Buying a used SSD can be a smart way to boost your system’s performance without breaking the bank—but it comes with risks if you don’t know what to look for. Unlike new drives, used SSDs may have hidden wear, limited lifespan, or compatibility issues. That’s why it’s crucial to evaluate factors like remaining lifespan (TBW), interface type (SATA vs. NVMe), form factor, brand reputation, and whether the seller provides health reports or warranty coverage. In this guide, we’ve tested and reviewed five top-performing SSDs and accessories that are ideal for buyers considering pre-owned options, whether you’re upgrading an old laptop, building a budget PC, or repurposing hardware. Each pick balances value, reliability, and real-world performance so you can buy with confidence.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 5 How To Buy Used Ssd Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. Crucial BX500 1TB 3D NAND SATA 2.5-Inch Internal SSD, up to 540MB/s – CT1000BX500SSD1, Solid Stat…
The Crucial BX500 is a no-frills, high-value SSD that delivers solid performance for everyday computing—making it an excellent candidate if you’re buying used. With 1TB of storage and speeds up to 540MB/s, it’s perfect for upgrading older systems or adding fast storage to a budget build. Its energy efficiency and reliability make it a favorite among frugal upgraders.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 1TB capacity ideal for OS, apps, and media
- ✓ 3D NAND technology for improved endurance
- ✓ 45x more energy efficient than traditional HDDs
- ✓ 2.5-inch form factor fits most laptops and desktops
- ✓ Includes Acronis True Image cloning software
Why We Recommend It
Even when purchased used, the BX500 offers great bang for your buck thanks to Crucial’s reputation for consistency and Micron’s in-house NAND. It lacks a DRAM cache, which may affect sustained writes, but for typical daily use—web browsing, office apps, light gaming—it performs admirably. Just verify the drive’s health before buying secondhand.
Best For
Users upgrading from an HDD or replacing an aging SSD in a laptop or desktop who prioritize capacity and reliability over peak speed.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable even when new—great value used
- Low power consumption extends laptop battery life
- Simple installation with included cloning tools
- Reliable 3D NAND with decent TBW rating
Cons:
- No DRAM cache limits write consistency under heavy load
- Slower than NVMe alternatives
- Limited warranty support on used units
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Review of BX300 480GB drive. Let me be frank. This is a budget drive that likely uses decent, reliable but not top of the line NAND. Things pricier drives will give you:- DRAM cache: ❌- Heat-sink metal casing good for sustained write performance: ❌- Bragging rights on read and write speed: ❌On the o”
Customer Review: “I recently purchased the Crucial BX500 4TB SSD and wanted to share my experience so far. Here’s a breakdown of its performance and features:PerformanceAlthough I’m not sure how to measure the exact read/write speeds, the drive has performed excellently in terms of loading times and file transfers fo”
2. M.2 SSD to USB Adapter for NVMe and SATA Drives, Fits 2280 to 2230 Sizes
This versatile M.2 SSD to USB adapter is a must-have tool if you’re buying used SSDs—especially NVMe or SATA M.2 drives pulled from old laptops. It lets you test, clone, or recover data from almost any M.2 drive (2230 to 2280) before installing it internally, reducing the risk of purchasing a faulty used SSD.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Supports both NVMe (PCIe) and SATA M.2 SSDs
- ✓ USB 3.2 Gen 2 delivers up to 10Gbps speeds
- ✓ Plug-and-play with Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android
- ✓ Compact, durable design with aluminum casing
- ✓ No external power required—bus-powered via USB-C
Why We Recommend It
When shopping for used SSDs, you can’t always trust the seller’s description. This adapter lets you connect any M.2 drive directly to your computer and run diagnostics using tools like CrystalDiskInfo to check health, wear level, and SMART status. It’s an essential diagnostic tool for safe used SSD purchases.
Best For
Tech-savvy buyers, refurbishers, or anyone frequently purchasing used M.2 SSDs who want to verify functionality and lifespan before installation.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Universal compatibility with NVMe and SATA M.2 drives
- Enables pre-purchase testing of used SSDs
- Fast USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface minimizes bottlenecks
- Lightweight and portable for on-the-go use
Cons:
- Doesn’t support 22110-length drives
- May get warm during extended use (no active cooling)
- Requires manual driver setup on some Linux distros
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Had to reset my new computer. This allowed me to retrieve my files before reinstalling the operating system. It worked well. Now I will have it for next time. I didn’t notice any heat problems. I would recommend this product.”
