I’ve tried how much easier a desk gets whenever I can share one keyboard, printer, or external drive between two computers without unplugging cables. The best USB switches promise that kind of convenience, but not all of them handle speed, compatibility, or multiple devices the same way. In this guide, I’ll compare six options and point out what matters most before you pick one for your setup.
| UGREEN USB Switch Selector for 2 Computers 4 Devices |
| Best for Basics | Computer Count: 2 computers | USB Ports: 4 USB 2.0 ports | USB Standard: USB 2.0 | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Tripp Lite 4 Port USB 3.0 Switch (U359-004) |
| Fastest Pick | Computer Count: 2 computers | USB Ports: 4 USB 3.0 ports | USB Standard: USB 3.0 | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| USB 3.0 2-in-4 Out KVM Switch with Cables |
| Best for Power Users | Computer Count: 2 computers | USB Ports: 4 USB outputs | USB Standard: USB 3.0 | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| USB 3.0 Switch Selector for 2 Computers |
| Best 2-Computer Switch | Computer Count: 2 computers | USB Ports: 4 USB 3.0 ports | USB Standard: USB 3.0 | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| BENFEI USB 3.0 Switch for 2 Computers |
| Best Rated | Computer Count: 2 computers | USB Ports: 4 USB 3.0 ports | USB Standard: USB 3.0 | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| StarTech USB 3.0 Peripheral Sharing Switch (HBS304A24A) |
| Best for Teams | Computer Count: 4 computers | USB Ports: 4 USB 3.0 ports | USB Standard: USB 3.0 | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
More Details on Our Top Picks
UGREEN USB Switch Selector for 2 Computers 4 Devices
Should you want to share up to four USB 2.0 devices between two computers without constant cable swapping, the UGREEN USB Switch Selector is a practical fit. You can connect printers, scanners, mice, keyboards, card readers, flash drives, and other USB 2.0 peripherals, then switch with one button. LED indicators show which computer’s active, and plug-and-play support works with Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, and Chrome OS. It isn’t a KVM, so there’s no video support. For steadier performance with drives or cameras, you can add optional micro USB power using a standard 5V charger.
- Computer Count:2 computers
- USB Ports:4 USB 2.0 ports
- USB Standard:USB 2.0
- Switching Method:One-button switch
- LED Indicator:Active-computer LED
- Plug-and-Play:Driver-free
- Additional Feature:Optional micro USB power
- Additional Feature:Supports HDD and SSD
- Additional Feature:No monitor support
Tripp Lite 4 Port USB 3.0 Switch (U359-004)
The Tripp Lite U359-004 is a smart pick whenever you need to share a USB 3.0 device without juggling cables or adding extra software. You can connect one SuperSpeed peripheral, like a printer or webcam, and share it between up to four computers with one-touch switching. It moves data at up to 5 Gbps, so you won’t bottleneck high-bandwidth gear. Blue LEDs show the active PC, and plug-and-play setup means you don’t need drivers or external power. It also works with older USB devices, all USB systems, and includes a three-year warranty plus free Chicago-based support.
- Computer Count:2 computers
- USB Ports:4 USB 3.0 ports
- USB Standard:USB 3.0
- Switching Method:One-touch button
- LED Indicator:Blue LEDs
- Plug-and-Play:Plug-and-play
- Additional Feature:Share between 4 computers
- Additional Feature:16-foot maximum distance
- Additional Feature:3-year limited warranty
USB 3.0 2-in-4 Out KVM Switch with Cables
With 2 computers sharing 4 USB outputs, this USB 3.0 2-in-4 Out KVM switch is a smart fit for anyone who wants to move a keyboard, mouse, printer, scanner, flash drive, or external hard drive between work and personal setups without constant unplugging. You can also connect 3 USB-A devices and 1 USB-C device, then switch with one button while LED indicators show the active system. USB 3.0 speeds reach 5Gbps, so you’ll copy files fast. Add USB-C power for steadier performance with demanding gear. It’s plug-and-play, works across major operating systems, and skips video switching.
