Choose a portable HDD if you mainly need a local archive and can accept slower transfers; choose an external SSD if you regularly move large files or work from the drive. Which? describes HDDs as suited to long-term file backup and SSDs as usually faster. Whichever you choose, keep another separate copy of important files; cloud storage can add physical separation, but it does not automatically replace a local backup.
If you mainly copy growing photo, video and document collections at home, an HDD is worth considering when capacity matters more than transfer speed. Keep the backup as a separate copy rather than relying on one drive to protect every file.
If you often transfer large media files or work from portable storage, an SSD may better suit that routine. Check the computer’s port and the drive’s cable before relying on an advertised maximum speed.
If files need to move between a Windows PC, Mac, iPhone or iPad, check the connector, file format and power requirements for each device. Apple Support notes that external hard drives often need external power when connected to an iPhone.
Start with how the files will be used: an archive, frequent portable work and a separate backup copy call for different checks.
Consider it: For a home-based photo archive or routine computer backup when transfer speed is secondary.
Trade-off: Which? says HDD transfers are generally slower than SSD transfers; Apple Support also notes that an external hard drive connected to an iPhone often needs separate power.
Consider it: For regular large-file transfers or work carried between locations.
Trade-off: Which? says SSDs are usually faster but pricier than HDDs; the speed you can use also depends on the host and connection.
Consider it: When important files need a copy physically separate from your device and local drive.
Trade-off: A connected cloud location is not automatically an isolated backup; the National Cyber Security Centre advises keeping at least one backup offline or digitally disconnected when it is not in use.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Backup routine | Decide which files to copy, where the separate copy will be kept and how you would restore it. Disconnect at least one backup when it is not in use, as the National Cyber Security Centre advises. | I want photos and documents I can recover if my device or a connected copy becomes unavailable. |
| Capacity | Compare the size of the files you plan to protect with the drive’s stated capacity. Allow for the backup history you intend to retain, not just the next transfer. | My photo library is growing, and I want room for more than one round of copies. |
| Transfers | Check the drive’s interface against the host port and cable. Read maximum-speed claims alongside their connection requirements; Samsung says its T7 Shield needs a USB 3.2 Gen 2 host, compatible cable and UASP to reach its stated maximum. | Large files move between my devices often, so transfer time matters to my routine. |
| Device access | Confirm the connector, supported file format and power requirements for every intended device. Apple Support notes that an iPhone-connected external hard drive often needs external power. | I need to open the same files on more than one type of device without reformatting a drive that already holds data. |
| Portability | Compare the exact models’ size and any stated protection tests. Check warranty exclusions separately rather than treating a resistance rating as damage cover. | The drive will travel with me, but I still need another copy of anything I cannot afford to lose. |
The National Cyber Security Centre describes incidents in which ransomware affected original files and connected backup drives. A drive that stays connected should not be your only recoverable copy.
Keep at least one separate backup offline or digitally disconnected when it is not in use, and make sure you know how to restore important files.
The usable connection can limit transfers. For example, Samsung says the T7 Shield’s maximum rates require a USB 3.2 Gen 2 host, compatible cable and UASP.
Check the exact drive model, your device’s port and the cable you will use before choosing on speed alone.
Changing a drive’s format can erase files already on it. A format suitable for one device or workflow also needs checking against the others you intend to use.
Confirm device and software requirements first, then copy existing files to another safe location before reformatting.
Protection claims depend on the exact model and test conditions. Samsung states that liquid, dust and drop damage are excluded from the T7 Shield warranty.
Read the model’s protection conditions and warranty terms, carry it carefully and retain another backup copy.
These are references for particular HDD and SSD lines, not an indication that every model is included in the Joybuy options below.
Its My Passport portable HDD and My Book desktop HDD appear in PCMag UK’s September 2026 external-hard-drive recommendations.
The T7 Shield is a Samsung portable SSD line relevant to frequent file transfers and carrying storage between locations.
PCMag UK named the Crucial X10 its overall external-SSD pick for most buyers in August 2026. That is PCMag UK’s assessment of the X10, not a conclusion about every Crucial drive.
These portable SSDs are options for local photo and computer-file storage, particularly if you move files between locations. The HDD and cloud routes discussed above serve different backup needs.
No image available
Consider the 4 TB capacity for a larger portable file library. The product name specifies USB Type-C and USB 3.2 Gen 2x2; check that your intended device and cable support the connection you need. Keep another separate backup copy of important files.
No image available
The 2 TB capacity is an option for portable file storage if it fits the library and backup history you plan to keep. Its product name specifies USB Type-C and USB 3.2 Gen 2x2; confirm host and cable compatibility before buying. Keep another separate copy of important files.
No image available
The 4 TB capacity may suit a larger portable photo or computer-file library. The product name specifies USB Type-C and USB 3.2 Gen 2; check your device connection and file-format needs. This T7 is distinct from the T7 Shield discussed above, and important files still need another separate copy.
No image available
Compare its 1TB capacity with the files and backup history you want to carry. The product name specifies USB Type-C and USB 3.2 Gen 2; check the intended host and cable. Store another separate copy of important files.
No image available
The 2TB capacity is an option for carrying a photo or file collection if it meets your storage needs. Confirm the exact connector and interface against the device you intend to use, and keep a separate backup of important files.
Choose an HDD if the main job is a local archive and slower transfers are acceptable; consider an SSD if you frequently move large files, work from the drive or carry it between locations. Which? describes HDDs as suited to long-term file backup and SSDs as usually faster but pricier.
Do not rely on one external drive as complete protection. The National Cyber Security Centre advises keeping a separate copy and ensuring at least one backup is offline or digitally disconnected when it is not in use; connected backups can be affected alongside the original files.
You can use compatible external storage, but check the connector, supported format, partition setup and power needs for your device. Apple Support notes that external hard drives often require an external power source when used with an iPhone.
Check both devices and the software you intend to use before formatting. Apple Support identifies ExFAT as a Windows-compatible choice for volumes over 32 GB; copy existing files elsewhere before reformatting a drive that contains data.
Do not assume a removable USB drive can serve as a OneDrive installation location. Microsoft Support says removable USB drives are not supported for installing OneDrive on an external drive; plan a separate file-copy or archive workflow if you also want local storage.