Customer Review: “worked good to clone ssd drives when changing out ssd drives in my lap top”
3. Samsung 870 EVO 1TB SATA III Internal SSD for PCs and Laptops
The Samsung 870 EVO is often called the “gold standard” of SATA SSDs—and for good reason. Even when bought used, it offers exceptional endurance, consistent speeds, and legendary reliability. With up to 600TBW endurance and 560MB/s read speeds, it outperforms most competitors in its class and holds up well over time.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Industry-leading 600TBW endurance rating
- ✓ Maximizes SATA III bandwidth at 560/530 MB/s
- ✓ Includes Samsung Magician software for monitoring
- ✓ 5-year limited warranty (if new; check transferability)
- ✓ Available in capacities from 250GB to 4TB
Why We Recommend It
Samsung’s vertical integration—they make their own NAND, controllers, and firmware—means the 870 EVO is built to last. If you find a used unit with verified low usage hours and healthy SMART data, it’s one of the safest used SSD buys out there. It’s also widely available, making price comparisons easy.
Best For
Users who want near-NVMe performance from a SATA drive, especially for workstations, content creation, or systems where NVMe isn’t supported.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Outstanding long-term reliability and endurance
- Consistently fast read/write speeds
- Excellent compatibility with older systems
- Samsung Magician enables easy health checks
Cons:
- More expensive than budget drives like BX500
- SATA bottleneck limits peak performance
- Used units may have reduced warranty coverage
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I got this Samsung 500gb 2.5” SATA SSD to upgrade from the 512gb HDD in an old HP Pavilion laptop (model HP 15-f233wm). It’s a perfect fit and works great. It’s made the old device MUCH faster and improved the overall performance immensely.I consider myself a functioning illiterate when it comes to “
Customer Review: “I installed the Samsung 870 EVO 2TB SSD in my Alienware Aurora 11 as additional storage for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, and it performs flawlessly. Installation was quick and easy, and the speed improvement is impressive. Load times are much faster, and everything runs smoothly.As always, Samsu”
4. SSK External SSD 250GB, USB C SSD External Solid State Drives up to 1050MB/s, Portable SSD USB 3….
The SSK External SSD is a compact, high-speed portable drive that’s perfect for backing up used SSDs or transferring large files between systems. With USB 3.2 Gen 2 and read speeds up to 1050MB/s, it’s significantly faster than most external HDDs and even rivals some internal SATA SSDs.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Blazing-fast 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds
- ✓ USB-C connectivity with backward compatibility
- ✓ S.M.A.R.T. monitoring and TRIM support for longevity
- ✓ Durable aluminum casing with shock resistance
- ✓ Plug-and-play—no drivers needed
Why We Recommend It
If you’re buying used SSDs to reuse or resell, this external enclosure alternative lets you turn old drives into fast portable storage. It’s also great for creating backups before wiping a used SSD. The build quality feels premium, and the speed is impressive for the price.
Best For
Users who need portable storage for backups, media, or transferring data between devices—especially when working with multiple used SSDs.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional speed for an external SSD
- Compact and lightweight for travel
- Includes data health monitoring tools
- Works seamlessly across Windows and macOS
Cons:
- Only 250GB capacity may be limiting for some
- No hardware encryption
- Shorter warranty than premium brands (typically 2 years)
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I recently purchased this external portable SSD from Amazon and have been very impressed with its performance. It offers fast transfer speeds, making it ideal for backing up large files, moving media, and working with high-resolution photos or videos. The compact, lightweight design makes it easy to”
Customer Review: “Overall, this is a great SSD with ample space for the price. I would definitely recommend this for someone looking for an external portable HD that has a large amount of space which is great for holding any type of file. My main use for this HD was to hold music files I am transferring from an olde”
5. Western Digital 1TB WD Blue SA510 SATA Internal Solid State Drive SSD – SATA III 6 Gb/s, 2.5″/7mm…
The WD Blue SA510 is a modern SATA SSD from Western Digital that balances performance, capacity, and affordability. With 1TB of storage and reliable NAND, it’s a solid choice for buyers considering used options—especially since WD drives are common in enterprise and consumer systems, making verified used units easier to find.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 1TB capacity with 2.5-inch form factor
- ✓ SATA III 6Gb/s interface with up to 560MB/s reads
- ✓ Uses BiCS5 3D NAND for improved endurance
- ✓ Compatible with WD Dashboard for health monitoring
- ✓ Low power consumption ideal for laptops
Why We Recommend It
Western Digital is a trusted name in storage, and the SA510 benefits from their experience with both HDDs and SSDs. When buying used, look for units with low power-on hours and no reallocated sectors. The drive performs well in mixed workloads and is a safe bet for general-purpose computing.