- Computer Count:2 computers
- USB Ports:4 USB outputs
- USB Standard:USB 3.0
- Switching Method:One-touch switch
- LED Indicator:LED indicators
- Plug-and-Play:Plug-and-play
- Additional Feature:USB-C power input
- Additional Feature:Includes connection cables
- Additional Feature:High-power device support
USB 3.0 Switch Selector for 2 Computers
Need a simple way to share USB devices between two computers? You can use a USB 3.0 switch selector with 4 ports to share mice, keyboards, printers, scanners, flash drives, and more. It lets you switch between two PCs without unplugging cables or using network-sharing software. You’ll get USB 3.0 speeds up to 5Gbps, which is 10 times faster than USB 2.0, plus backward compatibility. One-button control and LED indicators make switching easy. It works driver-free with Windows, Mac, Linux, and Chrome OS, and the separate micro USB power port helps support high-power devices.
- Computer Count:2 computers
- USB Ports:4 USB 3.0 ports
- USB Standard:USB 3.0
- Switching Method:One-button control
- LED Indicator:LED indicators
- Plug-and-Play:Driver-free
- Additional Feature:Green/blue LED colors
- Additional Feature:Separate micro USB power
- Additional Feature:Supports high-bandwidth devices
BENFEI USB 3.0 Switch for 2 Computers
Should you need a simple way to let two computers share four USB devices, the BENFEI USB 3.0 Switch for 2 Computers is a strong fit. You can connect a keyboard, mouse, printer, scanner, camera, U disk, or headphones, then switch with one button and LED guidance. It’s plug-and-play on Windows, Mac, Linux, and Chrome OS, and it uses BENFEI USB A to USB A cables. With four USB 3.0 ports, it moves data up to 5Gbps and stays backward compatible with USB 2.0. An optional USB-C power input helps drive high-power gear.
- Computer Count:2 computers
- USB Ports:4 USB 3.0 ports
- USB Standard:USB 3.0
- Switching Method:Push-button control
- LED Indicator:LED indicator
- Plug-and-Play:Plug-and-play
- Additional Feature:Extra USB-C power slot
- Additional Feature:5V 3A power support
- Additional Feature:18-month warranty
StarTech USB 3.0 Peripheral Sharing Switch (HBS304A24A)
StarTech’s USB 3.0 Peripheral Sharing Switch (HBS304A24A) is a smart pick whenever you need to share four USB peripherals between four computers without constantly swapping cables. You can switch between systems with the remote port selector or the button controls, and setup’s plug-and-play, so you won’t waste time configuring drivers. It works with Mac, Windows, and Linux, and it’s backward compatible with USB 2.0 and 1.1 devices. With USB 3.0 speeds up to 5Gbps, you’ll move data quickly and keep your workspace efficient, organized, and cost-effective.
- Computer Count:4 computers
- USB Ports:4 USB 3.0 ports
- USB Standard:USB 3.0
- Switching Method:Button selector
- LED Indicator:Remote selector
- Plug-and-Play:Plug-and-play
- Additional Feature:Share between 4 computers
- Additional Feature:Remote port selector
- Additional Feature:4X4 peripheral sharing
Factors to Consider When Choosing USB Switches
As I choose a USB switch, I firstly check device compatibility so it’ll work with the gear you already use. I also weigh port count, USB speed, switching method, and power requirements because each one affects how smoothly the setup runs. Should you compare these factors up front, you’ll pick a switch that fits your needs without hassle.
Device Compatibility
Before you buy a USB switch, I’d check whether it actually fits the devices and systems you plan to use. I look for support for the peripherals I want to share, whether that’s a keyboard, mouse, printer, scanner, flash drive, or external drive, and I confirm the right USB standard, like USB 2.0 or USB 3.0. I also verify operating system compatibility, since many switches work with Windows, Mac OS, Linux, and Chrome OS, while some cover older versions too. When I’m using a USB-C-only computer, I check for a USB-C-to-USB-A adapter for the host side. For power-hungry gear, I prefer optional external power. I also make sure the switch is data-only, not meant for monitors, Thunderbolt, HDMI, DisplayPort, or VGA.
