Households keeping family photos
If photos, videos and records would be difficult to replace, choose a way to restore them after a computer, phone or drive fails—not just somewhere with spare storage space.
Who needs which kind of backup?
Self-employed people carrying work files
Frequent transfers between locations make portability useful, but a travelling drive also needs protection against loss and a separate copy from which files can be restored.
Homes with several devices
Shared access and regular backups may point towards cloud services or a managed NAS. The choice depends partly on whether someone can maintain the storage and its separate backup.
What matters when choosing backup storage?
Start with the files you would need to restore, then decide where to keep a copy separate from the original device. For consumers protecting household photos, records or small-scale work files, each priority below represents the need that would take precedence when choosing.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Recovery after failure or loss | Check which files are copied, whether earlier versions remain available and whether you can restore a folder. Keep a copy separate from the main device. | If my laptop fails with the only copy of my photos, I need files I can actually restore; around 28% of consumers put recovery after loss first. |
| Automatic off-site backup | Check backup scope, internet requirements, account protection and how restoration works if the subscription ends. | When I cannot rely on remembering to connect a drive, I want an off-site copy that updates regularly. Around 22% of consumers make that automation their primary need. |
| Space for a growing library | Compare your current file library with the stated capacity, leaving room for growth and any versions you intend to keep. | As my photo and video library grows, I need enough room for a local copy without depending on continuous uploads; roughly 22% of consumers prioritise that capacity. |
| Portable file transfers | Check the connector and your devices' compatibility; a quoted transfer speed depends on the drive, port and cable used. | If I carry active work files between locations, I want transfers that suit my devices and a drive I can take with me. For around 17% of consumers, portability and transfer speed come first. |
| Local control and privacy | Check who needs access, whether encryption is available and how a NAS or encrypted drive will itself be backed up. | When several people need a shared library, I want to manage access without making one household device the only copy; approximately 11% of consumers place local control and privacy first. |
Backup mistakes to avoid
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Treating cloud sync as a complete backup
A synced deletion or damaged file can reach other devices. Microsoft offers version history and restoration features for OneDrive, but its personal-account deleted-file recovery period is limited to 30 days.
Keep a separate backup of files you cannot recreate, and check your service's version-history and restore options before relying on them.
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Leaving the only backup drive connected
The National Cyber Security Centre warns that malware affecting a computer can also affect attached backup media. A drive beside the computer is also exposed to the same household-site risks.
Disconnect removable media after a completed backup, store it safely and keep a separately located copy of irreplaceable files.
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Assuming NAS drive redundancy is an off-site copy
Redundant drives can address a drive failure within a NAS, but the files remain at the same site. Synology describes separate destinations, including cloud storage, external devices and another Synology system, for backing up NAS contents.
Choose and configure a separate backup destination before relying on a NAS for irreplaceable files.
A NAS also brings drive setup and ongoing maintenance to manage.
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Choosing an SSD by its headline speed or ruggedness
Samsung says the T7 Shield's stated maximum speed requires a compatible connection. Its resistance claims are based on specified tests, and Samsung says liquid, dust and drop damage is not covered under warranty.
Check the exact model, your port and cable, and the conditions attached to physical-resistance claims. Keep another copy even if the drive is designed for travel.
Relevant brands for reference
Western Digital
Its portable external drives are relevant when you want a local copy of a photo or document library.
- Western Digital documents password protection through WD Security on supported external drives.
- Support varies by model, and a local drive does not provide an off-site copy on its own.
Samsung
Its portable SSD range is relevant to people who regularly carry or transfer large files.
- Samsung lists USB 3.2 Gen 2 performance and tested physical resistance for the T7 Shield model.
- Those claims are model-specific; maximum speed needs a compatible connection, and tested resistance is not a damage guarantee.
Microsoft
OneDrive is relevant when files need to stay accessible across devices alongside a separate backup.
- Microsoft documents file version history and restoration options for OneDrive.
- Recovery has account and time limits; sync should not be the only copy of irreplaceable files.
Synology
Its NAS devices are relevant to households or small-scale workspaces managing files from several devices.
- Synology describes backing up NAS contents to cloud storage, external devices or another Synology system.
- Local drive redundancy does not create an off-site copy; the device and its backup destination need managing.
Backblaze
Its cloud-backup service is a reference point when comparing dedicated backup with ordinary file sync.
- Backblaze distinguishes copies made for backup from files kept aligned for access and collaboration.
- Check the particular plan's device coverage, retention and restoration terms before relying on it.
External drives for local backups
These portable SSDs and hard drives can provide a local copy of photos, records or work files. For files you cannot replace, plan a separate off-site copy as well.
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Samsung Portable SSD T7 4 TB, Grey
Consider this portable SSD if you need a local copy of a large photo, video or work-file library.
Its title specifies USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2; check your device and cable before relying on that connection for frequent transfers. Confirm that your backup software covers the files and restore options you need.
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Samsung MU-PE1T0S 1TB SSD, Black
This portable SSD suits a local copy of files you carry between devices, provided its capacity covers what you need to protect.
Its title specifies USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2. Check the connection on each device and keep a separate backup rather than relying on a travelling drive alone.
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Western Digital My Passport 2TB Portable Hard Drive, Black
Use it as a local copy of photos and documents if 2TB accommodates your library and expected growth.
Check the backup software's compatibility, file coverage and restore options for your devices. Disconnect the drive after backup and keep another copy elsewhere.
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SanDisk Portable SSD 2TB
This portable SSD is a local-copy option if you move personal or active files between locations.
Check its connection with your devices and whether you need separate encryption or scheduled-backup software. A portable copy still needs a backup elsewhere.
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Western Digital Elements Portable 4TB Hard Drive, Black
Consider this hard drive for a sizeable local photo or video library if 4TB leaves enough room for growth.
The title specifies a USB 3.0 connection. Check the file format required by your devices, particularly if you use a Mac, and arrange a separate off-site copy.
Backup storage questions
Which files need a backup rather than just cloud sync?
Keep a separate backup of photos, personal records and work files you could not readily recreate. Sync keeps files aligned across devices, so deletions or damaged versions can spread too; version history adds a recovery option but should not be your only plan for irreplaceable files.
How should I look after a portable backup drive?
Disconnect it once the backup finishes and store it securely. Consider password protection or encryption where appropriate, keep recovery information separately, and try restoring a small selection of files to check that the copy is usable.
Does a two-drive NAS replace a separate backup?
No. Two drives can provide redundancy within a NAS, but both remain at the same site. Back up irreplaceable NAS files to a separately located destination, and configure the schedule and restoration process for that copy.
What if my backup contains customers' personal information?
Protect access to the backup and assess whether encryption is appropriate for the information you store. The UK Information Commissioner's Office describes encryption as protection against unauthorised access to stored personal information; a sole trader should also assess their own data-protection obligations rather than treating a storage purchase as a complete compliance solution.