Thinking about buying a used SSD with low hours? You’re not alone. Many smart shoppers are turning to pre-owned solid-state drives to save money without sacrificing performance—especially when those drives show minimal usage. But is it really safe? The short answer: yes, if you know what to look for. Used SSDs with low power-on hours (typically under 500–1,000 hours) can be excellent value buys, offering near-new performance at a fraction of the cost. In this guide, we’ve tested and reviewed seven top SSDs that are ideal candidates for second-life use, whether you’re upgrading an old laptop, building a budget PC, or expanding storage affordably.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 7 Should I Buy Used Ssd With Low Hours Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. Crucial BX500 1TB 3D NAND SATA 2.5-Inch Internal SSD
The Crucial BX500 is a no-frills, high-value SSD that shines especially bright when bought used with low hours. It delivers reliable performance for everyday computing, booting up to 300% faster than traditional hard drives while using 45x less power—perfect for reviving older laptops or desktops on a budget.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 1TB capacity ideal for OS, apps, and media storage
- ✓ Up to 540MB/s read speeds via SATA III interface
- ✓ 3D NAND technology for improved durability and efficiency
- ✓ Energy-efficient design extends laptop battery life
Why We Recommend It
This drive offers exceptional value, especially in the used market. With minimal wear and low power-on hours, it performs nearly as well as new—but at a much lower price. Crucial’s reputation for reliability makes it a safe bet even when pre-owned.
Best For
Budget-conscious users upgrading from HDDs or replacing aging SSDs in older systems.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent price-to-performance ratio
- Low power consumption
- Reliable for daily tasks and light gaming
- Easy installation in most 2.5″ bays
Cons:
- No DRAM cache (may affect sustained writes)
- Basic plastic casing offers minimal heat dissipation
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: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. Samsung 870 EVO SATA III SSD 1TB
The Samsung 870 EVO is widely regarded as one of the best SATA SSDs ever made—and that reputation holds strong even in the used market. With professional-grade performance, industry-leading reliability, and compatibility across generations of hardware, it’s a top pick for anyone asking, “Should I buy used SSD with low hours?”
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Maxes out SATA III bandwidth at 560/530 MB/s read/write
- ✓ Up to 600 TBW (Terabytes Written) endurance rating
- ✓ 5-year limited warranty (often transferable if low hours)
- ✓ Advanced error correction and V-NAND technology
Why We Recommend It
Even second-hand, the 870 EVO outperforms many new budget drives. Its robust build and proven longevity mean a lightly used unit can still deliver years of flawless service—making it our editor’s choice for used SSD buyers.
Best For
Users who want near-NVMe speeds within SATA limits, or those upgrading workstations, content creation rigs, or high-use laptops.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Best-in-class performance for SATA SSDs
- Exceptional durability and TBW rating
- Wide compatibility with PCs, laptops, and even some consoles
- Samsung Magician software for health monitoring
Cons:
- Higher cost than budget alternatives (even used)
- SATA bottleneck limits peak potential vs. NVMe
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 “
“its a shame sata III will likely be disappearing in the next 5 to 7 years, the formfactor is so much nicer then nvme and it is still more then 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”
3. Western Digital 1TB WD Blue SA510 SATA SSD
The WD Blue SA510 combines solid performance with WD’s trusted reliability—and when found used with low hours, it becomes an unbeatable budget option. Whether you’re refreshing an aging system or adding fast storage without breaking the bank, this drive delivers consistent value.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 1TB capacity at an affordable price point
- ✓ SATA III 6Gb/s interface with up to 560MB/s reads
- ✓ Low-profile 7mm form factor fits most laptops
- ✓ Compatible with WD Dashboard for drive health checks
Why We Recommend It
This drive strikes the perfect balance between cost and capability. Used models with under 1,000 power-on hours often show negligible wear and retain full functionality—making them ideal for students, home users, or secondary storage needs.
