Choose the backup route you can keep updated and restore from: a disconnected drive gives you a local copy, while cloud storage can provide off-site access when your connection and account are available. The UK National Cyber Security Centre recommends keeping backups separate and testing restoration; for irreplaceable files or business records, consider combining cloud storage with a separately maintained offline copy, since neither sync nor a single drive is fail-safe.
If you need photos, contacts or essential documents to remain recoverable after deletion, device failure or theft, prioritise a second copy you can restore, not transfer speed alone. The UK National Cyber Security Centre describes removable media and cloud storage as backup routes.
If your collection of photos, videos or work files is expanding, consider whether the usable capacity, update routine and ongoing cost of another copy will still suit the archive as it grows.
When files come from several phones or computers, check which accounts, folders and devices are covered and who can restore them. For small organisations handling other people’s personal data, Information Commissioner’s Office guidance includes restoring access and availability as part of data-security planning.
For home and small-organisation backups, start with the need that matters most, then check whether each copy can actually be restored.
| Concern | What to check when buying | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Recovering important files | Check that the required folders are copied, then restore sample files to a separate location. Consider where a disconnected copy will be kept. | If I could not replace my photos or essential documents, I would prioritise a copy I can retrieve after an incident. Around 29% of consumers put recovery first. |
| Capacity for a growing archive | Measure the files to protect and allow for growth and retained versions. For Mac Time Machine, Apple ideally recommends a disk with at least twice the Mac’s storage capacity. | When my photo, video or work-file collection keeps growing, I need enough space for the files and planned copies. Around 23% of consumers put capacity first. |
| Transfer workflow | Check the device port, cable and supported USB mode against the drive’s stated interface and rated speed. | If I regularly move large files or update a local backup, I would check that the connection suits my devices. Around 18% of consumers put transfer workflow first. |
| Access across devices | Check which devices, apps, folders and settings are included, and test retrieval from another device. | When my files come from several devices or accounts, I need to know what is covered and how to get it back. Around 18% of consumers put access across devices first. |
| Security and ongoing cost | Review account protection and recovery arrangements, drive security and the cloud plan’s current allowance and recurring charge. | If my files are sensitive or I need a manageable continuing bill, I would weigh access controls and the plan cost together. Around 12% of consumers put security and ongoing cost first. |
Apple says that deleting a photo in iCloud Photos removes it from other devices signed in to the same Apple Account. A synced library may therefore carry a mistaken deletion across devices.
Check the service’s recovery controls and keep a separately maintained copy of files you cannot replace.
A separate copy also needs storage and time to maintain.
The UK National Cyber Security Centre warns that malware can affect connected storage devices. A drive left beside the computer may also share exposure to an incident affecting that location.
Disconnect the drive between planned backups, store it securely and test that its files remain readable.
You will need a secure place for the drive and a routine for reconnecting it.
A drive’s rated speed depends on the computer, connection and cable. A USB-A flash drive will not plug directly into a USB-C-only port.
Check the ports at both ends and the device’s supported USB mode before choosing a specific model.
A compatible port or cable may be needed for the connection you intend to use.
Time Machine setup may offer to erase and reformat a disk, and Seagate says its Expansion Portable may need reformatting for Time Machine.
Copy and check existing files elsewhere before accepting an erase or reformat prompt.
You may need another temporary place to keep existing files during setup.
The Expansion Portable HDD line is relevant to computer-based local copies where capacity and a straightforward USB workflow matter.
The 2TB red My Passport is an example of a removable local archive with optional backup and password-protection software.
The T7 Shield 1TB black SSD is relevant when frequent large-file transfers and portable use matter.
DataTraveler Exodia M offers compact USB-A flash storage, including a 128GB option, for a selected set of files.
iCloud+ is relevant to an Apple-device household that wants online access to supported files and backups.
Microsoft 365 Basic is a cloud option for supported files and devices that fit its 100GB allowance.
These Joybuy listings are removable local-storage options: portable SSDs and hard drives, plus a desktop hard drive for a stationary setup. They may suit a plan that includes a physical copy alongside other backup routes.
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A portable SSD can suit a local-copy workflow when you want removable storage.
The listed title specifies 1TB capacity and USB Type-C with USB 3.2 Gen.2.
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A desktop drive may suit a large computer-based archive that stays in one place.
The listed title specifies 22TB, USB 3.0, password protection and hardware encryption, with PC and Mac compatibility. It is a desktop rather than portable drive.
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A portable hard drive may suit a removable local copy of computer files.
The listed title specifies 2TB, USB 3.0 and formatting for PC and Mac.
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A portable SSD may suit a local copy of a growing file collection.
The listed product name specifies 2TB capacity.
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A higher-capacity portable drive may suit a larger removable file archive.
The listed title specifies 4TB and USB 3.0; the product description specifies a USB-A cable. Reformatting may be required for Mac or other operating systems.
Check that the intended files are included, then periodically restore representative files to a separate location and open them. The UK National Cyber Security Centre recommends practising restoration so you know how to retrieve files before you need them.
The UK National Cyber Security Centre advises small organisations not to leave a storage-device backup connected when it is not in use, because malware can affect connected devices. Store the drive securely and reconnect it for planned updates and restore tests.
Not for protection against every mistaken deletion. Apple says deleting a photo or video in iCloud Photos removes it from other devices signed in to the same Apple Account, so keep a separately maintained copy of photos you cannot replace.
Not necessarily: Apple says Time Machine may offer to erase and reformat a disk, so protect existing files before setup. Apple ideally recommends a backup disk with at least twice the Mac’s storage capacity, although a smaller disk can still be used.
Check the plan’s current allowance, recurring charge, supported devices and recovery features. Apple lists iCloud+ plans with 50GB, 200GB and 2TB of storage, while Microsoft describes 365 Basic as a 100GB subscription; confirm the current terms and which files are included before relying on either service.