Choose an external HDD for a large local copy that can stay safely separate from the computer, or a portable SSD when frequent transport and faster file transfers matter more. Cloud storage suits households that need automatic off-site copies and access across compatible devices, while irreplaceable photos and documents are better protected with both a local copy and a separate cloud or off-site copy.
This route is for people who want family photos and videos to remain recoverable after a laptop is stolen, damaged, lost or affected by malware. National Cyber Security Centre guidance highlights keeping important data in a separate safe location, so a local copy plus an off-site copy is worth considering where one loss point is unacceptable.
Suitable for households with growing collections of photos, documents and videos that need substantial local capacity without needing every file remotely available at all times. Which? distinguishes HDDs for long-term backup from SSDs that are generally faster but usually cost more for comparable capacity.
Useful for households that want selected folders available across compatible devices. Check included storage, the folders covered by the chosen service and subscription terms before relying on an ecosystem-based cloud workflow.
Start by deciding where the second copy will live, then check capacity, automation and device compatibility before choosing between a drive, cloud storage or both.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Protection from loss and malware | Keep a copy separate from the computer; check whether it can stay offline after backup; confirm how files can be restored. | I want photos and documents to remain available if the computer is lost, stolen, damaged or unusable. A local drive kept beside the computer is not an off-site copy. |
| Automatic, current copies | Check which folders are included; confirm backup frequency and connected-device requirements; review recovery settings. | I need recent copies without remembering to transfer files manually. Cloud tools and scheduled drive backups only protect the folders and devices configured for them. |
| Capacity and transfer time | Measure the current library and allow growth; compare HDD and SSD capacity; check USB host and cable compatibility for quoted SSD speeds. | My photo and video library needs room to grow, and copying or restoring it must take an acceptable amount of time. An HDD may suit capacity-first backups, while an SSD can suit faster transfers. |
| Ongoing cost and access | Check free storage allowance and monthly billing; confirm account recovery options; enable available password or encryption features where appropriate. | I want to understand whether I am making a one-off hardware purchase or taking on a recurring cloud subscription. I also need to consider who can access the stored household files if a device is lost. |
A synchronised service can copy changed or ransomware-encrypted files as well as the originals. National Cyber Security Centre ransomware guidance warns that encrypted replacement files may synchronise automatically.
Check version-history and recovery options, and keep a recent additional copy that is not continuously connected to the computer.
An SSD may work normally while falling short of its quoted maximum transfer speed. Samsung states that the T7 Shield’s stated maximum speeds depend on a compatible USB 3.2 Gen 2 host, cable and UASP.
Identify the computer’s USB specification and the supplied cable before paying extra for a high-speed SSD.
A removable drive can still be affected by theft, damage, a household incident or malware when it remains connected in the same location.
Disconnect the local backup after it completes and keep another copy in a separate safe location or a reputable cloud service.
Free storage can be too small for a growing photo library, and paid storage may involve recurring monthly billing. Apple states that iCloud+ upgrades are billed monthly.
Measure the folders you intend to protect, leave room for future files and versions, and review the applicable billing terms before enabling automatic uploads.
A paid cloud tier can add a recurring monthly commitment after the included allowance is exceeded.
Relevant when a household is considering a portable SSD rather than a capacity-first HDD, especially if the drive will be moved often or large photo and video folders are copied frequently.
Relevant for iPhone, iPad and Mac households considering an Apple ecosystem route for photos, files and device backups.
Relevant for Windows-focused households that want to protect selected PC folders through OneDrive and access them on compatible devices.
Joybuy product options for households creating a local backup copy of photos, videos and documents with an external HDD or portable SSD.
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A local-drive option for routine household photo and document backups.
Stated 2TB capacity, USB 3.2 Gen 1 connectivity and 256-bit AES hardware encryption. The supplied software states daily or weekly scheduled backup support; macOS 11+ read/write use requires downloadable drivers.
Keep another copy elsewhere for off-site protection, and check that 2TB leaves sufficient room for future files.
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A larger-capacity local option for households with extensive photo and video libraries.
Stated 5TB capacity, USB-C connection with USB-A adapter, and 256-bit AES hardware encryption with password protection. Companion software is described as supporting daily, weekly or monthly synchronisation.
It is a local physical copy rather than off-site protection, and macOS use requires reformatting from the stated NTFS format.
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A portable local-backup choice for moving large household libraries between compatible devices.
Stated 4TB capacity, USB 3.2 Gen 2, read speeds up to 1,050MB/s and write speeds up to 1,000MB/s. USB-C-to-C and USB-C-to-A cables are included, with stated Windows, macOS and Android compatibility.
Maximum transfer speeds depend on compatible USB 3.2 Gen 2 hardware and the appropriate cable; pair it with another route for off-site protection.
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A compact portable SSD for households that regularly carry a local backup between rooms, homes or while travelling.
Stated 1TB capacity, USB 3.2 Gen 2 and sequential speeds up to 1,050MB/s read and 1,000MB/s write. The product description also states IP65 dust and water resistance and up to 3m drop resistance.
Check that 1TB covers the current library and future growth, and verify compatible USB 3.2 Gen 2 hardware, cable and UASP before expecting maximum speeds.
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A portable local-copy option for expanding photo and video collections that need regular transfers.
Stated 2TB capacity, read speeds up to 800MB/s, USB-device compatibility and up to 2m drop protection.
This is a local physical copy rather than an off-site backup; check file-system, connection and password-protection requirements for the household’s devices.
One external drive can create a useful local backup, but it is still a physical copy that can be lost, stolen, damaged or affected by the same incident as the computer. For files that cannot be recreated, keep another copy in a separate location or cloud service and check that both copies can be restored.
Choose an HDD when large-capacity, long-term local backup is the priority and slower transfer speed is acceptable. Choose an SSD when faster copying, frequent transport or greater resistance to knocks matters more; compare equivalent capacities and check the computer’s USB connection before expecting a quoted SSD speed.
Not necessarily. Microsoft documents controls for selected standard folders, while Which? describes choosing backup categories in Windows, so confirm the folders, file types and devices included before relying on cloud storage as the only copy.
Free allowances may be limited: National Cyber Security Centre guidance lists 5GB for iCloud and OneDrive and 15GB for Google Drive. Paid cloud capacity can be a monthly commitment, so check the current UK plan terms, available storage and billing before enabling automatic uploads.