Deciding whether to buy a QVO SSD can be confusing, especially when you’re balancing performance, storage capacity, and budget. Samsung’s QVO series—like the 860 QVO and 870 QVO—offers high-capacity storage at a lower price point by using quad-level cell (QLC) NAND technology. While they’re not the fastest SSDs on the market, they deliver solid everyday performance for general computing, file storage, and light multitasking. In this guide, we break down the best QVO SSDs and comparable alternatives to help you decide: Should I buy a QVO SSD? Whether you’re upgrading an older laptop or building a budget-friendly desktop, we’ve got expert-tested recommendations that balance value, reliability, and real-world usability.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 7 Should I Buy A Qvo Ssd Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. SAMSUNG 860 QVO 1TB Solid State Drive – V-NAND, SATA 6Gb/s
The Samsung 860 QVO 1TB is a solid entry-level SSD that brings high-capacity storage to budget-conscious users. Built with Samsung’s V-NAND technology, it delivers reliable everyday performance for booting your system, loading apps, and storing large files like photos and videos. If you’re asking, should I buy a QVO SSD, this model is a great starting point—especially if you need more space without breaking the bank.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Sequential read/write speeds up to 550MB/s and 520MB/s
- ✓ 1TB capacity ideal for media storage and general use
- ✓ Intelligent TurboWrite boosts short-term write performance
- ✓ 3-year limited warranty for peace of mind
- ✓ Compatible with most laptops and desktops via SATA III
Why We Recommend It
This SSD strikes a smart balance between affordability and performance. While it uses QLC NAND—which isn’t ideal for heavy write workloads—it’s perfectly suited for typical home and office tasks. Samsung’s reputation for reliability and the inclusion of data migration software make installation hassle-free.
Best For
Users upgrading from an HDD or needing extra storage for documents, games, or media files without sacrificing too much speed.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Great value per gigabyte
- Solid everyday performance
- Easy setup with Samsung Magician software
- Reliable brand with strong warranty support
Cons:
- QLC NAND limits sustained write speeds
- No DRAM cache (relies on host memory buffer)
- Not ideal for intensive workloads like video editing
Customer Reviews
“Great Value SSD with Reliable Performance – I’ve been using the Samsung 860 QVO 1TB as a secondary drive, and it has turned out to be a solid upgrade for extra storage space. Setup was straightforward—SATA drives are basically plug-and-play, and Samsung includes migration software if you want to clone.”
“The Samsung 860 QVO 1TB SSD has exceeded all my expectations! As someone who needed more storage without sacrificing speed, this drive was the perfect solution. With SATA 6Gb/s and V-NAND technology, the performance is excellent—my boot times and file transfers are lightning fast compared to my old hard drive.”
2. SAMSUNG 870 QVO MZ – Next-Gen QLC Performance
The Samsung 870 QVO improves on its predecessor with better firmware and slightly faster speeds, making it a strong contender if you’re considering should I buy a QVO SSD for everyday computing. It maintains the same QLC architecture but offers improved endurance and consistency under light workloads.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Up to 560MB/s read and 530MB/s write speeds
- ✓ Available in capacities from 1TB to 8TB
- ✓ Enhanced TurboWrite buffer for smoother performance
- ✓ AES 256-bit hardware encryption support
- ✓ Backward compatible with SATA II and III systems
Why We Recommend It
Samsung refined the QVO formula with the 870 model, delivering better real-world responsiveness and longer lifespan compared to the 860. It’s a smart pick for users who want massive storage without paying NVMe prices.
Best For
Home users, students, and office workers who need large storage for files, games, or backups and don’t require professional-grade write speeds.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent capacity options (up to 8TB)
- Improved performance over 860 QVO
- Reliable Samsung build quality
- Good for media storage and light multitasking
Cons:
- Still uses QLC NAND (slower under heavy writes)
- No DRAM cache on lower capacities
- Not suitable for servers or constant write tasks
Customer Reviews
“The item was delivered super fast because it was a local delivery and the seller, Bizgram made extra effort for it to reach me fast. The item has just been mounted and the transfer speed is working fine as expected. As it is, the warranty is for 3 years and hopefully I do not need it. If there is a…”
“The item was delivered super fast because it was a local delivery and the seller, Bizgram made extra effort for it to reach me fast. The item has just been mounted and the transfer speed is working fine as expected. As it is, the warranty is for 3 years and hopefully I do not need it. If there is a…”
3. Samsung 870 EVO SATA III SSD 1TB – The Reliable Alternative
If you’re wondering should I buy a QVO SSD or spend a little more for better performance, the Samsung 870 EVO is the answer. It uses TLC NAND instead of QLC, offering faster write speeds, better endurance, and more consistent performance under load. It’s the gold standard for SATA SSDs.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Sequential speeds up to 560MB/s read, 530MB/s write
- ✓ 600 TBW endurance rating (5-year warranty)
- ✓ Includes DRAM cache for improved performance
- ✓ Samsung Magician software for optimization and monitoring
- ✓ Broad compatibility with PCs and laptops
Why We Recommend It
The 870 EVO outperforms QVO drives in every meaningful way except price per gigabyte. If you can stretch your budget slightly, this SSD offers near-NVMe responsiveness over SATA—making it ideal for OS drives, gaming, and productivity.
