For a mostly home-based photo archive, an external HDD is a practical capacity-focused choice; if you regularly carry the drive or copy large folders, consider an external SSD and check its connection and tested protection claims. A USB flash drive can hold a smaller secondary copy, while cloud storage can provide an off-site copy. Whichever route you use, the National Cyber Security Centre advises keeping backups separate from the computer and checking that you can restore files.
How often you move the drive, and whether backups happen automatically, matter as much as the type of storage you choose.
If photos, videos and documents are filling a laptop, look for capacity that accommodates the collection and future backups. The National Cyber Security Centre advises keeping a separate copy of irreplaceable files; one drive left attached to the laptop should not be the entire plan.
If you move large media folders or carry a drive in a bag, consider an external SSD. Check the exact drive’s stated protection conditions and whether your computer and cable can support its advertised transfer speed; a ruggedness claim is not protection against every accident.
Microsoft says File History can make regular backups to an external drive or network location. Apple supports automatic Time Machine backups and recommends a backup disk with at least twice the Mac’s storage capacity. Check the intended drive’s format before assigning it to either workflow.
Start with the files you need to recover and where the backup will live, then choose the capacity, connection and copying routine that fit.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Recoverable copies | Check which folders are copied, how often backups run and whether you can restore a selected file. The National Cyber Security Centre advises keeping backups separate from live systems and testing restoration. | I want recent photos to be recoverable even if something happens to my computer or an attached drive. |
| Capacity | Allow for the current photo and video collection, growth and retained backup versions. Apple recommends a Time Machine disk with at least twice the Mac’s storage capacity. | My archive is growing, and I want room for future backups rather than only today’s files. |
| Transfer and carrying | Which? distinguishes HDDs for long-term file backup from usually faster SSDs. For an SSD, check the computer port, cable and conditions behind any speed or drop-resistance claim. | Large folders need to travel with me, or I regularly copy photos and videos between devices. |
| Compatibility | Check the connector, operating system, drive format and intended backup application. Apple says Time Machine cannot back up to a disk formatted for Windows. | I need the drive to work with my computer and backup routine, not just plug into its port. |
| Off-site access | Check whether cloud backups include recent files and protect account access. The National Cyber Security Centre suggests considering both cloud and removable-media copies for irreplaceable data. | I would like a copy away from home, while retaining a way to access important files if my internet connection is unavailable. |
Malware affecting a computer can also reach connected storage. The National Cyber Security Centre advises against having every backup connected at once.
Disconnect removable backup media when it is not in use, and keep another separate or off-site copy of irreplaceable files.
A stated maximum may depend on the computer’s USB port, operating mode and cable. Samsung specifies compatible USB 3.2 Gen 2 and UASP equipment for the T7 Shield’s quoted transfer rates.
Check your laptop’s port and the cable you intend to use against the exact SSD’s requirements.
Other files take space that could hold backups and earlier versions. Apple recommends dedicating a Time Machine disk to backups and using one with at least twice the Mac’s storage capacity.
Plan for the archive’s growth before choosing capacity, and keep unrelated files off a dedicated Time Machine disk.
A cloud copy helps only if the files you need have actually been included and you can access the account.
Check recent uploads and account protection. For irreplaceable files, consider the National Cyber Security Centre’s advice to keep a removable-media copy as well.
These examples describe particular product lines, not every drive made by each brand or what is available on Joybuy.
The T7 Shield MU-PE1T0S/EU is a portable SSD to examine when carrying a drive and transferring large files are priorities.
Seagate’s One Touch range includes external HDD and SSD options for storing personal files.
The X9 Pro is a compact portable SSD relevant to people who carry photo files between locations.
These external SSDs and HDDs are options for a local photo and household-file copy. A USB flash drive or cloud service may serve a different part of the backup plan; whichever drive you choose, check how you will keep and restore a separate copy.
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A portable SSD option if you regularly move a photo or file copy. Its name specifies 2 TB and USB 3.2 Gen 2; check your computer port and cable before relying on a particular transfer speed. For Time Machine, check the required disk format and move any existing files before reformatting.
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A portable SSD to consider when a backup travels with you. Its name specifies 1 TB and USB 3.2 Gen 2; Samsung UK quotes up to 1,050 MB/s read and 1,000 MB/s write for the T7 Shield MU-PE1T0S/EU with compatible host equipment and cable. Check the conditions of any dust, water or drop-protection claim for the exact variant.
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A capacity-focused option for a growing home photo and file archive. Before relying on scheduled backups, check whether the software works with your operating system. If you intend to use the drive with a Mac, check its format and move wanted files before any reformatting.
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A portable HDD option for keeping a larger local copy of photos and household files. Check the drive format for your operating system, and choose a backup application if you need scheduled copies or earlier file versions.
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A portable SSD option for carrying a separate photo or file copy. Check its connector and compatibility with your computer before buying; if you want automatic backups, also check which backup application you will use.
Keep the original files and a separate backup, then check that recent files are included and restore a sample file. The National Cyber Security Centre advises keeping removable backup media disconnected when it is not needed and considering an off-site copy for irreplaceable files.
Yes. Microsoft says File History can make regular backups to an external drive or network location. Check that the folders holding your photos are included, then confirm that you can restore an earlier version.
Apple recommends a backup disk with at least twice the Mac’s storage capacity. Check its connection and format before setup: Apple says Time Machine cannot back up to a disk formatted for Windows, so move any files you want to keep before erasing or reformatting a drive.
Consider an SSD if you regularly carry the drive or copy large media folders; a mostly home-based archive may favour an HDD when capacity matters more than transfer time. Which? distinguishes HDDs for long-term backup from usually faster SSDs. Check the exact SSD’s connection requirements and any tested protection conditions rather than assuming all SSDs are equally rugged.
Cloud storage can provide an off-site copy, but check that recent photos have uploaded and that you can access the account. For irreplaceable files, the National Cyber Security Centre suggests considering both a cloud copy and removable media, rather than relying on one location alone.