---
id: icloud.should-i-use-icloud-or-an-external-drive
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/icloud/should-i-use-icloud-or-an-external-drive
category: "iCloud & iCloud Photos"
subcategory: "iCloud and external drives"
question: "Should I keep my files in iCloud or on an external drive?"
alt_questions:
  - "iCloud vs external SSD for storage"
  - "Is iCloud better than an external drive?"
  - "External drive or iCloud for big files"
  - "Where should I store large files Mac?"
  - "Cloud or external SSD to free up space"
short_answer: "Use both: iCloud for files you need on every device, an external drive for large files that only need to be on this Mac. Storage Studio keeps iCloud files online-only and moves big local folders to the drive."
tags: ["icloud drive", "external drive", "comparison"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/icloud/can-i-move-my-icloud-drive-folder-to-an-external-drive", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/icloud/is-icloud-drive-a-backup"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# Should I keep my files in iCloud or on an external drive?

Use both, for different things. iCloud is best for files you want on every device and reachable anywhere; an external drive is best for big files that only need to be on this Mac, such as video projects, archives and large apps.

- **iCloud** — syncs everywhere; needs a connection for online-only files; uses your iCloud plan.
- **External drive** — fast, works offline, no subscription for the space; it's only there when it's plugged in.

Storage Studio helps with each: it keeps iCloud files online-only so they don't fill your Mac, and moves big non-synced folders and apps to your external drive with a shortcut left behind so they still open where they were. Whatever you choose, keep a separate backup too. See [moving folders](https://storagestudio.us/faq/moving-folders/).