Best For
Users who want the best possible SATA SSD performance for boot drives, gaming, or multitasking without moving to M.2 form factors.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Superior speed and endurance vs QVO
- DRAM cache ensures consistent performance
- Excellent for OS and application drives
- Trusted by professionals and enthusiasts alike
Cons:
- More expensive than QVO models
- Still limited by SATA III bandwidth
- Larger capacities get pricey quickly
Customer Reviews
“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…”
“It’s a shame SATA III will likely be disappearing in the next 5 to 7 years, the form factor is so much nicer than NVMe and it is still more than fast enough for like 99 percent of people. There are SATA III drives available with real ECC error correction and super durable enterprise-grade drives, tryi…”
4. Samsung 870 QVO 8TB – Massive Storage for Media Hoarders
The Samsung 870 QVO 8TB is one of the largest consumer SATA SSDs available, offering incredible capacity at a fraction of the cost of NVMe alternatives. If you’re storing 4K videos, photo libraries, or game collections, this drive answers the question: should I buy a QVO SSD? Yes—if you need space more than speed.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Massive 8TB capacity in a single 2.5″ drive
- ✓ SATA III interface with up to 560MB/s read speeds
- ✓ Energy-efficient design ideal for always-on systems
- ✓ Compatible with most desktop and laptop systems
- ✓ 3-year warranty with Samsung support
Why We Recommend It
For users who need terabytes of fast storage without building a RAID array, this SSD is unbeatable. While QLC limits write endurance, it’s more than sufficient for read-heavy tasks like media playback and archival.
Best For
Content creators, photographers, and home server builders who need large, reliable storage without the complexity of multiple drives.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Unmatched capacity in SATA form factor
- Great for backups and media storage
- Lower power consumption than HDDs
- Silent operation with no moving parts
Cons:
- QLC NAND wears faster under heavy writes
- Expensive upfront cost despite good value
- Not ideal as a primary OS drive
Customer Reviews
“The product arrived quickly and met my expectations. The packaging was also secure. Thank you 🌈”
“I updated my Mac desktop (4TB) and used this, 8TB, and I love the results. I also transferred the 4TB info to the 8TB. This was a major upgrade and have no complaints.”
5. Crucial BX500 1TB – Budget-Friendly SATA SSD
The Crucial BX500 1TB is a no-frills SSD that delivers solid performance at an aggressive price. While it lacks the brand recognition of Samsung, it’s a great alternative if you’re debating should I buy a QVO SSD or go with a cheaper TLC-based drive. It uses 3D NAND and offers reliable speeds for everyday use.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Up to 540MB/s read and write speeds
- ✓ 1TB capacity with good value per GB
- ✓ Energy efficient—45x more than HDDs
- ✓ 3-year limited warranty
- ✓ Easy installation with included Acronis cloning software
Why We Recommend It
For users on a tight budget who still want a noticeable upgrade from an HDD, the BX500 is a smart choice. It may not have the polish of Samsung drives, but it gets the job done reliably.
Best For
Students, casual users, and anyone upgrading an older system who needs speed without premium pricing.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Very affordable for 1TB
- Decent performance for daily tasks
- Low power consumption
- Includes cloning software
Cons:
- No DRAM cache (uses HMB)
- Build quality feels less premium
- Slower under sustained workloads
Customer Reviews
“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…”
“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: Performance – Although 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…”
6. SanDisk SSD Plus 500GB – Simple, Reliable Upgrade
The SanDisk SSD Plus 500GB is a straightforward, no-nonsense SSD designed for users who want a quick upgrade without complexity. With read speeds up to 545MB/s, it’s a solid performer for the price and a worthy consideration when asking should I buy a QVO SSD or a similarly priced alternative.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Sequential read speeds up to 545MB/s
- ✓ Compact 2.5″ form factor fits most systems
- ✓ Shock-resistant and silent operation
- ✓ 3-year warranty
- ✓ Ideal for laptops and small-form-factor PCs
Why We Recommend It
SanDisk is a trusted name in storage, and this SSD delivers reliable performance for basic computing needs. It’s not the fastest, but it’s durable and easy to install.
