10 Best USB Switch Boxes of 2026 for Sharing Peripherals Between Computers

USB switch boxes make it easier to share one keyboard, mouse, printer, scanner, or other peripheral between multiple computers without repeatedly unplugging cables. The best option depends on the number of connected devices, USB speed, port type, and how often you switch.

We’ve selected 10 USB switch boxes covering simple two-computer setups, USB-C and USB-A combinations, higher-speed 10Gbps connections, remote controls, and multi-computer installations.

Best 10 USB Switch Boxes Picks for 2026

Best Multi-Device USB Switch – UGREEN USB 3.0 2-Computer Switch

If you need USB switch boxes for two computers sharing several peripherals, this UGREEN model provides four USB 3.0 ports and one-button computer selection. It supports transfer speeds up to 5Gbps, works with major desktop operating systems, and includes two USB 3.0 cables.

Best For: Workstations that need two computers to share keyboards, mice, storage devices, printers, scanners, or other USB peripherals.

Pros:

• Four USB 3.0 ports support data speeds up to 5Gbps.
• Includes two 1.5-meter USB 3.0 data cables.
• Plug-and-play compatibility with Windows, macOS, Chrome OS, and Linux.
• Extra USB-C power input can help stabilize higher-power devices.

Cons:

• Does not support monitor or video transmission, so it is not a KVM switch.
• Power adapter is not included.
• USB-C-only computers may require a USB-C-to-A adapter.

Choose this model when you want fast USB 3.0 sharing across multiple peripherals. Its optional power input is useful for demanding devices, but display switching requires separate equipment.

Best Bi-Directional USB Switch – Aluminum USB 3.0 1-in-2/2-in-1 Switch

Among USB switch boxes, this compact aluminum model stands out for its bi-directional design. It can let two computers share one USB peripheral or let one computer switch between two USB devices, with USB 3.0 speeds up to 5Gbps.

Best For: Users who need flexible one-device sharing between two computers or two-device selection from one computer.

Pros:

• Bi-directional operation supports both 1-in-2-out and 2-in-1-out setups.
• USB 3.0 supports data transfers up to 5Gbps.
• Compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, and Chrome OS.
• Compact aluminum housing and blue LED indicate the active connection.

Cons:

• USB 3.0 cables are not included.
• Provides a single shared peripheral port rather than multiple device ports.
• Its listed compatibility is for USB peripherals, not video switching.

This is a practical choice when flexibility matters more than the number of connected peripherals. Plan to supply your own USB 3.0 cable, and use it for USB data devices rather than displays.

Best USB 2.0 Value – UGREEN 2-Computer 4-Port Switch

For basic USB switch boxes, this UGREEN USB 2.0 model offers four shared peripheral ports and simple one-button swapping between two computers. It is designed for everyday accessories such as keyboards, mice, printers, scanners, card readers, and flash drives.

Best For: Home and office setups that prioritize multiple shared peripherals and straightforward plug-and-play operation over USB 3.0 speed.

Pros:

• Four USB 2.0 ports let two computers share multiple peripherals.
• Includes two USB-A-to-A data cables.
• Works with Windows, macOS, Linux, and Chrome OS without drivers.
• Optional micro-USB power input can improve stability with multiple devices.

Cons:

• USB 2.0 is slower than USB 3.0 for storage and other high-speed transfers.
• Does not support monitor or video transmission.
• Power cable and charger are not included.

This model makes sense for a peripheral-focused desk where USB 2.0 performance is sufficient. It provides useful port capacity at the expense of the faster transfers available from newer USB 3.0 switchers.

Best Compact USB 3.0 Switch – Bi-Directional Switch with Cables

This compact option gives USB switch boxes a small-footprint design while retaining USB 3.0 performance. It supports switching one USB peripheral between two computers or switching two USB devices on one computer, and it includes the cables needed for setup.

Best For: Compact home offices, meeting rooms, and gaming desks that need fast USB peripheral switching without an external power adapter.

Pros:

• Bi-directional design supports two common switching configurations.
• USB 3.0 delivers speeds up to 5Gbps and remains backward compatible with USB 2.0 and 1.1.
• Includes two USB 3.0 cables.
• Small aluminum housing uses little desk space and includes an active-device LED.

Cons:

• Designed for USB peripherals, not monitor or video switching.
• Its compact design provides switching rather than multiple shared output ports.
• Power is supplied through USB, so there is no separate adapter for higher-power devices.

Consider this switch when desk space and quick installation are priorities. The included cables and driver-free operation make it convenient, while its bi-directional layout adds flexibility for simpler USB-sharing setups.

