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

USB switch boxes make it easy to share one keyboard, mouse, printer, scanner, or other USB peripheral between two computers without repeatedly unplugging cables. They are especially useful for dual-PC workstations, home offices, and mixed USB-A and USB-C setups.

This roundup compares 10 USB switch boxes with different port layouts, USB speeds, switching methods, and compatibility options. Use the buying guide below to narrow your choice based on the devices you need to connect and how quickly you want to switch between computers.

Best 10 USB Switch Boxes Picks for 2026

Best High-Speed Multi-Device Pick – UGREEN USB 3.0 2-in-4 Switch

For shoppers comparing usb switch boxes, this UGREEN model is a practical choice when two computers need to share several peripherals. It offers four USB 3.0 ports, one-button switching, and transfer speeds up to 5Gbps, but it does not handle monitors or video.

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

Pros:

• Four USB 3.0 ports support data speeds up to 5Gbps.
• Includes two USB 3.0 cables for connecting the computers.
• Plug-and-play compatibility with Windows, macOS, Chrome OS, and Linux.
• Optional USB-C power input helps support higher-power devices.

Cons:

• Not a KVM switch and cannot transmit monitor or video signals.
• Power adapter is not included.
• A USB-C-to-A adapter may be needed for computers with only USB-C ports.

Choose this model when speed and four-port capacity matter most. For multiple demanding devices, plan to provide external power for a more stable connection.

Best Compact Bi-Directional Option – Aluminum USB 3.0 Switch

This compact aluminum unit stands out among usb switch boxes because it works in either direction: two computers can share one USB peripheral, or one computer can switch between two USB devices. It supports USB 3.0 speeds up to 5Gbps without requiring external power.

Best For: Offices, meeting rooms, and home setups that need to share one printer or input device between computers.

Pros:

• Bi-directional 1-in-2-out or 2-in-1-out operation.
• Supports USB 3.0 transfers up to 5Gbps and older USB standards.
• Plug-and-play design requires no drivers or extra power supply.
• Aluminum enclosure provides a compact footprint.

Cons:

• USB 3.0 cables are not included.
• It shares USB peripherals only and does not provide monitor switching.
• Supports one shared peripheral in its two-computer configuration.

This is a flexible, space-conscious choice for simpler sharing needs. Its cable-free packaging means you should verify that you already have suitable USB 3.0 cables.

Best Budget USB 2.0 Hub Sharing Pick – UGREEN USB 2.0 2-in-4 Switch

If your peripherals do not need USB 3.0 bandwidth, this UGREEN model is one of the straightforward usb switch boxes to consider. It lets two computers share four USB 2.0 devices with one-button switching and includes the cables needed to connect both computers.

Best For: Basic office setups sharing keyboards, mice, printers, scanners, card readers, or flash drives between two computers.

Pros:

• Four USB 2.0 ports support several shared peripherals.
• Includes two USB 2.0 A-to-A data cables.
• Driver-free compatibility with Windows, macOS, Linux, and Chrome OS.
• Optional micro-USB power input can improve stability with multiple devices.

Cons:

• USB 2.0 is slower than USB 3.0 for large file transfers.
• Not a KVM switch and does not support monitor or video transmission.
• Power cable and charger are not included.

This model makes sense when peripheral sharing is more important than high-speed storage access. It offers broad compatibility and useful port capacity at the cost of USB 2.0 performance.

Best USB-A and USB-C Compatibility Pick – ATEN US5324 USB 3.2 Sharing Switch

The ATEN Essentials US5324 is a strong option among usb switch boxes for households or offices using different computer port types. It shares four USB peripherals between one USB-A computer and one USB-C computer, with USB 3.2 Gen 1 speeds up to 5Gbps.

Best For: Users switching shared peripherals between a conventional USB-A computer and a USB-C laptop or MacBook.

Pros:

• Supports four shared USB peripherals.
• Works between USB-A and USB-C computers.
• USB 3.2 Gen 1 provides transfer speeds up to 5Gbps.
• Offers both a built-in pushbutton and included remote port selector.

Cons:

• It is designed for USB peripheral sharing, not video switching.
• The supplied notes do not specify included computer connection cables.
• Compatibility details are less extensive than those listed for some competing models.

Consider this ATEN model when mixed USB-A and USB-C connectivity is central to your setup. Its remote selector and compact enclosure also suit desks where the switch itself is not within easy reach.

