Choose cloud storage when automatic access across devices and an off-site copy matter most, provided your connection and account recovery arrangements are dependable. Choose removable storage for a large local library or a copy that can be disconnected; for irreplaceable family files, keep both a cloud copy and a separate removable copy, and test that recent files can be restored.
If photos and videos cannot be recreated, a combined cloud and removable-media approach can protect against device loss, theft, damage, accidental deletion and a disaster at home. The National Cyber Security Centre and the Information Commissioner’s Office advise keeping important copies separately and outside the home where appropriate.
Cloud storage can suit households that want recent files available across phones, tablets and computers without routine manual copying. Check account recovery, sharing permissions, storage allowance and ongoing billing before relying on one account.
A removable drive can be practical for a large media library or a slow, unreliable or metered connection. Keep the drive disconnected after use and maintain an off-site copy for files that would be difficult to replace, as advised by the National Cyber Security Centre.
Start by deciding where the separate copy will live, then check whether you can restore it, access it securely and leave enough room for future photos and videos.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Recoverable copies | Keep a copy separate from the original device; check that recent files can be restored; disconnect removable media after a completed backup. | I want to recover photos and documents if a phone or computer is lost, damaged, deleted from or affected by malware. |
| Access away from home | Check internet reliability, automatic-backup settings, available storage and whether the service keeps a copy outside the home. | My household needs current files on more than one device while still keeping a separate copy elsewhere. |
| Account control | Set recovery contacts or codes; use a strong unique password and available two-step verification; review who can access shared folders. | I need the people responsible for family files to be able to regain access without exposing private documents or photos. |
| Capacity fit | Measure the current library; include videos, documents and other services sharing the same cloud allowance; allow room for growth. | I want enough space for original-quality photos and videos without finding that the selected plan or drive fills immediately. |
Changes in a synchronised folder can be copied across devices. If the only copy depends on one cloud account, deletion, a full quota or lost account access can interrupt recovery.
Keep a separately recoverable copy for irreplaceable files, test restoration and check the service’s deletion and version-recovery options before relying on synchronisation.
The National Cyber Security Centre warns that ransomware and other malware can reach attached removable media, affecting the backup as well as the computer.
Once the backup has completed and been checked, disconnect the drive. Store it securely and use password protection or encryption where supported and appropriate.
Google storage can be shared across Gmail, Drive and Photos, while Microsoft cloud storage can be shared across OneDrive files and photos, Outlook.com attachments and Microsoft 365 apps.
Measure the library, identify every service using the allowance and leave space for normal growth before choosing a storage tier.
Photos, videos, documents, email attachments and device backups can share one quota, so an account may need more capacity sooner than expected.
A cloud copy can become inaccessible when the password, recovery device or verification method is unavailable. Microsoft notes that support cannot help in some two-step-verification situations where no alternative method is accessible.
Add and maintain recovery methods, store recovery material safely where offered, and record which trusted adult manages the household backup account.
A cloud-backup route for households centred on iPhone, iPad and Mac devices, using iCloud Backup, iCloud Photos and iCloud Drive access across Apple devices, Windows PCs and the web.
A cloud-storage route for households using Google Photos, Google Drive, Gmail or Android device backup through one Google Account storage pool.
A cloud-storage route for households primarily using Windows, OneDrive and Microsoft accounts, including those considering Microsoft 365 Family.
An external-SSD route for households that regularly transfer large photo or video libraries and want a portable physical copy alongside, rather than instead of, a separate backup.
Joybuy product options for creating a separate local copy of household photos, videos and documents. These drives do not create an off-site backup by themselves.
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A local option for households with a large library that need a separate removable copy.
Stated 4 TB capacity, USB 3.2 Gen 2 connectivity, USB-C-to-C and USB-C-to-A cables, AES-256 hardware encryption, and Windows, macOS and Android compatibility.
Quoted maximum transfer speeds require a compatible USB 3.2 Gen 2 host. Check the library size before purchase, disconnect the drive after a verified backup and keep another separate copy for irreplaceable files.
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A portable local-copy option for households moving a backup drive between supported devices or locations.
Stated 1 TB capacity, USB 3.2 Gen 2 connectivity, IP65 rating, up to 3 m drop resistance, 98 g weight and compatibility with Macs, PCs and Android devices.
Check whether 1 TB suits the current library and expected growth. The stated transfer rate depends on compatible devices and connections, and this remains a local rather than off-site copy.
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A removable local-copy option for family photos, videos and documents across supported phones and computers.
Stated 2 TB capacity, USB 3.2 Gen 2 connectivity, AES-256 hardware encryption, optional password protection, and USB-C-to-C and USB-C-to-A cables.
Measure the library before choosing capacity. The drive is stated not to be waterproof or dustproof, and peak speed depends on a compatible USB 3.2 Gen 2 host.
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A higher-capacity local archive option for households that need substantial room for a separate copy.
Stated 5 TB capacity, USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C connection, USB-A adapter, 256-bit AES hardware encryption and password protection through a companion utility.
It is stated as pre-formatted NTFS for Windows 10+, while macOS use requires reformatting. Check file-system and cross-platform needs, and disconnect it after checking the backup.
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A compact removable-copy option for a household media library that may need to travel regularly.
Stated 2 TB capacity, up to 800 MB/s read speed, up to 2 m drop protection, 40 g weight, compact dimensions and USB-device compatibility.
Check that 2 TB suits the library and future growth. Confirm operating-system compatibility, file-system format, supplied connectors and security options before storing sensitive documents.
Not necessarily. The Information Commissioner’s Office explains that synchronised changes can be copied to the provider and other devices, while the National Cyber Security Centre defines a backup as a separate copy that can be restored when the original is inaccessible. Use synchronisation for convenient access, but keep a recoverable separate copy and understand deletion and version-recovery options.
Test it after setup and periodically afterwards. Check that recent photos and newly created files appear in the backup, then restore a small sample to a different location or device. The National Cyber Security Centre advises checking that backups contain important data and recent files.
Disconnect it when it is not actively being used for backup. The National Cyber Security Centre warns that ransomware and other malware can move to attached media, potentially affecting the backup too. Protect the drive if it may be lost or stolen.
Set up and maintain recovery methods before relying on the account. Google recommends a recovery phone number or email, while Microsoft offers additional verification methods and a recovery code. Store any recovery code away from the device used for sign-in.
Do not assume this without checking the selected provider’s current UK-facing terms, privacy documentation and storage-location information. The Information Commissioner’s Office notes that cloud files are held on servers controlled by the provider and may involve another provider.