Best Value USB Switch – 2-Computer 4-Port USB 3.0 Switch

If you need straightforward usb switch boxes for sharing common peripherals, the BENFEI USB 3.0 Switch lets two computers access up to four USB devices. Its push-button switching, LED indicator, broad operating-system compatibility, and up-to-5Gbps USB 3.0 performance make it a practical choice for a shared work-and-personal-computer setup.

Best For: Users sharing keyboards, mice, printers, scanners, storage drives, or other USB peripherals between two computers.

Pros:

• Shares four USB devices between two computers.
• Supports data speeds up to 5Gbps and is backward compatible with USB 2.0.
• Works with Windows, macOS, Linux, and Chrome OS without drivers.
• Includes an optional USB-C power input for higher-power devices.

Cons:

• Requires BENFEI USB-A-to-USB-A cables for connection.
• Power adapter is not included.
• Video output is not indicated; this is for USB peripheral sharing.

This model is a solid, uncomplicated option when four USB-A device connections are enough. Plan on adding external power for demanding peripherals such as hard drives or USB cameras.

Best High-Speed USB Switch – 2-in-7-Out USB 3.2 Switch

For buyers comparing usb switch boxes with more capacity and faster transfers, the UGREEN 2-in-7-Out USB 3.2 Switch supports up to seven shared devices across two computers. Its mix of USB-A and USB-C ports, included power adapter, and 10Gbps capability suit modern mixed-port workstations.

Best For: Users with several USB-A and USB-C peripherals who want fast data sharing between two Windows or macOS computers.

Pros:

• Offers four USB-A and three USB-C device ports.
• Supports USB 3.2 Gen 2 transfer speeds up to 10Gbps.
• Includes a power adapter for more stable use with high-power devices.
• Includes a USB-C-to-USB-A cable for mixed computer setups.

Cons:

• Not a KVM switch and does not support video output.
• Audio device connections are not recommended.
• Listed operating-system support starts at Windows 10 and macOS 10.12.

Choose this UGREEN switch when port variety and speed matter more than basic simplicity. The included power supply is especially useful for setups with external drives or printers, while the lack of video support means it should not replace a display KVM.

Best Remote-Control USB Switch – 4-Port USB 3.0/USB-C Switch

This BENFEI model is one of the more convenient usb switch boxes for a two-computer desk because it combines three USB 3.0 ports with one USB-C port and supports switching from either the unit or a remote control. It provides plug-and-play peripheral sharing and up-to-5Gbps data speeds across multiple operating systems.

Best For: Users who want remote or button-based switching for a mixed USB-A and USB-C peripheral setup.

Pros:

• Lets two computers share three USB 3.0 devices and one USB-C device.
• Offers both remote-control and on-device switching.
• Supports up to 5Gbps transfers and USB 2.0 backward compatibility.
• Uses USB-C for optional power input and supports Windows, macOS, Linux, and Chrome OS.

Cons:

• Requires BENFEI USB-A-to-USB-A cables for computer connections.
• Optional power adapter is not specified as included.
• Does not provide video switching.

The remote control is the main differentiator here, making this switch useful when the hardware button is inconvenient to reach. It is a good middle ground for mixed-port accessories, provided you have the required connection cables and separate power source when needed.

Best Multi-Computer USB Switch – 4-in-4-out USB 2.0 Switcher

For offices, classrooms, or shared workstations, this 4-in-4-out USB switch box lets four computers share four USB 2.0 peripherals without repeatedly moving cables. It supports up to 480Mbps, includes four USB cables, and offers both front-panel and wired-controller switching.

Best For: Sharing several keyboards, mice, printers, scanners, or flash drives among four computers.

Pros:

• Supports four computers and four shared USB devices.
• Includes panel buttons, a wired desktop controller, and active-device LEDs.
• Plug-and-play compatibility with Windows, Mac OS, Linux, and Chrome OS.
• Includes four USB cables and a power cord.

Cons:

• USB 2.0 speeds are limited to 480Mbps.
• An external 5V/1A adapter may be needed for high-power devices such as hard drives.
• It is intended for USB peripherals rather than monitor switching.

This is a practical choice when you need the highest device and computer capacity in the group and do not require USB 3.0 transfer speeds.

Best Heavy-Duty Pick – Bi-Directional 2-Port Selector

This compact USB switch box provides flexible two-way sharing: two computers can use one USB device, or two USB devices can connect to one computer. With USB 3.0 performance up to 5Gbps, physical-button control, and two included USB 3.0 cables, it suits straightforward desk setups.

