For irreplaceable photos and important files, a combined routine is the more resilient choice: keep a backup separate from the computer and another copy off-site or online. Choose an external HDD for high-capacity local archiving, a portable SSD for frequent transfers, and cloud storage for automatic access across devices; protect the account and check that files can be restored.
Choose scalable space for original files and keep a copy available if a phone, laptop or local drive is lost, stolen or fails. For collections that would be hard to replace, a local-and-online routine gives separate recovery paths, in line with National Cyber Security Centre guidance.
Match the backup route to the computers already in use and leave room for documents, photos and future growth. Which? describes HDDs as suited to long-term file backup, while portable SSDs suit more frequent transfers where the connection can support them.
Cloud storage can make files available across phones and computers, but shared allowances, subscription changes and account-recovery methods need to be understood before an account becomes the only copy.
Start with the recovery outcome you need, then check capacity, everyday transfer habits and the account or device conditions that affect the route.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Separate recovery copy | Keep a copy away from the main computer; disconnect local drives when they are not backing up; test that representative files can be opened and restored. | I want a route that still gives me access when a phone, computer or drive is lost, fails or is affected by malware. |
| Capacity and cost model | Measure the full library and leave room for growth; check whether cloud storage is shared with email or other files; review renewal and downgrade conditions. | My photo, video and file collection is growing, so I need enough room without overlooking an ongoing subscription commitment. |
| Transfer time and access | For an SSD, check the host port, cable and supported USB mode; for cloud storage, consider the reliability of the internet connection used for uploads and access. | I need backups that are practical enough to keep doing, whether that means faster local transfers or access from several devices. |
| Account security and recovery | Set up two-step verification and recovery methods; review folder-sharing controls; confirm recovery requirements before enabling advanced encryption options. | I want to protect family files without losing access because a phone, recovery code or account setting is unavailable. |
Cloud access can help after a device is lost or fails, but a compromised account or authorised infected device can still affect connected files.
Keep another recoverable copy, protect the account with two-step verification and test access to representative files before relying on the routine.
A drive connected to an infected computer can be affected by the same malware, removing the separation that makes it useful as a backup.
Connect the drive for backup or restore tasks, eject it correctly, then store it securely away from the computer.
Samsung states that maximum T7 transfer rates require USB 3.2 Gen 2, a suitable cable and UASP, so a slower host can reduce the practical benefit.
Check the exact computer or device port, cable, operating-system support and any reformatting requirement before choosing a faster portable SSD.
Google storage is shared across several services, while Microsoft says new uploads and sync can stop when cancelled storage remains above the free allowance.
Measure files, photos, email attachments and other data sharing the quota; review renewal terms and move or download data before downgrading.
Paid cloud capacity may be needed once a free allowance is exceeded, and subscription conditions can affect continued uploads and sync.
A cloud-storage route for households using Apple devices, covering iCloud Backup, Photos and files through storage tiers from 50 GB to 12 TB.
A cloud route for households using Google Photos, Gmail and Drive across Android, iOS, Windows, macOS or a browser.
A cloud route for Windows households and Microsoft 365 subscribers who want files and photos available across devices.
A portable SSD route for moving large photo or video libraries between compatible phones, tablets and computers.
An external-HDD route for households that prioritise high-capacity local archives and a one-off hardware purchase over cloud-first access.
Joybuy product options for creating a separate local copy of family photos and computer files, with portable SSDs for transfer-focused use and external HDDs for archive-oriented storage.
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For households that regularly copy a sizeable photo or video archive between compatible devices.
Stated 4 TB capacity, USB 3.2 Gen 2, up to 1,050 MB/s read and 1,000 MB/s write, with USB-C-to-C and USB-C-to-A cables supplied. Maximum speed requires a compatible host, cable and UASP; this local drive still needs a separate recoverable copy.
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A portable local-copy option for regular backup of photo libraries and important computer files.
Stated 2 TB capacity, USB 3.2 Gen 2 and up to 1,050 MB/s read and 1,000 MB/s write. USB-C-to-C and USB-C-to-A cables are listed; check the intended host, cable and UASP support for maximum transfer rates.
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Suited to a portable local copy that may move between home, travel and compatible devices.
Stated 1 TB capacity, USB 3.2 Gen 2, up to 1,050 MB/s read and 1,000 MB/s write, plus IP65 dust and water resistance and drop resistance up to 3 m. Measure the library and allow for growth before choosing 1 TB.
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An archive-oriented option for a separate local copy of photos, videos and documents.
Stated 2 TB capacity, USB 3.2 Gen 1, bus-powered operation and scheduled backup software. It is listed for Windows 10+; macOS 11+ use requires a downloadable driver, so check the household setup first.
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For a larger local household archive with room for photo, video and computer-file growth.
Stated 5 TB capacity, USB-C connectivity with a USB-C-to-A adapter, and backup software with daily, weekly or monthly scheduling. It is pre-formatted for Windows; macOS use requires reformatting, and an off-site copy remains important.
Cloud storage can provide off-site access after a local device is lost, but it should not automatically be the only recovery copy. The National Cyber Security Centre advises considering both online and storage-device backups, as connected cloud locations can also be compromised through credentials or authorised clients.
Choose an external HDD when high-capacity, long-term local archiving is the main aim. Choose a portable SSD when large libraries are copied regularly and the computer, cable and connection support its faster interface; Which? notes that SSDs are generally more expensive but faster than HDDs.
Eject it correctly and store it securely away from the computer rather than leaving it connected. The National Cyber Security Centre warns that malware can affect storage connected to an infected computer, so disconnection preserves useful separation.
Microsoft says the allowance reverts to 5 GB for cancelled Microsoft 365 Basic or Personal subscriptions. If usage remains above that allowance, new uploads, edits and sync stop, so move or download files before making the change.
Set up and maintain recovery methods before an emergency. Google lists another signed-in phone, another phone number, saved backup codes, a hardware security key and another-device passkey as possible verification paths; identity verification can take 3–5 business days when none is available.