For a large photo archive or regular backup kept mainly at home, an external hard drive is a practical starting point; disconnect it after backing up so it is not always exposed alongside the computer. Choose a portable SSD if you frequently move large files or carry the drive, and keep a separate cloud copy of irreplaceable files rather than relying on syncing alone. Check capacity, computer connections and backup format before choosing either drive.
The right storage choice depends on whether you are protecting an existing collection, making room on a computer or moving files regularly.
If a file would be difficult to replace, keep a recoverable copy apart from the computer. The National Cyber Security Centre advises considering both cloud storage and removable media for irreplaceable photos and videos.
Moving older files can free space, but it does not itself create a backup if those files exist in only one place. Before setting up a drive, check the computer’s file-system requirements and whether you need ordinary file storage or a dedicated backup disk.
If you often transfer large folders or take a drive away from home, consider its size, connection and handling requirements alongside capacity. Check that every computer you plan to use can connect to the drive.
Decide what must remain recoverable first, then size the storage and check how it will connect to your computers. A USB stick can handle a limited transfer; cloud storage can add a separate copy alongside a local drive.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Recoverable copies | Decide when the local drive will be disconnected. Keep an additional copy in a separate location and check that recent files can be restored; the National Cyber Security Centre warns that connected backup drives can also be affected by ransomware. | I want family photos to remain available if my computer or an attached drive is damaged or inaccessible. |
| Capacity | Compare the files you need to protect with the drive capacity and allow for growth. For Time Machine, Apple recommends a backup device with at least twice the Mac’s storage capacity. | My photo library is growing, so I need room for future files as well as today’s copy. |
| Transfers and carrying | For frequent large transfers, compare HDD and SSD options, then check the computer’s USB capability and the cable. An advertised drive speed does not establish the speed your computer will achieve. | I move large folders often and would value shorter copying sessions or a drive that is easier to carry. |
| Format and software | Check whether the drive will exchange files between Windows and Mac or serve as a Time Machine destination. Apple identifies ExFAT for Windows-compatible volumes, but says Time Machine cannot back up to a disk formatted for Windows. | I need the drive to work with my intended computers and backup routine without putting existing files at risk during setup. |
| Limited transfers | For a USB stick, check the capacity against the selected files and keep another copy elsewhere. For cloud storage, check how you will access and restore files rather than assuming synchronisation is a complete backup. | Sometimes I only need to move a few documents; for irreplaceable photos, I want a copy away from home too. |
The National Cyber Security Centre has reported ransomware incidents affecting both original files and connected backup storage.
Safely disconnect a removable drive after backing up, store it separately and check occasionally that you can restore recent files. Consider an off-site copy for irreplaceable photos.
A growing collection needs more room over time. Apple recommends a Time Machine device with at least twice the Mac’s storage capacity.
Measure what you plan to protect and consider future additions before choosing capacity, especially for a dedicated Mac backup disk.
The connector shape alone does not establish the transfer speed available from the computer, cable and drive together. Manufacturer maximums may depend on the host connection.
Check the drive interface, your computer’s USB specification and the cable before choosing an SSD primarily for speed.
Changing a drive’s format can erase existing files. Apple says Time Machine cannot back up to a disk formatted for Windows, even though Windows-compatible formats can be useful for ordinary file exchange.
Decide whether the drive is for shared files or a dedicated Mac backup, and copy any files you need elsewhere before reformatting.
These examples describe particular product ranges and specifications, not every drive made by each brand or the Joybuy selection below.
The My Passport portable range and My Book desktop range are reference points for different at-home HDD setups.
The One Touch range includes personal portable storage intended for files and backups.
The X10 is a portable SSD reference for buyers considering compact storage and frequent file transfers.
These Joybuy options cover portable HDDs for local storage and portable SSDs for files you may transfer or carry more often. Whichever drive you choose, plan a separate copy of irreplaceable files.
No image available
The 5TB portable HDD is an option for a sizeable local photo and document copy. If you intend to use it with Windows as well as a Mac, check the stated HFS+ driver setup; for Time Machine, confirm the required format before using it as a backup disk.
No image available
This 4TB portable SSD suits someone comparing substantial local capacity with frequent file transfers. Its title specifies USB 3.2 Gen 2x2; check whether your computer supports that connection, and confirm the format and backup workflow you need.
No image available
Consider this portable SSD for a file set that fits within 1TB and needs to travel between locations. Compare that capacity with your full photo library, and check the destination computer’s USB connection and file-system requirements.
No image available
This 4TB portable HDD is a local-copy option for a sizeable collection when the drive will mainly be used for storage rather than frequent transfers. Check the connection on your computer; Mac use may require reformatting, so protect any existing files first.
No image available
The 2TB capacity may suit a portable copy of photos and documents if your files fit with room to grow. Before buying for use across devices, confirm the connector, USB version and file-system compatibility you require.
An external drive provides a local copy, but it should not be the only copy of irreplaceable photos. Keep it separate from the computer when not backing up; the National Cyber Security Centre advises considering both cloud storage and removable media for irreplaceable photos and videos.
An HDD suits a large collection kept mainly at home when transfer speed is less important; an SSD is worth considering when you regularly move large folders or carry the drive. Check its capacity against your files and your computer’s USB connection before deciding.
Apple recommends a backup device with at least twice your Mac’s storage capacity. Check the destination’s format before setup, and remember that older Time Machine backups are removed as its disk fills.
Plan the format before trying to use the drive for both purposes. Apple identifies ExFAT for Windows-compatible file storage but says Time Machine cannot back up to a disk formatted for Windows; copy existing files elsewhere before any reformatting that could erase them.
Microsoft says removable USB drives are not supported as a OneDrive installation location. Use a removable drive as a separate local-copy destination rather than assuming it can replace the OneDrive folder location.