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Rectangular black portable SSD with numeric keypad, USB 3.0 port, 3.3 by 4.7 by .7 inches

Apricorn

Apricorn A25-3PL256-S256 256GB portable SSD

SKU CH-1WQ8-S2BB3 MPN A25-3PL256-S256

Hardware-encrypted 256 GB portable SSD with PIN keypad, 256-bit AES-XTS protection, and USB 3.0 speeds up to 160 MB/s read and 145 MB/s write

  • Total capacity256 GB
  • Interface typeUSB 3.0
  • Product depth4.7 in (11.9 cm)
  • Key featuresPackage Contents: Encrypted USB 3.0 Solid State Drive with P
  • Overall width3.3 in (8.38 cm)
  • Overall height0.7 in (1.78 cm)
  • Hardware PIN access protects data without software
  • Real-time 256-bit AES-XTS encryption secures files instantly
  • 160 MB/s read speed moves large projects fast
  • 145 MB/s write speed backs up data quickly
  • 256 GB capacity stores documents and media securely

Encrypted portable SSD for secure data transport

The Apricorn Aegis Padlock 3.0 is a 256GB external solid-state drive with hardware-based 256-bit AES-XTS encryption. It unlocks via an onboard keypad using a personal PIN, requiring no software installation. A USB 3.0 interface delivers maximum read speeds of 160 MBps and write speeds of 145 MBps. The package includes a Y-auxiliary power cable and a travel pouch.

Suited for users needing hardware encryption

This drive suits professionals handling sensitive files who want plug-and-play security across Windows, macOS and Linux. The keypad works before the operating system loads, so the drive can be used to boot secure environments. Buyers who need higher capacity than 256GB or faster transfer rates than USB 3.0 provides should consider other options. The physical keypad adds bulk compared to software-only encrypted drives.

256GB capacity with USB 3.0 performance limits

The 256GB capacity comfortably holds operating-system images, encrypted project folders and large document archives. Sequential workloads run at up to 160 MBps read and 145 MBps write, which is sufficient for direct file editing and backups. Sustained heavy workloads or large batch transfers will saturate the USB 3.0 bus, so users moving multi-gigabyte video files daily will see the interface bottleneck before the SSD does.

How it compares

Measured against everything we stock in Portable USB SSDs, at today’s prices. Recalculated every night.

Price $176.99
Cheaper than about 56% of the 410 comparable items (median $202.99).
Total capacity 256 GB
Lower than about 95% of the 311 comparable items (median 1 TB).
Price per TB $691.37 per TB
Pricier than about 99% of the 310 comparable items (median $142.00 per TB).

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Specifications

Product
Brand nameApricorn
Model nameA25-3PL256-S256
Total capacity256 GB
Ports & slots
Interface typeUSB 3.0
Size & build
Overall width3.3 in (8.38 cm)
Product depth4.7 in (11.9 cm)
Overall height0.7 in (1.78 cm)
Product weight6.2 oz
Shipping weight0.45 kg
Package size203 × 152 × 64 mm

Questions about this item

What host connection does the Apricorn A25-3PL256-S256 need to reach its 160 MB/s read speed?

It requires a USB 3.0 port on the host. The drive connects through its built-in USB 3.0 interface and includes a Y-auxiliary power cable for ports that cannot supply enough current on their own.

Will the drive work on a computer that only has USB 2.0 ports?

Yes. The USB 3.0 interface is backward compatible with USB 2.0, so the drive will be recognised and usable, though transfer rates will be limited to the older standard's maximum.

How can I confirm the 256-bit AES-XTS encryption is active after I set my PIN?

Once a PIN is created, the drive locks automatically when power is removed. Reconnect it and the keypad will demand the PIN before the operating system sees any volumes, proving the hardware encryption is engaged.

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