Families with growing photo and video libraries
If collections are filling a computer or cloud allowance, measure what needs keeping and plan a copy you can recover if the original device is lost or fails.
Who is this for?
People freeing space on a computer
Moving older files to another location can free space, but files kept only on that location still need a separate backup. Capacity, connection and backup frequency will shape the choice.
Households protecting irreplaceable files
For personal documents and photos that cannot be recreated, consider both a remote copy and a local copy stored separately. The National Cyber Security Centre advises keeping important backups in a separate safe location.
What matters when choosing backup storage?
Start with the files you need to recover, then choose the storage route and connection that fit your backup routine.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Recovery location | Decide where a separate copy will live and how you would retrieve it if the original device were unavailable. The National Cyber Security Centre describes both online storage and removable media as backup locations. | I want to be able to get my photos and documents back after losing access to my computer or phone. |
| Capacity | Measure the files included in the backup and allow for growth. Compare that total with a drive’s capacity or an account’s storage quota; Microsoft says exceeding its quota prevents new OneDrive uploads, edits and syncs. | My photo library is growing, and I need the next backup to fit as well as today’s files. |
| Copying routine | Check whether you will connect a drive regularly or set up cloud backup or synchronisation. Confirm which folders and devices each routine actually covers. | I would rather have automatic copies than rely on remembering to connect a drive—or I can commit to a regular local backup. |
| Transfer speed | Which? distinguishes HDDs for long-term computer-file backup from generally faster SSDs. For Samsung’s cited T7 speed claims, the computer, cable and connection must support USB 3.2 Gen 2 and UASP. | I often copy large photo or video folders and care how long those repeated transfers take. |
| Device compatibility | Check ports, supplied cables, operating systems and file-system setup for the exact drive. Toshiba says its Canvio Basics is formatted NTFS for Windows and needs reformatting for macOS. | The drive needs to connect to the computers I use without putting my only copy at risk during setup. |
| Access away from home | Check which devices can access the cloud account and whether your internet connection suits the files you intend to upload or restore. Which? notes that cloud files can be accessed from a PC, phone or tablet with an internet connection. | I may need a document or photo when the external drive is elsewhere. |
| Separate copies | Plan when to disconnect and store a local drive, and how to protect access to any cloud account. The National Cyber Security Centre advises keeping at least one backup offline at any given time. | I do not want one incident affecting my everyday device and every backup connected to it. |
What could undermine a backup plan?
-
Keeping just one backup in one place
If the original device and its only connected backup are affected by the same incident, recovery may still be difficult. The National Cyber Security Centre advises keeping backups separate and at least one offline.
For files you cannot replace, maintain another recovery path, such as cloud storage alongside a drive stored separately. Occasionally check that you can find and restore a file.
-
Expecting an SSD’s headline speed on every computer
Samsung says its cited T7 maximum transfer speeds require a USB 3.2 Gen 2-capable host and cable, with UASP enabled. The drive alone does not establish the speed of your connection.
Check the computer port and cable before making transfer speed the reason to choose an SSD over an HDD.
-
Assuming a drive is ready for every device
Connectors and formatting affect setup. Toshiba states that its Windows-formatted Canvio Basics needs reformatting for macOS.
Check the exact drive and each device you intend to use. If reformatting is needed, do it before storing the only copy of important files on the drive.
-
Letting a cloud account reach its storage limit
Microsoft says an account over its storage quota cannot upload, edit or sync new OneDrive files. A backup routine can therefore stop covering new material even while older files remain in the account.
Compare the account allowance with your photos, documents and other included backups, and check usage as the collection grows.
Which brands and services are relevant?
These examples illustrate different storage routes; their features apply to the cited ranges or services, not every product from each brand.
Toshiba
The Canvio Basics portable HDD range is a local-storage option for periodic computer-file backups. Toshiba lists capacities up to 4 TB.
- Toshiba specifies USB 3.2 Gen 1, USB bus power and a supplied Type-A-to-Micro-B cable for this range.
- Canvio Basics is formatted NTFS for Windows; Toshiba says macOS use requires reformatting.
Samsung
The Portable SSD T7 range is relevant when frequent large-file transfers make connection speed a deciding factor.
- Samsung states maximum sequential speeds of up to 1,050 MB/s read and 1,000 MB/s write for its cited T7.
- Samsung says those maximum speeds require USB 3.2 Gen 2 support, a compatible cable and UASP; check the exact drive’s operating-system setup too.
Apple iCloud+
An Apple-device household can use iCloud for automatic backup and access to files and photos through its account.
- Apple lists 5 GB of free iCloud storage and larger iCloud+ tiers, with family sharing available on listed plans.
- Choose an allowance that covers the household’s actual library and check which files and device backups it includes.
Microsoft OneDrive
OneDrive is a cloud-storage route for households using Microsoft accounts to keep and access files and photos.
- Microsoft lists 5 GB of cloud storage for a free account and larger quotas on specified subscriptions.
- Microsoft says exceeding the account quota stops new OneDrive uploads, edits and syncs.
External drives to consider on Joybuy
These portable SSDs and HDDs offer local storage for photo and computer-file copies. Choose a capacity that fits your backup set, check the connection to your computer and plan a separate recovery copy for files you cannot replace.
No image available
Samsung Portable SSD T7 4 TB, grey
This external SSD is an option for keeping a local copy of a large photo or computer-file collection and moving files between compatible devices. Its stated capacity is 4 TB, with a USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2 connection; check your computer’s port and whether the full backup set will fit.
No image available
Samsung Portable SSD T7 2 TB, grey
This external SSD provides a local copy for photos and computer files when 2 TB accommodates the files you intend to keep and future additions. The named variant has a USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2 connection; check the ports on the devices you will use.
No image available
Samsung T7 Shield Portable SSD 1 TB, blue
This portable external SSD can hold a local file copy if your intended backup set fits within its stated 1 TB capacity. It is identified as a USB 3.2 Gen 2 drive; check your device connection and leave room for the photo or video files you expect to add.
No image available
Western Digital My Passport Ultra portable HDD 5 TB, blue
This portable external HDD is a local-storage option for periodic photo and computer-file backups. Its stated capacity is 5 TB; measure the files you intend to copy and check connection and operating-system setup before using it.
No image available
Western Digital My Passport portable HDD 2 TB, black
This portable external HDD can hold a local backup of personal files when its stated 2 TB capacity covers the intended folders and future additions. Check how it connects to your computer and how you will keep another copy of irreplaceable files.
Backup storage questions
How much backup capacity do I need?
Measure the photos, videos, documents and computer folders you intend to keep, then allow room for additions. Compare that total with the drive or cloud allowance rather than judging by free space on the computer alone. Apple and Microsoft each list 5 GB of cloud storage for their respective free accounts, which you should compare with your own backup set.
Will an external drive work with both Windows and macOS?
It depends on the exact drive’s connector and formatting. Toshiba says its Canvio Basics is formatted NTFS for Windows and needs reformatting for macOS. Check the setup before copying important files, because reformatting can erase contents already on the drive.
Why might a portable SSD transfer files below its advertised maximum?
The computer and connection can limit transfer speed. Samsung says the cited T7’s maximum sequential speeds of up to 1,050 MB/s read and 1,000 MB/s write require USB 3.2 Gen 2 support, a compatible cable and UASP. Check your computer’s port and the cable you will use.
Should an external backup drive stay connected?
Not if it is the copy you rely on remaining offline. The National Cyber Security Centre advises keeping at least one backup offline at any given time. Connect the drive when making a backup, then safely disconnect and store it separately when practical.