For routine laptop backup and a sizeable photo library, a portable HDD suits capacity-led storage; Which? describes SSDs as faster but typically more expensive, so a portable SSD is worth considering for frequent large-file transfers or travel. A desktop HDD suits an archive that stays at one desk, while a cloud copy can protect against a local incident affecting both laptop and drive, as the NI Cyber Security Centre advises. Check capacity, laptop ports and backup formatting before choosing; no single local drive provides complete protection.
If photos and documents need a separate, regularly updated copy, choose a drive with room for the files your backup tool will cover. Microsoft says File History can make regular backups to an external drive; Apple advises checking the backup disk’s capacity for Time Machine.
A portable SSD is worth considering if you frequently move large files or work from external storage. Which? describes SSDs as faster than HDDs and HDDs as more susceptible to bumps, but the laptop’s connection still matters to transfer speed.
A desktop HDD suits a large library that normally stays in one place. If losing both the laptop and the home archive in the same incident would matter, keep another copy elsewhere, in line with NI Cyber Security Centre backup guidance.
Decide whether the main job is routine backup, frequent work with large files, a desk-based archive or a copy kept away from home. Then check capacity and whether your laptop can use the drive with its intended backup tool.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Routine backup | Check which folders the backup tool includes and how often it runs. For a portable HDD, consider how the drive will be stored and carried; Which? notes that HDDs are more susceptible to bumps than SSDs. | I want a separate, current copy of my laptop files, not just extra space to move them onto. |
| Large-file work | For a portable SSD, check the laptop’s USB specification and the cable as well as the drive’s stated interface. Advertised maximum speeds depend on compatible equipment. | I often copy sizeable photo or video projects, or work directly from external storage, so transfer time and carrying the drive matter. |
| Desk-based storage | Check the desktop drive’s capacity, available desk space and mains-power requirement. Plan another copy if the archive and laptop would otherwise stay in the same location. | My photo and video library stays at home; I do not need to take the archive out with my laptop. |
| Off-site copy | Check a cloud service’s available capacity, internet requirements, account security and restore process. NI Cyber Security Centre guidance recommends keeping a backup in a different location. | If something happens at home, I want my photos to remain available from another location. |
| Capacity | Allow for the data being backed up, future growth and any retained backup versions. For Time Machine, Apple advises a backup device with at least twice the Mac’s storage capacity. | I need room for today’s files without running out of backup space as my library grows. |
| Compatibility | Confirm the laptop port, the drive cable and the requirements of the intended backup software. Apple says Time Machine cannot back up to a Windows-formatted disk without reformatting it. | I want the drive to connect to my laptop and work with my chosen Windows or Mac backup setup. |
A growing photo library and retained backup versions need room beyond the files being copied now. Apple advises at least twice the Mac’s storage capacity for a Time Machine backup device.
Work out what you intend to back up and allow for growth before selecting a capacity.
A connector’s shape does not establish the speed supported by the drive, laptop and cable together. Samsung’s stated maximum speeds for the T7 Shield depend on compatible host equipment.
Check the documented USB specifications of both laptop and drive, particularly if faster large-file transfers are the reason for choosing an SSD.
The same theft or damage at home could affect both devices. The NI Cyber Security Centre recommends separate copies, including one kept in a different location.
Make backups regularly, keep an additional copy elsewhere or in cloud storage, and try restoring a file so you know the process works.
Apple says a Windows-formatted disk must be reformatted before Time Machine can back up to it. Reformatting erases the files already on that disk.
Confirm the backup format you need and copy existing files elsewhere before changing the drive’s format.
The portable T7 Shield SSD range is relevant to large-file work and a drive that will be carried regularly.
The Canvio Basics USB-C is a portable HDD range for capacity-led laptop storage and backup.
The WD Elements Desktop range is relevant to an archive that normally stays in one place.
These Joybuy options cover portable SSDs and portable HDDs for laptop file storage and backup. Choose between them according to your capacity, transfer and carrying needs; a separate off-site copy remains relevant whichever local drive you use.
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A portable SSD option for a sizeable file library and frequent large-file transfers. The listing states USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2 and read and write speeds of up to 1,050MB/s and 1,000MB/s; check your laptop and cable before relying on those maximum figures. Confirm the format needed for your backup tool, and keep this drive away from liquids.
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A portable SSD to consider when you carry files and frequently transfer large projects. The listing states USB 3.2 Gen 2, speeds of up to 1,050MB/s read and 1,000MB/s write, and an IP65 rating; speed and protection claims have conditions and do not cover every kind of damage. Check whether 1TB is sufficient and whether the drive is formatted for your backup workflow.
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A capacity-led portable HDD option for storing and backing up photos and other laptop files. The listing states 4TB and USB 3.2 Gen 1, with a USB-A cable. Check the laptop connection and any reformatting needed for your operating system; avoid physical shocks when carrying the drive.
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A portable, higher-capacity HDD option for a Mac file library. The listing states 5TB, USB-C connection and use with macOS 11 or later; check compatibility with your intended backup software. For Windows use, the listing describes a downloadable HFS+ driver requirement, so confirm that workflow before choosing it.
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A compact portable HDD option for files and routine backup when 2TB meets your capacity needs. The listing states USB 3.2 Gen 1, USB bus power and NTFS formatting. Check the port and any driver or formatting steps needed for your operating system and backup tool, particularly on a Mac.
Apple advises a backup device with at least twice the Mac’s storage capacity. Consider the files you need to protect and allow room for future backups rather than choosing capacity solely from the size of today’s photo folder.
Not in its Windows format: Apple says the disk must be reformatted for Time Machine. Because reformatting erases existing files, copy anything you need from the drive elsewhere first.
Yes. Microsoft says File History can make regular backups to an external drive or network location. Check that the folders containing the files you care about are included in the backup.
One local drive leaves both copies exposed to some of the same incidents, such as theft or damage at home. The NI Cyber Security Centre advises keeping separate backups, including a copy in a different location; make backups regularly and test that you can restore a file.