Choose an external hard disk drive (HDD) for a home-based local copy when capacity matters more than frequent large transfers; consider a portable SSD when you regularly move large photo folders or carry the drive. A USB flash drive is more suited to limited transfers than being the only family archive, while cloud storage can keep a copy away from the computer but requires attention to account capacity. Whichever route you choose, keep a separate copy of important files and check that you can restore it.
If the computer holds the originals, you need a separate copy that you can retrieve. The National Cyber Security Centre describes a backup as a copy kept in a separate safe location, such as cloud storage or removable media.
An external drive can hold files outside the laptop, but moving files off it is different from keeping a backup. Decide whether you need storage expansion, a repeatable backup routine, or both.
Check the ports, cable and file system before putting files on a shared drive. Apple identifies ExFAT and MS-DOS (FAT) as Windows-compatible formats and documents how to format an external disk for use with both systems.
Start by deciding where a recoverable copy will live, then size it for the files you intend to keep. Transfer habits, computer connections and security needs help narrow the choice of device or cloud service.
Consider it when: You want a local copy of a large photo and document collection that you update mainly at home.
Bear in mind: A drive kept beside the computer remains exposed to a loss affecting that location too.
Consider it when: You regularly transfer large folders or carry your local copy between locations.
Bear in mind: A quoted maximum transfer speed is not a guarantee for your computer, cable and files.
Consider it when: You need to move selected documents or keep a small secondary copy.
Bear in mind: Check that it holds the complete backup set before relying on it as an archive, and keep another copy separately.
Consider it when: You need an off-device copy or access to files away from the computer.
Bear in mind: Account capacity and the service’s deletion and restore options determine how useful it is as a backup.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Recoverable copy | Check that files are copied to a separate location, not just moved or synchronised. Try restoring a photo and a document from that copy. | I want my files back if the computer or its originals become unavailable. |
| Capacity | Measure the complete set of files to be copied and allow for future additions. For cloud storage, check what else uses the same account allowance. | My photo library is growing, and I need the destination to hold more than today’s files. |
| Transfer and travel | Check the drive’s stated connection standard against the computer port, hub and cable. If carrying a drive, check durability claims for the exact model. | I regularly copy large folders, or I need to take a local copy between places. |
| Mac and Windows access | Confirm the connector and read-and-write access on every intended computer. Apple lists ExFAT and MS-DOS (FAT) as Windows-compatible file systems; check the format before changing a drive that holds files. | Different computers in my household need to open and update the same copy. |
| File protection | Check whether the exact drive offers password protection or encryption, how to enable it, and what software or key is needed to reopen files. | If I carry personal documents, I want to limit access if the drive is misplaced without losing my own access. |
Moving the only copy of a photo library to an external drive frees computer space but leaves just one copy. A synchronised cloud folder also needs its recovery options checked before you rely on it.
Keep a separately stored copy of important files and restore a few representative files to test it.
A drive’s format affects how it can be used across Mac and Windows computers. Reformatting a drive can erase files already on it.
Decide which computers need read-and-write access before copying files, and copy existing contents elsewhere before reformatting.
The connection can restrict transfers: Seagate notes that its drive operates more slowly over USB 2.0 than over SuperSpeed USB 3.0.
Check the computer port, any hub and the cable supplied with the exact drive before using a headline speed to decide.
A password-capable drive needs its protection configured. The Information Commissioner’s Office also notes that decrypting files requires access to the key and compatible software.
Check the exact model’s setup, retain recovery information securely and keep another accessible backup copy.
Seagate’s Expansion Portable HDD range includes a 5 TB model for local storage. Its Backup Plus materials describe photo and document backups for Windows, Mac and Chromebook.
Samsung’s T7 and T7 Shield are portable SSD lines for local file storage. Samsung specifies USB 3.2 Gen 2 for the cited 1 TB models.
SanDisk positions its Extreme Portable SSD line for backing up large projects and moving files between devices.
These Joybuy options include portable SSDs for local copies you may carry and a portable HDD for a larger home-based local copy. Compare each stated capacity with your full backup set, and keep a separate copy of important files.
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A portable SSD to consider for a sizeable local photo or document copy and regular transfers. The title specifies 4 TB and USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2 (3.1 Gen 2). Check the size of your full backup set, your computer connection and the file system needed for any Mac and Windows sharing.
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A portable local-copy option if 2 TB accommodates your files and expected additions. The title specifies USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2 (3.1 Gen 2). Check the computers’ ports and read-and-write format before moving files between them; configure password protection if you intend to use it.
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A portable SSD for a local copy that fits within its stated 1 TB capacity, with room left for additions. The title specifies USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2 (3.1 Gen 2). Check the complete file set and confirm the file system before using it across Mac and Windows computers.
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A portable SSD to consider when a local copy will travel. The title specifies 1 TB and USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2 (3.1 Gen 2). Check that capacity covers your backup set, confirm the format for your computers and set up password protection if needed. Keep the drive away from submersion; its stated water protection concerns temporary exposure.
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A portable HDD to consider for a larger local photo and document copy kept mainly at home. The title states 5 TB; compare that with the full backup set and expected growth. The listing says Mac use requires reformatting, which can erase existing files, so settle the format before copying. Protect the drive from drops and liquid exposure.
It holds a backup when it contains a separate copy that you can restore, rather than the only copy of your files. The National Cyber Security Centre describes backups as copies stored in a separate safe location. For irreplaceable files, test a restore and consider another copy away from the computer and drive.
Apple identifies ExFAT and MS-DOS (FAT) as Windows-compatible file systems and provides instructions for preparing an external disk for both Mac and Windows. Check what your particular backup workflow requires, and copy existing files elsewhere before reformatting a drive because formatting can erase them.
No: the drive, computer port, cable, hub and files all affect transfer speed. Samsung quotes up to 1,050 MB/s for its cited T7 model, while Seagate notes slower operation over USB 2.0 than SuperSpeed USB 3.0 for its drive. Check your computer’s connection before choosing by a maximum speed claim.
Check both the account’s remaining capacity and how you would restore files before relying on it as your backup. Google says its standard account includes up to 15 GB shared across Drive, Gmail and Photos; at the storage limit, Google Photos backups and other account functions can stop. Google One offers larger allowances through paid membership, so check the plan terms and expected growth.
Consider encryption or password protection if the drive holds sensitive files and may be carried or misplaced, but confirm that the exact model supports it and complete the setup. The Information Commissioner’s Office identifies removable media as a context where encryption matters in its guidance to organisations; it also notes that reopening encrypted files requires compatible software and access to the key.