The right backup depends on what you need to restore: selected files, a growing photo library or a computer. An external drive keeps a local copy, while cloud storage can keep a copy away from home; the UK National Cyber Security Centre and the Information Commissioner’s Office both describe the value of keeping important data separately. For irreplaceable files, consider whether you can maintain both kinds of copy, and check capacity, compatibility, deletion behaviour and account recovery before choosing.
If your photos or videos would be difficult to replace, distinguish convenient syncing from a separately recoverable copy. Apple explains that iCloud Photos syncs photos rather than including them in the daily iCloud device backup.
If you mainly need selected documents, consider who can access the files, how you would regain account access and whether you can keep a regular copying routine. The UK National Cyber Security Centre recommends two-step verification for important accounts.
If you need to recover more than a photo folder, check which files, settings or apps the chosen method can restore, as well as the storage space its software requires. Apple’s Time Machine and Microsoft’s File History cover different backup tasks.
Start with what you need to restore, then consider where the copies will be kept and how you will maintain them.
| Concern | What to check when buying | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Recovering irreplaceable photos | Check which photos and videos are copied, where each copy is kept and whether you can restore a sample independently. | If losing the only copy of family photos would be difficult, I want a copy I can restore even if devices at home are affected. Around 31% of consumers put independently recoverable photos first. |
| Keeping copies current | Identify the source folders and backup frequency, then test whether you can restore a recently changed file. | If I save household files in several places, I need a routine that copies the right folders consistently. Around 25% of consumers prioritise keeping backups up to date. |
| Protecting private documents | For the exact drive or plan, check encryption settings, sharing permissions and account recovery. | When financial or personal records are involved, I want control over who can open them and a way to regain access. Around 19% of consumers put document privacy first. |
| Backing up a whole computer | Measure the intended backup contents and check which files, settings and apps the software can restore. For Mac Time Machine, Apple advises a disk with at least twice the Mac’s storage capacity. | If I may need to restore a computer rather than just photos, I need a destination and software suited to that task. Around 13% of consumers prioritise computer recovery. |
| Connecting and transferring files | Check ports, cables and operating-system compatibility for the exact drive and devices. | If I move files between devices, I need a drive that connects to them and fits my regular transfer routine. Around 12% of consumers put transfer and compatibility first. |
Apple says iCloud Photos syncs changes across connected devices, and those photos are not included in the daily iCloud device backup. A deletion can therefore reach the synced devices too.
Check the service’s deletion and restore behaviour, and keep a separately managed copy of photos you cannot replace.
Capacity needs depend on what you plan to copy and retain. Apple’s Time Machine capacity guidance is specific to Mac backups, while Samsung’s stated T7 Shield speeds depend on the host, cable and connection conditions.
Measure the intended backup and check the exact computer, port, cable and backup software before choosing a drive variant.
A computer and a nearby backup drive can both be affected by an incident at home. The UK National Cyber Security Centre discusses keeping an offline backup separate from the live environment.
Plan where each copy will be kept and periodically test whether you can restore files from it.
Microsoft gives personal OneDrive accounts a 30-day window to restore deleted files. Dropbox describes UK storage as available only to eligible users.
Read the recovery and data-location terms for the specific account and plan you intend to use.
Its documented My Passport portable drives and My Book desktop drives cover movable and desk-based local backup options.
The documented Expansion portable-drive generation is relevant if you want a USB-powered local copy.
The T7 Shield portable SSD is a compact local-storage option to consider when compatible-device transfers matter.
iCloud+ and iCloud Photos relate to Apple photo syncing and device backup, while Time Machine is a separate local backup route for Mac.
OneDrive recovery terms and Windows File History are relevant when comparing cloud file recovery with an external-drive routine.
These Joybuy choices cover portable and desktop external drives and SSDs for local copies of household photos, records and computer files. Cloud storage is a separate backup route.
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A portable local drive for household files when transfers between compatible devices matter.
1TB capacity; USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2. The product description states read and write speeds of up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s. Its stated IP65 protection is for temporary water exposure; do not submerge it.
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A desk-based local destination to consider for a larger household file collection.
22TB capacity; USB 3.0; the product title specifies password protection and hardware encryption, and the description identifies PC and Mac use.
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A portable local-storage option if you want to carry a copy of personal files between locations.
2TB capacity; the product description states read speeds of up to 800 MB/s.
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A portable local copy for household photos, videos and documents when the intended computer is compatible.
4TB capacity; USB 3.2 Gen 1; the product description states that a USB-A cable is included. Reformatting may be required for Mac or other operating systems.
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A portable local copy to consider for photos, documents and other household files.
2TB capacity; USB 3.2 Gen 1; the product description states 256-bit AES hardware encryption with password protection. Password protection must be activated to use the stated encryption.
No, not necessarily. Apple says photos in iCloud Photos are synced and are not included in the daily iCloud device backup when that feature is on; deleting a photo can also affect connected devices. Check the service’s deletion and recovery terms, and keep a separately managed copy if that risk matters.
Choose software that covers the files you want to recover, connect a suitable destination and test a restore. For Mac Time Machine, Apple advises an external disk with at least twice the Mac’s storage capacity; Microsoft says Windows File History backs up selected libraries, so check whether other folders are covered.
Compare a drive’s warranty and backup arrangements with a cloud plan’s recurring charge, storage tier and recovery rules. Apple’s UK iCloud+ plans have monthly charges; check the current plan terms before subscribing, and check the exact product terms before relying on a drive maker’s recovery service.
The Information Commissioner’s Office says data protection laws do not apply to purely personal or household activities such as a family photo album; that guidance does not establish a general UK-server requirement for this scenario. Server location can still be a service term to check: Dropbox says UK storage is available only to eligible users.
Check who can view shared files, what the provider says about encryption and key access, where the applicable plan stores data, and how you can regain account access. The Information Commissioner’s Office describes private, public and shared access settings, while the UK National Cyber Security Centre recommends two-step verification for important accounts.