Best For
Entry-level upgrades, school laptops, or anyone needing reliable SATA SSD storage on a tight budget.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Very competitive pricing (new and used)
- Reliable brand with good firmware support
- Compact and lightweight
- Great for OS and application drives
Cons:
- Not the fastest in sustained write scenarios
- Limited cache compared to premium drives
Customer Reviews
“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 “
“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”
4. Samsung Electronics 870 EVO 2TB SATA III Internal SSD
Need more space? The 2TB Samsung 870 EVO doubles down on everything that makes the 1TB version great—offering massive capacity without sacrificing speed or reliability. For users considering a used SSD with low hours, this model provides long-term value and future-proof storage.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Massive 2TB capacity for games, videos, and backups
- ✓ Same elite 560/530 MB/s performance as smaller EVOs
- ✓ Up to 2,400 TBW endurance—built to last
- ✓ Backed by Samsung’s 5-year warranty (if hours are low)
Why We Recommend It
If you’re investing in a used SSD, going larger makes sense—especially with the 870 EVO’s proven track record. A lightly used 2TB model can serve as a primary drive for years, handling everything from 4K video editing to massive game libraries.
Best For
Power users, gamers, and creatives needing high-capacity, high-reliability storage without switching to NVMe.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Huge storage in a familiar 2.5″ form factor
- Consistent performance under heavy loads
- Excellent longevity and error correction
- Easy drop-in replacement for HDDs
Cons:
- Higher upfront cost (even used)
- SATA limits max throughput vs. modern interfaces
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 “
“its a shame sata III will likely be disappearing in the next 5 to 7 years, the formfactor is so much nicer then nvme and it is still more then 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”
5. Crucial BX500 2TB 3D NAND SATA SSD
The 2TB Crucial BX500 brings budget-friendly bulk storage to the used SSD market. While it lacks some premium features, its sheer capacity and low power draw make it a smart choice for media servers, backup drives, or secondary storage in multi-drive setups.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Double the capacity of the 1TB BX500 at a modest price bump
- ✓ Same energy-efficient 3D NAND architecture
- ✓ Ideal for storing large files, photos, and videos
- ✓ Plug-and-play installation in any 2.5″ bay
Why We Recommend It
For users who need lots of space without NVMe complexity, this used BX500 offers exceptional value. As long as power-on hours are low and SMART data looks clean, it’s a reliable workhorse for non-critical storage tasks.
Best For
Home media centers, archival storage, or as a secondary drive in desktop PCs.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Very affordable per gigabyte
- Low heat output and power use
- Silent operation (no moving parts)
- Easy to clone or migrate data onto
Cons:
- No DRAM cache affects write consistency
- Not ideal for frequent large file transfers
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: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”
6. Samsung 870 EVO 500GB SATA SSD
The 500GB Samsung 870 EVO is the sweet spot for many users—offering enough space for an OS, essential apps, and some games, all while maintaining the EVO’s legendary reliability. When purchased used with low hours, it’s a cost-effective way to enjoy premium SSD performance.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Balanced capacity for OS + applications
- ✓ Professional-grade 560/530 MB/s speeds
- ✓ 300 TBW endurance rating
- ✓ Compatible with Samsung Magician for optimization
Why We Recommend It
This size hits the Goldilocks zone: not too small, not too expensive. A used 870 EVO with under 500 hours is essentially a new drive in disguise—perfect for reviving older machines or building a clean, fast system on a budget.
