Choose an external hard disk drive for a sizeable local archive, a portable SSD if you often carry or transfer large files, or cloud storage when you need selected files across devices. For irreplaceable photos and documents, keep separate local and off-site copies: the National Cyber Security Centre recommends considering both removable media and cloud storage. Check that the files you need are included and that you can restore them.
If photos or documents would be difficult to replace, keep a copy that remains recoverable if a device or the copy at home is lost. The National Cyber Security Centre advises considering both cloud storage and removable media for irreplaceable files.
If your laptop or phone is running short of space, decide which files need to stay on the device and which need a separate backup. Check the capacity available on a drive or in your cloud account before moving files.
If you want to access files on several devices or regularly move large folders, consider whether cloud access or a portable drive better fits the task. Microsoft Support notes that OneDrive sync can also carry changes and deletions between devices.
Choose it when: you want a sizeable archive stored locally, particularly if your internet connection is unreliable.
Trade-off: a drive kept at home is not an off-site copy; disconnect it when it is not in use.
Choose it when: you often carry or transfer large collections and have a compatible device connection.
Trade-off: a manufacturer’s rated maximum speed is not a guarantee of the speed your computer will achieve.
Choose it when: you need selected files available across devices or want a copy outside your home, with suitable internet access.
Trade-off: check the account capacity and recovery options; synchronisation can also sync deletions.
Choose it when: you want separate copies of files that would be particularly difficult to replace and can maintain both routes.
Trade-off: you need to check and restore each copy separately; a connected drive and a synced folder are not necessarily independent backups.
Start with the files you need to recover, then check capacity, device compatibility and how you would restore a copy.
| Concern | What to check when buying | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Recoverability | Confirm the important folders are included, test restoring a file and consider keeping a copy away from home. | If losing family photos or essential documents would be hard to accept, I want a copy I can actually restore. Around 33% of consumers put recoverability first. |
| Archive capacity | Check the size of the files to protect, allow for growth and compare that with usable drive space or remaining cloud capacity. | If my photo and file library keeps growing, I need enough space for the files I plan to preserve. Around 27% of consumers make archive capacity their primary concern. |
| Access across devices | Check supported devices, which folders are included and what happens when a file is changed or deleted. | If I need selected files on more than one device, I want an access method that fits how I use them. Around 20% of consumers prioritise cross-device access. |
| Portable transfers | Check the exact model, device ports and cables, file format and any backup-software requirements. | If I often carry or copy large folders, I need a drive and connection that work with my devices. Around 20% of consumers put frequent portable transfers first. |
Synced changes can include deletions. Apple says iCloud Photos deletions appear across connected devices, while Microsoft documents that OneDrive syncs changes and deletions between a computer folder and the website.
Keep a separately recoverable copy of files you cannot replace, and test restoring it.
The National Cyber Security Centre warns that malware can affect attached removable storage as well as the computer.
Disconnect a removable backup when it is not in use and consider keeping another copy off-site.
A drive’s rated transfer speed depends on the host and connection, while formatting and file-system requirements can affect compatibility.
Check the exact model against your devices, ports, cables and backup software before choosing.
Apple says new iCloud Photos uploads and device backups stop when iCloud storage is full.
Check account usage, upload settings and plan capacity against the files you intend to keep.
The Expansion Portable line is a local-storage option for sizeable photo and file archives.
The Portable SSD T7 may suit frequent transfers when a compact drive and compatible high-speed connection are useful.
The X9 portable SSD line is an option for moving photos and files between compatible devices.
iCloud and iCloud+ are cloud options for people using iCloud Photos, iCloud Drive or Apple-device backups.
OneDrive can sync selected computer folders for access across devices.
Google Photos is a cloud option focused on photos, where upload quality and account storage affect the choice.
These Joybuy choices cover portable SSDs and external hard drives for keeping local copies of photos and files. Compare the capacity, connection and features that match your devices and backup needs.
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A local-storage option for a sizeable photo and file archive or frequent large-file transfers.
4 TB capacity; USB 3.2 Gen 2. Listed sequential speeds are up to 1,050 MB/s read and 1,000 MB/s write.
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A portable local drive for a photo or file archive and transfers between compatible devices.
2 TB capacity; USB 3.2 Gen 2. Listed sequential speeds are up to 1,050 MB/s read and 1,000 MB/s write. The product description lists USB-C-to-C and USB-C-to-A cables.
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A 1TB external SSD for storing and transferring personal files; check compatibility with your devices before choosing it.
Listed speeds are up to 1,050 MB/s read and 1,000 MB/s write. The description claims IP65 protection for temporary water exposure and drop resistance up to 3 metres; it should not be submerged.
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A portable local-storage option for a collection of photos, videos and other files.
2 TB capacity. The product description lists read speeds up to 800 MB/s and up to 2-metre drop protection.
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A portable hard drive for keeping a local copy of photos, videos and documents.
4TB capacity; USB 3.2 Gen 1. The product description lists AES 256-bit hardware encryption and password protection.
No, not if moving the photos removes the laptop originals and leaves the drive as the only copy. Keep another recoverable copy and check that recently added files are present.
Check the exact model and software before using it. Seagate says its Expansion Portable drive requires reformatting for Time Machine, while Crucial says X9 compatibility can depend on formatting and host capabilities. Copy files you need before reformatting a drive.
Not indefinitely. Apple says an iCloud Photos deletion appears on connected devices and can be recovered from Recently Deleted for 30 days. Check your service’s recovery options and keep a separate copy of irreplaceable photos.
Check what uses your account capacity, whether the files you need have uploaded, and the plan’s capacity and recurring terms. Apple says a full iCloud account stops new photo uploads and device backups; Microsoft’s whole-OneDrive restore feature requires Microsoft 365.
Apple says new iCloud Photos uploads and device backups stop when the account is full. Check your storage use and confirm that the files you intend to keep have uploaded.