Photo-backup keepers
You want a separate copy of important photos that you can recover if your computer or working files are lost. The UK National Cyber Security Centre advises keeping backups in a separate safe location.
Who this is for
Space-constrained computer owners
You need room on a laptop or desktop for a growing collection, and need to distinguish moving files from keeping a second copy.
Frequent file movers
You regularly carry or transfer folders and need to check that the drive and its connection suit the computers you plan to use.
What to prioritise when choosing external storage
Decide whether you need working space, a recoverable second copy or frequent file transfers. Then check capacity, connection and backup-software compatibility against that use.
| Concern | What to check when buying | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| A recoverable copy | Keep the working files and backup as separate copies. Check how the chosen backup software restores files, and whether you can disconnect or store a copy separately. | If my photos matter, I want a second copy I can restore, not just a folder moved elsewhere. Consumers putting a recoverable separate copy first account for around 36%. |
| Room for files and backups | Allow for the folders you plan to store and future growth. For a Mac Time Machine disk, Apple recommends at least twice the Mac’s storage capacity. | When my computer is full, I need space for existing files and room for future backups. Consumers prioritising capacity make up around 29%. |
| Transfer needs and connection | Check the computer, drive and cable connections together; a drive’s advertised speed may depend on the host and cable. Prioritise transfer speed if you regularly move large folders. | If I often carry files or move large folders, I want a connection that suits the computers I use. Consumers putting frequent transfers first account for around 21%. |
| Format and backup software | Decide whether the drive is for cross-device file transfers or a dedicated backup workflow. Apple prefers APFS or APFS Encrypted for Time Machine; check the intended format before erasing or reformatting a drive. | When I use more than one computer or a particular backup app, I need the drive’s format to work for that setup. Consumers prioritising cross-device or software compatibility make up around 14%. |
Buying pitfalls to avoid
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Treating a moved folder or synced folder as an independent backup
Moving the only copy changes where it lives; some sync actions also affect files stored online and on connected devices.
Name your working and backup copies, check how restoration works, and keep a separate copy of important files.
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Choosing an SSD by its headline speed alone
A product’s maximum speed may depend on the host computer, connection and cable. Samsung, for example, conditions the T9’s claimed maximum on a compatible USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 host and cable, with UASP enabled.
Check the full connection path and whether frequent large transfers make speed a priority.
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Reformatting a drive without checking what is on it
Changing a drive’s format can erase its existing contents. Apple’s Time Machine guidance distinguishes its preferred formats from a Windows-formatted disk, and Crucial warns that reformatting the X9 Pro loses data.
Choose the intended backup workflow and check the drive’s contents before approving an erase or reformat prompt.
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Assuming a product-family name identifies every variant
Capacity, connections, accessories and software can differ between models in the same product family.
Check the complete model name and the specifications of the exact listing rather than relying on a family name alone.
Brands to consider
Seagate
The One Touch HDD line is relevant if you want local storage with backup support.
- Seagate describes Toolkit backup support for the One Touch HDD line.
- Warranty information is model-specific, so check the exact variant.
Western Digital
My Passport variants may suit portable local storage; check the exact model and device type.
- For its specified My Passport Works with USB-C model, Western Digital lists USB-C and USB-A connectivity, Acronis software and password protection.
- Those details should not be assumed to apply to My Passport for Mac or every My Passport model.
Samsung
The Portable SSD T9 may suit frequent large transfers when the host setup supports the required connection.
- Samsung claims sequential transfers of up to 2,000 MB/s for the T9.
- Samsung conditions that maximum on a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 host and cable, with UASP enabled; it is not a guaranteed speed for every computer.
Crucial
The X9 Pro is a portable SSD option if you plan the drive format before use.
- Crucial says the X9 Pro ships in exFAT and can be reformatted.
- Crucial warns that reformatting erases data on the drive; check its warranty conditions for the exact product.
Toshiba
Canvio Flex is a portable HDD line to consider when you plan to use compatible devices with different connections.
- Toshiba says Canvio Flex includes USB-A and USB-C cables and is preformatted for cross-device access.
- Cross-device file access does not establish that the supplied format can be used unchanged for a Time Machine backup.
Kingston
The XS1000 is a compact portable SSD option when USB-A and USB-C connections matter.
- Kingston specifies an included cable and adapter, and a read speed of up to 1,050 MB/s over USB 3.2 Gen 2.
- That rated maximum is not a guaranteed speed on a slower host.
Joybuy products for local storage and file transfers
These Joybuy listings cover portable SSDs for carrying and transferring files, plus a 22TB desktop hard drive for a larger local archive. Match the device and connection to the way you plan to use it.
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Samsung Portable SSD T7 2 TB
For carrying files when a portable SSD suits your workflow.
Listed variant: 2 TB, USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2, grey.
No image available
Samsung MU-PE1T0S 1TB
For portable storage and file transfers where a 1TB SSD suits the amount of data you need to carry.
Listed variant: USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2, black.
No image available
Western Digital My Book 22TB External Desktop Hard Drive
For a large local archive when a desktop drive suits your setup better than a portable model.
Listed variant: 22TB, USB 3.0, with password protection and hardware encryption.
No image available
SanDisk Extreme 2TB Portable SSD for PlayStation 5 and PC
For portable file storage where the named PlayStation 5 and PC use matches your intended devices.
Listed variant: 2TB portable SSD.
No image available
SanDisk Portable SSD 2TB
For carrying a separate copy of files or photos when a 2TB portable SSD fits your storage needs.
Listed variant: 2TB portable SSD.
FAQs
If I move my photos off a full laptop, are they backed up?
Not if the external drive then holds the only copy. The UK National Cyber Security Centre describes a backup as a separate copy kept in a safe location; decide which copy remains and check that you can restore the files.
Can I use an exFAT drive for Windows file transfers and Mac Time Machine?
Do not assume one format will serve both purposes. Apple identifies APFS or APFS Encrypted as preferred for Time Machine and says a Windows-formatted disk cannot be used directly as its backup disk. Reformatting removes existing data, so check the drive and intended setup before erasing it.
What should I set up after connecting an external drive?
Select the drive in your chosen backup software and check that a backup completes. Apple’s Time Machine guidance and Microsoft’s File History instructions describe selecting a destination; simply plugging in a drive does not establish that a backup routine is running.
Will a cloud-synced folder keep a photo I accidentally delete?
That depends on the service and the action. Microsoft says deleting a synced online-only file removes it from the cloud and connected devices, subject to applicable recovery options; Google says deleting a backed-up photo in its Photos app also deletes it from devices with backup turned on. Check recovery settings and keep an independent copy of important files.
What UK return rules apply if I change my mind about a drive?
For eligible UK distance purchases, GOV.UK guidance says you may notify the seller of cancellation within 14 days of receiving the goods and then have another 14 days to return them. Faulty-goods rights are separate, and the cancellation rules have conditions and exceptions.