Choose a portable HDD for capacity-led local copies when slower transfers are acceptable, and choose a portable SSD if you regularly move large folders, work from the drive or carry it between locations. For irreplaceable files, keep separate local and off-site copies; check your computer port, cable, required capacity and file system before copying or formatting data.
For people whose phone, camera or laptop photos are becoming difficult to manage and who need recoverable copies rather than only extra working space. A separate local copy and an off-site or cloud copy help protect against different loss scenarios, as advised by the National Cyber Security Centre and the DfE Cyber Security Hub.
For users who need to clear a full laptop and move files without opening the computer. Which? distinguishes capacity-led HDD backup from SSDs for faster, more frequent file movement.
For users who need one drive to work across both platforms and must check both connector or cable fit and the file system before use. Apple Support notes that ExFAT is compatible with Windows for disks over 32 GB, while formatting erases existing files.
Start with the backup routine: decide whether you need high-capacity local storage, frequent fast transfers, an off-site copy, or a combination of these.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Recoverable copies | Keep the backup separate from the computer; consider a local drive plus an off-site or cloud copy; test that important files can be restored. | I need photos and documents to remain recoverable after loss, theft, hardware failure, accidental deletion or malware. |
| Capacity headroom | Measure current storage use; allow room for future photos and laptop files; check cloud allowance if it will hold a full library. | My archive needs space for today’s files as well as the photos and documents I will add later. |
| Transfer speed | Check the drive interface, computer port mode, cable and supported USB features; compare the speed you need for regular large-folder transfers. | I move large photo folders often enough that waiting for copies to finish would disrupt my routine. |
| Portable protection | Consider the drive format, stated IP or drop-test conditions and how it will be carried; retain another copy even when a drive has protective ratings. | I carry files while travelling, commuting or working away from home, so size and physical handling matter. |
| Device compatibility | Confirm connector and cable fit, operating-system support and the intended file system; copy files elsewhere before formatting or reformatting. | I want one drive to read and write files across my Mac and Windows devices without an avoidable compatibility problem. |
A local drive can be lost, stolen, damaged, erased or affected by malware along with the original computer. A cloud account can also become inaccessible or experience an outage.
For files you cannot replace, keep separated copies such as a local backup plus an off-site or cloud copy. Test a restore periodically rather than only checking that copying appears complete.
Samsung states that the T7 Shield’s maximum figures require USB 3.2 Gen 2, UASP and a supporting cable. A USB-C connector shape alone does not confirm that performance level.
Check the computer’s port specification, the supplied cable and the drive’s interface before choosing a higher-speed model.
A higher-speed SSD can transfer at a lower actual speed when the host connection cannot support its stated maximum.
Formatting or reformatting deletes the drive’s existing files, so a compatibility change can cause data loss.
Decide whether the drive is for Mac-only, Windows-only or cross-platform use before first use. If reformatting is required, copy retained files to another location first.
Samsung states that its IP65 and drop figures are based on controlled testing, while physical protection does not create another copy of your files.
Use rugged ratings as one factor for travel, carry the drive securely and keep another backup separate from it.
Relevant for capacity-led portable HDD backup, including the My Passport USB-C portable HDD line.
Relevant for a durable, mid-speed portable SSD route when large folders move regularly between compatible devices.
Relevant for a compact, rugged portable SSD route with a higher stated transfer-speed figure and a longer listed limited warranty.
Relevant for straightforward USB-powered portable HDD expansion and occasional file transport.
These Joybuy options cover portable SSDs for regular large-file movement and portable HDDs for capacity-led local backup of photos and files.
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Suited to frequent large photo-folder transfers and carrying files between locations.
1 TB capacity; USB Type-C and USB 3.2 Gen 2; stated sequential speeds of 1,050 MB/s read and 1,000 MB/s write; stated IP65 protection and 3 m drop resistance.
Its maximum stated speed requires a compatible USB 3.2 Gen 2 host, cable and UASP. Check whether 1 TB is enough for a full laptop or growing photo library, and keep a separate backup copy.
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Consider this route when a larger local photo library needs SSD-style access and regular transfers.
4 TB capacity; USB 3.2 Gen 2; stated speeds up to 1,050 MB/s read and 1,000 MB/s write; AES-256 hardware encryption; USB-C-to-C and USB-C-to-A cables included.
Check that the host port and cable can support USB 3.2 Gen 2 performance. This listing states that the T7 is not IP-rated for water or dust resistance.
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A capacity-led option for a growing photo archive or a local copy of a full laptop.
5 TB capacity; USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C; USB-C-to-A adapter; AES-256 hardware encryption; 3-year limited warranty.
As a mechanical HDD, it is less suited to repeated high-speed transfers than an SSD. The listing states that macOS use requires reformatting, which erases existing data.
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Designed for time-sensitive movement of large photo or project folders across compatible modern devices.
1 TB capacity; USB 3.2 Gen 2x2; stated speeds up to 2,000 MB/s read and 1,950 MB/s write; AES-256 hardware encryption; stated 3 m drop resistance.
Check whether your computer supports USB 3.2 Gen 2x2, as lower-capability ports can limit transfer speed. Confirm that 1 TB leaves sufficient backup headroom.
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A straightforward local-backup option for routine copies of photos and documents.
2 TB capacity; SuperSpeed USB 3.2 Gen 1 at 5 Gb/s; USB 2.0 backward compatibility; stated PC and Mac readiness.
This mechanical HDD is less suited than an SSD to repeated large-folder transfers where speed is a routine priority. Confirm the supplied file system for your exact cross-platform workflow.
Use an HDD when the main job is storing a large local backup and slower copying is acceptable. Choose an SSD when you repeatedly move large folders, need quicker access or carry the drive often. Keep another separate copy for photos you cannot replace.
Apple Support identifies ExFAT as the Windows-compatible choice for a disk over 32 GB. Back up the contents before making a change, because formatting or reformatting erases the files on the drive.
No. Samsung states that the T7 Shield’s maximum 1,050 MB/s read and 1,000 MB/s write figures require a host and cable supporting USB 3.2 Gen 2 with UASP enabled. Check the computer’s USB specification, not only whether its connector is USB-C.
Use a regular or automatic backup routine where possible, keep at least one copy separate from the main computer and test that important files can be restored. The DfE Cyber Security Hub also advises disconnecting at least one backup when it is not in use.
GOV.UK advises checking renewal notices, changes to service or price, restrictions on use, inactivity rules and the time needed to transfer or back up data before leaving. Its consumer guidance states that users can cancel and obtain a refund within 14 days of signing up and at each renewal.