For one computer, start with an external drive that works with your backup software and has room for the files and versions you want to keep. Choose a portable hard drive or SSD if you need to carry it, a desktop drive if it will stay at home, or network storage if several household devices need a shared destination. Whichever you choose, keep another copy of irreplaceable files separate from the connected storage.
If most photos and documents are on one Windows PC or Mac, a drive that works with its scheduled backup tool offers a straightforward starting point. Microsoft documents external-drive backups with File History, while Apple supports external storage for Time Machine.
When a collection is growing and the backup will stay at home, allow space for future files and earlier versions rather than sizing a drive for today’s folders alone. Apple notes that Time Machine removes older backups as its disk fills.
A shared network destination may suit computer files and phone photos collected from several people. Synology describes this use for BeeStation, but its setup requires a router connection and the device itself still needs a separate backup.
Decide which device or devices need backing up first. Then check capacity, the connection and whether your intended backup routine will work with the storage you choose.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| One-computer backups | Check the computer’s port, the drive’s usable capacity and setup with File History or Time Machine. | I want photos and documents from one computer copied regularly without having to remember each transfer. About 30% of consumers put that repeatable, single-computer routine first. |
| Portable storage | Check the connector and cable; for an SSD, check which USB speeds the computer supports. | If I carry the copy between locations or transfer large photo batches often, handling and connection speed matter to me. Portability or frequent transfers are the primary need for about 20% of consumers. |
| Space for a growing library | Measure the files to be backed up and allow for growth and retained versions; check a desktop drive’s power requirements. | My photo library is growing, and I would rather keep a stationary backup with room for earlier versions. Roughly 20% of consumers put this capacity need first. |
| A shared destination | Check supported devices, router setup, user access and how the network storage itself will be backed up. | We need copies from several household devices in one place instead of managing a drive for each computer. About 30% of consumers prioritise a shared backup destination. |
For a Mac using Time Machine, Apple recommends a backup disk with at least twice the Mac’s storage capacity. That is guidance for Time Machine, not a capacity rule for every local-backup setup.
The National Cyber Security Centre warns that incidents affecting a computer can also affect connected USB and network-storage backups. A local drive is useful, but being connected does not make it an isolated copy.
Keep an additional copy separate from the live device, disconnect an offline drive when it is not needed, and check that important files can be restored.
A first backup may fit even when there is too little room to retain useful history. Apple says Time Machine deletes its oldest backups as the disk fills.
Measure what you intend to back up and allow for growth. If you use Time Machine, consider Apple’s recommendation of a disk with at least twice the Mac’s storage capacity.
The computer’s USB support can limit transfer performance. Crucial states that full USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 performance on its cited SSD requires a compatible USB-C host.
Compare the exact SSD, cable and computer port before making transfer speed a deciding factor.
Synology says BeeStation restore points do not replace a full backup. Keeping household files together on a network device does not remove the need for another destination.
Plan where the second copy will go and how often it will be updated before making network storage the household hub.
Seagate offers direct-attached portable and desktop drive ranges relevant to household backups.
Western Digital’s Elements Portable line is one option for a directly connected household copy.
Synology’s BeeStation products address households seeking a shared local hub for files from several devices.
These drives cover portable hard-drive and SSD copies for one computer, plus a desktop drive for a backup that stays at home. Match any choice to your files, computer and backup routine, and arrange a separate copy for irreplaceable material.
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A portable hard drive to consider when a Mac household wants to move a sizeable local copy. Check its format and compatibility with your intended Mac backup tool, and measure the files and versions that must fit within 5TB.
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A 10TB desktop external hard drive to consider for a growing library that will be backed up at a fixed location. Check its power arrangement and the setup required by your computer’s backup tool; the intended Mac workflow needs particular attention to formatting.
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A 4TB portable hard drive for a directly connected copy of household files. Its listing names USB 3.0; check the computer connection and confirm formatting and scheduled-backup setup for your operating system.
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A portable 2TB SSD to consider if carrying a local copy or making frequent transfers matters. Check the connector and cable against your computer, then confirm that its format works with your intended backup software.
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A portable 1TB drive to consider when the backup set fits and the drive will be carried between compatible devices. The product name specifies USB 3.2 Gen 2 (3.1 Gen 2); check the computer’s port, cable, file format and backup software before choosing it.
Measure the folders you intend to back up, then leave room for growth and earlier versions. If you use Time Machine, Apple recommends a backup disk with at least twice your Mac’s storage capacity; that recommendation is specific to Time Machine, not every backup method.
Yes, when the drive and backup tool are configured for the computer. Microsoft supports regular File History copies to an external drive or network location, while Apple supports automatic Time Machine backups to external storage. Check which folders are included and whether the destination is available when backups run.
Consider network storage when several people or devices need a shared destination for household files. It adds setup and maintenance: Synology’s BeeStation connects to a router by Ethernet, and Synology says its restore points do not replace a separate full backup.
Do not rely on a single connected local drive as the only copy. The National Cyber Security Centre warns that ransomware can affect connected USB and network-storage backups; keep an additional copy separate and check that you can restore important files.
Remove personal information securely before selling, giving away or recycling the drive. The Information Commissioner’s Office advises properly deleting personal data from hardware; check an appropriate disposal method for the drive after dealing with its contents.