Quick Overview
- 1#1: UsedSoft - Leading provider of legally compliant used enterprise software licenses like SAP and Microsoft at significant discounts.
- 2#2: LicenseDeals - Sells genuine used Microsoft volume licenses with reactivation support and legal compliance guarantees.
- 3#3: LicenseHulk - Offers discounted used software licenses for Microsoft products with fast delivery and customer support.
- 4#4: SoftwareKeeper - Marketplace specializing in affordable used perpetual software licenses for businesses.
- 5#5: Softcorner - Platform for buying refurbished and used software licenses alongside IT asset management.
- 6#6: ReBuy - European marketplace for used electronics and software products with buyer protection.
- 7#7: eBay - Global auction and fixed-price marketplace featuring extensive used software listings and licenses.
- 8#8: Amazon - Massive online retailer with a dedicated section for used and renewed software products.
- 9#9: Facebook Marketplace - Local and online peer-to-peer marketplace for buying used software locally or shipped.
- 10#10: Craigslist - Classifieds site with local listings for used software CDs, keys, and licenses.
Tools were selected and ranked by legal standing, product authenticity, user-friendly navigation, post-purchase support, and overall cost-effectiveness, prioritizing reliability and peace of mind for users.
Comparison Table
Navigating used software options can be challenging, but this comparison table streamlines the process by evaluating tools like UsedSoft, LicenseDeals, LicenseHulk, SoftwareKeeper, Softcorner, and more. Readers will learn about each platform's key features, pricing, and user experience, simplifying the choice for their software needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | UsedSoft Leading provider of legally compliant used enterprise software licenses like SAP and Microsoft at significant discounts. | enterprise | 9.5/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 2 | LicenseDeals Sells genuine used Microsoft volume licenses with reactivation support and legal compliance guarantees. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 3 | LicenseHulk Offers discounted used software licenses for Microsoft products with fast delivery and customer support. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 4 | SoftwareKeeper Marketplace specializing in affordable used perpetual software licenses for businesses. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 5 | Softcorner Platform for buying refurbished and used software licenses alongside IT asset management. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 6 | ReBuy European marketplace for used electronics and software products with buyer protection. | other | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 7 | eBay Global auction and fixed-price marketplace featuring extensive used software listings and licenses. | other | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 8 |  Amazon Massive online retailer with a dedicated section for used and renewed software products. | other | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 9 | Facebook Marketplace Local and online peer-to-peer marketplace for buying used software locally or shipped. | other | 7.3/10 | 6.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 10 | Craigslist Classifieds site with local listings for used software CDs, keys, and licenses. | other | 6.2/10 | 5.0/10 | 4.8/10 | 9.5/10 |
Leading provider of legally compliant used enterprise software licenses like SAP and Microsoft at significant discounts.
Sells genuine used Microsoft volume licenses with reactivation support and legal compliance guarantees.
Offers discounted used software licenses for Microsoft products with fast delivery and customer support.
Marketplace specializing in affordable used perpetual software licenses for businesses.
Platform for buying refurbished and used software licenses alongside IT asset management.
European marketplace for used electronics and software products with buyer protection.
Global auction and fixed-price marketplace featuring extensive used software listings and licenses.
Massive online retailer with a dedicated section for used and renewed software products.
Local and online peer-to-peer marketplace for buying used software locally or shipped.
Classifieds site with local listings for used software CDs, keys, and licenses.
UsedSoft
enterpriseLeading provider of legally compliant used enterprise software licenses like SAP and Microsoft at significant discounts.
Fully managed, audit-proof license transfer service that deactivates original installations and provides vendor-defendable proof of compliance.
UsedSoft is a pioneering platform specializing in the resale of legally compliant used software licenses, primarily for Microsoft enterprise products like Windows Server, Office, SQL Server, and Exchange. It leverages EU Court of Justice rulings to enable businesses to purchase perpetual licenses at steep discounts, complete with compliance verification, deactivation of original licenses, and full audit-proof documentation. The service streamlines software asset management by handling transfers securely and providing ongoing legal support against vendor challenges.
Pros
- Massive cost savings of 40-70% on perpetual licenses
- Ironclad legal compliance with audit-proof transfers
- Extensive catalog of enterprise Microsoft software
Cons
- Primarily geared toward businesses, less ideal for individuals
- Availability depends on market supply of used licenses
- Enterprise-focused process may involve custom quotes
Best For
Enterprises and IT managers seeking affordable, compliant alternatives to new software licenses for Microsoft products.
Pricing
Licenses priced 40-70% below MSRP; volume discounts and custom enterprise quotes available.
LicenseDeals
enterpriseSells genuine used Microsoft volume licenses with reactivation support and legal compliance guarantees.
Automated license verification system that checks validity and transferability before listing
LicenseDeals.com is a specialized online marketplace for buying and selling used software licenses, offering significant discounts on perpetual licenses for products like Microsoft Office, Windows, Adobe Creative Suite, and more. The platform verifies licenses through a proprietary process to ensure they are legitimate, transferable, and compliant with vendor terms where possible. Users can browse categories, compare prices from multiple sellers, and receive instant digital delivery upon purchase.
