For a large local copy of photos and files, consider an external HDD; if you regularly move large files and want faster transfers, consider an external SSD, as Which? distinguishes the two. Cloud storage suits access across devices when your internet connection is reliable, a condition highlighted by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). For files you cannot replace, keep separate copies rather than relying on one drive or one synchronised folder, and disconnect a removable backup when it is not in use.
Measure the files you intend to copy before choosing capacity. Which? describes HDDs as suited to long-term file backup and SSDs as faster for transfers. Whichever you choose, moving files off the laptop is not a backup unless a separate, recoverable copy remains.
Cloud storage can make files accessible across compatible devices, but the NCSC cautions that it needs a reliable internet connection. If uploads are impractical while travelling, consider a portable drive for local transfers and check its connection against each device you use.
Keep copies separate from the main computer and check that you can restore a file. The NCSC reports ransomware incidents affecting connected backup drives, so disconnect removable media between backups; protect access to any cloud copy as well.
Choose when: You need a large local copy chiefly for long-term backup; Which? identifies HDDs with that use.
Trade-off: Which? says HDDs are slower than SSDs, and one connected drive remains vulnerable to the incidents described by the NCSC.
Choose when: You frequently transfer large files or carry a local copy and value the faster speeds Which? associates with SSDs.
Trade-off: Faster transfers do not make a single drive a complete backup; disconnect it when it is not in use.
Choose when: Access across compatible devices matters and your connection can handle the files you need to upload.
Trade-off: The NCSC cautions that cloud storage may not suit a slow, unreliable or metered connection; check plan limits and cancellation terms too.
Choose when: Photos or documents are difficult to replace and you want a separate copy if one destination becomes inaccessible.
Trade-off: You must maintain and test both copies, secure the cloud account and disconnect the removable drive between backups.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | Measure the folders and device data you intend to copy. For a cloud plan, check which services draw on its allowance; Google says Drive, Gmail and Photos share Google Account storage. | My photo library is growing, so I want room for the files I intend to keep without mistaking a shared cloud allowance for photo-only space. |
| Access and transfers | Check the drive connection against your computer and other devices. For cloud access, assess upload reliability and any data limit; the NCSC cautions against relying on a slow, unreliable or metered connection. | I move large files between devices, or I need to open a copy away from my main computer. |
| Recovery | Keep a copy separate from the original and test a restore. Disconnect a removable backup between uses: the NCSC reports ransomware affecting connected backup drives. | If my computer is lost or its files become inaccessible, I want to know which copy I can actually restore. |
| Account and plan changes | Check the account's current usage, its lower allowance after cancellation and the steps needed before a downgrade. Microsoft says cancelling certain subscriptions returns storage to 5 GB; Apple advises dealing with content above a new iCloud+ limit before changing plans. | Our household may change its cloud plan, and I need to know whether the files will fit afterwards. |
Moving the only copy off a full computer creates room, but it leaves nothing to restore if that destination becomes inaccessible.
Keep a separate copy and test that you can find and restore a sample file before removing anything from the computer.
The NCSC reports ransomware incidents in which connected USB and network backup drives were encrypted alongside the original data.
Connect a removable drive for backups and restores, then disconnect it when finished. Do not treat a continuously synchronised folder as an isolated copy.
Google says its account storage is shared across Drive, Gmail and Photos, so the full allowance is not reserved for a photo library.
Check current use across the relevant services and allow for the files you plan to add.
Western Digital warns that a forgotten password on drives supported by WD Security cannot be recovered by its support team; the drive must be erased before reuse.
Check the exact drive's security features, keep its credentials securely and retain another independent copy of important files.
Losing the password can mean losing access to that backup.
These references help you check a service or drive feature; they do not mean every brand or plan is represented in the product options below.
A cloud-storage route for people already using Google Drive, Gmail and Google Photos.
A cloud-storage route to consider if your files are in OneDrive or you use a Microsoft 365 subscription.
A cloud-storage route for people using iCloud with Apple devices and photos.
An external-drive brand to consider for a local copy of photos and documents.
An external-drive brand to examine when password protection is part of your local-backup plan.
These portable SSDs are local-storage options for photo and file copies. Compare their stated capacities with the size of your backup set and check the USB connection on your computer; a single drive is not a second, independent backup.
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A 4 TB local-storage option if your photo and file backup set fits that capacity. Its name specifies USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2 (3.1 Gen 2); check your computer's connection before choosing it.
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Consider this 4 TB external SSD for a local copy of a sizeable file collection, provided the backup set fits. The stated connection is USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2x2; check host compatibility rather than assuming a particular transfer speed.
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A 1 TB local-storage option for a measured set of photos and files. Its name specifies USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2 (3.1 Gen 2); confirm that the capacity and connection suit your backup plan.
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This 1 TB external SSD provides a portable location for a local file copy. The stated connection is USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2 (3.1 Gen 2); check that both capacity and connection meet your needs.
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A 2 TB external SSD to consider when that capacity accommodates your photo and file backup set. Its name specifies USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2x2; verify the computer's connection before relying on that interface.
Choose by how you will copy and retrieve the files: Which? associates HDDs with long-term local backup and SSDs with faster transfers, while the NCSC says cloud storage needs reliable internet. If you remove files to free laptop space, retain a separate copy you can restore; for irreplaceable files, consider both local and cloud copies.
It may not: the NCSC cautions that cloud storage requires reliable internet and may be unsuitable on a slow, unreliable or metered connection. A local external drive lets you create a copy without uploading it, though you must still keep that copy separate and check that it restores.
Choose the folders or computer data you need to protect, make a copy and test that you can restore a sample file. Disconnect the drive between backups: the NCSC reports ransomware incidents that also encrypted connected backup storage.
Check the provider and your stored amount before cancelling. Google One Help says cancelled storage plans stop renewing but are non-refundable; Microsoft Support says cancelling Microsoft 365 Basic or Personal returns the cloud allowance to 5 GB and that an over-quota OneDrive account cannot upload, edit or sync new files. Apple Support UK advises downloading or removing content above your new iCloud+ allowance before changing plans.
Check whether the exact drive supports the password or encryption feature you intend to use, and keep its credentials securely alongside another independent copy of important files. Western Digital Support warns that a forgotten WD Security password on a supported drive cannot be recovered by its support team and that the drive must be erased before reuse.