Flexible Bi-Directional Switch – USB 3.0 2-in-1-Out Switcher

This compact option among usb switch boxes supports two useful configurations: two computers can share one USB peripheral, or two USB devices can connect to one computer. Its 5Gbps USB 3.0 performance, physical button, and LED indicator make switching straightforward for compatible data-only devices.

Best For: Users who need flexible sharing for a printer, scanner, card reader, or removable drive without monitor switching.

Pros:

• Supports both 2-in-1-out and 1-in-2-out USB sharing modes.
• Provides transfer speeds up to 5Gbps and works with USB 2.0 and USB 1.1 devices.
• Plug-and-play compatibility with Windows, Mac OS, and Linux, with two USB 3.0 cables included.
• Physical switching button and LED status indicator are easy to use.

Cons:

• Does not switch monitors or transmit video signals, so it is not a KVM for displays.
• The USB output is intended for data transmission rather than video.

This is a practical choice when your setup needs simple USB peripheral sharing and the two-way configuration is valuable. Confirm that your use case is data-only before choosing it.

High-Speed Multi-Device Switch – UGREEN 2-in-7-Out USB Switch

For setups with many peripherals, this UGREEN model is one of the more capable usb switch boxes, letting two computers share up to seven USB devices. It combines USB-A and USB-C ports, reaches up to 10Gbps, and includes a power adapter for more stable use with higher-power equipment.

Best For: Mixed USB-A and USB-C workstations that need to share several peripherals between two computers.

Pros:

• Connects up to seven devices through four USB-A and three USB-C ports.
• USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports support transfer speeds up to 10Gbps.
• Includes a USB-C-to-USB-A cable for mixed computer connections.
• Included power adapter helps support devices such as external hard drives and printers.

Cons:

• It does not provide video output and is not a monitor-switching KVM.
• Audio device connections are not recommended.

Choose this model if port variety, high transfer speed, and powered operation matter more than a basic, compact design. Its seven-device capacity can also reduce the need for an additional hub or dock.

Reliable Four-Port Switch – BENFEI USB 3.0 2-Computer Selector

This BENFEI model is a straightforward choice among usb switch boxes for sharing four USB peripherals between two computers. It offers up to 5Gbps transfers, one-button switching, broad operating-system compatibility, and an extra power input for demanding devices.

Best For: Home or office users sharing a keyboard, mouse, printer, scanner, drive, or camera between two computers.

Pros:

• Lets two computers share four USB 3.0 devices at once.
• Supports transfer speeds up to 5Gbps and remains backward compatible with USB 2.0.
• Works with Windows, Mac OS, Linux, and Chrome OS without additional drivers.
• Push-button switching and an LED indicator make the active connection clear.

Cons:

• Requires USB-A-to-USB-A cables for operation; the included charging cable is not a power adapter.
• High-power devices may need an additional 5V 3A power supply, which is not included.

This is a sensible middle-ground option for a standard two-computer desk. It has useful four-device capacity and broad compatibility, but budget separately for power if you plan to connect demanding peripherals.

Best High-Capacity Pick – UGREEN 4-Port USB 3.0 Switch

If you need usb switch boxes for sharing several peripherals between a work computer and a personal computer, this UGREEN model offers four device ports: one USB-C and three USB-A. It supports up to 5Gbps data transfer and includes both button and remote switching. Note that it handles USB data only, not monitor or video transmission.

Best For: Users who need to share multiple keyboards, mice, printers, scanners, headphones, or USB cameras between two computers.

Pros:

• Four shared USB 3.0 ports, including one USB-C port
• Supports up to 5Gbps transfer speeds and USB 2.0 compatibility
• Offers both onboard-button and remote-control switching
• Optional USB-C power input can improve stability with higher-power devices

Cons:

• Does not support monitors, video transmission, or USB-C display output
• Optional power may be needed when using several devices simultaneously
• USB ports are intended for data transfer rather than device charging

This is the more flexible choice when four shared peripherals and mixed USB-C/USB-A connectivity matter. Its remote control can also help keep the switch tucked away, but shoppers needing display switching should choose a true KVM instead.

Best Warranty Pick – BENFEI 4-Port USB 3.0 Switch

Among usb switch boxes, the BENFEI 2-in-4-out design stands out for combining three USB 3.0 ports with one USB-C port and a remote control. It is plug-and-play across Windows, macOS, Chrome OS, and Linux, while its optional USB-C power input is intended to support demanding peripherals more reliably.

