Choose an external HDD for a sizeable local archive when fast transfers are not essential, and choose an external SSD when you regularly carry or move large files. Cloud storage can keep a current copy available after a device is lost or fails, while the National Cyber Security Centre advises considering both cloud and removable-media copies for irreplaceable photos and videos.
Keep a copy that can still be reached after a device is lost, stolen or fails, alongside a separate local copy for times when cloud access or a subscription is disrupted. The National Cyber Security Centre advises considering both cloud and removable-media copies for irreplaceable family photos and videos.
Choose between lower-cost, slower HDD-style storage for local capacity and an SSD when faster transfers are worth the extra cost. Which? identifies full laptop storage and photo backup as common external-drive uses.
Cloud storage can keep recent files available across phones, tablets and computers, but shared quotas, account recovery, renewal and the effects of losing paid storage all need checking before it becomes the only copy.
Start with the files that cannot be replaced, then decide how much local capacity, automatic access and routine maintenance your household can manage.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Separate copies | Keep a backup in a separate location; check that cloud uploads are current and that a removable drive can be opened. Test restoring a few files. | I want important photos and documents to remain available if the original laptop or phone is lost, stolen or stops working. |
| Capacity and transfer speed | Compare the current archive size with expected growth. Check whether your computer port, cable and connection can support an SSD’s stated speed. | I need enough room for a growing library, and I want transfers to fit how often I copy large folders or videos. |
| Cloud subscription terms | Check how storage is shared across email, photos and files; review the live plan quota, renewal date, cancellation outcome and recovery options. | I want automatic off-device access without finding that email attachments or other account content have used the storage allowance. |
| Access and physical security | Use a unique strong password and two-factor authentication for cloud accounts. Disconnect removable media after planned backups and store it safely. | I need to regain access to my backups without leaving a permanently attached drive exposed to malware or loss. |
An attached drive can be affected if ransomware or other malware reaches the computer, potentially affecting the backup as well as the original files. The National Cyber Security Centre highlights this risk for removable media.
Run a planned backup, confirm the copy is present, then safely disconnect the drive and store it securely. Keep a separate cloud copy for irreplaceable files where practical.
Cloud quotas can also be used by email, documents and other account content. Google storage is shared across Gmail, Drive and Google Photos, while Microsoft storage can include Outlook.com attachments.
Check the account storage dashboard and include videos, device backups, email attachments and any household-sharing arrangement before choosing a quota.
Maximum portable-SSD speeds can depend on the host port, cable and protocol support, so a slower connection can limit transfers.
Check the actual USB port and cable used by your laptop before paying for a high-speed SSD. If backups are occasional, compare an HDD route as well.
A cloud copy still depends on being able to access the account. Google provides recovery options for locked accounts, and the National Cyber Security Centre advises strong passwords and two-factor authentication for cloud backups.
Review recovery email and phone details, enable two-factor authentication and store recovery information safely before relying on cloud storage for the only off-device copy.
Relevant for households looking for a portable external SSD where frequent carrying and fast transfers matter.
Relevant as one of the external-drive brands included in Which? UK testing for laptop storage and photo backup.
Relevant for portable HDD and SSD options used for local household storage and backup.
Relevant for Apple-device households wanting cloud synchronisation for photos, files and device backups.
Relevant for households using Google Photos, Gmail and Google Drive that need storage beyond the included account allowance.
Relevant for Windows and Microsoft 365 households that want cloud storage integrated with OneDrive and Microsoft account services.
Joybuy product options for creating a separate local copy of household photos, videos and documents, with portable HDD and SSD routes represented.
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A portable local-copy option for frequent large-file transfers or a drive carried between devices.
Stated 1 TB capacity, USB 3.2 Gen 2, up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s read/write and IP65 protection. Check that 1 TB suits expected archive growth and that the host, cable and USB connection support the required speed.
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A local-backup option for scheduled copies of photos and documents kept at home.
Stated 2 TB capacity, USB 3.2 Gen 1, backup scheduling software and 256-bit AES hardware encryption. It is described as pre-formatted for Windows 10+; check the required macOS driver setup before purchase.
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A high-capacity local archive option for substantial photo, video and document collections.
Stated 5 TB capacity, USB-C with a USB-A adapter, scheduled-backup setup and 256-bit AES hardware encryption. macOS use requires reformatting; plan the file system before setting up a cross-platform household backup.
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A portable SSD route for compatible phone-led photo and video workflows as well as laptop backups.
Stated 1 TB capacity, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2, up to 2,000 MB/s read/write, IP65 protection and up-to-3 m drop resistance. The stated mobile recording features apply to specified iPhone 15/16 Pro and Galaxy S25 uses, while performance may be lower without USB 3.2 Gen 2x2.
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A portable local-copy option for a growing photo and video collection that needs more space than the 1 TB SSD options here.
Stated 2 TB capacity, up to 800 MB/s read speed, up-to-2 m drop protection and a 40 g compact form. Check host-port and cable compatibility, plus the supplied file system, if the drive will move between Windows, macOS and mobile devices.
Do not assume so. A backup should be a recoverable copy in a separate safe location, so check whether the service retains earlier versions and deleted files for a limited period, then test restoring a few photos and documents. The National Cyber Security Centre notes that some cloud services offer older-version and deleted-data recovery only for limited periods.
Confirm that recent photos and files appear in the cloud, that the drive contains the intended folders and can be read on a suitable device, and that a sample file can be restored. Protect the cloud account with a unique strong password and two-factor authentication, and disconnect removable media when it is not being used.
Check the provider’s current terms before cancelling. Microsoft says qualifying cancelled subscriptions return to 5 GB of cloud storage and can stop uploads, edits and sync when use remains above that allowance; Google says a cancelled or downgraded storage plan ends at the start of the next monthly plan period.