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The Best USB Switches You Can Buy

person typing on a desktop computer hooked up to a laptop via a USB switch
UGREEN

Sharing USB devices between two computers can be a struggle. Plugging and unplugging devices can be a hassle, and so buying a USB switch may be a handy tool to suit your needs. USB switches allow two computers to share the same USB device at the same time.

It can be useful when you need to control two computers with the same keyboard, connect to the same printer, or for using any peripherals.

What You Should Look For in a USB Switch

The type of USB port supported is a consideration to make when purchasing a USB switch. It’s common for USB switches to have either USB 2.0 or USB 3.0. USB 3.0 has a greater transfer rate of 5Gbps over a USB 2.0, which has a 480Mbps transfer rate. Another thing to consider is the number of downstream ports it has. Having extra ports available can be convenient when connecting multiple USB devices.

Best Overall: ABLEWE USB 3.0 Switcher

black rectangular USB switch with a matching USB cord
ABLEWE

The ABLEWE USB 3.0 Switcher makes sharing USB devices as convenient as possible. It can connect up to four devices and has a fast 5Gbps transfer rate. It comes with a button that will toggle between each active computer. It’s compatible with most software, so all you have to do is plug it in. Additionally, it comes with a 12-month warranty, making this a fast and reliable USB switch.

Best Overall

USB 3.0 Switch Selector,ABLEWE KVM Switcher Adapter 4 Port USB Peripheral Switcher Box Hub for Mouse, Keyboard, Scanner, Printer, PCs with One-Button Switch and 2 Pack USB Cable

This is a fast and effective USB switch. Make sharing peripherals easier between computers with its 5Gbps transfer rate and four ports.

Best Budget: Sabrent USB 3.0 Sharing Switch USB-SW30

solid black, square-shaped USB switch with both ends of a USB cord plugged in
Sabrent

The Sabrent USB 3.0 Sharing Switch is a simple, low-cost solution for sharing devices across computers. It’s rather small compared to other USB switches, but it’s certainly fast with its 5Gbps transfer rate. Using this switch does not require any installation, making sharing devices effortless. It’s a one port USB 3.0 switch, and although more than one device can’t connect at the same time, it undoubtedly makes up for it with its fast speed, easy setup, and affordable price.

Best Budget

SABRENT USB 3.0 Sharing Switch for Multiple Computers and Peripherals LED Device Indicators (USB-SW30)

This is a small, yet solid USB switch. What it lacks in capacity, it makes up for with its incredible speed and performance.

Best For Multiple Computers: Sabrent USB 2.0 USB-USS4

black square-shaped USB switch with two black USB cables
Sabrent

In the event of having more than two computers in need of the same peripheral device, this Sabrent USB 2.0 Sharing Switch will come in handy. It allows four devices to connect to four computers, at the toggle of a button. While it has a slower transfer rate at 480Mbps, it’s still a solid speed. As this product’s value comes from its capability to connect to four different computers, it’s a reliable option for multiple computers.

Best For Multiple Computers

SABRENT USB 2.0 Sharing Switch up to 4 Computers and Peripherals LED Device Indicators (USB-USS4)

Double the number of computers you can connect to with this switch. It brings you four ports that can connect to four different computers simultaneously.

Best Premium: UGREEN USB 3.0 Switch Selector

rectangular USB switch with one black USB cable plugged in and one beside it
UGREEN

The UGREEN USB 3.0 Switch Selector has the highest quality features over its competitors. It offers four USB 3.0 ports that are backward compatible with USB 2.0 and USB 1.1 devices. It requires no charging and no driver installation, which makes using this switch incredibly easy and efficient. It has a 5Gbps transfer rate and it’s widely compatible with almost all USB peripherals. Its high-quality performance and wide compatibility make this switch one of the fastest and most reliable.

Best Premium

UGREEN USB 3.0 Switch Selector 2 Computers Share 4 USB 3.0 Ports KVM Switcher USB for PC Laptop Keyboard Mouse Printer Scanner One Button Switch Adapter with 2 Pack USB 3.0 Cables

This switch is well worth the additional cost. It is backward compatible with older models of USB, making it universally compatible with almost all peripheral devices.

Jonah Chin Jonah Chin
Jonah Chin is a freelance writer for LifeSavvy where he's able to openly share his thorough product considerations, critiques, and recommendations for you to benefit from. When he's away from the keyboard, he enjoys competing in sports like wrestling and playing instruments like the guitar. Read Full Bio »
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