Comparison

Backup Disk vs PhotoBackup External

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Backup Disk

Read full description

Backup Disk is a utility that turns iPhone and iPad into a reliable backup device for your Mac. You can easily back up selected folders on your computer by syncing them with your device wirelessly. The app can detect files that have changed and only sync them, so your periodic backups will run much faster. Copying large numbers of small files between disks has always been problematic. The app's algorithm allows these files to be combined into larger packages and transferred between devices. Thus, it makes much faster and more efficient backups. If the backup process is interrupted for any reason, the next operation can continue from where it left off. SUBSCRIPTION If you choose to purchase Backup Disk PRO by a subscription option, payment will be charged to your iTunes account, and your account will be charged for renewal within 24-hours prior to the end of the current period. Auto-renewal may be turned off at any time by going to your settings in the iTunes Store after purchase. Read more about our terms and conditions here: https://backupdisk.app/privacy.html https://backupdisk.app/terms.html

About

PhotoBackup External

Easily back up your iPhone and iPad photos directly to a USB drive. Secure your memories offline and free up device storage without needing iCloud or a computer. Enjoy full control over your photo library with a simple and reliable solution.

Highlights
  • Direct backup to external USB drives
  • No iCloud or computer required
  • Fast and reliable photo export
  • Clear progress tracking
  • Smart space verification before backup
  • Ideal for large photo libraries
Read full description

PhotoBackup External makes it incredibly easy to back up all your iPhone and iPad photos directly to an external USB drive — no iCloud, no computer, no subscriptions. Whether you want to free up space, secure your memories offline, or create a full archive of your photo library, PhotoBackup External gives you full control over your data. Why users love PhotoBackup External • Direct backup to external drives Connect any compatible USB-C or Lightning external drive and export your entire photo library in just a few taps. • No iCloud required Keep your photos offline, private, and fully under your control. • Fast and reliable export The app scans your library, calculates required space, and safely copies your photos without interruptions. • Clear progress tracking See exactly how many files have been exported and how much time remains. • Smart space check PhotoBackup External verifies available space on the drive before starting the backup, preventing failed transfers. • Perfect for large libraries Ideal for users with tens of thousands of photos who need a simple and dependable solution. Built for privacy Your photos never leave your device. The app performs backup locally and does not upload data anywhere. Simple. Safe. Offline. Free up storage, protect your memories, and keep full ownership of your photo library — all with a single app.

Screenshots

Backup Disk4 screens
PhotoBackup External4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: PhotoBackup External at none against Backup Disk's 3. PhotoBackup External also leads on update cadence (weekly vs every 5 months). Backup Disk's advantage is device support (4 vs 2) and iOS requirement (14.0 vs 17.6). On price and ads there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Backup Disk sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. PhotoBackup External asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Backup Disk ships an update every 5 months, PhotoBackup External weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 3, 2026 and October 10, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
Backup Disk versus PhotoBackup External: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterBackup DiskPhotoBackup External
PriceFreeFree
Rating—4.8 (20 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—80.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—20 — better
Update frequencyEvery 5 monthsWeekly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
Monetization—Free
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS14.0 — better17.6
Further details — not scored
Size7 MB3 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMuharrem OzkanFastask OU

In-app purchases

3 purchases

Backup Disk

Subscriptions2
  • Backup Disk PRO Monthly$2.991 Month
  • Backup Disk PRO Annual3 Days trial$9.991 Year
One-time1
  • Backup Disk PRO Lifetime$19.99
None

PhotoBackup External

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Backup Disk free?
Backup Disk is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is PhotoBackup External free?
PhotoBackup External is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Backup Disk or PhotoBackup External have ads?
Neither Backup Disk nor PhotoBackup External shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Backup Disk or PhotoBackup External?
Backup Disk ships an update every 5 months, and PhotoBackup External weekly. Most recently, Backup Disk was updated on October 3, 2026 and PhotoBackup External on October 10, 2026.

Other comparisons