connected devices and advises keeping backup copies of the library.
Keep an additional separate copy of irreplaceable files, such as a regularly updated external drive stored away from the computer or another independently managed backup route.
A connected USB or network drive can be affected by the same ransomware incident as the computer. The National Cyber Security Centre has reported incidents involving connected local drives and cloud backup locations.
Keep at least one backup offline when it is not being updated. Reconnect it only for scheduled backup and restoration tasks.
Photos, videos, documents and email can all compete for cloud storage, while a computer backup needs room for retained backup history. Larger libraries can also take longer to upload.
Measure current storage use, allow for growth, then choose a cloud allowance or local drive capacity that fits the files you actually plan to protect.
As a library grows, you may need a larger cloud allowance or additional local-drive capacity.
Maximum transfer figures depend on the computer, port, cable and supported transfer mode. Samsung states that its T7 Shield maximum figures require compatible USB 3.2 Gen 2 hardware and cable support.
Check the computer's ports, supplied cable and exact drive model before prioritising a higher transfer-speed figure. Capacity and a workable backup routine matter first.
iCloud+ and iCloud Photos are relevant for households centred on iPhone, iPad and Mac devices that want cloud-based photo and video storage with access across Apple devices, Windows and the web.
Google Photos and Google One suit Android, Google-account and mixed-device households that want automatic photo and video backup with access from another signed-in device.
OneDrive and Microsoft 365 are relevant for Windows-first households, especially those already using Microsoft productivity apps across PCs, Macs, phones and tablets.
Samsung portable SSDs are relevant for households wanting compact removable storage for large media transfers and local computer backups.
Joybuy product options for the removable local-storage route, suited to households creating a separate copy of photos, videos and important files.
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A local storage option for large household photo, video and document libraries.
Stated 4TB capacity, USB 3.2 Gen 2, PC, Mac and Android compatibility, plus USB-C-to-C and USB-C-to-A cables.
Check formatting requirements for each device, and confirm that the computer port supports USB 3.2 Gen 2 if transfer speed is important. Disconnect and store the drive separately after backups.
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A portable local-copy route for family photos, videos and important files.
Stated 2TB capacity, USB 3.2 Gen 2, PC, Mac and Android compatibility, with USB-C-to-C and USB-C-to-A cables included.
Check the current format and backup setup for every household device. Maximum stated speeds depend on a compatible USB 3.2 Gen 2 connection, and the drive should be stored offline between backup sessions.
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A 2TB local storage option for households transferring large photo and video collections between compatible USB-C devices.
Stated 2TB capacity, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2, password authentication and AES-256 hardware encryption.
Check operating-system and backup-tool compatibility if you plan to use Time Machine or File History. The stated up-to-2,000MB/s transfer rate requires compatible USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 hardware.
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A substantial local-copy option for a large shared photo and video library, particularly in a Windows household.
Stated 4TB capacity, USB 3.2 Gen 1 or USB 3.0 connectivity, with Windows 10 and later recognition listed.
Mac and other systems may require reformatting, so check file-system and backup-workflow compatibility before setup. Confirm that File History or another backup routine includes the folders you need.
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A compact removable-storage option for a sizeable local copy of household photos, videos and documents.
Stated 2TB capacity, USB compatibility, up-to-800MB/s read speed, compact dimensions and up-to-2-metre drop protection.
Check the intended operating system, file system and backup workflow before buying. The listing states a read-speed figure only, so confirm expected copy performance if backup time is important.
Yes, if the files uploaded successfully and you can securely sign in to the same cloud account from a replacement device or the web. Google Photos states that backed-up media can be accessed from signed-in devices, while Apple provides access to iCloud Photos on supported devices and the web. Check that backup has completed and keep account-recovery details available.
Do not assume that it is. Apple says iCloud Photos synchronises edits and deletions across devices and advises keeping backup copies of the library. For important files, keep a separate copy on an external drive stored away from the computer or use another independently managed backup route.
For Time Machine, Apple recommends a storage device with at least twice the storage capacity of the Mac. If you back up only selected folders instead of the whole Mac, calculate capacity from the files included and leave room for growth.
Yes. Microsoft File History can make regular backups to an external drive or network location once enabled. Confirm which folders are included, because files held elsewhere may need to be added to a library.
Not if it is the only local backup you rely on. The National Cyber Security Centre says ransomware has compromised connected USB and network-storage backup drives and advises maintaining one or more offline backups. Run the backup, check that it has completed, then disconnect and store the drive safely.