For photos that would be difficult to replace, keep a separately managed copy as well as the library you use day to day: the UK National Cyber Security Centre warns that connected backup drives can be affected alongside original files, and Apple says iCloud Photos is not duplicated in iCloud device backup. Choose a local drive for a separate copy, cloud storage for supported uploads and access across devices, or both if you need both functions. Before relying on the setup, check that uploads complete and that you can restore sample files.
If losing a phone, connected drive or live photo library would put important pictures at risk, consider keeping a separate copy that you can restore. The UK National Cyber Security Centre and Apple both describe risks that make a separately managed copy relevant.
If family photos are spread across devices, check which folders each app uploads and what happens when a photo is deleted. Google and Microsoft describe different phone-upload services and workflows.
If your collection includes photos, videos and documents, compare the space available on a drive with the allowance and sharing rules of a cloud plan. Apple, Microsoft and Toshiba provide examples of storage options and device connections.
Consider it: If you want a sizeable local copy and can connect the drive to a compatible device for manual copying.
Trade-off: It does not provide remote access by itself, and you need to keep the drive separate between backup sessions.
Consider it: If you regularly move a large photo or video collection between compatible devices.
Trade-off: A speed rating does not automate copying or create a separate off-site copy; check the exact drive and host connection.
Consider it: If automatic uploads from supported phones and access away from home are important.
Trade-off: Access depends on the account, and synchronised deletions or account-recovery problems can affect your library.
Consider it: If you want cloud access as well as a copy managed separately from the live library.
Trade-off: You need to maintain both copying routines and confirm that exported files are full-resolution originals.
| Concern | What to check when buying | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Recovery after loss or deletion | Where separate copies are stored, the service’s deletion rules, when the last copy completed and whether sample files can be restored. | If losing irreplaceable photos is your main worry, prioritise a copy you can restore independently. Around 33% of consumers put recovery first. |
| Uploads from family phones | Check each phone’s account, included photo locations and upload status; confirm whether deleting a phone photo also deletes its online copy. | If you want new photos from several phones saved without repeated manual transfers, check that uploads finish on each device. Around 27% of consumers prioritise phone uploads. |
| Capacity and plan terms | Measure the collection and allow room for growth; compare usable drive capacity with the plan allowance and check whose files count towards shared storage. | If your archive is growing, focus on how much room your household can use and the plan terms that apply. Around 20% of consumers prioritise capacity and plan terms. |
| Access and compatibility | Check intended devices, connectors and file systems, plus cloud sharing permissions and the account-recovery method. | If you need to open or share files across different devices, check access and permissions on those devices before committing. Around 20% of consumers prioritise cross-device access. |
Apple says deletions in iCloud Photos propagate across devices, and those photos are not duplicated in iCloud device backup. A separate copy gives you another restore route if the live library changes.
Keep an additional copy of irreplaceable originals and periodically try restoring sample files from it.
Microsoft says new Microsoft 365 Family subscriptions from 7 October 2026 receive 2 TB of pooled OneDrive storage, while existing subscriptions have separate transition terms.
Check the allowance that applies to your account and include all family members’ storage use before choosing a plan.
Direct phone access depends on the device, drive and file system. Samsung’s stated T7 maximum transfer rates also depend on a suitable host and connection.
Check the exact drive variant, host, cable and format, then test copying and opening an original file. You may need a compatible adapter or cable if the connectors differ.
Apple distinguishes optimised device copies from full-resolution originals stored in iCloud. A set of previews may not be the complete local archive you intended to keep.
Use the documented original-download or export process, wait for it to finish and open sample files before relying on the copy.
The Expansion portable HDD line is relevant if you want to manage a local photo copy manually.
The Canvio Flex portable HDD line is relevant if you want to move a local copy between compatible USB-A and USB-C devices.
The portable SSD range includes an option for households that move larger files; the cited performance figures apply to the T7 1 TB Titan Grey variant.
iCloud+ is a cloud-plan option for households using iCloud Photos across supported devices.
Google Photos and Google One are options for households seeking phone photo uploads and shared cloud storage.
OneDrive camera backup and Microsoft 365 Family are relevant to households storing photos and documents across phones and computers.
These Joybuy options focus on local storage for photo archives, from portable drives to USB-C storage. Check device compatibility and your copying routine before relying on any local copy as a backup.
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Consider it for keeping a local copy of photos and documents when you have a compatible device and a routine for copying files.
2 TB capacity; USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2.
A connected drive can be affected alongside the originals, so keep another copy isolated and check that files can be restored.
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Consider it for carrying a local photo copy between compatible devices; check the connection and copying process you plan to use.
1 TB capacity; USB 3.2 Gen.2.
A connected drive can be affected alongside the originals, so keep another copy isolated and check that files can be restored.
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Consider it for a local copy of photos, videos and documents when your computer supports the drive’s stated format.
2 TB capacity; USB 3.0; formatted for PC and Mac.
A connected drive can be affected alongside the originals, so keep another copy isolated and check that files can be restored.
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Consider it for a local copy from a compatible USB-C device; confirm that the drive and its backup workflow work with your phone before relying on them.
128 GB capacity; USB-C.
A connected drive can be affected alongside the originals, so keep another copy isolated and check that files can be restored.
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Consider it for keeping a local copy of photos and other files when you need portable storage and have a compatible device.
2 TB capacity.
A connected drive can be affected alongside the originals, so keep another copy isolated and check that files can be restored.
Not necessarily. Apple says deletions in iCloud Photos are reflected across synced devices and that these photos are not duplicated in iCloud device backup. Keep and periodically check another copy if you want a separate restore route.
Confirm the account, backup settings and completed uploads on the old phone, then open sample photos from another device. Microsoft says OneDrive camera backup uploads photos and videos rather than syncing them both ways. Check that you can also use the account’s recovery method.
It depends on the iPhone, connector or adapter, drive and format. Apple says a recognised external device must have a single data partition and use a supported format, including exFAT or APFS. Test the intended drive and export process rather than relying on the connector alone.
Measure the files you want to keep, allow for growth and check how shared storage is allocated across family members. Microsoft says new Microsoft 365 Family subscriptions from 7 October 2026 receive 2 TB of pooled OneDrive storage, while existing subscriptions have separate transition terms; check the allowance for your account.
Check the sharing permissions for the specific service and files. Google says family members sharing eligible Google One storage cannot access one another’s files without permission, but shared storage does not itself mean that files have been shared.