Choose an external HDD for a larger local copy that usually stays at home, or an external SSD if you regularly move large files and carry the drive around. Cloud storage can suit households needing access across devices and an off-device copy, while a USB flash drive is better reserved for small temporary transfers than as the only home backup.
For photos and videos that no longer fit comfortably on a laptop, keep a separate copy that can be restored after deletion, loss or drive trouble. Which? describes HDDs as suited to long-term file backup, while SSDs are a better fit for frequent movement and larger transfers.
For people who want routine copies of Documents, Pictures, Videos, Music, Desktop and selected folders rather than relying on manual copying. Microsoft Support says File History can back up libraries to an external drive or network location.
For households deciding between Time Machine for Mac backups and iCloud storage for access across devices. Apple distinguishes these routes, so check what is backed up, what is synchronised and where the recoverable copy will be kept.
Start with the files you need to protect, then check whether the chosen route can run automatically, hold future growth and be restored when needed.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Recoverable backups | Check whether scheduled backup is available and which folders it includes. Keep the destination connected or otherwise available, then test restoring a file. | I want copies that update without relying on remembering a manual transfer, and that I can restore after deletion or an unwanted file change. |
| Capacity | Measure the current photo, video and document library, then allow room for growth and retained backup versions. For Time Machine, Apple recommends a backup disk with at least twice the Mac's storage capacity. | My backup destination needs room for the library I have now as well as future photos, videos and file history. |
| Speed and portability | Choose an SSD for frequent large transfers or regular travel. Check the computer port, cable and USB standard before relying on headline throughput. | I move large photo or video files often, or I need a drive that can travel with my laptop rather than remain in one location. |
| Security | Check whether the exact drive supports encryption or password protection and how password recovery works. Keep recovery details securely away from the drive. | I carry personal files outside the home and want to reduce unauthorised access if the drive is lost or stolen. |
| Cloud access and subscription | Check current capacity tiers, monthly terms, account recovery, sharing settings and the difference between synchronisation and backup. Confirm how files can be restored. | I want files available across household devices and an off-device copy, while accepting that extra storage may require an ongoing subscription. |
Manual copies can miss folders or become outdated, and a small flash drive is easy to misplace. Microsoft Support documents File History as an automated route using an external drive or network location.
Use a flash drive for limited transfers only. For a photo archive or laptop files, set up scheduled backup to a suitable external drive or cloud service and test a file restore.
Advertised transfer speed may not be reached if the computer, cable or USB mode lacks the required support.
Identify the laptop port and included cable before paying extra for speed. Samsung says the T7 Shield's stated maximum speeds require USB 3.2 Gen 2 support and UASP mode.
Encryption can protect personal data if a drive is lost, but a forgotten password can also block access to the files. Western Digital says supported WD Security drives must be erased if the password is forgotten.
Use encryption for sensitive portable backups, store the recovery password securely away from the drive and maintain another backup copy.
Photo and video libraries can grow quickly, while cloud access depends on an active account and enough available storage.
Estimate the size of current files, allow for growth and recheck current subscription, cancellation and restore terms before committing.
A paid cloud tier may be needed once the included storage allowance is exceeded.
Relevant for households looking at external drives with vendor-described scheduled backup, password protection and hardware-encryption options. Exact features vary by model.
Relevant for capacity-focused portable HDD buyers considering a local backup drive for files that mainly remain at home.
Relevant for buyers considering a portable external SSD with high claimed transfer speeds and model-specific rugged features.
Relevant for Mac, iPhone and iPad households choosing between local Time Machine backup and iCloud or iCloud+ storage.
These Joybuy options are portable external SSDs for households choosing a faster local copy of photos and computer files. Check capacity against the source library and confirm the intended computer connection before buying.
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A portable local-copy option for frequent photo and video transfers between compatible devices.
Listed with 1TB capacity, USB 3.2 Gen 2 speeds up to 1,050MB/s read and 1,000MB/s write, IP65 protection and stated 3m drop resistance.
Check that 1TB covers the current library, growth and backup history. Maximum speed depends on the connected computer, cable and USB support.
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A higher-capacity portable SSD option for a substantial household photo and computer-file library.
The listing states 4TB capacity, USB 3.2 Gen 2, up to 1,050MB/s read and 1,000MB/s write, AES-256 hardware encryption, and USB-C-to-C and USB-C-to-A cables.
Check total data size and future growth before choosing capacity. The listed fastest performance requires a USB 3.2 Gen 2 host connection.
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A portable local-backup choice for a growing collection of photos, videos and household files.
The listing states 2TB storage, USB 3.2 Gen 2, up to 1,050MB/s read and 1,000MB/s write, optional AES-256 hardware encryption, and USB-C-to-C and USB-C-to-A cables.
Confirm that 2TB is sufficient for files, growth and retained history. Maximum speed requires a compatible USB 3.2 Gen 2 connection.
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An option for moving files between USB-C and USB-A computers while keeping a portable local copy.
The listing states 1TB capacity, USB 3.2 Gen 2 speeds up to 1,050MB/s read and 1,000MB/s write, USB-C and USB-A connection cables, and Lexar DataShield 256-bit AES encryption software.
The magnetic attachment is conditional on compatible iPhone 15 or 16 use with the supplied case or ring. Check password-recovery arrangements before storing important files.
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A compact local-copy drive for carrying a sizeable photo, video and document collection with a laptop or bag.
The listing states 2TB capacity, read speeds up to 800MB/s, up to 2m drop protection, a 40g body and an included USB cable.
Confirm the computer connector, operating-system compatibility, encryption support and backup method before relying on it for important files.
Yes. Microsoft Support says File History can automatically back up libraries such as Documents, Pictures, Videos and Music, plus custom libraries, to an external drive or network location. Connect the selected drive and enable File History; folders outside included libraries may need to be added first.
Apple recommends a storage device with at least twice the storage capacity of the Mac for Time Machine. This is Time Machine-specific guidance, so allow more space if you also store other files or want more retained backup history.
Not necessarily. Apple describes Time Machine as a separate Mac backup route, while iCloud provides storage, synchronisation and iPhone or iPad backup under stated conditions. For valuable household files, consider whether a separate local recoverable copy is also needed.
SSDs are generally faster than HDDs, but actual external SSD speed depends on the drive, host port, cable and transfer conditions. Samsung says its T7 Shield's stated maximum speeds require USB 3.2 Gen 2 support and UASP mode.
If it contains personal files and may be lost or stolen, encryption can reduce unauthorised access risk. The Information Commissioner's Office says encryption of personal information on USB or backup media provides protection; check the exact drive's support and keep any recovery password securely.