Best For: Switching a printer, scanner, keyboard, mouse, webcam, or storage device between two computers.

Pros:

• Supports both 2-in-1-out and 1-in-2-out configurations.
• Offers transfer speeds up to 5Gbps and backward compatibility with USB 2.0 and 1.1.
• Plug-and-play support for Windows, Mac OS, and Linux.
• Compact design with a physical switch and LED indicator.

Cons:

• Supports only two connected computers or devices.
• It is not a KVM switch and cannot switch monitors or video signals.
• The included cables are approximately 3.3 feet long.

Choose this model if you want faster USB 3.0 transfers and simple two-device flexibility without the extra capacity or controls of a larger USB switcher.

Best Simple Pick – 4-Computer USB-C and USB-A Selector

For users who need modern ports and fast transfers, this USB switch box lets four computers share three USB-A 3.2 devices and one USB-C 3.2 device. It supports speeds up to 10Gbps and can be switched with a top button or remote control, while the included adapter helps accommodate different interfaces.

Best For: High-speed four-computer setups using USB-C and USB-A peripherals such as storage drives, webcams, printers, and gamepads.

Pros:

• Shares four USB 3.2 peripherals among four computers.
• Provides three USB-A ports and one USB-C port with speeds up to 10Gbps.
• Offers button or remote-control switching for flexible placement.
• Includes a USB-C-to-USB-A adapter and a Micro USB power option.

Cons:

• It does not support monitor switching or video signals.
• High-power devices may require an independent power source.
• The remote control does not include batteries, and hot-key switching is not supported.

This is the most capable option here for newer USB-C and USB-A accessories, especially when 10Gbps performance and remote switching matter more than a simple, low-cost setup.

How We Picked the Best USB Switch Boxes

We focused on the features that matter most in everyday peripheral sharing: computer and device capacity, USB standard, port selection, switching method, included cables, construction, and compatibility. The lineup includes straightforward USB 3.0 selectors, USB 2.0 options for basic office accessories, bi-directional models, and newer USB 3.2 switches with USB-C support.

We also considered practical setup details. A switch should clearly identify its input and output ports, provide a reliable physical or remote button, and work with common devices such as keyboards, mice, printers, scanners, and external storage. Note that these products generally switch USB peripherals only; they are not full video KVMs unless specifically described as supporting display connections.

Quick Comparison

• Best for a typical two-computer desk: A USB 3.0 switch with four shared USB-A ports.
• Best for basic accessories: A USB 2.0 switch can handle keyboards, mice, and many printers at lower cost.
• Best for modern devices: USB 3.2 models with USB-C and USB-A ports offer broader compatibility and faster transfers.
• Best for convenient access: A model with a wired desktop controller or remote button keeps the switch within reach.
• Best for several computers: Four-input switches let multiple systems share a set of peripherals, though they require more cable management.

Key Buying Factors for USB Switch Boxes

Number of Computers and Shared Devices

Check both sides of the specification. A “2-in, 1-out” switch may share one peripheral between two computers, while a “2-in, 4-out” model lets two computers access four connected USB devices. Choose enough ports for your current setup and leave room for likely additions.

USB Speed and Device Type

USB 2.0 is usually sufficient for keyboards, mice, and simple printers. Choose USB 3.0 or USB 3.2 when transferring files to external drives, using high-speed storage, or sharing other bandwidth-sensitive equipment. The connected computer, cable, and peripheral must all support the desired speed.

USB-A Versus USB-C

USB-A remains common for desktop accessories, while USB-C is increasingly standard on laptops and newer computers. A mixed-port switch can reduce the need for adapters, but confirm whether USB-C ports are used for computer inputs, peripheral outputs, or both.

Switching and Power Requirements

Physical buttons are simple and dependable; wired controllers or remote switches are useful when the main box sits behind a monitor. Some demanding peripherals may need additional power, and a USB switch does not necessarily provide charging or power delivery. Review the manufacturer’s requirements before connecting hard drives or several bus-powered devices.

Who Should Buy Which USB Switch Boxes?

Choose a compact two-computer USB 3.0 selector if you want to share a keyboard, mouse, printer, or scanner at a home office desk. Pick a USB 2.0 model when low cost and basic compatibility matter more than transfer speed. For laptops and newer workstations, select a USB-C-capable USB 3.2 switch, especially if you regularly move files or use mixed-generation equipment.

If the switch will be mounted out of reach, prioritize a model with a remote or desktop controller. For a workstation serving three or four computers, use a multi-input selector and plan cable routing carefully. Finally, verify the port layout, included host cables, operating-system compatibility, and whether your devices require external power before ordering.