The Best USB Switches You Can Buy
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
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 Budget: Sabrent USB 3.0 Sharing Switch USB-SW30
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 For Multiple Computers: Sabrent USB 2.0 USB-USS4
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 Premium: UGREEN USB 3.0 Switch Selector
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.
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