Choose backup storage according to what could happen to your originals. A disconnected external drive can provide a separate local copy; cloud storage can keep a copy outside the home; and network-attached storage (NAS) can serve several devices but needs its own backup destination. For important files, check that you can restore a copy and that at least one copy remains separate from the device, location or account you rely on day to day.
If family photos, scanned documents or financial files matter most, plan for recovery after a device fails or is lost. The National Cyber Security Centre and Information Commissioner's Office both discuss keeping backup copies separate from the originals.
If you regularly move large photo, video or project files between computers, a portable drive may fit your routine. Check its capacity and connection against the devices you will actually use; Samsung notes that transfer performance on its Portable SSD T7 varies with the host configuration.
A NAS can provide a managed destination for files from several computers or phones if you are willing to set it up and maintain it. Synology documents versioned backup options but cautions that the NAS itself still needs a backup elsewhere.
Decide where a recoverable copy will live before comparing drive capacities or transfer speeds. A local drive, NAS and cloud storage can also be combined: each destination needs a clear role and a restoration process you can use.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Separation from the originals | Keep a copy off the main device. If a home incident could affect both copies, plan an off-site destination; disconnect a removable drive between backup runs where practical. | If my computer is lost or something happens at home, I need a copy that is not exposed to the same incident. Around 36% of consumers would put separation first. |
| Restoring older files | Check how to restore a file, how long older versions and deleted files remain available, and whether those terms apply to your account. | I may notice an accidental deletion or unwanted change only later, so I need a usable earlier copy. Restoring files is the primary concern for around 29% of consumers. |
| Portable capacity and connection | Allow for your current files and future growth, then match the drive connector, cable and port to the device that will run the backup. | My photo or video collection needs enough room, and regular copies must fit the connections I have. Around 21% of consumers would prioritise this local-storage need. |
| One destination for several devices | For a NAS, check supported backup destinations and version controls, and plan a copy beyond the NAS itself. | Several devices make separate manual copies hard to manage, so I want one maintained destination. Central storage would come first for around 14% of consumers. |
A problem affecting the live device may also reach connected storage. The National Cyber Security Centre explains the value of an offline backup, while Synology warns that RAID and NAS drives can still fail.
Keep another copy separate from the live setup. Disconnect removable backup media between runs where that suits your routine, and give a NAS a backup destination of its own.
Recovery depends on the service and account. Microsoft states that OneDrive file version history is retained for 30 days and sets a 30-day deleted-file recovery window for personal accounts; Google says its standard 15 GB allowance is shared across Gmail, Drive and Photos.
Before relying on cloud storage, check version retention, deleted-file recovery, available space and what happens when your storage limit is reached.
Samsung states that transfer performance on its Portable SSD T7 can vary with the host configuration. A drive's rated speed does not tell you whether your computer's port and cable will achieve it.
Match the exact connection to your intended device, then check that capacity and your backup routine meet your needs.
A lost or stolen drive can expose the files it holds. The Information Commissioner's Office identifies encryption of stored personal information, including backup media, as a safeguard against unauthorised access.
Check the selected drive's encryption method where appropriate, protect access to it and make sure you can restore an encrypted copy.
Its My Passport and Elements portable hard drives are relevant when you want a local copy of a sizeable file collection.
Its Portable SSD T7 line is relevant to people making regular local copies or moving files between devices.
Its NAS backup tools are relevant to households prepared to manage central storage for several devices.
OneDrive is relevant when you want a cloud-backed copy and need to assess file-version and deletion recovery.
Google Drive and Google One are relevant when cloud storage must be considered alongside Gmail and Google Photos use.
These portable hard drives and SSDs offer local destinations for copies of personal files. Choose capacity and connection for your devices, then plan another separated copy if you need protection from an incident affecting the drive's location.
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Consider this portable hard drive for a sizeable local copy of photos and documents.
Its stated capacity is 5TB. Check the connection and file format against the device you will use to make and restore copies.
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Consider this portable SSD if you need a local copy of a large file library and regularly move files.
Its stated capacity is 4 TB and its connection is USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2. Check your host port and cable before relying on a particular transfer rate.
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Consider this portable SSD for a local copy when 2 TB accommodates your files and expected growth.
It uses USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2. Confirm that the devices used for copying and restoration have a suitable connection.
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Consider this portable SSD for a smaller local file collection if 1 TB leaves enough room for future copies.
Its stated connection is USB 3.2 Gen 2. Check the connection on your intended device and keep another copy separate from this drive.
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Consider this portable hard drive for a sizeable local copy that you can store apart from your computer.
Its stated capacity is 4TB and its title specifies USB 3.0. Check the connection and file format against your intended device before buying.
One external drive gives you a separate local copy, but it cannot by itself protect against an incident that affects both the drive and the originals. The National Cyber Security Centre describes keeping at least three copies on two devices with one off-site, and recommends considering an offline or disconnected backup.
No. Synology warns that RAID crashes and hard-drive failures can still cause data loss. If you use a NAS as the household destination, arrange a recoverable copy at a different destination too.
Check the service's deleted-file window and version-history terms for your account, then try restoring a non-critical file. Microsoft states that OneDrive version history is retained for 30 days and that deleted files in personal accounts can be restored within 30 days; do not assume another service or account has the same terms.
If it holds sensitive personal files and might be lost or stolen, encryption is a safeguard worth considering. The Information Commissioner's Office identifies encryption of stored personal information as protection against unauthorised access; check the drive's method and make sure you can still restore the files when needed.