Choose a portable HDD when you need several terabytes of local capacity, and a portable SSD when the backup will travel often or you regularly move large files. National Cyber Security Centre guidance supports keeping irreplaceable files in more than one destination, such as a local copy plus an off-device or cloud copy, and checking that files can actually be restored.
For people whose photos, videos and household documents would be difficult to replace, and who need copies that remain available after loss, theft, damage, accidental deletion or malware. The National Cyber Security Centre identifies these as situations in which a backup is needed.
For people who need a dedicated destination for regular Windows File History or Mac Time Machine backups instead of relying on the computer’s internal drive alone. Microsoft Support and Apple Support describe external storage as an option for these backup routines.
For people who move large files or take a backup away from home and may prefer a compact SSD, while still retaining another copy elsewhere. Samsung’s stated transfer and ruggedness features apply to its specific T7 Shield model and compatible setup.
Start with the folders you need to protect, then check capacity, connection compatibility and where the second copy will live. A backup is more useful when you can restore it as well as create it.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Recoverable copies | Use a destination separate from the computer; enable an automatic routine where available; restore a small set of files after setup. | I want photos and documents to remain recoverable if the computer is lost, damaged, stolen, accidentally erased or affected by malware. |
| Capacity for the whole library | Measure Photos, Videos, Documents and other selected folders; allow for future growth; confirm the exact capacity variant before ordering. | My backup needs room for the complete library, rather than only a recent selection of files. |
| Connection and software fit | Check the computer’s physical ports, USB generation, supplied cable and backup-software requirements. Confirm file-system requirements before sharing a drive between Windows and Mac. | I need a drive that works with the computers already in the household, without assuming that a USB connector alone guarantees full speed or compatibility. |
| More than one destination | Keep an additional local or off-device/cloud copy for irreplaceable files; review cloud folder coverage and recovery terms; protect account access appropriately. | I do not want the only backup to be in the same place as the computer or dependent on one account. |
A drive stored with the computer can be lost, stolen or damaged in the same incident. The National Cyber Security Centre also notes that local and cloud backups are not ransomware-resistant by default.
Keep a separate copy away from the main computer, such as another local destination stored elsewhere or a suitably configured cloud destination, and test restoration.
A smaller drive can fill before every intended photo, video and document folder is protected. Portable-drive capacities differ substantially by exact model.
Check the current size of all folders you plan to back up, include expected growth, and confirm the capacity variant in the basket.
Seagate’s Expansion Portable setup uses a USB micro-B to USB-A cable path, while Samsung states that maximum T7 Shield speed depends on a compatible USB 3.2 Gen 2 host, cable and UASP mode.
Check ports, USB generation, the supplied cable and operating-system backup requirements before buying. Choose an adapter only after confirming it supports the required data connection.
Cloud folders must be enabled for backup, and recovery limits can apply. Microsoft states that deleted personal OneDrive files can be restored within 30 days, but not after permanent deletion from the recycle bin.
Review enabled folders, storage allowance, version history and deletion terms for the exact cloud plan, then retain another copy for irreplaceable files.
Relevant for households looking for a portable HDD with multi-terabyte capacity and USB-C connectivity. Western Digital’s UK My Passport range includes 2TB, 4TB, 5TB and 6TB options.
Relevant for a simple portable HDD backup when a USB-powered external drive in a specified capacity fits the file library. Seagate lists Expansion Portable models in 2TB, 4TB and 5TB variants.
Relevant for portable SSD backup when frequent transport, fast transfers and a compact enclosure matter more than maximising HDD capacity.
Joybuy product options for local backup of family photos, videos and documents, covering portable HDD and SSD routes. Match each capacity and connection specification to the folders and computers you plan to use.
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A 5TB local HDD option for a larger household photo, video and document library.
The listing states USB-C connectivity, a USB-C-to-USB-A adapter, NTFS formatting for Windows and configurable backup scheduling. macOS use requires reformatting, so check the intended format before putting the only copy of files on the drive.
Keep it separately from the computer and retain another copy for irreplaceable files.
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A 4TB portable SSD for larger local backups that may also travel between locations.
The listing specifies USB 3.2 Gen 2x2, up to 2,000MB/s read and write, AES-256 encryption, password authentication and stated 3-metre drop resistance.
Its stated maximum speed requires a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2-capable host; check the computer port and cable path before expecting that speed.
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A 2TB SSD option for a medium-to-large backup set that also needs a compact format.
The listing specifies USB 3.2 Gen 2x2, AES-256 encryption, password authentication, an up-to-2,000MB/s transfer rate and stated 3-metre drop protection.
Measure the intended folders first, and verify USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 host support before expecting the stated maximum transfer rate.
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A compact 1TB SSD for a backup that is regularly carried away from home.
Samsung’s UK listing for this model states USB 3.2 Gen 2, sequential speeds up to 1,050MB/s read and 1,000MB/s write, IP65 testing and claimed 3-metre drop resistance.
Maximum speed requires a compatible host, cable and UASP mode. Check whether 1TB covers the full backup set and expected growth.
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A 2TB portable SSD for photos, videos and documents when the measured backup set fits within its capacity.
The listing states up to 800MB/s read speed, approximately 40g weight, a rubber attachment hook and stated 2-metre drop protection.
Confirm the USB connector, supplied cable and operating-system backup setup against the computer before buying.
Measure the folders you intend to protect first, including Photos, Videos, Documents and other selected locations, then allow room for expected growth. Portable HDD lines cited by Western Digital and Seagate range from 2TB to 6TB depending on the exact model, while the cited Samsung T7 Shield example is 1TB.
Possibly, but check the intended backup software and drive format before using it for both. Microsoft Support describes File History as a way to save copies of personal files and folders, while Apple Support notes that Time Machine can use external storage connected to a compatible Mac port and has file-system considerations.
Cloud storage can protect selected folders away from the computer when it is configured correctly, but check exactly which folders are included and the recovery terms. Microsoft states that enabled OneDrive folder backup can cover standard folders, and that deleted personal-account files can be restored within 30 days unless they have been permanently deleted; retain a separate local copy for irreplaceable files.
Use a regular automatic routine where the platform supports it, then restore a small selection of photos and documents after setup and periodically afterwards. The National Cyber Security Centre advises regular backups of important files and checking that you know how to restore them.