Choose an external HDD for a large local copy, particularly if uploading files is impractical; consider an SSD if you regularly carry the drive or transfer large files. Cloud storage provides an off-site route for selected files, but you need to check folder coverage, storage allowance and account access. For family files that would be difficult to replace, consider both a local and an online copy: the National Cyber Security Centre advises using two backup routes in case one is lost or fails.
Start with the files you cannot replace, then consider how often they change and what could affect both the originals and their copies.
Keep a recoverable copy separate from the phone or computer holding the originals. For particularly important files, consider a local copy and one stored outside the home; the National Cyber Security Centre recommends considering both online and storage-device backups.
Compare the space your files need with the practicality of uploading them. Microsoft Support identifies external storage as an option when internet access is unavailable or there are many large files. If you frequently move a drive, consider how it will be handled as well as its capacity.
Check the backup method before choosing a drive. Microsoft Support says File History makes regular copies to an external drive or network location. Apple Support says Time Machine cannot back up to a Windows-formatted disk without reformatting it, which permanently removes its existing data.
Decide what needs copying and where another copy should live before comparing drive capacity, connections or cloud settings. An external drive can serve as a backup destination, but buying one does not set up a repeatable backup on its own.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Backup coverage | Check which folders the backup method includes, how often it runs and how to restore a file. Microsoft Support says File History makes regular copies to an external drive or network location; cloud folder coverage also needs checking. | I want my photos and documents copied as they change, rather than relying on occasional manual transfers. I also need to know how I would get a file back. |
| Separate copies | Consider an off-site copy and a local drive that can be disconnected between backups. The National Cyber Security Centre warns that malware can affect connected backup drives and advises considering online and storage-device copies. | If something happens to the computer or home, I do not want every copy of an irreplaceable file exposed to the same event. |
| Storage space | Compare the size of your current library with the drive or cloud allowance, allowing for future files. Google says storage is shared across Drive, Gmail, WhatsApp backups and Photos; its Photos quality setting also affects how media is stored. | Our photo and video collection is growing. I want enough room for further backups and need to decide whether Google Photos’ Original quality or Storage saver setting suits the files I plan to keep. |
| Connection and format | Check the computer’s port, the cable and the backup software. Before using Time Machine, check the disk format: Apple Support says reformatting a Windows-formatted disk for it permanently removes existing data. | A drive needs to connect to my computer and work with the backup method I intend to use. If it already holds files, I need to protect them before changing its format. |
| Transfer and access | Consider how often you move large files, whether the drive travels and whether you need files on more than one device. Check the host and cable requirements behind any quoted SSD speed; cloud access depends on the service and an internet connection. | Frequent large transfers make drive handling and connection speed relevant to me. If family members need selected files on different devices, I also need to check cloud access and account security. |
The National Cyber Security Centre warns that ransomware can affect connected USB and network backup drives as well as the original files.
Run backups regularly, then disconnect and store the drive when it is not needed. Consider a separate off-site copy for files you cannot replace.
The connection can limit transfer speed, and a fast drive does not automatically copy the folders you care about. Samsung UK says the T7 Shield’s quoted maximum speeds require a compatible USB 3.2 Gen 2 host and cable with UASP enabled.
Check your computer’s port and cable, then choose a backup routine that covers the intended folders. If you chiefly need a large local destination, compare HDD capacity as well as SSD transfer specifications.
Folders outside the selected backup setup may be left out. Google says its account allowance is shared across several services, while its Photos Storage saver setting can reduce media quality.
Review folder selection, remaining storage, photo-quality settings and account recovery before relying on a cloud copy.
Apple Support says a Windows-formatted disk must be reformatted before Time Machine can use it, permanently removing the data already on that disk.
Copy existing files elsewhere first. Check the format required by your planned backup method, especially if the drive will also be used with another computer.
These brands illustrate different storage routes; their features and conditions should be checked against the particular product or service you intend to use.
An external-drive reference for households comparing local HDD storage with portable alternatives.
A portable-SSD reference for households that regularly move a drive or transfer large files.
A cloud-storage reference for selected photos and files kept through Google Photos and Drive.
These portable SSDs and HDDs are options for keeping a local copy of household files. Choose a drive alongside a backup method that covers your intended folders; consider a separate online copy if those files also need protection from a loss affecting the home.
No image available
A portable SSD to consider for a large local photo or video copy and frequent transfers. The product name specifies USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2; check your computer’s connection and set up the backup folders separately.
No image available
This portable SSD offers a 4 TB local destination for household files. Its product name specifies USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2x2; check host and cable compatibility if transfer speed matters, and confirm the drive format suits your backup method.
No image available
A 2TB portable SSD to consider if the local copy will be carried between devices. Check its connector and your devices’ backup-format requirements, then arrange a repeatable routine for the folders you want protected.
No image available
A portable HDD option for a local copy of photos and documents. If you want scheduled backups, check the software available for this drive and your computer, including the selected folders and any Mac format or driver requirements.
No image available
A 4TB portable HDD option for a larger local file library, with USB 3.0 specified in the product name. Check the connection and disk format for your computer; if using a Mac with Time Machine, protect any files already on the drive before reformatting.
Not if you expect the copies to update without repeating the transfer yourself. Use a scheduled routine or backup software, check which folders it covers and practise restoring a file. Microsoft Support says Windows File History makes regular backups to an external drive or network location.
Check the disk format and preserve its existing files first. Apple Support says Time Machine cannot back up to a Windows-formatted disk unless it is reformatted, which permanently removes the data on that disk.
Yes, especially if you are choosing it for a quoted transfer speed. Samsung UK says reaching the T7 Shield’s stated maximum of up to 1,050 MB/s read and 1,000 MB/s write requires a USB 3.2 Gen 2-capable host and cable with UASP enabled. Check the conditions for the exact drive you choose.
No: check which folders are included rather than assuming every file is covered. Microsoft Support notes that common computer folders might not already be included in OneDrive. Confirm coverage for the photos, documents and other files you intend to protect.
They keep copies in different places, so a problem affecting one route need not affect both. The National Cyber Security Centre advises considering online and storage-device backups in case one is lost or fails, and warns that malware can affect a drive left connected to an infected computer. Disconnect the local drive when it is not needed and protect access to the cloud account.