Pros
- Substantial discounts up to 80% off retail prices on verified used licenses
- Wide selection of popular software from trusted sellers
- Instant digital delivery and straightforward purchase process
Cons
- Risk of license deactivation due to vendor policies (e.g., Microsoft)
- Mixed customer support experiences with activation issues
- Primarily focused on perpetual licenses, limited subscription options
Best For
Cost-conscious small businesses and individuals seeking affordable perpetual software licenses without subscriptions.
Pricing
Licenses range from $10-$300+ per product, typically 50-80% below original MSRP, with no subscription fees.
LicenseHulk
enterpriseOffers discounted used software licenses for Microsoft products with fast delivery and customer support.
Automated license validation ensuring high activation success rates
LicenseHulk is a specialized online marketplace for purchasing used and refurbished perpetual software licenses, including Microsoft Office, Windows, Adobe Creative Suite, and more, at steep discounts. It facilitates legal transfers of pre-owned licenses with instant email delivery and activation support. The platform emphasizes compliance with software exhaustion doctrines in regions like the EU, making it a go-to for cost savings on legacy software.
Pros
- Up to 90% discounts on genuine perpetual licenses
- Instant digital delivery and simple checkout
- Broad selection of enterprise and consumer software
Cons
- Activation risks with OEM or volume licenses
- No options for subscription-based software
- Support limited to email with variable response times
Best For
Budget-savvy small businesses and individuals needing affordable perpetual licenses for Microsoft and Adobe products.
Pricing
Licenses priced from $10 for Windows keys to $200 for Office suites, offering 50-90% off retail with bulk discounts.
SoftwareKeeper
enterpriseMarketplace specializing in affordable used perpetual software licenses for businesses.
Automated license validation scanner that checks keys against manufacturer databases before listing
SoftwareKeeper is an online marketplace specializing in the buying and selling of used software licenses, focusing on perpetual licenses for applications like Microsoft Office, Adobe products, and Windows OS. It connects sellers with unused keys to budget-conscious buyers seeking discounts up to 80% off retail prices. The platform includes tools for license verification and secure escrow transactions to minimize fraud risks.
Pros
- Significant cost savings on legitimate perpetual licenses
- License verification to ensure authenticity
- User-friendly marketplace interface with escrow protection
Cons
- Limited selection for niche or enterprise software
- Occasional delays in license activation verification
- Legal uncertainties around used software in some regions
Best For
Individuals and small businesses seeking affordable perpetual software licenses without ongoing subscriptions.
Pricing
Free to browse and buy; sellers pay 12-15% commission on sales plus optional listing fees starting at $5.
Softcorner
enterprisePlatform for buying refurbished and used software licenses alongside IT asset management.
Automated legal license deactivation and transfer verification for risk-free used software purchases
Softcorner is an online marketplace dedicated to buying and selling used software licenses, focusing primarily on perpetual licenses for Microsoft products like Windows and Office suites. It ensures legal compliance by requiring sellers to deactivate licenses on their end before transfer, with built-in verification processes. The platform provides buyer protections such as warranties and support for seamless activation.
Pros
- Significant discounts (40-70% off retail) on legitimate perpetual licenses
- Legal transfer assurance with seller deactivation verification
- Buyer warranty and support for activation issues
Cons
- Limited selection beyond Microsoft products
- Potential compatibility risks with newer hardware/OS
- Relies on individual sellers, leading to variable stock
Best For
Cost-conscious businesses and individuals seeking affordable, legal perpetual software licenses without subscriptions.
Pricing
Product-specific pricing with deep discounts on used licenses (e.g., Office 2021 from €50-€150); no platform fees for buyers.
ReBuy
otherEuropean marketplace for used electronics and software products with buyer protection.
EU-legal used software buyback marketplace with license verification and sustainability focus
ReBuy (rebuy.eu) is a European online marketplace specializing in the buying and selling of used software licenses and physical media, offering legal resale of perpetual licenses under EU copyright law. It provides deep discounts on popular titles like Microsoft Windows, Office, Adobe products, and antivirus software, allowing users to purchase verified used keys or sell their own licenses for cash. The platform emphasizes sustainability by promoting software reuse, with options for digital delivery or shipped products.
Pros
- Significant discounts up to 70% on legitimate perpetual licenses
- Buyback program for easy resale of unused software
- Wide catalog including OS, productivity, and creative software
Cons
- Primarily EU-focused with potential activation issues outside region
- Occasional delays in key delivery or verification
- Limited to perpetual licenses; no subscriptions or SaaS
Best For
Cost-conscious European users or businesses seeking affordable, legal alternatives to full-price software purchases.
Pricing
Used licenses priced 30-70% below retail (e.g., Windows 11 Pro from €50 vs. €200); transaction-based with no subscriptions.
eBay
otherGlobal auction and fixed-price marketplace featuring extensive used software listings and licenses.
