Choose cloud storage if automatic copies and recovery after replacing a device matter most; choose a removable drive if you need direct access to a large local library; consider a NAS if several household devices need shared storage and you can manage its backups. For files you cannot easily replace, plan a separate recoverable copy rather than relying on one always-connected device, and test how you would restore it.
If remembering to connect a drive is the obstacle, start by checking the cloud backup and sync options for each phone and computer. Confirm what they cover, how much account storage is available and how to restore data to a replacement device.
An external hard drive or portable SSD can hold a local copy that you can access without downloading the library. Size the drive for the collection and its growth, check its connection to your devices, and establish a repeatable backup routine.
A NAS can provide shared local storage if someone is prepared to manage accounts, backup destinations and recovery. Synology describes versioned backups and multiple destinations for its Hyper Backup software, but a NAS kept at home still needs a plan for a separate copy.
The National Cyber Security Centre describes a backup as a copy kept in a separate safe location, including cloud storage or removable media. Decide how the copy will be made and restored before comparing storage devices or services.
Consider it when: You want supported devices to make regular copies without connecting a drive, with access after a device is replaced.
Allow for: Internet access, account recovery, storage limits and differences between file sync and device backup.
Consider it when: You want a directly accessible local copy of photos, videos or documents.
Allow for: Connecting the drive regularly, disconnecting it afterwards where appropriate and keeping another copy elsewhere.
Consider it when: Several people or devices need shared local storage and someone can administer it.
Allow for: Permissions, maintenance, restore tools and a separate backup destination.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Automatic recovery | Check device and file coverage, whether photos are synced or backed up, and the steps for restoring to a replacement device. | If I replace a phone or computer, I need recent photos and device data without relying on a drive I might forget to connect. Around 33% of consumers put automatic recovery first. |
| Large local library | Allow for library growth; check drive capacity, connectors and compatibility with the devices used for copying. | When my photo and video collection is large, I want a local copy I can access directly rather than upload again for each restore. Local library handling comes first for around 27% of consumers. |
| Separate recoverable copies | Check where another copy can be kept, whether a removable drive can be disconnected, and whether a sample folder restores. | If a device is stolen, damaged or affected by ransomware, I do not want its nearby or connected copy to be my only fallback. Around 20% of consumers prioritise separation from the original. |
| Shared household access | Check user permissions, backup destinations, versioning options and the tools needed to restore stored files. | With files spread across several household devices, I want one manageable local location without losing track of who can access it. Shared storage control is the main concern for around 20% of consumers. |
Apple says photos and videos in iCloud Photos are synced separately and are not included in daily iCloud Backup. The protection used for one type of data may differ from another.
List the photos, files, app data and settings you would need after replacing a device. Check each service’s coverage and try restoring a small selection.
The National Cyber Security Centre advises against leaving a backup device permanently connected to a computer because it can be exposed during a ransomware incident. A drive stored beside the original may also be affected by the same household incident.
Disconnect a removable drive after a completed backup where appropriate, and consider a separate off-site copy for files that cannot be replaced.
Google says its storage is shared across Drive, Gmail, WhatsApp backups and Google Photos. Microsoft says its account storage is also shared across files, photos and other services, so other data can use space needed for backups.
Check total account usage and likely growth, then review the current plan and downgrade terms before relying on the available space.
Synology’s multi-version Hyper Backup archives use its .hbk format and require specified restore tools. Its backup modes also differ in their versioning and encryption options.
Test recovery on another device and keep the required restore tools and credentials accessible to the people who may need them.
iCloud is relevant to households backing up supported Apple devices and storing photos through an Apple account.
Google Drive, Google Photos and Google One are options for households using Google accounts across devices.
OneDrive is relevant to households already keeping files in Microsoft accounts or using Microsoft 365.
Samsung’s portable SSD range is relevant when a household wants a carryable local copy rather than relying solely on cloud storage.
Synology NAS systems and Hyper Backup suit households prepared to manage shared local storage and backup destinations.
These portable SSDs and external hard drives are options for making a local copy of household files. Choose capacity and connections for your devices, then decide where a further recoverable copy will be kept.
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Consider this for a removable local copy when 2 TB accommodates your files and expected growth.
USB Type-C and USB 3.2 Gen 2 are specified in the product name; check the connection available on your computer.
Keep another recoverable copy and test a restore rather than relying on this drive alone.
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Consider this portable SSD if a 1 TB local copy covers the files you intend to protect.
The product name specifies USB Type-C and USB 3.2 Gen 2x2; check your device’s connection before choosing it.
Plan a separate backup destination and try restoring files from the drive.
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Consider this for a 2 TB removable copy of photos, videos and household files.
Check the connector and compatibility with the device that will make the backup, especially if copying large files is part of your routine.
A portable drive should not be the only location for files you cannot replace.
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This portable external hard drive is an option for a 2 TB local copy if that capacity leaves room for your library to grow.
Check the connection and any setup needed for the computer you will use, particularly with macOS.
Maintain another recoverable copy and test that files can be restored.
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Consider this portable external hard drive for a 5 TB local copy when your household library needs that capacity.
If you will also use it with Windows, confirm the required software and file-access workflow before purchase. Check the applicable warranty terms too.
Arrange another backup destination and test restoration; capacity alone does not make files recoverable.
No: syncing and device backup can cover different data. Apple says that when iCloud Photos is enabled, photos and videos sync to iCloud and are not included in daily iCloud Backup. Check how your chosen service handles files, photos, messages, apps and settings, then try a restore.
Check the storage used across the entire account, what happens when it fills up, and how you would regain access or restore files. Google says a full account can stop photo and video backup; review the current plan and cancellation or downgrade conditions before depending on its capacity.
If reducing ransomware exposure is part of your plan, do not leave the backup drive permanently connected. The National Cyber Security Centre advises keeping backup devices disconnected when they are not in use; complete the backup, disconnect the drive where appropriate and periodically test a restore.
A NAS can provide shared storage and support backups, but one NAS at home does not by itself provide a copy stored elsewhere. Decide on a separate destination for valuable files and check how the chosen NAS backup mode handles versions, access and restoration.