Running two computers on one desk is common — a work laptop alongside a personal desktop, a Windows machine next to a Mac, or a home server you occasionally need to access. A USB switch (or KVM switch) lets you share your keyboard, mouse, and other peripherals between both without unplugging anything. One button press and you’re on the other machine. Here are the best options for 2026, from basic USB-only switches to full dual-monitor setups.
USB Switch vs KVM Switch — What’s the Difference?
Both terms describe the same category of product, but they’re not always identical:
- USB switch — shares USB peripherals (keyboard, mouse, webcam, printer) between two computers. No video switching. Each computer keeps its own monitor. This is the right choice if you already have two monitors or don’t need to share a display.
- KVM switch — stands for Keyboard, Video, Mouse. Adds HDMI or DisplayPort video switching on top of USB sharing, so one monitor serves both computers. More hardware, higher cost, but a cleaner single-screen setup.
If you’re searching for a “USB switch for two computers” or a “USB hub for multiple computers,” the UGREEN USB switch below is exactly what you’re looking for. If you need one monitor to work with both machines, any of the KVM options will do the job.
Quick Picks
| Pick | Best For | Monitor Support | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| UGREEN USB 3.0 Switch 2-in 7-Out | No monitor sharing needed | None | ~$68 |
| UGREEN HDMI KVM 1 Monitor | Budget single-monitor | 1× HDMI | ~$35 |
| UGREEN HDMI KVM 2 Monitors | Dual-monitor desktop setup | 2× HDMI | ~$64 |
| TobenONE USB-C KVM | Two laptops, Mac + PC | 1× HDMI (USB-C in) | ~$50 |
| AOOCOO Dual Monitor USB-C KVM | Dual-monitor laptop setup | 2× HDMI (USB-C in) | ~$106 |
1. UGREEN 2-in 7-Out USB 3.0 Switch — Best USB-Only Switch
Share 7 USB devices between 2 computers — no monitor required.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Price | ~$67.99 (Amazon’s Choice) |
| Rating | 4.6★ — 150 reviews — 500+ bought/month |
| Host connections | 2 computers (USB-A or USB-C) |
| Shared devices | 4× USB-A + 3× USB-C (7 total) |
| Transfer speed | 5 Gbps (USB 3.0) |
| Includes | Power adapter, USB-C converter, wired controller |
| Compatibility | Windows, macOS, Chrome OS, Linux |
Not everyone needs to share a monitor. If both computers already have their own displays and you just want to switch your keyboard, mouse, webcam, or printer between them, this is the cleanest solution. The UGREEN USB switch supports 2 host computers — connected via either USB-A or USB-C ports — and shares up to 7 USB devices simultaneously. There is no video output on this unit at all; it is purely a USB peripheral hub with a switching mechanism.
The powered design matters here. Because it includes an external power adapter, it can reliably drive demanding peripherals like USB hard drives, webcams, and audio interfaces that require more power than a passive switch can deliver. The included wired controller sits on your desk for quick switching, though there is no LED indicator to show which PC is currently active.
Who this is for: Anyone running two computers with separate monitors who simply wants to share a keyboard, mouse, printer, or USB hub without the cost or complexity of full KVM video switching. Also ideal for Mac + PC setups where you have two displays and don’t want to deal with HDMI compatibility issues.
Strengths:
- Widest device-sharing capacity in the category (7 USB ports)
- Supports both USB-A and USB-C host computers
- Powered — handles external drives, webcams, USB audio
- Amazon’s Choice with strong review track record
Trade-offs:
- No video output — monitors stay on their own inputs
- No indicator light on the remote controller to confirm active computer
- No hotkey switching
Bottom line: The most reliable and well-reviewed USB switch available in 2026. If you just need to share peripherals and your monitors are already sorted, this is the one to get.
Check UGREEN 2-in 7-Out USB Switch on Amazon →
2. UGREEN HDMI KVM Switch 1 Monitor — Best Budget Single-Monitor KVM
One monitor, two computers, everything included for $35.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Price | ~$34.99 (list: $39.99) |
| Rating | 3.9★ — 198 reviews — 400+ bought/month |
| Video | 1× HDMI, 4K@60Hz (also 4K@30Hz, 1080p@240Hz) |
| USB ports | 4× USB 3.0 (3× USB-A + 1× USB-C) |
| Switching | Button on unit + wired desktop controller |
| Includes | 2× USB cables, wired controller |
| Compatibility | Windows, macOS, Linux; PS5/4/3, Xbox, Nintendo Switch |
This is the most straightforward full KVM switch you can buy: one HDMI monitor shared between two computers, plus four USB 3.0 ports for your keyboard, mouse, and up to two more devices. At $35, it hits a price point that’s hard to argue with. The wired desktop controller means you can keep the KVM unit tucked behind your monitors and still switch from your keyboard area.
The things to know before buying: HDMI cables are not included, and the USB-C power adapter for the switch is also not included (you’ll need a standard USB-C charger). There is no hotkey shortcut and no EDID emulation, which means some monitors may briefly go dark during switching — this is normal behavior for this class of switch. Most users report a 1–2 second blackout when switching computers, which is acceptable.
Who this is for: Someone setting up a single-monitor KVM for the first time who wants a clean, budget-friendly solution. Works well for Windows + Linux setups, two Macs sharing one display, or a PC + game console combination.
