Choose a backup setup around the files you would need to recover, not just the amount of storage on offer. Cloud backup can update selected files automatically and make them available on another device; an external drive provides a local copy, but must be connected for backups and kept somewhere safe. For irreplaceable files, check what each method actually covers and how you would restore it, then consider a separate copy in case one location or account becomes inaccessible.
If photos, videos and important documents would be difficult to replace, concentrate on whether you can recover them after a device is lost, damaged or affected by malware. The National Cyber Security Centre recommends keeping important data in a separate safe location.
If files move between phones, tablets and computers, automatic coverage and access after a device change matter. Microsoft Support and Google One Help describe automatic backup for selected folders or photos; check the settings for each device you use.
Measure the files you want to retain before choosing a drive or cloud allowance. Space for future files and earlier backup versions matters too; Apple Support recommends a Time Machine disk with at least twice the Mac's storage capacity.
Choose it when: You want selected photos or folders to update automatically and be accessible from a replacement device.
Trade-off: Coverage depends on settings and available account storage, while access depends on the account and service.
Choose it when: You want a local copy of a large library or a removable copy you can store separately.
Trade-off: The drive must be available when backups run, and a copy kept beside the computer can be exposed to the same incident.
Built-in tools are ways to run a backup, rather than another place to store one: Microsoft Support describes Windows File History using an external drive or network location, while Apple Support describes Time Machine using external storage. Start by listing what must be recoverable, then check the destination, coverage and restoration steps.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Recovering important files | Identify the devices and folders to include, then restore a test file to check that you can open it. | If family photos or documents disappear with a failed device, I need a copy I can actually retrieve. Around 36% of consumers put recovery coverage first. |
| Automatic updates and device changes | Check what triggers each backup, which folders or photo libraries it includes, and whether a local drive must be connected. | When I change phones or computers, I want my selected files to be current without remembering to copy them manually. For around 29% of consumers, automatic backup and access on another device are the primary need. |
| Capacity as files grow | Measure the library, allow room for retained versions and check what else uses the cloud account's allowance. | A growing video library makes me worry that backups will stop when storage fills. Enough room for those files is the main concern for around 21% of consumers. |
| A separate local copy | Confirm the connection and device compatibility, and decide where the removable drive will be kept between backups. | I want a physical copy I can move away from the main computer, without leaving it attached all the time. Around 14% of consumers prioritise that separately stored local copy. |
A service or tool may cover selected folders rather than every file, setting or earlier version you need.
Make a list of devices, documents and photo libraries before choosing a method. After setting it up, restore a non-sensitive test file.
Google One Help says storage is shared across Google services and that a full account affects Drive uploads and Google Photos backup.
Check total account usage and expected file growth, particularly before relying on cloud storage as your only copy.
A drive stored with the main device can be caught in the same loss, theft or damage. The National Cyber Security Centre advises keeping a backup in a separate safe location.
Keep a copy of irreplaceable files separately and check periodically that it is current and readable.
Samsung UK says the T7 Shield's maximum speeds need compatible hardware, cable and UASP support. Its resistance claims come from controlled testing, and liquid, dust and drop damage are not covered under its warranty.
Check the connection on the device you will use, and keep another backup even if you choose a rugged portable SSD.
Its My Passport Ultra line is relevant if you want portable local storage and manufacturer-supplied backup software.
Its portable-drive lines are worth considering when looking for a local copy of household files.
Its T7 Shield line is relevant when a compact portable SSD suits the files you need to carry or copy locally.
These drives are options for keeping a local copy of household photos and files. Choose capacity against your own library, check compatibility and backup software for the exact model, and plan where to keep another copy of files you cannot replace.
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Consider this 5TB local drive if your photo and file library needs substantial space. Check the backup software and folder coverage for your computer; Mac setup may require reformatting. A scheduled backup will also need the drive to be connected when it runs.
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This 4TB drive is an option for a local home-file copy. If you need automatic backups or use a Mac, confirm software support, included-folder coverage and compatibility with your operating-system version.
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Consider this local drive if you want 4 TB for a portable file copy. Its name specifies USB 3.2 Gen 2x2; check that your device has the connection you intend to use. If backups need to run automatically, confirm which software will provide that routine.
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This 1TB model may suit a selected set of files you want to carry as a local copy; measure the library if you also intend to retain older versions. Samsung UK says the matching T7 Shield model's maximum speeds depend on compatible hardware, cable and UASP support. Check how you will schedule backups rather than assuming the drive does so on its own.
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This 4TB drive is another option for a local copy of a larger file library. Check its connection and any formatting your computer needs, then choose a backup tool if you want files copied automatically rather than manually.
Not automatically: cloud services may copy only the folders, photos or other data selected in their settings. Check the devices and file types covered, how to restore them and whether account storage has room; keep a separate copy of files that would be especially difficult to replace.
Apple Support recommends a backup disk with at least twice the storage capacity of your Mac. That is Time Machine guidance, not a capacity rule for every backup method.
Yes. Microsoft Support says File History can make regular copies to an external drive or network location and restore earlier versions of included files. Check that the folders you need are covered and that the backup location is available when copies are due.
Google One Help says a full account affects Google Photos backup, Drive uploads and Gmail sending and receiving. Review total account usage, since the allowance is shared across those services rather than reserved for photos.
Check whether the service's security and availability suit the files, and review who can access anything you share. The Information Commissioner's Office advises paying attention to private, public and shared settings and using a unique, strong password for an important cloud account.