Best For
General-purpose computing, student laptops, or as a primary drive in compact builds.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Ideal capacity-to-price ratio
- Top-tier SATA performance
- Excellent reliability and brand trust
- Easy to verify health via SMART tools
Cons:
- May fill up quickly with modern game sizes
- SATA interface limits future upgrade paths
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 “
“its a shame sata III will likely be disappearing in the next 5 to 7 years, the formfactor is so much nicer then nvme and it is still more then 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”
7. fanxiang S101 1TB SATA SSD
The fanxiang S101 proves you don’t need a household name to get solid SSD performance. This 1TB SATA drive offers impressive read speeds up to 550MB/s and uses TLC NAND for better longevity than QLC alternatives—making it a surprisingly strong contender in the used market.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ TLC NAND for improved write endurance
- ✓ 550MB/s read speeds (near SATA III max)
- ✓ 2.5″ form factor fits most systems
- ✓ Affordable even when new—great value used
Why We Recommend It
Don’t let the unfamiliar brand scare you. Fanxiang uses quality components and this drive has earned positive real-world feedback. If you find a used S101 with low hours and clean SMART data, it’s a smart, budget-friendly pick.
Best For
Budget builders, secondary drives, or users willing to trade brand recognition for value.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Great performance for the price
- TLC NAND lasts longer than QLC
- Lightweight and easy to install
- Often cheaper than name-brand equivalents
Cons:
- Limited brand support or software tools
- Warranty may not transfer on used units
Customer Reviews
“My PC is formatting this drive at a block rate of around 300mbps which is pretty standard. Formatting at this rate will take a little over an hour and I will monitor the drive’s temperature and test transfer rate. I’m going to go ahead and install an OS on the drive because I think it will perform b”
“Even though it’s a random brand, it is so reliable, anyone questioning the bad reviews, it was most likely user error that caused them to put it as one star!”
Complete Buying Guide for Should I Buy Used SSD With Low Hours
Essential Factors We Consider
When evaluating whether to buy a used SSD with low hours, we focus on three key areas: power-on hours, TBW (Terabytes Written), and SMART health data. Drives under 1,000 hours with less than 10% of their rated TBW used are generally safe bets. Always request a SMART report (tools like CrystalDiskInfo can help) to check for reallocated sectors, uncorrectable errors, or excessive wear. Avoid drives with signs of heavy write cycles or physical damage.
Budget Planning
Used SSDs can save you 30–60% off retail prices. Set a budget based on your needs: $30–50 for 500GB budget drives, $50–80 for 1TB mid-range models, and $80+ for high-end or large-capacity units. Remember—cheaper isn’t always better. Spending a little more on a reputable brand like Samsung or Crucial often pays off in longevity and peace of mind.
Final Thoughts
Buying a used SSD with low hours is a smart financial move—if you do your homework. Stick to trusted brands, verify usage metrics, and prioritize drives with clean health reports. The seven SSDs reviewed here represent the best balance of performance, reliability, and value in the second-hand market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it safe to buy a used SSD with low hours?
A: Yes, as long as the drive has low power-on hours (under 1,000), minimal TBW usage, and passes SMART health checks. SSDs don’t have mechanical parts, so wear is minimal compared to HDDs.
Q: How can I check the health of a used SSD?
A: Use free tools like CrystalDiskInfo (Windows) or smartctl (Linux/macOS) to read the drive’s SMART data. Look for attributes like “Power On Hours,” “Total LBAs Written,” and “Reallocated Sector Count.”
Q: Should I avoid SSDs without DRAM cache?
A: Not necessarily. While DRAM-less drives like the Crucial BX500 may slow down during sustained writes, they’re perfectly fine for everyday tasks, web browsing, and light gaming.
Q: Can I transfer my OS to a used SSD?
A: Absolutely! As long as the drive is healthy and has enough space, you can clone your existing system or perform a fresh OS install—both will benefit from the SSD’s speed.
Q: Are warranties valid on used SSDs?
A: Sometimes. Brands like Samsung and Crucial offer limited warranties that may transfer if the drive has low usage. Always check the manufacturer’s policy before buying.
Ready to upgrade your system without overspending? A used SSD with low hours could be the perfect solution—offering near-new performance at a fraction of the cost. Whether you choose our Best Choice Crucial BX500 or the premium Editor’s Choice Samsung 870 EVO, you’re making a smart investment in speed and reliability. Don’t wait—check today’s prices and give your old machine the breath of fresh air it deserves!