Port Count
I start with the host count and the shared device ports, since a USB switch that fits one setup can be wrong for another. I match the switch to the number of computers I want to share, whether that’s two hosts or, in some cases, four. Then I check how many peripherals I can connect at once. A model with four shared device ports could suit a keyboard, mouse, printer, and storage drive, while a different layout might work better for my gear. I also confirm the connector types I need, like USB-A or sometimes USB-C. I prefer a little extra capacity, because using every port leaves no room to grow and can force an unnecessary replacement later.
USB Speed
USB speed matters just as much as port count, because the switch has to match what you’re connecting. I’d use USB 2.0 for everyday gear like keyboards, mice, printers, and flash drives, since that’s all those devices need. In case I’m switching external hard drives, SSDs, webcams, or video cameras, I look for USB 3.0, which can reach 5 Gbps and move data far faster than USB 2.0. That extra bandwidth can cut delays and help keep connections steadier. I also check backward compatibility, because I want older USB 2.0 or 1.1 devices to keep working upon needed. Still, I recall that the slowest component sets the real speed, so a USB 3.0 switch won’t enhance a USB 2.0 device.
Switching Method
Whenever I choose a USB switch, I look for a switching method that feels quick and simple, because a one-button or push-button design lets me change computers without software or extra steps. I prefer driver-free, plug-and-play toggling, since it keeps my setup clean and makes each swap feel instant. Should the switch include LED indicators, I can confirm at a glance which computer’s active, which saves me from guessing. For added convenience, I like remote port selectors whenever the main unit isn’t easy to reach. I also check how many hosts the switch supports, because some models only handle two computers while others manage four. Matching the switching method to my workflow keeps sharing devices smooth and predictable every day.
Power Requirements
Whenever I’m connecting only basic peripherals, I can often run a USB switch bus-powered, but I still check whether it offers an optional external power input. I’ve found that low-power operation can get shaky once I add hard drives, cameras, SSDs, or several devices at once. In those cases, I prefer a switch with a dedicated 5V adapter or USB-C power source. A model rated around 5V/2A or 5V/3A usually gives me better stability and fewer disconnects. Some switches use a micro USB or USB-C port just for extra current, which helps with printers and storage gear. Provided that the switch doesn’t include a charger, I make sure I already have a standard 5V adapter ready before I rely on that feature.
OS Support
When I’m choosing a USB switch, I always check OS support first, because a model that works on Windows might still be finicky on macOS, Linux, or Chrome OS, depending on the device family and age. I make sure the switch lists every operating system I use, and I favor driver-free, plug-and-play models whenever I want the broadest compatibility. That usually saves me from extra setup on Windows, Mac, Linux, and Chrome OS. Whenever I still rely on older machines, I verify support for legacy versions like Windows XP or Vista. In mixed environments, I confirm the switch handles both current and older hosts. Before I buy, I match its support to both computers, especially whenever one is USB-C-only or runs a less common platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do USB Switches Work With Gaming Consoles?
Yes, USB switches can work with some gaming consoles, but compatibility should be checked first. They can be useful for controllers and storage, although some consoles may restrict certain devices or features.
Can One Switch Share a Printer and Webcam Simultaneously?
Yes, one switch can share both if it supports multiple USB devices and has enough bandwidth. Check the switch specs first so you avoid connection problems. Then your printer and webcam can be shared between computers without issues.
Are USB Switches Compatible With USB-C Devices?
Yes, many USB switches work with USB C devices when the correct cable or adapter is used, but compatibility still depends on the switch ports, power requirements, and the device’s own needs, so checking the specifications first is important.
Do USB Switches Require External Power?
Some USB switches need external power, while others do not. I use bus powered ones for simple devices, and I connect powered models when I share disks or high draw peripherals.
Can I Use a USB Switch With Mac and Windows?
Yes. A USB switch works with Mac and Windows if it supports both systems. I would check driver support first, then move my keyboard, mouse, or printer between the two computers without trouble.
