Choose a portable HDD for a large local copy that will mostly stay in one place, and a portable SSD if you regularly carry the drive or transfer large photo and video files. A USB stick suits a limited set of files rather than a growing archive, while cloud storage can add an off-device copy; for irreplaceable files, keep more than one copy and disconnect removable storage when it is not in use.
If family photos, videos and personal files would be difficult to replace, keep a copy separate from the computer. The National Cyber Security Centre advises considering both removable storage and cloud storage for irreplaceable material.
Move older files off the laptop or create regular copies without relying only on internal storage. Check file sizes, available USB ports and whether the chosen backup software supports the drive format.
For large files that move between home, work or travel, a portable SSD is the more suitable route when transfer speed and physical robustness matter more than maximising capacity per drive. Which? distinguishes SSDs as the faster, usually pricier option.
Start with the copy you need to protect, then check capacity, connection and backup software before choosing between a hard drive and an SSD.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Separate copies | Keep a backup away from the main computer. Decide whether removable storage, cloud storage or both will provide separate locations. | I want important photos and documents to remain available if the computer is lost, damaged or inaccessible. The National Cyber Security Centre defines a backup as a copy stored in a separate safe location. |
| Capacity and transfer speed | Estimate the size of the current library and how quickly it grows. Compare capacity first, then check the port and cable needed to benefit from faster SSD transfers. | My photo or video collection needs room to grow, but I do not want to pay for speed I will rarely use. A portable HDD suits a larger local archive, while an SSD suits frequent large-file transfers. |
| Computer and software compatibility | Check the computer port, supplied cable, operating system and required file system. Confirm whether the drive will be used for ordinary file exchange or a built-in backup tool. | I need the drive to work with my computer and backup routine. Seagate notes that exFAT suits modern Windows and macOS file exchange, but is not recommended for File History or Time Machine. |
| Backup security and recovery | Disconnect removable media after backing up, and periodically open recent files from the backup. Protect cloud accounts with a strong password and two-factor authentication. | I want to know that copied files can actually be restored. The National Cyber Security Centre advises checking that backups include important and recent files, and keeping removable media disconnected when not in use. |
A connected USB or network backup can be affected by malware or ransomware from the computer. The National Cyber Security Centre has documented incidents involving connected USB, network and cloud backup locations.
Keep at least one copy offline. Connect the removable drive to make a backup, check key files, then safely disconnect and store it separately.
exFAT is useful for exchanging files between modern Windows and Mac computers, but it is not recommended for File History or Time Machine. Reformatting may erase the drive and interrupt the planned backup workflow.
Choose between cross-platform file exchange and a specific built-in backup utility before formatting. Copy any existing files to another location before changing the file system.
Samsung states that the T7 Shield’s maximum 1,050MB/s read and 1,000MB/s write speeds require USB 3.2 Gen 2, a compatible cable and UASP. A slower connection can limit transfer speed.
Check the laptop’s USB specification and cable before paying extra for a high-speed SSD. For occasional home backups, capacity and a reliable backup routine may matter more than peak speed.
A backup that omits recent folders or cannot be restored may fail when needed. The National Cyber Security Centre advises checking that backups contain important data and recent photos, files or folders.
After the first backup and at intervals afterwards, open a sample of recent photos and documents from the backup and confirm that the required folders are included.
A portable SSD option for people prioritising fast transfers and a more rugged carry-around design, illustrated by the UK T7 Shield range.
A portable HDD reference for shoppers prioritising higher-capacity local archive storage and a straightforward external-drive backup route.
A relevant external-drive brand for UK shoppers comparing portable HDD and SSD options alongside Seagate and Samsung.
Joybuy options for portable SSD backups and portable HDD archives for photos, documents and computer files.
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A portable SSD option for a large local copy and frequent transfers between compatible devices.
Stated 4TB capacity; USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2; up to 1,050MB/s read and 1,000MB/s write; USB-C-to-C and USB-C-to-A cables included. Maximum speeds require a compatible USB 3.2 Gen 2 host and suitable cable, and the drive is not IP-rated for water resistance.
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Suitable for a portable second copy when photos and videos are moved regularly between compatible devices.
Stated 2TB capacity; up to 1,050MB/s read and 1,000MB/s write; 58g form; USB-C-to-C and USB-C-to-A cables included. Peak speed depends on a USB 3.2 Gen 2 connection, and the drive is not stated as waterproof or dustproof.
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A more physically resilient portable SSD route for carrying a backup between locations.
Stated 1TB capacity; USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2; IP65 rating; up to 3m drop resistance; up to 1,050MB/s read and 1,000MB/s write. Maximum speeds require a compatible USB 3.2 Gen 2 host, cable and UASP; 1TB may be too small for a growing video library.
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A portable local archive option for regular copies of photos and documents.
Stated 2TB capacity; USB 3.2 Gen 1; USB bus power; AES-256 hardware encryption; Windows 10+ setup. It is pre-formatted NTFS for Windows, and the mechanical drive should not be moved, shaken or dropped during transfers.
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A higher-capacity local archive option for a photo collection or computer copy kept mainly in a safe location.
Stated 4TB capacity; USB 3.2 Gen 1/USB 3.0; Micro-B drive connector; 5Gbps USB-A cable included; Windows 10+ recognition. USB-C-only computers may need a suitable compatible connection solution, and the drive is not stated as waterproof or dustproof.
An external drive can provide a separate local copy, but it should not be the only copy of irreplaceable photos or videos. The National Cyber Security Centre advises considering both cloud storage and removable media, so one loss, theft, drive failure or account problem does not remove every copy.
Choose a portable HDD when the main job is a large, longer-term local copy and transfer speed matters less. Choose a portable SSD when you carry the drive often or repeatedly copy large files; Which? says SSDs are usually pricier but faster.
For ordinary file exchange, exFAT can work with modern macOS and Windows. However, Seagate states that exFAT is not compatible with or recommended for Windows File History and macOS Time Machine, so use the backup utility’s required format and copy existing files elsewhere before reformatting.
Apple recommends a storage device with at least twice the capacity of the Mac for Time Machine. This applies to Time Machine use and is not a universal rule for manual Windows backups or a simple file archive.
Not if it is your only backup copy. The National Cyber Security Centre advises disconnecting removable media when not in use because ransomware and other malware can affect attached storage; keep at least one copy offline and reconnect it only to make or check a backup.