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iStorage diskAshur2 HDD 500 GB | Secure Portable Hard Drive | Password Protected | Dust/Water-Resistant | Hardware Encryption
iStorage

iStorage diskAshur2 HDD 500 GB

Bottom line: The iStorage diskAshur2 HDD 500 GB ($199.95 on Amazon as of 2026-10-07): AES-XTS 256-bit hardware encryption, zero software or drivers required; main trade-off: spinning HDD tops out near 160MB/s read, slower than SSDs.

$199.95

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Buy on Amazon — $199.95 Compare to similar external storage

By , Founder & Editor-in-Chief · Listing data updated

Mike Perry — Hardware researcher since 2014. For external drives and portable storage, synthesises manufacturer specs and independent reviews rather than first-hand lab testing. Core beat: GPU performance across gaming, rendering, and local-LLM inference.

*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-07. Price and availability subject to change.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • ✓ AES-XTS 256-bit hardware encryption, zero software or drivers required
  • ✓ Unlock with a 7-15 digit PIN; works on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android
  • ✓ IP56 dust- and splashproof, rugged build for travel
  • ✓ Common Criteria EAL 5+ certified secure microprocessor
  • ✓ Helps meet GDPR, CCPA and HIPAA data-compliance needs

Cons

  • ✗ Spinning HDD tops out near 160MB/s read, slower than SSDs
  • ✗ No PIN recovery: forget the code and data is unrecoverable
  • ✗ IP56 is splash-resistant only, not fully submersible

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SpecPicks Verdict

SpecPicks scored iStorage diskAshur2 HDD 500 GB using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the external storage category. iStorage's external storage lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.

Common buyer scenarios for external storage of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.

Key Features

  • Easy to use: Perfect solution to protect your digital assets. Simply enter a 7-15 digit PIN to authenticate and use as a normal portable HDD. When the drive is disconnected, all data is encrypted using AES-XTS 256-bit hardware encryption (no software required).
  • The diskAshur2 helps you ensure compliance with data regulations such as GDPR, CCPA, HIPAA.
  • The diskAshur2 is the perfect solution for storing your personal or company data. Carry the diskAshur2 with you wherever you go. Portable, rugged, dust & splashproof (IP56 certified) Without the PIN, there’s no way IN! All data transferred to the drive is encrypted in real time and is protected from unauthorised access even if the device is lost or stolen! The diskAshur2 incorporates a Common Criteria EAL 5+ (Hardware Certified) secure microprocessor.
  • The diskAshur2 will work on any device with a USB port, no software is required. Compatible with: MS Windows, macOS, Linux, Chrome, Android, Thin Clients, Zero Clients, Embedded Systems, Citrix and VMware.
  • Transfer your files in seconds Lightning fast backwards compatible USB 3.2 data transfer speeds. Up to 160MB/s Read speeds Up to 143MB/s Write speeds.

Full Specifications

BrandiStorage
ColorBlack
Model NamediskAshur2 HDD
Read Speed160 megabytes_per_second
Unit Count1 Count
Form Factor2.5-inch
Media SpeedRead 148 MBps / Write 140 MBps
ConnectivityUSB
Model NumberIS-DA2-256-500-B
CompatibilityAndroid, Mac, Linux
Hard-Drive Size500 GB
Mfr Part NumberIS-DA2-256-500-B
Number of Items1
Special FeatureWater Resistant
Hardware PlatformLinux, Mac, PC
Installation TypeExternal Hard Drive
Compatible DevicesCamera, Desktop, Gaming Console, Laptop, Smartphone
Data Transfer Rate140 megabits_per_second
Enclosure MaterialAluminum/Glass/Ceramic
Additional FeaturesWater Resistant
Full listing titleiStorage diskAshur2 HDD 500 GB | Secure Portable Hard Drive | Password Protected | Dust/Water-Resistant | Hardware Encryption

Ready to buy?

iStorage diskAshur2 HDD 500 GB | Secure Portable Hard Drive | Password Protected | Dust/Water-Resistant | Hardware Encryption is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.

Buy on Amazon — $199.95

*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-07. Price and availability subject to change.

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iStorage diskAshur2 HDD 500 GB | Secure Portable Hard Drive | Password Protected | Dust/Water-Resistant | Hardware Encryption
$199.95
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