Best For: Buyers who want mixed USB-A and USB-C device sharing with remote switching and an 18-month warranty.

Pros:

• Shares four USB devices between two computers
• Provides three USB 3.0 ports and one USB-C port
• Supports up to 5Gbps data transfer and USB 2.0 compatibility
• Includes remote switching, LED status indication, and an 18-month warranty

Cons:

• Requires the included USB-A-to-USB-A cables for operation
• Optional extra power is recommended for HDDs, cameras, headphones, and other high-power devices
• Its listing does not describe monitor or video switching

BENFEI is a practical option if warranty coverage and remote operation are priorities. Confirm your computer connections before buying, since the supplied setup is specified to work with USB-A-to-USB-A cables.

Best Compact Setup – UGREEN 2-Port USB 3.0 Switch

This compact option among usb switch boxes is designed for a simpler two-device workspace. It lets two computers share two USB peripherals, includes two 5-foot USB 3.0 cables, and uses a single front-panel button with LED status indication. It is a data switch, not a monitor-capable KVM.

Best For: Users who only need to share a keyboard and mouse, printer, webcam, or two other USB devices between two computers.

Pros:

• Simple 2-in-2-out layout for basic setups
• Supports data transfers up to 5Gbps and USB 2.0 compatibility
• One-button switching with LED status indication
• Includes two 5-foot USB 3.0 A-to-A cables

Cons:

• Provides only two shared USB device ports
• Does not support monitors or video transmission
• USB output is for data transfer, not video

Choose this UGREEN model when you want a straightforward, lower-capacity switch for a keyboard, mouse, printer, or webcam. Its limited two-port design keeps the setup focused, but larger peripheral collections will need a four-port alternative.

How We Picked the Best USB Switch Boxes

We focused on practical features that affect everyday use: the number and type of USB ports, USB transfer speed, supported computer connections, switching direction, build quality, and ease of installation. We also considered whether each model includes a wired remote, supports USB-C devices, or offers enough bandwidth for peripherals such as webcams and external storage.

These products are USB peripheral switches, not full video KVMs. Unless a model specifically states otherwise, they do not switch a monitor, keyboard video signal, or mouse control automatically. A suitable USB cable is also required for each computer connection.

Quick Comparison

Best For	What to Look For
Basic keyboard and mouse sharing	Four USB-A ports, simple button switching, USB 2.0 or USB 3.0
Faster file transfers and webcams	USB 3.0 or USB 3.2 support with adequate upstream bandwidth
Modern laptops	USB-C computer inputs or USB-C peripheral ports
Several connected devices	Four or more downstream ports and a powered design if required
Flexible routing	Bi-directional 1-in/2-out or 2-in/1-out switching

Key Buying Factors for USB Switch Boxes

Port Type and Count

Count the peripherals you plan to leave connected. Four-port models suit a keyboard, mouse, printer, and scanner, while models with USB-C ports are more convenient for newer laptops and accessories. Check whether the listed ports are USB-A, USB-C, or a mixture of both.

USB Speed

USB 2.0 is generally sufficient for keyboards, mice, printers, and many scanners. Choose USB 3.0 or USB 3.2 when you need faster transfers, a webcam, external storage, or other higher-bandwidth accessories. Actual performance also depends on the connected computers, cables, and peripheral.

Power Requirements

Simple input devices usually work from USB bus power, but several devices or power-hungry accessories may need an externally powered hub or switch. Verify the power arrangement before connecting multiple drives, webcams, or charging devices.

Switching Method and Compatibility

A front button is straightforward for a desk setup, while a wired remote lets you place the switch somewhere more accessible. Confirm that the switch supports your computer operating systems and that it does not require special drivers for the peripherals you plan to share.

Who Should Buy Which USB Switch Boxes?

Choose a basic four-port USB 2.0 switch if your main goal is sharing a keyboard, mouse, printer, or scanner. For everyday office use with occasional data transfers, a four-port USB 3.0 model is the safer all-purpose choice.

Choose a USB-C-compatible switch if one or both computers use modern USB-C ports, but check whether it requires USB-C-to-USB-A cables or adapters. A higher-speed USB 3.2 option makes more sense for external storage and demanding peripherals. Finally, choose a bi-directional model when you need flexible 1-in/2-out or 2-in/1-out operation rather than the more common two-computers-to-one-peripheral arrangement.