For personal computer files, a local drive provides a nearby copy, while a properly configured cloud backup keeps a copy away from home; if your files would be difficult to replace, consider using both. Whichever arrangement you choose, check what it covers, how long deleted or changed files remain recoverable, and how to restore a file. The UK National Cyber Security Centre advises keeping backup devices disconnected when they are not in use.
If you need family photos or documents to remain recoverable after deletion, device loss or a problem at home, prioritise separate copies and a restore test. The UK National Cyber Security Centre advises keeping backup devices disconnected when not in use.
If you want recurring local backups, compare capacity and connection with your computer rather than paying for transfer speed you may not need. Mac users should check Apple’s Time Machine storage guidance and the drive’s format.
If you are more likely to keep a backup that runs routinely, check a cloud service’s coverage and version retention. A NAS may suit a household that wants a shared destination for several computers, provided you are prepared to configure and maintain it.
Consider it when: you want a local copy and do not want backups to depend on an internet connection.
Trade-off: one drive kept beside the computer is not an off-site copy; schedule backups and store the drive separately between uses.
Consider it when: several household computers need a shared local backup destination and you are willing to manage the setup.
Trade-off: a NAS at home needs another destination to protect against an incident affecting the NAS or home.
Consider it when: you have reliable internet and want automated copies kept away from home.
Trade-off: upload and restore depend on connectivity, and coverage, retention and subscription terms vary by service.
Consider it when: you want a nearby copy as well as a separate copy away from home.
Trade-off: you will need to maintain and test both ways of restoring files.
| Concern | What to check when buying | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Separation and recovery | Where each copy is kept, whether it can be changed from the main computer, version retention and how to test a restore. | If my files are hard to replace, I want a copy I can recover after deletion or a problem at home. Consumers who prioritise separation and recovery make up about 33%. |
| Capacity and connection | Current file volume, likely growth, room for retained versions and a connection that works with your computer. For Time Machine, Apple recommends storage of at least twice the Mac’s capacity as an ideal. | If I mainly need space for recurring backups, I want a drive that connects to my computer and can hold my files. Consumers who prioritise capacity and compatibility make up about 27%. |
| Automatic backup and retention | Which folders and drives are covered, when the last backup ran, deleted-file retention, account protection and how to restore an older file. | If I want backups to run routinely, I need to know that the right files are covered and that I can retrieve an earlier version. Consumers who prioritise automation and retention make up about 27%. |
| Shared household storage | Exact-model backup features, user access, versioning, a separate NAS backup destination and compatibility with any service you plan to use. | If several computers at home need one shared destination, I want to know how each device and the NAS itself will be backed up. Consumers who prioritise shared household storage make up about 13%. |
A backup drive left connected can be affected by malware along with the computer it backs up. The UK National Cyber Security Centre advises disconnecting backup devices when they are not in use.
Schedule the backup, disconnect the drive afterwards and test that you can restore a file. If you also need a copy away from home, plan a separate destination.
Microsoft documents OneDrive file version history, while its whole-OneDrive restore feature requires Microsoft 365 and covers actions within the last 30 days. Backblaze’s default Computer Backup version history is 30 days, with a one-year option; these terms apply to those services, not to cloud backup in general.
Check the exact account, retention settings and deleted-file rules, then test restoring an older file before relying on the arrangement.
A shared storage destination and a separately recoverable copy serve different purposes. Backblaze says its Computer Backup service does not support NAS or network shares as backup sources.
Plan the computer-to-NAS backup and a separate NAS-to-drive or NAS-to-cloud copy as distinct restore paths. Check that the exact NAS model supports the workflow you intend to use.
Samsung states that the T7 Shield’s rated peak speeds depend on a compatible host and cable. A speed figure does not establish which files are covered or how long earlier versions remain available.
Check connection compatibility, backup coverage and recovery options before treating a transfer-speed rating as decisive.
My Passport variants are relevant if you want local capacity and, on specified models, password-protected storage.
The T7 Shield is a local SSD option for people who regularly carry or transfer large files.
The DS223j illustrates a shared-home NAS route with PC-folder backup and separate NAS backup options.
Computer Backup is relevant if you want an automated off-site backup for supported computers and drives.
OneDrive is relevant if you already keep selected personal files in a synced cloud folder.
Seagate’s One Touch HDD appeared in Expert Reviews UK’s 2025 external-drive list; its One Touch SSD is a separate product line.
These Joybuy choices cover local external drives and SSDs, plus a NAS option for shared home storage. Check each model’s connection, backup setup and any stated limitations against your computer and recovery plan.
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A local SSD option for storing and transferring personal files.
2 TB capacity; USB 3.2 Gen 2; optional AES 256-bit encryption. USB-C-to-C and USB-C-to-A cables are included.
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A shared-storage option for managing personal files and backups across a home setup.
Supports automated backup to cloud services, external drives and remote NAS devices. Diskless: storage drives are not included. Plan a separate destination for backing up the NAS itself.
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A portable local-drive option for personal files and backups.
2 TB capacity; stated read speed up to 800 MB/s.
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A portable local drive for backing up personal photos, documents and other files.
4 TB capacity; USB-A cable included. Reformatting may be required for Mac or other operating systems.
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A local-drive option for scheduled backups of personal computer files.
2 TB capacity; USB 3.2 Gen 1. The product description identifies scheduled automatic backups and password protection with AES 256-bit hardware encryption.
Sometimes, but check the account and feature rather than assuming syncing keeps a permanent independent copy. Microsoft documents OneDrive file version history; its whole-OneDrive restore feature requires Microsoft 365 and covers actions within the last 30 days. Test recovery with a non-essential file before relying on the arrangement.
Apple’s Time Machine instructions describe selecting an external backup disk and checking the latest backup’s date and time. Apple recommends storage of at least twice the Mac’s capacity as an ideal; check the disk’s format and keep any encryption password available for restoration. Periodically test restoring a file.
Not necessarily: Backblaze says its Computer Backup service does not support NAS or network shares as backup sources. Check the intended provider and NAS workflow before subscribing, and plan a separate off-site destination for the NAS data.
The Information Commissioner’s Office says UK GDPR is outside scope for personal data processed solely for personal or household activities with no professional or commercial connection. That conclusion concerns the processing activity, not a device recommendation, and it does not cover professional or commercial files.