Choose an external HDD for a large local copy, or an external SSD when frequent large-file transfers and portability matter more. Cloud storage is useful for automatic off-site access, but check storage limits, account security and exactly what it backs up; for irreplaceable files, keep independent local and cloud copies and test that you can restore them.
If internal storage is tight or full-device recovery matters, focus on a practical local copy. HDD capacity, SSD transfer speed, backup-disk compatibility and restore setup are the key decisions. Apple, Seagate and Which? provide relevant guidance for this route.
Automatic cloud backup, account storage limits, cross-device access and device-specific backup coverage matter more than a drive alone when photos and videos need to reach a laptop, tablet or replacement phone. Apple and Google document these account-based routes.
A separate local copy and an off-site cloud copy are worth considering when family photos or important documents would be difficult to replace. The National Cyber Security Centre describes a backup as a copy stored in a separate safe location.
Start by deciding what must be recoverable, then choose capacity and access speed that suit how often you move files and where you need to reach them.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Recovery scope | Check whether the route restores individual files, a phone backup or a whole computer. Keep a copy separate from the original device, and consider an offline local copy for important files. | I want photos and documents to remain recoverable if my laptop, phone or its internal storage becomes unavailable. |
| Capacity and growth | Compare used storage with the drive or cloud allowance, allowing room for future files and backup history. For Mac Time Machine, Apple advises a backup disk with at least twice the Mac's storage capacity. | I need space for today's library as well as future photos, videos and documents, without unexpectedly reaching a cloud limit. |
| Speed and compatibility | Choose HDD for long-term bulk backup or SSD for frequent transfers. Check the exact port, cable, host protocol, file system and power requirements before buying. | I want a drive that works with my intended laptop or phone and does not rely on a maximum transfer speed my device cannot support. |
| Cloud security and access | Check how storage is shared across services, account recovery settings and sharing permissions. Turn on 2-step verification where it is available for the cloud account. | I need to reach files across devices while keeping the account that holds my copies properly protected. |
A synced folder can make files available across devices without creating a complete computer backup. Apple states that iCloud does not back up an entire Mac, while the National Cyber Security Centre defines a backup as a separate copy that can be restored when the original is unavailable.
List what must be recoverable, such as photos, documents, apps, device settings or the whole laptop, then check that the chosen drive or service covers that scope.
The National Cyber Security Centre notes that incidents can affect original data and connected USB or network backup drives. An offline backup is intended to remain unaffected by an incident affecting live systems.
After a manual local backup, disconnect and store at least one copy safely unless another part of your backup setup isolates it from the main device.
Cloud quotas may be shared across services. Google storage can cover Drive, Gmail, Photos and WhatsApp backups, and a full account can stop photo backup and other functions.
Measure current photo, document, email and backup use, leave room for growth, and check the provider's current billing, sharing and cancellation terms before subscribing.
A cloud plan can create an ongoing subscription commitment.
Maximum SSD transfer figures depend on the host device, cable and connection standard. Samsung states that its T7 maximum speeds require compatible USB 3.2 Gen 2 support and UASP, while Seagate highlights possible format, power and port restrictions beyond normal computer use.
Check the exact device model, port type, operating system, file-system support and power requirements before purchase.
You may need a compatible cable, adapter, reformatting or a different drive for the intended device.
An Apple ecosystem route for iPhone and iPad backup, iCloud Photos and iCloud Drive access, plus Mac Time Machine backups to external storage.
A Google account route for Google Photos, Google Drive and Android-device backup, particularly relevant to Android and mixed-device households.
A Windows and Microsoft-account route for OneDrive file syncing, PC-folder backup and file-version recovery.
A portable external SSD route for people who prioritise rapid transfers and carrying a working photo or video library between compatible devices.
An external HDD route for high-capacity local backup and storage expansion on desktop and laptop computers.
Joybuy options for local photo, document and laptop-file storage, including portable SSDs for frequent transfers and an external HDD for a bulk local copy.
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For a sizeable portable local archive or frequent large-file copying between compatible devices.
Stated 4 TB capacity, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 connectivity and transfer figures up to 2,000 MB/s. Check that the host supports USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 before relying on the maximum speed, and keep a separate off-site or safely stored copy for irreplaceable files.
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For a portable local copy of personal files and a working archive that is moved regularly.
Stated 2 TB capacity, USB-C connectivity and transfer figures up to 2,000 MB/s. Confirm the exact device port supports USB 3.2 Gen 2x2, and check that 2 TB allows for current files, backup versions and growth.
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For carrying a local archive of photos, videos and documents between compatible devices.
Stated 2 TB capacity, read speed up to 800 MB/s, 2-metre drop protection and a supplied USB cable. Check the included cable connectors and host compatibility for the intended laptop, phone or adapter.
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For a smaller portable local copy that may be carried between compatible Mac, PC and Android devices.
Stated 1 TB capacity, USB 3.2 Gen 2, up to 1,050 MB/s read and 1,000 MB/s write, plus supplied USB-C-to-C and USB-C-to-A cables. Confirm capacity for a full laptop backup and verify the device connection conditions.
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For a bulk local archive or computer-based backup of photos, videos and important documents.
Stated 2 TB capacity, SuperSpeed USB 3.2 Gen 1 at 5 Gbps and PC/Mac formatting. Check file-system, power and connection support before using it with a phone, tablet or another non-computer device.
Not necessarily. Apple states that iCloud can sync and store selected data such as photos and iCloud Drive files, but it does not back up an entire Mac. Use Time Machine or another full-backup tool if whole-Mac recovery is required.
Apple advises a backup disk with at least twice the storage capacity of the Mac. This guidance is for Time Machine rather than a universal size rule for every manual photo-copy workflow.
It depends on the provider. Google says a full account can prevent Drive uploads, Gmail sending or receiving, and photo and video backup to Google Photos; Microsoft says users over a reduced allowance may be unable to upload, edit or sync new OneDrive files.
Use a unique, strong password and turn on 2-step verification where available. The National Cyber Security Centre says this makes account access harder for criminals even if they know the password, and identifies cloud storage as an account type where it may need to be switched on.
For purely personal or household activity, the ICO says data-protection law does not apply. This does not extend to business, professional, public-facing or wider sharing activity, which may involve different obligations.