Thinking about whether you should buy a refurbished SSD drive? You’re not alone. With storage needs growing and budgets tightening, refurbished SSDs have become a smart alternative for many users. These drives are professionally tested, often come with warranties, and can deliver near-new performance at a fraction of the cost. But like any tech purchase, it pays to know what you’re getting. In this guide, we break down the pros, cons, and top picks to help you decide if a refurbished SSD is right for your setup.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 5 Should You Buy A Refurbished Ssd Drive Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. Crucial BX500 1TB 3D NAND SATA 2.5-Inch Internal SSD
The Crucial BX500 1TB SSD is a reliable workhorse for everyday computing. Whether you’re upgrading an old laptop or building a budget desktop, this drive delivers solid performance with fast boot times and quick file access. It’s energy-efficient, durable, and built for long-term daily use.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ 1TB storage capacity for ample space
✓ Up to 540MB/s read speeds for responsive performance
✓ 3D NAND technology enhances reliability and efficiency
✓ 45x more energy efficient than traditional HDDs
✓ 3-year limited warranty included
Why We Recommend It
This SSD strikes the perfect balance between price, performance, and reliability. It’s ideal for users who want a significant speed boost over an HDD without breaking the bank. Crucial’s reputation for quality makes it a safe bet, even when buying refurbished.
Best For
Students, home users, and anyone upgrading from an HDD who needs dependable storage for documents, media, and everyday apps.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent value for money
- Low power consumption extends laptop battery life
- Simple installation with included cloning software
- Consistent performance under normal workloads
Cons:
- No DRAM cache (may affect sustained write speeds)
- Not ideal for heavy video editing or server use
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. Fanxiang S101 256GB SATA III 2.5-Inch Internal SSD
The Fanxiang S101 offers impressive speed and reliability for a lesser-known brand. With 256GB of storage and 550MB/s read speeds, it’s a great option for light computing tasks and older system upgrades. Despite its budget price, it uses TLC NAND for better endurance than QLC alternatives.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ 550MB/s read/write speeds for fast data access
✓ TLC 3D NAND chips for improved durability
✓ 50% faster boot times compared to HDDs
✓ Compact 2.5-inch form factor fits most laptops and desktops
✓ Low power consumption and silent operation
Why We Recommend It
This SSD proves you don’t need to pay premium prices for solid performance. It’s a smart pick for secondary drives or budget builds, especially when refurbished models offer even greater savings with minimal risk.
Best For
Users upgrading older laptops, building a backup system, or needing a compact drive for light office work and web browsing.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Surprisingly fast for the price
- TLC NAND lasts longer than QLC
- Easy plug-and-play installation
- Great for basic multitasking
Cons:
- Limited capacity (256GB may fill up quickly)
- Brand lacks the reputation of Samsung or Crucial
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “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”
Customer Review: “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!”
3. Samsung 870 EVO 500GB SATA 2.5-Inch Internal SSD
The Samsung 870 EVO is a benchmark in SATA SSD performance. Known for its reliability and speed, this 500GB model delivers near-maximum SATA III performance with 560MB/s read speeds. It’s built for professionals and power users who demand consistency and longevity.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Maxes out SATA III interface at 560/530 MB/s
✓ Up to 600 TBW (terabytes written) endurance
✓ 5-year limited warranty for peace of mind
✓ Advanced error correction and V-NAND technology
✓ Compatible with nearly all laptops and desktops
Why We Recommend It
Even when refurbished, the 870 EVO maintains excellent performance and reliability. Samsung’s rigorous testing standards mean you’re getting a drive that’s been restored to like-new condition, often with most of its lifespan intact.
Best For
Creative professionals, gamers, and anyone needing fast, reliable storage for large files, games, or applications.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Top-tier performance for SATA drives
- Exceptional build quality and durability
- Widely trusted brand with strong support
- Great for OS, apps, and active projects
Cons:
- More expensive than budget options
- SATA limits future upgrade paths (vs. NVMe)
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: “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”
4. SanDisk 500GB Extreme Portable SSD
The SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD brings NVMe-level speeds to a rugged, travel-friendly design. With up to 1050MB/s read speeds, USB-C connectivity, and IP65 water/dust resistance, it’s perfect for photographers, videographers, and remote workers who need fast, durable storage on the go.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds
✓ IP65 rating for water and dust resistance
✓ Survives drops from up to 3 meters
✓ USB 3.2 Gen 2 with USB-C and USB-A compatibility
✓ Carabiner loop for easy attachment
Why We Recommend It
This SSD is built for adventure. Whether you’re transferring 4K footage in the field or backing up projects between locations, its speed and durability make it a standout. Refurbished units often come at a discount while still offering full functionality.
