Choose an external HDD for a mostly home-based computer archive, or a portable SSD if you often move large files between compatible devices. Cloud storage suits automatic off-device backup and access across devices, provided the files you need are covered, your account has enough capacity and uploads can complete. For irreplaceable photos and documents, keeping both a current local copy and a separate cloud copy reduces reliance on one device or location.
If a laptop is full or family photos are accumulating, a regularly updated external HDD can provide a local computer-file archive without making frequent transfers the priority. Which? distinguishes this long-term backup use from the faster transfers offered by SSDs.
People who often move sizeable photo or video collections between devices may prefer a portable SSD. Check the exact phone or tablet connection and storage format before assuming a drive that works with a computer will work directly with a mobile device.
Cloud storage can suit households that want selected photos and files available across signed-in devices and an off-device copy if the original is lost. Automatic backup still depends on the service settings, available capacity and whether uploads have completed.
Choose when: You want a large computer-file archive that will usually stay at home.
Accept: Which? notes that HDDs are slower than SSDs and more susceptible to bumps because they have moving parts.
Choose when: You regularly transfer large files or carry the drive between compatible devices.
Accept: Which? describes SSDs as generally faster than HDDs, but the drive, cable and host connection all affect the speed you experience.
Choose when: Automatic off-device backup and access from several signed-in devices matter most.
Accept: Uploads need a suitable internet connection, enough account capacity and an active service.
Choose when: Irreplaceable photos or documents warrant both a nearby copy and one stored off-device.
Accept: You must check that each copy covers the intended files and continues to update.
Whichever route appeals, start with the files you cannot lose, then check how they will be copied and kept current.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Automatic off-device access | Confirm which photos, folders and device data are covered, and when uploads run. | If my phone disappears, I want my uploaded photos available on another signed-in device. Around 33% of consumers would make automatic off-device access their primary concern. |
| Local archive capacity | Check the drive capacity against the files you intend to keep, and plan how often to update the copy. | A growing family-photo library calls for room to keep older files on a home-based drive. For roughly 25% of consumers, local archive capacity would come first. |
| Portable file transfers | Match the drive connector, cable and file format to each device you intend to use. | When I move large photo or video folders between devices, I want a portable drive that fits that workflow. Around 25% of consumers would prioritise portable transfers. |
| Two separate copies | Check that local and cloud copies both contain recent versions of the important files. | For irreplaceable documents, keeping the only backup beside the original leaves too much resting on one location. Roughly 17% of consumers would put two-copy resilience first. |
A disconnected drive will not receive new files through a scheduled computer backup. Microsoft Support says Windows File History needs a selected external drive or network location, and an external backup drive must be reconnected for backups to continue.
Decide whether you will use a backup tool or manual copies, then test a backup and open a restored file after setup.
SanDisk’s stated maximum speed for its specified Extreme Portable SSD model does not describe every drive-and-device combination. The port, cable, adapter and files being transferred can affect the result.
Check the exact connector and connection specification at both ends; for direct iPhone or iPad use, also check Apple’s adapter and file-format requirements.
Google states that its accounts include up to 15GB of storage, while Apple lists 5GB with iCloud. Microsoft says exceeding a OneDrive storage limit can prevent new uploads and syncs.
Compare your photo library and important folders with the account allowance, leave room for new files and check backup-status alerts.
A drive stored with a laptop could be lost or damaged at the same time. Which? notes that cloud-stored files can remain accessible after a computer is lost or stolen, provided they were uploaded and you retain account access.
For irreplaceable files, keep a current local copy and a separate off-device copy, and periodically open recent files from each.
Seagate offers external HDD and portable SSD lines for computer-file storage.
Its portable SSD range is relevant to people moving files between compatible devices.
The My Passport portable HDD line is a local computer-file storage option.
OneDrive is a cloud-storage route for households using computers and mobile devices.
iCloud is a cloud route for households using iPhone, iPad and Mac.
These portable SSDs and an external HDD are choices for keeping a local copy of photos and files. If automatic off-device backup is your priority, assess a cloud service separately; a drive alone does not provide it.
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A portable local-copy option if you move photo and file folders between compatible devices.
1 TB capacity; USB 3.2 Gen 2. Check the intended device connection and file format before use.
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Consider this portable SSD for a local copy that you plan to take between compatible devices.
1 TB capacity; USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2 (3.1 Gen 2). Confirm the host connection and cable for your setup.
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The larger stated capacity may suit a growing local photo or file collection that you want to carry.
2 TB capacity; USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2 (3.1 Gen 2). For direct phone or tablet use, check the exact device connection and storage format.
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This external HDD suits a computer-file archive that you can reconnect and update regularly.
2TB capacity. If you use a Mac, confirm the setup required for your intended backup workflow.
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A portable local-storage option for a larger photo or file collection.
2TB capacity. Check the connector, cable and file format against the computer or phone you intend to use.
An external HDD is a sensible starting point for a large, mostly home-based computer-file archive if you will update it regularly. Which? identifies HDDs with long-term file backup; add a separate off-device copy if losing the drive alongside the laptop would put irreplaceable photos at risk.
Yes, if the particular device, connection, drive power needs and file format are compatible. Apple says an external storage device must have a single data partition and use a supported format, including APFS or exFAT; iPhone 15 and later have USB-C, while other connections may require an adapter. Check the exact model before buying.
No: what is copied depends on the service and its settings. Google says Photos can save photos and videos automatically after backup is switched on; Apple says iPhone iCloud Backup can run daily when the phone is locked, charging and on Wi-Fi. Check selected folders, account capacity and backup status, and distinguish a synced photo library from a complete device backup.