Choose a backup destination that your household can use regularly and restore from: a directly connected drive suits one computer, while a network-attached storage device (NAS) can serve several. Cloud storage can add an off-site copy, but a synced folder should not be assumed to cover every file or recoverable version. Check backup-software compatibility, folder coverage and how at least one copy will stay separate from the main computer.
If most photos and documents live on one PC or Mac, a drive that works with its backup software may be the simplest destination. Confirm that the intended folders are included and that someone will connect the drive when backups are due.
Several computers or phones can make a drive attached to one machine inconvenient. A NAS offers a central destination, provided each device’s backup method is compatible and the NAS has its own separate backup plan.
A portable drive can be moved away from the main computer or between locations. Check its connection against the devices you use, and assess any physical-protection claim for the exact model rather than the category as a whole.
For one computer, decide whether the drive needs to travel or can stay at a desk; choose a NAS when several devices need a shared destination. Cloud storage can complement any local route with an off-site copy, but check what its sync and recovery settings actually cover.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Repeatable backup and restore | Check that the backup tool includes your photo and document folders and can restore a needed file. Microsoft says File History can use an external drive or network location; Apple sets separate destination rules for Time Machine. | If our files live mainly on one computer, we need a copying routine we can keep up and a way to get files back. Around 40% of consumers put that routine and restore path first. |
| Archive capacity | Allow for the collection and any versions you plan to retain; check the exact drive capacity and the backup tool’s retention settings. | As our photo archive grows, we want room to keep earlier copies rather than just today’s folder. For around 30% of consumers, archive capacity is the primary concern. |
| Portability | Check the ports and cable needed. Treat transfer-speed and physical-protection claims as specific to the model and its stated conditions. | We need to take a separate copy away from the computer without managing a stationary setup. Portability comes first for around 20% of consumers. |
| Shared access | For a NAS, check each device’s backup support, access controls and the plan for backing up the NAS itself. | Our files come from several computers or phones, so one shared destination matters more than a drive tied to one machine. Around 10% of consumers prioritise that shared workflow. |
The National Cyber Security Centre warns that viruses can affect storage connected to an infected computer. A drive beside the computer is also not a separate off-site copy.
Build in a step to disconnect and store at least one local backup after it finishes, and try restoring a small sample of files.
The Information Commissioner’s Office explains that changes to files in a cloud folder are copied to the provider. That does not establish which other folders, older versions or deleted files you could recover.
Check selected folders, version and deleted-file recovery, account access and whether you also need a separate local copy.
Apple says Time Machine cannot back up to a Windows-formatted disk. Changing the format can remove files already on that drive.
Copy existing files elsewhere before reformatting, then check the planned Time Machine format and whether other files need their own volume.
Moving existing files to safety adds a step before the drive can be set up for backup.
Samsung says the stated maximum speed of its T7 Shield MU-PE1T0S/EU requires a compatible USB 3.2 Gen 2 host and cable with UASP enabled. The figure is not a promise of the same speed on every computer.
Check your computer’s port and the supplied cable, then decide whether transfer speed matters to your backup routine.
A reference point for portable SSDs when a compact drive and model-specific connection details matter.
A reference point for portable or desktop drives where a vendor backup utility is part of the planned workflow.
A reference point for families considering a NAS as a central destination for several devices.
These portable hard drives and SSDs suit households considering a directly connected local copy that can be moved away from the main computer. Choose capacity and connection for your devices, then confirm that your intended backup software and restore routine work with the drive.
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A portable local destination for a growing photo and document collection. It has 5 TB of storage and a USB-C connection; the listing describes a USB-C-to-A adapter and optional 256-bit AES hardware encryption.
The listing describes scheduled file synchronisation, but check the software’s folder coverage and restore process. It says the drive is pre-formatted for Windows and requires reformatting for macOS; confirm the format before using Time Machine.
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A portable drive for a single-computer local backup routine. It has 2 TB of storage and USB 3.2 Gen 1 connectivity; the listing describes scheduled backups and optional 256-bit AES hardware encryption.
Check which folders and recovery options the supplied software supports. The listing says macOS read/write use requires a downloadable compatibility driver; verify the exact format and Time Machine setup separately.
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A portable SSD for a sizeable collection that needs to travel between locations. It has 4 TB of storage and USB 3.2 Gen 2 connectivity; the listing describes USB-C-to-C and USB-C-to-A cables and optional AES 256-bit hardware encryption.
Check your computer connection for the stated maximum transfer performance, and confirm the backup software and file-system format you will use. The listing says this T7 is not IP-rated for water resistance.
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A compact local-copy option for households that carry their drive. It has 2 TB of storage and USB 3.2 Gen 2 connectivity; the listing describes USB-C-to-C and USB-C-to-A cables and optional AES 256-bit hardware encryption.
Check backup-software and file-system requirements before relying on it for scheduled copies or restores. The listing says this T7 is not waterproof or dustproof.
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A portable, directly connected destination for a growing archive. It has 4 TB of storage and USB 3.2 Gen 1 connectivity; the listing describes an included USB-A cable.
Check how your chosen backup software handles scheduling and restoration. The listing says Mac use may require reformatting, so move any existing files to safety and confirm the required format first.
Not automatically: a synced folder covers files selected for that service, not necessarily every local folder or version you might need. The Information Commissioner’s Office explains that changes in a cloud folder are copied to the provider; check folder selection, previous versions, deleted-file recovery and account access before relying on it.
You may be able to use one physical drive, but check its format and volume layout before putting either set of files on it. Apple says Time Machine cannot back up to a Windows-formatted disk and prefers APFS or APFS Encrypted for its backup disk; reformatting removes existing data, so copy those files elsewhere first.
Yes. Microsoft says File History can use an external drive or network location and backs up libraries; check that your photo and document folders are included, and that the destination is available when backups run.
It can if the NAS supports Time Machine over SMB or AFP. Apple advises using SMB where there is a choice, so check the exact NAS model and protocol support before purchase, then plan a separate backup for files held on the NAS.