Choose cloud storage if easy access across devices matters most, a portable drive if you can make and store a separate offline copy, or a network-attached storage (NAS) device if several people need a shared home library and can manage it. For family files you cannot replace, consider combining local and off-site copies: Apple and Microsoft explain that changes to synchronised files can spread across devices, so syncing alone should not be your recovery plan.
If losing family photos, videos or important documents would be difficult to recover from, prioritise a separate copy you can restore. The National Cyber Security Centre advises keeping backups apart from the original files, while Apple cautions that iCloud Photos is not duplicated in iCloud Backup.
If files are spread across phones, Macs, Windows PCs and older computers, check how each device will transfer files and access the shared library. Apple, Microsoft and Synology describe different routes to cross-device access; the arrangement still needs to work with your particular devices and accounts.
If you are bringing scattered files together, measure the whole library before choosing storage. Apple offers different iCloud+ capacity tiers, while Synology notes that a NAS device’s usable space depends on its drives and configuration.
Decide how you will recover files before choosing where the everyday library will live. Cloud syncing, a disconnected drive and a shared NAS can serve different jobs within the same household.
Choose it when: You want supported phones and computers to access an automatically updated library.
Allow for: Account and internet access, a suitable storage tier, and a separate recovery copy where synced deletions matter.
Choose it when: You can copy files from your computers to a local drive and disconnect it between backups.
Allow for: A copying and restore routine; one drive can be lost or fail and should not be your only copy.
Choose it when: Several household devices need access to one centrally managed home library.
Allow for: Compatible drives, setup, updates and a backup separate from the NAS.
Choose it when: Irreplaceable files need both a local recovery copy and one kept away from home.
Allow for: Maintaining both copies and checking that files can actually be restored.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Recoverable copies | Confirm that a separate copy survives a synced deletion, and test restoring a small folder. Consider where an offline or off-site copy will be kept. | If family photos cannot be recreated, I need a copy I can recover even after a mistake or device loss; around 36% of consumers put recoverability first. |
| Access across devices | List the devices that must upload and retrieve files, then check their apps, ports, cables and account access. | With files on a phone and several computers, I want to find the current library without passing a drive around; roughly 29% of consumers prioritise cross-device access. |
| Room to grow | Measure files across all devices and allow for new videos. For a NAS, compare usable space under your planned drive configuration. | If our video collection keeps growing, I need enough room beyond what it occupies today; around 21% of consumers make capacity their primary concern. |
| Manageable routine | Decide who will notice failed uploads or full storage, and whether regular drive connections and restore checks are realistic. | I need a process the household will keep using rather than a copy made just once; approximately 14% of consumers put ease of upkeep first. |
Apple says deleting an item in iCloud Photos deletes it across devices using the service; those photos are not duplicated in iCloud Backup.
Keep a separate recovery copy outside the synced library and try restoring a small folder before relying on it.
The National Cyber Security Centre warns that an incident can affect original files and connected backup storage. A drive left attached may not provide the separation you intended.
After checking that a backup completed, disconnect the drive when practical. Keep an off-site copy of files you cannot replace.
A growing photo and video library may need a different capacity tier later. Apple’s UK iCloud+ plans span capacities from 50GB to 12TB.
Measure files across phones and computers, then allow for growth before choosing a cloud tier or drive capacity.
Synology says usable capacity for the DS225+ varies with the installed drives and RAID configuration. Drive compatibility also needs checking for the chosen system.
Work out usable space for your intended configuration and check Synology’s current drive-compatibility information before selecting drives.
A NAS also needs ongoing drive and system maintenance, as well as a separate backup.
iCloud+ and iCloud Photos are relevant when a household mainly uses iPhones, iPads and Macs.
OneDrive is relevant to households using Windows PCs to access documents and pictures on other supported devices.
Google Photos is relevant to Android-led or mixed-device households that want photos and videos uploaded to a Google Account.
Samsung’s T7 Shield portable SSD is a local-copy option for moving photo or video files from compatible computers.
Synology’s DS225+ is relevant to households prepared to set up and manage a shared NAS.
These external drives are options for making a local copy of household files. Choose capacity against your complete library, check the computers and cables you will use, and keep another recoverable copy rather than relying on one drive alone.
No image available
Consider this drive if you can regularly copy files from a computer to separate local storage.
Capacity: 2TB. Check the backup software and any macOS driver requirement against your computer, then test a restore.
No image available
Consider this SSD if you need a portable destination for a sizeable local media copy.
Capacity: 4TB. Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 2x2. Check whether your computer and cable support that interface before relying on its transfer-speed claims.
No image available
Consider this SSD for a portable local copy when 1TB accommodates the files you intend to back up.
Connection: USB Type-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2. Samsung says peak speeds require a compatible USB 3.2 Gen 2 host and UASP mode; check your computer and cable.
No image available
Consider this portable SSD as a local destination for photos, videos and documents copied from compatible devices.
Capacity: 2TB. Check your devices’ operating systems and connections before choosing it for a mixed-device household.
No image available
Consider this drive if you need a local destination for a larger collection of household files.
Capacity: 4TB. USB connection. Check compatibility before sharing it between computers: the listing says use with a Mac or another operating system may require reformatting.
Not if you need an independent copy for recovery. Apple says iCloud Photos edits and deletions appear across devices, and its photos are not duplicated in iCloud Backup; keep a separate copy you can restore.
Syncing keeps the current files aligned, while a backup is a separate copy you can use to restore lost or inaccessible files. Microsoft says OneDrive changes and deletions sync between its folder and website; the National Cyber Security Centre also warns that connected backup storage can be affected in an incident.
Yes. The National Cyber Security Centre recommends two-step verification for important accounts, including cloud storage, as an additional check if a password is stolen. Keep account recovery methods accessible to the person responsible for the household files.