Apricorn
Apricorn Aegis Padlock 2.5" 500GB 256bit encryption hard drive
Best portable drive for professionals needing secure, encrypted data storage.
Safeguard your sensitive data with the Apricorn Aegis Padlock portable hard drive. This 500GB drive offers robust 256-bit hardware encryption, ensuring your files are protected wherever you go. Featuring fast USB 3.0 connectivity for quick transfers and a reliable 5400 RPM rotational speed, it's ideal for professionals needing to secure confidential information on the move. Its compact 2.5-inch form factor makes it highly portable, providing peace of mind for critical backups and secure data storage.
$179.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
562
/ 2796
#562 in Hard Drives
Price vs Category Average
-66%
Below average
Capacity
500
/ GB
Who it's for
- Security-conscious professionals needing ironclad data protection at rest
- Users requiring platform-agnostic access free from software vulnerabilities
- Regulated organizations demanding strict government-grade compliance standards
Who should skip it
- Power users prioritizing rapid file transfer speeds
- Budget-focused shoppers seeking maximum storage capacity for their money
- High-frequency users concerned about long-term physical keypad degradation
Performance breakdown
Security Robustness
Hardware-based encryption provides ironclad protection for your most sensitive digital assets.
Portability
Compact form factor fits easily into any bag for secure mobile storage.
Data Transfer Speed
USB 3.0 connectivity is reliable but limited by traditional spinning disk speeds.
Build Durability
Rugged construction designed to withstand the rigors of frequent travel.
Ease of Access
On-drive keypad authentication makes unlocking your data simple and platform independent.
Storage Capacity
500GB is sufficient for essential documents but trails modern high-capacity standards.
Key Specs
Capacity
500GB
Rotational Speed
5400 rpm
Encryption Standard
256-bit
Interface
USB 3.0
Form Factor
2.5 Inch
Drive Type
HDD
Model Number
A25-3PL256-500
SKU
63873
Features
- Hardware-based 256-bit encryption for maximum security
- Portable 2.5-inch design for easy transport
- Fast data transfer with USB 3.0
- Reliable 5400 RPM performance
- Ample 500GB storage capacity
- Ideal for secure external data storage
- Protects sensitive information on the go
What customers say
Customers overwhelmingly value the Apricorn Aegis Padlock for its uncompromising data security. The hardware based 256 bit AES XTS encryption, accessed via a physical PIN pad, is trusted implicitly, especially by users in security conscious roles. This approach effectively bypasses software vulnerabilities. Reviewers appreciate the drive’s robust build quality and its seamless, driver free deployment across different operating systems. While the cost per gigabyte is higher than some alternatives, users accept this trade off for reliable, impenetrable portable storage that meets high security standards. The consensus confirms this device delivers exactly the dependable security promised.
Know before you buy
Hardware encryption happens directly on the drive's controller, meaning your encryption keys are never stored on your computer's RAM. This makes the drive immune to software-based attacks and key-logging, providing a much higher level of security for sensitive data.
No, the Aegis Padlock is platform-independent. Because the authentication happens via the physical keypad on the drive itself, it works with any operating system that supports USB mass storage without requiring drivers or software.
Yes, the drive is backward compatible with USB 2.0 and 1.1 ports. However, you will experience significantly slower data transfer speeds compared to using a USB 3.0 connection.
The drive is designed to be highly secure, so if you lose your PIN, there is no 'backdoor' to recover your data. You would need to reset the drive to its factory settings, which will permanently erase all stored information.
While 5400 RPM is standard for portable HDDs, it is perfectly adequate for routine backups and document storage. If you are planning to run intensive applications or edit high-resolution video directly from the drive, you might find it slower than a modern SSD.
No, the drive is bus-powered, meaning it draws all the necessary power directly from the USB port on your computer. You do not need to carry a separate power adapter.
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