Choose cloud storage if an off-device copy and access across devices are your priorities; choose an external hard disk drive (HDD) for a growing local library, or an external solid-state drive (SSD) if you frequently move large files and want a portable drive. For photos and documents you could not replace, use both a local and an off-device copy, then check that you can recover the account and restore the files. The National Cyber Security Centre warns that a drive left connected can be affected by the same incident as the computer, so keeping copies in two places is not enough unless they remain independently recoverable.
Start with the files you would struggle to replace, then decide where a recoverable copy needs to live.
If device loss or damage would take your only copies, prioritise a backup kept separately from the computer. The National Cyber Security Centre advises storing important copies in a separate safe location and warns that connected backup drives can be affected by ransomware.
If you need selected files on more than one computer or phone, check which folders a cloud service actually covers and how you would regain access to the account. Microsoft documents cross-device access for folders backed up with OneDrive.
If photos and videos take up substantial space, measure the folders you intend to protect before choosing a drive. Check its connection and formatting against the computers that must use it, particularly if the household has both Windows and Mac devices.
For household photos and files, decide first whether the priority is an independently recoverable copy, access across devices, room for growth or a workable local-drive setup.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Independent protection | Decide where a separate copy will be kept. Restore a sample folder after setup. | If losing the computer could mean losing irreplaceable photos, I need a copy that the same incident cannot easily affect. About 33% of consumers put independent protection first. |
| Access across devices | Check the folders covered by the cloud service and set up account recovery. | When I move between devices, I want my selected documents available without remembering to connect a drive. Cross-device access is the primary need for about 27% of consumers. |
| Room for growth | Measure the files to protect and allow space for new files and backup versions. | A growing photo and video library needs capacity beyond what it occupies today. Roughly 20% of consumers make room for that growth their main concern. |
| Compatible local backup | Check computer ports, supplied cables and the format required by the intended backup tool. | If I regularly move large files or back up both Mac and Windows computers, the drive must fit the way I use those devices. For about 20% of consumers, a workable local connection and setup come first. |
A connected drive may be affected alongside the computer. The National Cyber Security Centre also cautions that an incident can reach connected backup locations.
Keep at least one copy separately protected when it is not needed for a backup, and restore a sample folder to check that the copy works.
Apple says Time Machine cannot back up to a disk formatted for Windows. A drive intended for Time Machine therefore needs a different setup from one used simply to exchange files between computers.
Choose the drive’s job before copying important files to it, and check its format against the intended backup tool.
Reformatting a drive can erase files already on it.
Google says a standard account’s allowance of up to 15GB is shared by Drive, Gmail and Google Photos. Existing files and messages leave less room for a new backup.
Check current usage, which folders will be protected and how much space the library may need as it grows.
Samsung quotes transfer speeds of up to 1,050MB/s for its T7 line, but the computer, connection and files affect the speed achieved.
Check the exact drive variant, computer port, cable and required capacity before choosing an SSD for frequent large transfers.
These brands illustrate different drive and backup-service routes; choose by the particular product or service and the devices you use, rather than by brand alone.
Its portable My Passport and WD Elements drives, alongside desktop options, are relevant to households planning local HDD storage.
Its portable SSD range is relevant when a compact local drive and frequent file transfers are priorities.
Windows households can consider File History with an external drive or network location, or OneDrive backup for selected folders.
Google storage is relevant to households already using Drive, Gmail and Google Photos.
Time Machine provides a Mac backup route using a supported external drive or network destination.
These SSDs and HDDs are options for a local copy of household photos and files. Choose a capacity that covers your library and check the intended computer setup; a local drive alone does not create an off-device copy.
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Consider this portable local-storage option if your photo and video library needs substantial space. The listed variant is 4 TB with a USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2 connection; check your computer’s port and whether that capacity leaves room for growth.
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This portable HDD is a local-storage option for a growing library in a Mac household. Its listed capacity is 5TB; if Windows access also matters, confirm the exact formatting and driver requirements before buying.
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This external SSD is worth considering for a portable local copy if 1TB covers the files you intend to protect. The listed connection is USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2; check the computer port and leave room for future files.
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This portable HDD offers a 2TB local-storage option for household files. Check whether that capacity suits your library, and confirm the exact Mac compatibility and driver requirements if you intend to use it with macOS.
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This desktop HDD is an option for a large local file library kept near a computer rather than carried between devices. Its listed capacity is 10TB; check its power and connection requirements, and plan the disk format before using it for Mac backups.
Either can provide a copy, but neither removes every risk. A drive kept with the computer does not protect against losing both, while the National Cyber Security Centre warns that connected backup locations can be affected during an incident. For irreplaceable files, keep independently protected copies and test a restore.
Possibly, but decide whether you need a shared file-exchange drive or a dedicated Mac backup disk before formatting it. Apple says Time Machine cannot back up to a Windows-formatted disk, and reformatting a drive can erase its existing files.
Google states that a standard account includes up to 15GB shared across Drive, Gmail and Google Photos. Check how much is already in use before deciding whether the remaining space can hold the files you want to back up.
Confirm which folders are covered, add current account-recovery information and try restoring a file. Google says recovery information can help you regain access to your account, although the available options can vary by account, device and region.
Consider encryption if the drive holds personal information and could be lost or stolen. The Information Commissioner’s Office describes encryption of stored personal information as protection against unauthorised access; make sure you can retain the password needed to open your backup.