For a movable local copy, consider a portable hard drive when capacity is the priority, or an external SSD when frequent transfers matter and your devices have suitable connections. A desktop drive suits a fixed backup point; network-attached storage (NAS) can serve several devices but takes more setup. Whichever route you choose, plan a separate copy for important files—potentially cloud storage alongside local storage—and check how you will restore them.
If years of phone photos, scanned papers and documents need protecting, measure what must be copied before choosing a capacity. Decide whether you need selected folders or a whole-device backup, and leave room for new files and retained versions.
A household using Macs, Windows computers, phones or tablets needs a destination each intended device can connect to and use for its chosen backup workflow. Apple Support distinguishes file-system formats for sharing files from the requirements of a Time Machine backup destination.
If remembering to copy folders is the obstacle, look at scheduling, version history and how to retrieve a file. The National Cyber Security Centre describes a backup as a copy kept separately from the original; an automated routine still needs a destination that is available when it runs.
Choose the local destination around where the backup will live: a portable HDD or SSD that you connect when needed, a desktop drive kept at a fixed backup point, or NAS for a shared network destination. Then decide how you will maintain another copy away from the original; a cloud subscription can complement a local backup, but its account and cancellation terms become part of the plan.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity and growth | Measure the files or devices to be backed up; allow space for new files and any versions you intend to retain. | If my photo library keeps growing, I need space for more than its current contents. Around 25% of consumers would put capacity and growth first. |
| Routine and recovery | Check when backups run, what they include and how to restore a single file or a whole device. | I am unlikely to keep up with manual copying, so I need a routine I can use to retrieve files. For around 25% of consumers, a workable backup and restoration routine is the primary concern. |
| Device compatibility | Check each device’s port, the drive’s file system and the backup application’s destination requirements. | With different computers at home, I need each one to use the planned destination in the right way. Device compatibility would come first for around 17% of consumers. |
| Portable transfers | Match the drive interface and cable to the host; read speed and enclosure claims with their stated conditions. | If I regularly move a large library between locations, transfer time and carrying the drive matter to me. Around 17% of consumers would prioritise portable transfer and resilience. |
| Off-site continuity | Plan a separate location for a copy; for cloud storage, check access, renewal, export and cancellation terms. | I want important files to remain retrievable if something affects both my computer and a nearby drive. Off-site continuity would be the leading concern for around 16% of consumers. |
A copy on a drive kept beside the computer may be affected by the same incident as the original. The National Cyber Security Centre advises keeping a backup in a separate safe location.
Decide which files you must be able to retrieve, maintain another copy away from the original and try restoring a small selection of files.
A backup covering several devices or retaining earlier versions needs more space than a single copy of today’s photo folder.
Measure the data you intend to protect, decide between selected files and whole-device backups, then allow room for growth and the history you plan to keep.
The connector’s shape does not establish the host interface, cable capability or other conditions behind a speed claim. Samsung, for example, says its T7 Shield’s stated maximum read and write figures require a USB 3.2 Gen 2 host, a compatible cable and UASP support.
Compare the exact drive requirements with your computer and cable before making transfer speed a deciding factor.
GOV.UK consumer guidance warns that a suspended or cancelled account could mean losing access to stored data.
Keep a separate local copy, review account and renewal terms, and complete any export before ending the service.
Moving a large library can also take time and use a substantial amount of data transfer.
A reference point for USB-connected portable or desktop HDD backups.
A reference point for portable SSDs when transfer conditions and carrying the drive matter.
Relevant when a household is considering NAS as a shared backup destination.
A reference point for portable and desktop HDD choices.
These portable HDDs and SSDs are options for making a movable local copy of household photos and documents. Compare their stated capacities with your files, then plan when to connect the drive and where to keep another copy.
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Consider this portable HDD for a movable local copy when your measured files and planned backup history fit within its capacity.
Stated capacity: 5 TB. Check the connection, file-system format and backup workflow required by your computers before use.
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This portable HDD is an option for a local photo and document copy if its capacity accommodates the files and versions you intend to keep.
Stated capacity: 4 TB. Confirm the connection and the backup workflow for each computer that will use it.
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Consider this portable SSD if you transfer backups between locations and need a local destination for a library that fits its capacity.
Stated capacity: 4 TB. The model name specifies USB 3.2 Gen 2x2; check your computer’s port and cable before relying on that interface. Choose a backup application and routine separately.
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This portable SSD is an option for frequent file transfers if a 1 TB destination accommodates your backup and retained versions.
The model specifies USB 3.2 Gen 2. Samsung says its T7 Shield MU-PE1T0S speed figures require a compatible host, cable and UASP; its tested dust, water and drop claims do not replace a separate backup copy.
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Consider this portable HDD for a local copy you can move or put away between backups, provided its capacity suits your files.
Stated capacity: 4 TB; the name specifies USB 3.0. Check the connection and file-system requirements of your computers, and decide how backups and restores will be managed.
Do not rely on one nearby drive to cover every loss scenario. The National Cyber Security Centre describes a backup as a copy stored separately from the original; for files you cannot afford to lose, plan another location or a cloud copy and test that you can retrieve files.
A drive can be used for file exchange between them if it has suitable connections and a compatible format, but check each backup application’s destination requirements separately. Apple Support identifies ExFAT for Windows-compatible volumes over 32 GB; do not reformat a drive holding needed files without another copy.
A third-party NAS can receive Time Machine backups when it supports Time Machine over SMB, according to Apple Support. Check the particular NAS model and configure a compatible shared destination rather than assuming any network folder will work.
Check that the service accommodates your library and that you understand its access, renewal, inactivity, export and cancellation terms. GOV.UK consumer guidance warns that suspension or cancellation could interrupt access to data, so allow time to copy files elsewhere before leaving a service.
No: an enclosure rating does not create a second copy of your files. Samsung says the T7 Shield’s IP65 and drop statements are based on controlled tests and that liquid, dust and drop damage is not covered under warranty.