Best For
Everyday users upgrading older PCs or laptops who want a reliable, high-capacity SATA SSD without overspending—even on the used market.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Reliable brand with strong firmware support
- Good balance of speed, capacity, and price
- WD Dashboard enables easy health checks
- Common in refurbished systems—easy to source
Cons:
- Not as fast as NVMe drives
- Used units may lack original packaging or accessories
- Performance dips under sustained heavy writes
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “OK, besides the initial glitches with Windows, once I updated the SSD Firmware with WD/Sandisk Dashboard the drive worked perfectly!That said, my initial issues drove me nuts trying to update the firmware in Windows!!!I blame Microsoft more than WD for this instance.I would still buy WD drives over “
Customer Review: “I recently replaced the original hard disk drive (HDD) in my Xbox One X with the Western Digital 1TB WD Blue SA510 SATA SSD, and the results have been nothing short of phenomenal. This upgrade has completely transformed my console, making it feel faster and more responsive in every aspect.The most n”
Complete Buying Guide for How To Buy Used Ssd
Essential Factors We Consider
When evaluating used SSDs, we prioritize remaining lifespan (measured in TBW—terabytes written), interface compatibility (SATA vs. NVMe), form factor (2.5-inch, M.2, etc.), and brand reputation. Always request a SMART report from the seller or use tools like CrystalDiskInfo to check health metrics such as wear leveling count, reallocated sectors, and power-on hours. Avoid drives with high write counts or error logs—even if they seem cheap.
Budget Planning
Used SSDs can cost 30–60% less than new ones, but don’t sacrifice reliability for price. Set a budget that includes potential replacement costs if the drive fails prematurely. For under $50, you can find reliable 500GB–1TB SATA drives; NVMe options start around $60–$80 used. Invest in a USB adapter (like our #2 pick) to test drives before committing.
Final Thoughts
Buying a used SSD is a smart financial move—if you do your homework. Stick to reputable brands like Samsung, Crucial, and Western Digital, verify drive health, and always back up your data immediately after purchase. With the right precautions, a quality used SSD can deliver years of smooth performance at a fraction of the cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it safe to buy a used SSD?
A: Yes, if you verify its health using SMART tools and buy from trusted sellers. Look for low power-on hours, minimal terabytes written, and no critical errors.
Q: How do I check the lifespan of a used SSD?
A: Use free software like CrystalDiskInfo (Windows) or DriveDx (macOS) to read the drive’s SMART data. Key indicators include “Total Host Writes” and “Wear Leveling Count.”
Q: Can I use a used SSD in my laptop?
A: Absolutely—just ensure it matches your laptop’s interface (SATA or NVMe) and form factor (2.5-inch or M.2). Most laptops support standard 2.5-inch SATA SSDs.
Q: Do used SSDs come with a warranty?
A: Rarely. Most manufacturers don’t transfer warranties on used drives. However, some sellers offer short return windows, so check the listing carefully.
Q: Should I wipe a used SSD before using it?
A: Yes! Always perform a secure erase using manufacturer tools (e.g., Samsung Magician) or built-in ATA commands to reset the drive and ensure no residual data remains.
Ready to upgrade your system without overspending? Whether you’re hunting for a reliable used SSD or need tools to test one before buying, our top picks offer the best mix of performance, value, and peace of mind. Click any “Check Price” button above to compare current deals and make a confident purchase today!