The auction bidding system that drives competitive pricing on used software listings
eBay.com is a global online marketplace that enables users to buy and sell used software, including physical media like CDs/DVDs, license keys, and digital downloads from individual sellers worldwide. It supports auction-style bidding for competitive pricing or fixed 'Buy It Now' options, with advanced search filters for software titles, conditions, and compatibility. While offering a vast inventory of discontinued or budget software, it relies on seller ratings and buyer protections to mitigate risks associated with used products.
Pros
- Vast global inventory of used software from countless sellers
- Auction bidding and Buy It Now for flexible deal-hunting
- Money Back Guarantee and seller feedback for added security
Cons
- Risk of counterfeit licenses or invalid software keys
- Inconsistent quality and reliability among sellers
- Shipping delays and costs for physical media
Best For
Budget buyers hunting for rare, older, or discounted used software licenses and physical copies.
Pricing
Free for buyers to browse and purchase; prices vary widely by seller, often 50-90% off retail for used items, plus potential shipping fees.
Amazon
otherMassive online retailer with a dedicated section for used and renewed software products.
Massive third-party seller network offering unparalleled inventory depth for rare and discontinued software
Amazon.com is a vast online marketplace that facilitates the buying and selling of used software products, primarily physical media like CDs, DVDs, and boxed sets from third-party sellers. Users can search millions of listings, filter by condition (e.g., Like New, Very Good, Acceptable), read seller reviews, and benefit from competitive pricing often 50-80% below retail. It provides buyer protections via the A-to-z Guarantee, though digital licenses may have transfer limitations.
Pros
- Huge selection of used software from countless third-party sellers
- Strong buyer protections and detailed condition ratings
- Intuitive search, filters, and customer reviews for informed purchases
Cons
- Quality varies widely with potential for damaged media or counterfeits
- Shipping costs and times can add up for non-Prime users
- Licensing restrictions on some software limit resale value
Best For
Budget shoppers seeking affordable physical used software with reliable marketplace safeguards.
Pricing
Used software typically priced 50-80% below new retail, varying by condition, seller, and availability.
Facebook Marketplace
otherLocal and online peer-to-peer marketplace for buying used software locally or shipped.
Hyper-local matching that facilitates in-person inspections and pickups to verify software authenticity
Facebook Marketplace is a free, Facebook-integrated platform for buying and selling used items locally, including software like physical CDs, DVDs, licenses, and digital downloads from individual sellers. It offers a vast inventory drawn from Facebook's billions of users, enabling users to browse listings, negotiate prices, and arrange local pickups or shipments. While versatile for general second-hand goods, it serves as a casual marketplace for used software with direct seller messaging via Facebook Messenger.
Pros
- Massive user base provides extensive used software listings at low prices
- Free to list, browse, and transact with no platform fees
- Integrated Messenger for easy, direct seller communication and local meetups
Cons
- High risk of scams, fake licenses, or non-functional software without buyer protection
- Limited search filters and categorization specifically for software
- Requires a Facebook account and exposes personal data to transactions
Best For
Budget-conscious individuals seeking local, low-cost used software from casual sellers who prioritize convenience over guarantees.
Pricing
Completely free to use for buyers and sellers; prices are set by individual users and negotiated directly.
Craigslist
otherClassifieds site with local listings for used software CDs, keys, and licenses.
Hyper-local geographic focus enabling same-day, in-person used software transactions
Craigslist (craigslist.org) is a free online classifieds platform that connects local buyers and sellers for a wide range of used goods, including software in its computers and software categories. Users can browse listings for used software licenses, CDs, boxes, or digital keys posted by individuals, often at steep discounts compared to new purchases. It emphasizes local transactions to facilitate quick pickups, though shipping options are sometimes available. While not software-specific, it serves as a grassroots marketplace for second-hand software deals.
Pros
- Completely free to post and browse listings
- Access to hyper-local deals for immediate pickups
- Massive user base providing a wide variety of used software options
Cons
- High scam risk with no platform protection or verification
- Outdated, text-heavy interface with poor search and filtering
- Safety concerns from meeting strangers for in-person deals
Best For
Budget-savvy tech enthusiasts in populated areas willing to vet sellers carefully for local used software bargains.
Pricing
Entirely free for users to post, browse, and contact sellers.
Conclusion
The curated list of top 10 tools presents diverse options for accessing used software, with UsedSoft emerging as the top choice for its leading focus on legally compliant enterprise licenses like SAP and Microsoft at significant discounts. LicenseDeals and LicenseHulk follow closely, offering strong alternatives—LicenseDeals with genuine Microsoft volume licenses and reactivation support, and LicenseHulk with fast delivery and customer support for discounted Microsoft products. Each platform caters to distinct needs, from enterprise compliance to budget-friendly reliability, ensuring there’s a fit for various users.
For those seeking the best in used software, start with UsedSoft—unlock significant savings, legal peace of mind, and access to top enterprise licenses, making it the smart choice for any software needs.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison