iStorage diskAshur2 HDD 500GB Green
Bottom line: The iStorage diskAshur2 HDD 500GB Green ($199.95 on Amazon as of 2026-10-07): AES-XTS 256-bit hardware encryption, no software or drivers required; main trade-off: spinning HDD, slower and less shock-safe than an encrypted SSD.
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*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, no software or drivers required
- ✓ Common Criteria EAL 5+ certified secure microprocessor
- ✓ IP56-rated dust and splashproof rugged aluminum enclosure
- ✓ Up to 160MB/s read, 143MB/s write over USB 3.2
- ✓ Works on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, thin and zero clients
Cons
- ✗ Spinning HDD, slower and less shock-safe than an encrypted SSD
- ✗ Forgotten 7-15 digit PIN means the data is unrecoverable
- ✗ 500GB ceiling is tight for large photo or video backups
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored iStorage diskAshur2 HDD 500GB Green 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
| Brand | iStorage |
|---|---|
| Color | Green |
| Model Name | diskAshur2 HDD |
| Read Speed | 160 megabytes_per_second |
| Unit Count | 1 Count |
| Form Factor | 2.5-inch |
| Media Speed | Read 148 MBps / Write 140 MBps |
| Connectivity | USB |
| Model Number | IS-DA2-256-500-GN |
| Compatibility | Android, Mac, Linux |
| Hard-Drive Size | 500 GB |
| Mfr Part Number | IS-DA2-256-500-GN |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Special Feature | Water Resistant |
| Hardware Platform | Linux, Mac, PC |
| Installation Type | External Hard Drive |
| Compatible Devices | Camera, Desktop, Gaming Console, Laptop, Smartphone |
| Data Transfer Rate | 148 megabits_per_second |
| Additional Features | Water Resistant |
| Hard Disk Interface | USB 3.0 |
| Full listing title | iStorage diskAshur2 HDD 500GB Green | Secure portable hard drive | Password protected | Dust & water resistant | Hardware Encryption |
Ready to buy?
iStorage diskAshur2 HDD 500GB Green | 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.
*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-07. Price and availability subject to change.
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