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Apricorn Aegis Padlock 16 TB Solid State Drive - External - USB 3.0 (A25-3PL256-S16TBF)
- Solid State Drive offers maximum efficiency and usability
- External drive type for a reliable and convenient storage solution
- With 16 TB capacity you have ample space for storing millions of images, hundreds of hours of video or for music lovers, up to a million songs
- For super-fast data transfer, the drive takes advantage of USB 3.0 connectivity
- Data Encryption feature effectively protects your precious and valuable data from unauthorized access
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Learn more about the Apricorn Aegis Padlock 16 TB
| Brand | Apricorn |
|---|---|
| Series | Aegis Padlock |
| Model | Aegis Padlock 16 TB |
| Part Number | A25-3PL256-S16TBF |
| Capacity | 16TB |
|---|---|
| Interface | USB 3.0 |
| First Listed on Newegg | January 15, 2026 |
|---|
Warranty & Returns
Warranty, Returns, And Additional Information
Warranty
- Limited Warranty period (parts): 3 years
- Limited Warranty period (labor): 3 years
- Read full details
Return Policies
- Return for refund until: January 31, 2027
- Return for replacement until: January 31, 2027
- This item is covered by Newegg.com's Extended Holiday Return Policy.
- Read full return policy for details.
We want to ensure your holiday shopping this year is hassle-free. That’s why we’re automatically extending our return policies on almost every product! For purchases placed between November 1st, 2026 and December 31, 2026 you will have until January 31, 2027 to return your product.
Manufacturer Contact Info
- Manufacturer Product Page
- Manufacturer Website
- Support Phone: 1-800-458-5448
- Support Website
- View other products from Apricorn
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The Apricorn Aegis Padlock is a 16TB external SSD with USB 3.0 connectivity and data encryption, suited to users who need high-capacity storage for large media libraries or valuable files.
Recommended For
- People who carry confidential work files between locations and want to unlock the drive with its onboard keypad rather than depend on encryption software installed on each computer.
- IT and security teams distributing sensitive data to staff or partners, especially where a physical PIN and hardware-based encryption fit the organization’s handling requirements.
- Photographers, video crews, and other field workers who need to transport large project files on a portable drive and value built-in access control alongside storage capacity.
- Users who move data among different computers or operating systems and prefer a drive that handles authentication and encryption on the device instead of requiring host-installed security software.
Real-World Use Scenarios
- A consultant carrying client files between offices can keep them on the drive while it is unplugged; the keypad and hardware encryption add a barrier if the drive is lost or left behind.
- A video or photo professional moving a large project between workstations can use the drive as a portable handoff; after PIN entry, it works like USB storage on compatible systems without requiring encryption software on the host.
- A small business keeping an offline copy of sensitive work files can disconnect the drive between updates, reducing its exposure to network-based access; it should remain a secondary copy, not the only backup.
- A team handing files between a few authorized staff members can use individual user PINs for access; the drive supports multiple user PINs, though setup and access rules need to be managed.
- Someone who needs to move files between different computer platforms can use the drive on compatible USB mass-storage systems; its on-device encryption avoids relying on host-installed encryption software.
Spec Summary
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Best For | Portable external solid-state storage for desktop users who need 16 TB of capacity |
| Capacity | 16 TB |
| Interface And Form Factor | USB 3.0 interface in a 2.5-inch external drive form factor |
| Model Identifiers | Apricorn Aegis Padlock 16 TB; model/part number A25-3PL256-S16TBF |
Reference Q&A
Q: Should I choose the 16TB Aegis Padlock or a faster portable SSD?
A: Choose the 16TB Aegis Padlock when large-capacity storage, keypad access, and hardware-based encryption are priorities. Its USB 3.2 Gen 1 interface is rated by Apricorn for up to 360 MB/s; a performance-focused drive such as the Aegis NVX is rated up to 1,000 MB/s but is available in capacities up to 2TB. Choose the faster, lower-capacity option when transfer speed matters more than 16TB of storage.
Q: Is the 16TB Aegis Padlock worth choosing over a regular 16TB external SSD?
A: Choose the Aegis Padlock if you want a built-in keypad and hardware encryption that works without installing encryption software. Choose a regular external SSD if those security features are not needed and your priority is transfer performance; Apricorn rates the Padlock at up to 360 MB/s, and independent testing of an earlier Padlock SSD found lower speeds in its benchmarks. Those test results are not measurements of this 16TB configuration.
Q: Should I get the 16TB Aegis Padlock SSD or the 16TB Aegis Padlock DT?
A: Choose the 16TB Padlock SSD for portable, bus-powered storage and a manufacturer-rated transfer rate of up to 360 MB/s. Consider the Padlock DT when you prefer a desktop drive; its HDD configurations are rated up to 159 MB/s. The SSD is the more suitable choice when portability and SSD-based storage matter, while the DT is designed for desktop use.
Q: Should I buy the 16TB Aegis Padlock or a smaller-capacity version?
A: Choose 16TB if your files need that much space in one encrypted portable drive or you want more room for future storage needs. Choose a smaller Padlock SSD capacity if it already covers your storage needs; the core product positioning remains keypad authentication and hardware encryption, while capacity is the main difference in this comparison.
Q: Does this drive protect stored data?
A: The product information lists data encryption to help protect stored files from unauthorized access. It does not specify the encryption standard or password-recovery options, so confirm those details before relying on it for sensitive data.
Q: Will it work with my computer?
A: The drive uses USB 3.0, but the supplied product information does not confirm operating-system compatibility or its preformatted file system. Check your computer’s USB connection and file-system requirements; reformatting may be needed for some setups.
Q: Is 16 TB enough for large photo, video, and music libraries?
A: The listed 16 TB capacity is intended for large collections of files, including photos, videos, and music. The exact number of files it holds depends on their sizes and the space used by formatting and other data.
Q: How fast will file transfers be?
A: The drive uses USB 3.0, but the supplied product information gives no read- or write-speed rating. Actual transfer times can vary with the computer, connection, and files being transferred.
Q: Is the Aegis Padlock suitable for carrying sensitive work files?
A: It may suit users who need portable storage with data encryption: the product listing specifies encryption, and Reddit discussions mention Aegis Padlock drives for moving work and forensic data. Those discussions concern the product line, not necessarily this exact 16 TB model.
Q: Is the added security worth the cost?
A: It depends on whether built-in data encryption is important for your use. A YouTube review of an Aegis Padlock 3.0 describes it as aimed at mobile professionals who want added security, while noting a high price; that review is not of this exact 16 TB SKU.
Q: What trade-offs should I consider before buying an Aegis Padlock?
A: Community feedback is mixed: one Reddit discussion reports long-running, positive use, while another commenter in the same thread reports cable failures. A YouTube review also notes average build quality. These are reports about Aegis Padlock products generally, not verified findings about this 16 TB model.