Recommended Free Tools
Use at least two separate backups for important files, on different storage types, and keep one copy off-site. A scheduled external-drive backup plus a carefully chosen cloud backup is a practical starting plan: the drive gives you a local restore option, while the cloud copy can remain available if your computer or home is affected. Add a NAS if you need a convenient shared destination for several devices, but do not treat it as your only backup.
What a reliable backup plan needs
A backup is a separate copy you can restore—not simply another view of the same files. Synchronization can spread an accidental deletion or unwanted change, and a network-accessible copy can be reachable by ransomware. Look for independent copies with protection against those failure paths.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
CISA describes the 3-2-1 rule as keeping 3 copies of important files (the working copy and two backups), on 2 different media types, with 1 copy off-site. It is a planning rule, not a guarantee against data loss. See CISA’s Data Backup Options.
CISA advises that if data is stored only on a device, it should also be backed up to an external hard drive or a properly vetted cloud service. Its guidance also recommends frequent backups and keeping an external drive safely stored and disconnected except while a backup is running. Read CISA’s device data protection guidance.
#1 Best Overall
- Easily store and access 2TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Choose complementary storage types
| Storage type | What it contributes | Main limitation to address |
|---|---|---|
| External drive | A local copy that can be restored without relying on an internet connection. | It may be lost or damaged alongside the computer if stored nearby; while connected, it may also be reachable by ransomware. Disconnect and safely store it when the backup finishes. |
| NAS or network drive | A central network destination that can collect backups from multiple devices. | It is not inherently off-site or immune to ransomware. Add safeguards such as version history or deletion protection, and keep another copy that the source system cannot readily modify. |
| Cloud backup or storage | An off-site copy that can help protect against a local device failure or site incident. | Recovery depends on service access and connectivity. Features and recovery guarantees vary; verify retention, deletion recovery, encryption, access controls, export or restore options, and the provider’s shared-responsibility terms. |
Local media may be accessible when a network is unavailable; cloud recovery depends on connectivity and account access. Actual restore time varies with the files, hardware, connection, and service, so do not assume one option is always faster. Compare the effort of reconnecting and rotating removable drives with the setup and ongoing costs of network or cloud storage; prices depend on the provider and capacity.
Build a backup plan step by step
- Inventory important files and locations. Include data on computers, phones, external media, NAS devices, and cloud accounts. NIST says backup coverage should account for data wherever it resides, on-premises or in the cloud; see NIST SP 800-209.
- Pick two independent backup destinations. Keep the working files and create at least two backups on different storage types, with one copy off-site. For example, schedule backups to an external drive and a vetted cloud backup service. If a NAS helps cover multiple devices, treat it as an additional destination rather than a substitute for the off-site copy.
- Set a schedule that matches how often files change. Automate backups where possible. Reconnect a removable drive for its scheduled job, then disconnect it and store it safely. CISA’s #StopRansomware Guide recommends offline, encrypted backups of critical data and regular checks of their availability and integrity.
- Protect copies and older versions. Use encryption where appropriate, including for data at rest and in transit. Protect cloud accounts with strong authentication. Check version history and retention so an accidental edit, deletion, or malicious change does not immediately replace the only recoverable version. NIST SP 800-209 discusses encryption at rest and in transit.
- Test recovery. Restore a few representative files periodically and check that they open correctly. For critical data or strict recovery needs, test the end-to-end process, not just whether a backup job reports success. NIST’s guidance on protecting data from ransomware and other data-loss events covers conducting, maintaining, and testing backup files.
- Keep recovery details accessible. Know how to reach each backup, which account or encryption key is needed, and how to restore without the original computer. Store recovery instructions and credentials securely, separate from the device they are meant to recover.
Check what each backup actually includes
Backup products differ in which folders, devices, and file types they cover. Confirm that the method includes the files you inventoried, and check whether it captures only selected folders or the broader system state you need. For cloud services, distinguish ordinary file synchronization or storage from a backup feature with useful version retention and recovery options.
Rank #2
- Easily store and access 5TB of content on the go with the Seagate portable drive, a USB external hard Drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
- Can you recover a deleted file and an older version?
- How long are versions retained, and can deletion protection be enabled?
- Are backups encrypted at rest and in transit, and how is account access protected?
- Can you restore files if the original device is unavailable, and what export or restore path does the provider offer?
- Does the backup cover every important device and location identified in your inventory?
Windows backup options
Microsoft lists external storage devices, network drives, and Microsoft cloud storage among Windows backup approaches. The available choices and interface can change; consult Microsoft’s current guide to choosing a Windows backup solution for the option that matches your Windows setup. Whatever method you choose, verify the files included and perform a restore test.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- [Upgraded Version] - This external hard drive features a mirrored logo stripe combined with a striped anti-slip design, and the rounded corners of the casing make it easier to grip. The stripes also have a heat dissipation function, ensuring stable and fast data transfer.
- 【Ultra-thin and quiet】 - The motherboard adopts JMicron 578 noise-free solution, giving you a quiet working environment. Lightweight and portable size designed to fit in your pocket for easy portability.
- 【Ultra-Fast Data Transfers】 - Pairing this external hard drive with JMicron 578 solution USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 interfaces enables blazing-fast data transfer. It boasts theoretical read speeds of up to 125MB/s and write speeds of up to 103MB/s.
- 【Plug and Play】 - With no software to install, just plug it in and the drive is ready to use.The hard disk chip is wrapped with an aluminum anti-interference layer to increase heat dissipation and protect data.
- 【What You Get】 - 1 x Portable Hard Drive, 1 x USB 3.0 Cable, 1 x User Manual, Gift-type shell packaging ,Three-year manufacturer's warranty and free technical support services.
Rank #4
- Easily store and access 4TB of content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive.Specific uses: Personal
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Rank #3
- Easily store and access 1TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive.Specific uses: Personal
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop. Reformatting may be required for Mac
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
