Choose a backup you can keep current and restore from: cloud or device-native tools can automate copies across supported devices, while removable storage provides a separately managed local copy. For irreplaceable files, the UK National Cyber Security Centre advises considering both cloud storage and removable media; check what is included, how deletions are handled, and whether your storage, connection and ongoing costs suit your household.
If losing a device or accidentally deleting files would put family photos at risk, plan for a copy that can be restored separately from a synced library. The UK National Cyber Security Centre advises keeping irreplaceable photos and videos in both cloud storage and on removable media.
When phones and computers all hold important files, check which devices, accounts and folders are covered and how a replacement device would retrieve them. Google and Microsoft document backup options that depend on enabling uploads or selecting folders.
A drive or home storage hub may suit households willing to manage a local copy and its routine. Keep in mind that a copy stored at home still needs a plan for loss of the storage device or the home itself.
Before settling on cloud, removable storage or a home hub, work out what must be copied, where the copy will live and how you would restore it.
| Concern | What to check when buying | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Recovering deleted or lost files | Check where the copy is stored, which deleted items or earlier versions can be restored, and test restoring a sample file. | If losing a device or accidentally deleting a photo would be difficult to recover from, I want to know what copy I can restore; around 29% of consumers put recoverability first. |
| Covering household devices | List the devices, accounts and folders to include; confirm uploads or scheduled backups are enabled and check a recently copied file. | If several phones and computers hold important files, I want a routine that does not depend on remembering each manual copy; around 23% of consumers prioritise automatic coverage. |
| Capacity and transfer time | Measure the files and device data to be copied, allow for growth, and compare the total with available storage and your upload connection. | For a growing photo or video library, I need enough space and a workable way to transfer it; around 18% of consumers put capacity and transfer time first. |
| Access and storage location | Check account protection, options for protecting removable media, who holds recovery credentials and where each copy will be kept. | If personal files need careful access control, I want to know who can reach each copy and where it is stored; around 18% of consumers prioritise privacy and control. |
| Cost and upkeep | Check current service terms and the storage needed; decide who will maintain the backup and test a restore. | If I need an arrangement I can keep paying for or maintaining, I will compare recurring charges with the work of managing a local copy; around 12% of consumers put cost and upkeep first. |
A synced photo library may carry deletions across connected devices. Apple says photos in iCloud Photos are not duplicated in iCloud Backup.
Check the service’s restore options and keep a separate copy of photos you cannot replace.
A separately managed copy takes additional time and storage to maintain.
A drive intended for computer backups does not automatically establish a working backup from every phone or computer.
Identify the device, software, port and included cable before choosing the exact drive variant.
A suitable cable, adapter or different destination may be needed.
If the original and its only backup are stored together, one incident could affect both copies.
Keep the original and backup in separate safe locations where practical; for irreplaceable files, consider both an online and a removable copy, and test access to a sample.
An additional safely located copy takes time and storage to maintain.
Home storage is not automatically an off-site copy. Synology describes BeeProtect as an additional cloud-backup service for BeeStation, with separate coverage and subscription terms.
Decide whether you need an off-site copy and check the service’s current coverage and terms separately from the hub.
Relevant to households using supported Apple devices for photo syncing or Mac backups.
Google Photos is a photo-upload option for households using a Google Account on phones and computers.
Windows Backup and OneDrive are relevant when households want to protect selected folders on Windows PCs.
BeeStation is a home storage option for households willing to manage a shared local destination.
My Passport and My Book represent portable and desktop external-drive options in the named models discussed by PCMag UK.
The named One Touch 8TB model is an external-drive option described in PCMag UK’s editorial selection.
These Joybuy listings focus on external SSDs and hard drives for keeping a local copy of household photos and files. Check what each device can back up and how you will maintain a separate copy if you need one.
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A local copy option for a large file archive when hardware encryption matters.
4 TB; USB Type-C; USB 3.2 Gen 2x2; AES 256-bit hardware encryption and password security.
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A desktop drive option for a large household archive kept on a computer-connected local destination.
22 TB; USB connectivity; described as compatible with PC and Mac; password protection and hardware encryption.
It is a desktop external drive rather than a pocket-sized portable drive.
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A portable local-copy option for household files when carrying the drive between places matters.
2 TB; read speeds up to 800 MB/s; described drop protection up to 2 metres.
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A computer-connected local copy option for photos, videos and documents.
4 TB; USB connectivity; scheduled backup software; AES 256-bit hardware encryption and password protection.
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A portable local-copy option for photos, videos and documents.
4 TB; the listing identifies a USB 3.2 Gen 1 interface and an included USB-A cable.
Reformatting may be required for Mac or other operating systems.
Not necessarily. Apple says deletions in iCloud Photos reach devices using that library, and those photos are not duplicated in iCloud Backup. Check the service’s deletion and restore behaviour, and keep a separately managed copy if losing a photo after synchronisation would be unacceptable.
The UK National Cyber Security Centre advises backing up the personal data you want to keep before erasing the device. Also check that you can access your accounts and any verification methods you use after the phone is erased.
Yes, with a compatible external storage device configured as a Time Machine backup disk. Apple recommends a destination with at least twice the Mac’s storage capacity; that advice applies to this Time Machine route, not every household backup. An encrypted backup password is needed to restore encrypted files.
For personal data handled solely for a purely personal or household activity, without a professional or commercial connection, the Information Commissioner’s Office says the UK GDPR does not apply. This does not remove the practical value of protecting account access and private copies; other uses need their own assessment.