Choose an external hard disk drive (HDD) for a local copy you can store separately, or a portable solid-state drive (SSD) if you carry the backup and regularly transfer large files. Cloud storage offers access from another internet-connected device, but depends on your account, connection and plan capacity. For irreplaceable photos or essential work files, the National Cyber Security Centre advises considering both an online backup and a storage device, so one unavailable copy does not leave you without the other.
A growing library needs enough capacity and a copy that remains accessible if the home computer is lost or damaged. For files that cannot be replaced, the National Cyber Security Centre advises considering both online and storage-device backups.
Consider how you would retrieve essential documents after a computer failure, as well as any employer rules on where those files may be stored. Check account security for cloud storage and access controls for a portable drive.
A portable SSD is worth considering when transfer speed and carrying the drive matter. Which? describes SSDs as generally faster, but usually more expensive, than HDDs; check the connection on each computer you plan to use.
Start with where a usable copy will be kept, then size the backup for the files you will actually include. Connection, account access and the backup routine determine how practical each route will be.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Separate copies | Check whether the backup remains separate from the computer and whether you can retrieve it if a drive or account is unavailable. The National Cyber Security Centre advises considering online and storage-device backups together. | If losing my computer could also put family photos or essential documents beyond reach, I want copies in more than one location. |
| Capacity | Measure the folders and libraries selected for backup, allow for growth, and compare that total with drive capacity or cloud-plan allowance. Check the billing period and renewal terms for a cloud subscription. | My photo and video library may grow; I want the backup to keep covering it without unexpectedly running out of space. |
| Drive type and connection | Which? distinguishes HDDs for longer-term computer-file backup from generally faster, usually more expensive SSDs. Check the computer port, drive connector and cable before relying on a quoted transfer speed. | I regularly move large files or carry a drive between computers, so transfer time and compatible connections matter to me. |
| Cloud access | Confirm which folders are backed up automatically, which devices can access them and what happens when your internet connection is unavailable. Which? notes that cloud files can be accessed across PCs and mobile devices with a connection. | I want to reach work files or photos from another device if my computer is unavailable. |
| Security and recovery | Check how a portable drive protects sensitive files and how you would recover its password. For cloud storage, set up two-step verification and available account-recovery methods before relying on the backup. | A lost drive or phone should not leave my files exposed or prevent me from signing in to my backup account. |
| Backup routine | Confirm that the intended files are included and that backups finish. Test retrieval periodically; disconnect an external drive when it is not needed for backup or restoration. | I need to know that recent files are in the backup, not just that I bought storage for them. |
The computer and drive could become unavailable together. The National Cyber Security Centre advises considering an online copy as well as a storage-device copy in case one is lost, stolen or fails.
For files you cannot replace, keep separate copies and check periodically that you can retrieve files from each.
Malware on a computer can also affect connected storage, putting the backup at risk.
Disconnect the drive after a backup finishes and store it safely until the next backup or restore.
A drive or cloud plan must fit the files selected for backup and leave room for growth. An SSD's quoted maximum speed also depends on the connected computer and cable.
Measure the backup set, check cloud renewal terms where relevant, and confirm the computer port and cable required for the drive you are considering.
If you lose access to a phone used for sign-in, retrieving files may be delayed even while the cloud copy remains intact.
Set up two-step verification and the provider's available recovery methods in advance. Google Account Help, for example, describes options including backup codes, another phone, a security key and a passkey.
These are references for comparing particular drives or cloud services, not a conclusion about every product from a brand.
Portable SSD lines include the T7 and T7 Shield.
An external-drive brand to consider for local backups.
An external-drive brand relevant to local HDD or SSD backup comparisons.
A cloud option for Windows users considering selected-folder backup and access from another device.
A cloud route for files you want to access through a Google account.
These portable HDDs and SSDs are options for making a local copy of photos and work files. If you want a second copy away from the computer, consider an online backup alongside the drive.
No image available
This 5TB portable HDD is a local-backup option for a larger photo or work-file collection. Check that its capacity fits the folders you will back up, confirm the setup needed for your computer and check the applicable warranty before buying.
No image available
This 4TB portable SSD is worth considering if you carry a local backup or regularly transfer large files. Check your computer's USB connection and cable before relying on quoted maximum speeds, and keep another copy of irreplaceable files.
No image available
This 2TB portable HDD offers a local-copy route for documents and media if that capacity covers your backup set. Check the connection and any setup needed for your computer, handle the drive carefully, and store it separately when not in use.
No image available
This 1TB portable SSD is an option for a backup you take between locations, provided your selected files fit. Check the host connection before relying on maximum-speed claims; Samsung UK notes that the model's water and dust resistance can vary with conditions, so it still needs careful handling.
No image available
This 4TB portable HDD is a local-copy option for a larger collection of photos, videos and documents. Confirm that its capacity and computer compatibility suit your backup plan, and arrange a separate copy for files you cannot replace.
Cloud storage can keep a copy away from a lost or failed computer, but access depends on your account and an internet connection. For files that would be hard to replace, the National Cyber Security Centre advises considering both an online backup and a storage device so that one unavailable copy does not leave you without the other.
Disconnect it when it is not backing up or restoring files. The National Cyber Security Centre warns that malware affecting a computer can also affect connected storage; reconnect the drive for your planned backups and check that they finish.
Measure the folders, photos and work files you intend to back up, allow room for growth, then compare the total with the current plan allowance. Check which files the backup includes and the renewal terms before choosing a subscription.
Enable two-step verification and configure available recovery methods before you need them. The National Cyber Security Centre recommends two-step verification for important accounts; Google Account Help describes alternatives such as backup codes, another phone, a security key and a passkey.
No. Samsung UK says the quoted maximum read and write speeds for its T7 depend on a compatible USB 3.2 Gen 2 computer and cable, with UASP enabled. Check the requirements for the exact SSD and the port on each computer you will use.