Best For
Content creators, travelers, and professionals who need high-speed portable storage that can handle rough conditions.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Blazing-fast transfer speeds
- Rugged design withstands drops and weather
- Compact and lightweight
- Works with PCs, Macs, and cameras
Cons:
- Higher cost per GB than internal SSDs
- Limited to 2TB max capacity
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I picked up the SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD as an upgrade from my older external hard drives, and it’s easily one of the best storage devices I’ve used. The speed difference alone makes it worth it—transfers that used to take minutes on my traditional hard drives now finish in seconds. Large fi”
Customer Review: “Well made and easy to use portable SSD. Nice bright blue color helps quick identification in a dark pack. Reasonable fast read and right speeds for a USB 3.2 product. Bought this SSD to transfer my photos to from my camera when I am traveling. Light weight and small SSD make a great traveling st”
5. Samsung 870 EVO 2TB 2.5-Inch SATA III Internal SSD
The Samsung 870 EVO 2TB is a high-capacity powerhouse for users who need serious storage without sacrificing speed. With the same proven reliability as its smaller siblings, this drive offers up to 2,400 TBW endurance and consistent performance for heavy workloads.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Massive 2TB capacity for large media libraries
✓ 560/530 MB/s sequential read/write speeds
✓ Up to 2,400 TBW endurance rating
✓ 5-year warranty and Samsung Magician software support
✓ Ideal for workstations and high-use systems
Why We Recommend It
If you need a lot of fast, reliable storage, this is one of the best SATA options available. Buying it refurbished can save you hundreds while still getting a drive that’s been thoroughly tested and certified.
Best For
Video editors, gamers with large libraries, and professionals running virtual machines or databases.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Huge storage in a single drive
- Exceptional longevity and reliability
- Stable performance under load
- Trusted brand with strong software tools
Cons:
- Expensive even when refurbished
- Slower than NVMe alternatives
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: “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”
Complete Buying Guide for Should You Buy A Refurbished SSD Drive
Essential Factors We Consider
When evaluating whether you should buy a refurbished SSD drive, we look at several key factors: warranty coverage, seller reputation, remaining lifespan, and performance benchmarks. Always choose certified refurbished units from trusted retailers like Amazon Renewed or manufacturer-certified programs. Check for S.M.A.R.T. status reports if possible, and avoid drives with high power-on hours or reallocated sectors.
Budget Planning
Refurbished SSDs typically cost 20–40% less than new ones, making them ideal for budget-conscious buyers. Set a clear budget based on your storage needs—256GB for basic use, 500GB–1TB for most users, and 2TB+ for media professionals. Remember to factor in cloning tools or enclosures if needed.
Final Thoughts
Buying a refurbished SSD is a smart move if you do your homework. The drives we’ve reviewed here offer excellent value, proven reliability, and performance close to new models. Just stick to reputable sellers, check warranty terms, and match the drive to your use case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are refurbished SSDs safe to use?
A: Yes, when purchased from certified refurbishers. These drives undergo rigorous testing, data wiping, and quality checks. Look for warranties of at least 1–3 years as a sign of confidence in their condition.
Q: How long do refurbished SSDs last?
A: Most refurbished SSDs retain 70–90% of their original lifespan. With proper use, they can last 3–5 years or more, depending on write cycles and workload.
Q: Can I recover data from a failed refurbished SSD?
A: Data recovery is possible in some cases, but not guaranteed. Always back up important files. Refurbished drives should be used for storage, not as primary backup targets.
Q: Is it worth buying a refurbished SSD over a new budget drive?
A: Often yes—especially if the refurbished model is from a premium brand like Samsung. You get better build quality and performance at a lower price than entry-level new drives.
Q: Do refurbished SSDs come with cloning software?
A: Not always, but many include download links or instructions. Samsung and Crucial offer free tools like Samsung Magician and Acronis True Image for easy migration.
Ready to upgrade your system without overspending? A refurbished SSD can deliver near-new performance at a fraction of the cost. Whether you need speed, capacity, or portability, our top picks offer reliable options for every need. Don’t wait—click through to check current prices and give your computer the boost it deserves!