Best For
Users upgrading older laptops or needing a secondary drive for documents and applications.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable and widely available
- Good for light daily use
- Compact and lightweight
- SanDisk reliability
Cons:
- No advanced features or software
- Limited write endurance
- Not suitable for heavy workloads
Customer Reviews
“This product is stable and reliable, and is highly recommended.”
“I ordered this SanDisk SSD Plus 500GB directly from Amazon a day before the outage and it still arrived the next day. Purchased for a game console restoration and it’s working perfectly.”
7. Crucial BX500 2TB – High-Capacity Budget SSD
The Crucial BX500 2TB doubles the capacity of its 1TB sibling, offering even better value for users who need more space. If you’re weighing should I buy a QVO SSD against other budget options, this drive gives you TLC-like performance at a competitive price.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 2TB capacity for large file storage
- ✓ Up to 540MB/s read/write speeds
- ✓ Dynamic Write Acceleration improves performance
- ✓ 3-year warranty with Crucial support
- ✓ Compatible with most SATA systems
Why We Recommend It
For users who need a lot of storage without paying QVO premiums, the BX500 2TB is a smart compromise. It’s not as fast as EVO drives, but it’s reliable and affordable.
Best For
Gamers, students, and home users who need bulk storage for media, games, or backups.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent value for 2TB
- Good everyday performance
- Low power usage
- Includes cloning software
Cons:
- No DRAM cache
- Performance drops under heavy load
- Basic design and packaging
Customer Reviews
“I have a Dell Inspiron 3521 that is 8 years old. Although I perform most tasks on my phone, I like to keep a laptop computer around to perform certain tasks that require a lot of typing and for printing documents. It got to where it was running extremely slow and often freezing. I decided to upgrade…”
“It’s good enough I bought two! I haven’t broken down and done any hardcore performance tests but they seem solid so far.”
Complete Buying Guide for Should I Buy A Qvo Ssd
Essential Factors We Consider
When evaluating whether you should buy a QVO SSD, we focus on real-world performance, endurance, price per gigabyte, and intended use. QVO drives use QLC NAND, which stores four bits per cell—this increases capacity and lowers cost but reduces write speed and lifespan compared to TLC or MLC NAND. They’re best suited for read-heavy tasks like booting systems, loading games, or storing media. Avoid QVO SSDs for servers, video editing rigs, or any system with constant write operations.
Budget Planning
QVO SSDs shine in budget builds where storage capacity matters more than peak performance. A 1TB QVO can cost 20–30% less than a comparable TLC drive like the Samsung 870 EVO. If you’re building a media server, backup drive, or secondary storage unit, QVO is a smart choice. However, if this will be your primary OS drive or you multitask heavily, consider spending a bit more for a TLC-based SSD with DRAM cache.
Final Thoughts
So, should you buy a QVO SSD? The answer depends on your needs. For general use, light gaming, and large-file storage, yes—QVO drives like the Samsung 860 or 870 QVO offer excellent value. But if you demand speed, consistency, or plan to use the drive intensively, opt for a TLC alternative like the 870 EVO or Crucial BX500. Always match the drive to your workload.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are QVO SSDs reliable for daily use?
A: Yes, QVO SSDs are reliable for everyday tasks like web browsing, office work, and media storage. Samsung and other brands back them with multi-year warranties, and real-world failure rates are low for typical consumer use.
Q: Can I use a QVO SSD as my primary boot drive?
A: You can, but it’s not ideal. While boot times will still be much faster than an HDD, QVO drives may slow down during large file transfers or system updates due to limited write speeds. For best results, pair a small TLC SSD (like a 500GB 870 EVO) as your OS drive with a QVO for storage.
Q: How long do QVO SSDs last?
A: Most QVO drives are rated for 300–600 TBW (terabytes written). For average users writing 20GB per day, that’s 10+ years of use. Heavy users should monitor drive health with tools like Samsung Magician or CrystalDiskInfo.
Q: Is a QVO SSD faster than an HDD?
A: Absolutely. Even the slowest QVO SSD delivers 5–10x faster boot times, application launches, and file transfers compared to a traditional hard drive.
Q: Should I buy a QVO SSD or wait for NVMe prices to drop?
A: If your system supports NVMe and you need top-tier speed, waiting might be worth it. But for most users, a SATA SSD—QVO or TLC—offers 90% of the benefit at half the cost. Don’t overpay for performance you won’t notice.
Still unsure whether you should buy a QVO SSD? Our top pick—the Samsung 860 QVO 1TB—offers the best balance of price, capacity, and brand reliability for most users. But if you can stretch your budget, the Samsung 870 EVO delivers superior performance and longevity. Whichever you choose, upgrading from an HDD to any SSD will transform your computing experience. Click any “Check Price” button above to compare current deals and make your upgrade today!