Strengths:
- Lowest price of any full HDMI KVM in this roundup
- Clean desktop controller for switching without reaching for the unit
- 4× USB 3.0 covers keyboard, mouse, and two extras
- Reliable switching per positive reviews
Trade-offs:
- HDMI cables not included — need to buy separately
- USB-C power supply not included
- No EDID emulation (brief monitor blackout on switch)
- No keyboard hotkey switching
Bottom line: Hard to beat at $35 for a full 4K@60Hz HDMI KVM with four USB ports and a wired controller. Budget buyers who already own HDMI cables should start here.
Check UGREEN HDMI KVM 1 Monitor on Amazon →
3. UGREEN HDMI KVM Switch 2 Monitors — Best Dual-Monitor KVM
Both your monitors, both computers, one KVM.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Price | ~$63.99 (deal; list: $79.99) |
| Rating | 4.1★ — 621 reviews — 500+ bought/month |
| Video | 2× HDMI in → 2× HDMI out, 4K@60Hz |
| USB ports | 4× USB 3.0 (3× USB-A + 1× USB-C), 5 Gbps |
| Modes | Extend + Mirror |
| Switching | Button on unit + wired desktop controller |
| Includes | 4× HDMI cables, 2× USB-A cables, 3 power adapters, controller |
| Compatibility | Windows, macOS, Linux; Switch/Switch 2, PS5/4, Xbox |
If you run a dual-monitor setup, this is what you need. The UGREEN 2-Monitor KVM connects two computers and two HDMI monitors — both screens switch simultaneously when you press the button, taking your keyboard, mouse, and USB peripherals with them. It supports both extended mode (two screens showing different content) and mirror mode (both screens showing the same image), which makes it work with macOS as well as Windows.
Everything you need to connect two computers and two monitors arrives in the box: four HDMI cables, two USB-A cables for the host connections, and three different power adapters. This is a meaningful advantage over budget single-monitor KVMs that ship with no cables at all. Setup is genuinely plug-and-play — multiple reviewers report it working immediately with no driver installation or configuration.
One important caveat for Mac users: if you have an Apple Silicon Mac (M1/M2/M3/M4 chip) running dual monitors, you may need a Thunderbolt-to-HDMI cable in addition to the included HDMI cable due to Apple’s proprietary multi-monitor handling. The switch works fine with older Intel Macs and all Windows/Linux systems out of the box.
Who this is for: Anyone with a dual-monitor desk who wants to share both displays, keyboard, mouse, and USB devices between two desktop PCs or laptops with full-size HDMI ports. The most popular choice for power users upgrading from a single-monitor KVM.
Strengths:
- Full dual-monitor HDMI KVM at the lowest mainstream price point
- All cables included — nothing extra to buy
- 500+ units sold per month — strong real-world validation
- Extend and mirror mode support
- Blue LEDs on unit indicate active computer
Trade-offs:
- No hotkey switching
- No EDID emulation
- Mac Apple Silicon users need additional Thunderbolt adapter for dual-display extended mode
- Some negative reviews cite initial setup confusion (wiring order matters)
Bottom line: The best-selling dual-monitor KVM in the $60–80 range. If you have two HDMI monitors and two desktop computers, this is the most complete package you can get at this price — everything in the box, nothing extra required.
Check UGREEN HDMI KVM 2 Monitors on Amazon →
4. TobenONE USB-C KVM Switch — Best for Two Laptops (Mac + PC)
4K@120Hz, 100W charging, and zero desktop clutter — built for laptop users.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Price | ~$49.99 (was $89.99 — 44% off) |
| Rating | 5.0★ — 18 reviews |
| Video | USB-C in → 1× HDMI out, 4K@120Hz (also 2K@120Hz, 1080p@120Hz) |
| USB ports | 2× USB-A 2.0 + 1× USB-C 2.0 (480 Mbps) |
| Charging | 100W Power Delivery |
| Includes | 2× 0.8M USB-C cables, wired controller |
| Compatibility | Windows 10/11, macOS, Chrome OS 100.x, Linux |
This switch is purpose-built for the modern two-laptop setup. Both computers connect via USB-C — which means it handles video, USB, and 100W charging through a single cable per laptop. The HDMI output supports 4K at a full 120Hz, making it the only single-monitor KVM in this roundup that reaches beyond 60Hz. If you have a high-refresh-rate monitor, this is the one to pair it with.
Important: This switch only works with laptops (or devices with USB-C ports that support DisplayPort Alternate Mode). It cannot connect to desktop computers that lack a USB-C video output. If either of your two computers is a tower desktop with only HDMI/DisplayPort outputs, look at the UGREEN single-monitor or dual-monitor KVM above instead.
The USB device ports are USB 2.0 (480 Mbps), not USB 3.0 — so fast external drives will be bottlenecked, but keyboards, mice, webcams, and headsets work without issue. The included USB-C cables are short (0.8M), so keep the unit close to your computers.
Who this is for: MacBook + Windows laptop users, Chromebook power users, or anyone with two USB-C laptops sharing a single monitor. Especially compelling at the current 44% discount pricing.
Strengths:
- 4K@120Hz — highest refresh rate in this category
- 100W PD charging — keeps both laptops topped up
- Single USB-C cable per laptop keeps the desk tidy
- Works across macOS, Windows, Chrome OS, and Linux
Trade-offs:
- Laptops only — no desktop PC support
- USB device ports are USB 2.0 only (no fast storage transfers)
- Included cables are short (0.8M)
- Only 18 reviews (newer product)
Bottom line: The cleanest solution for two-laptop setups. If both your computers are USB-C laptops and you want 4K@120Hz plus charging through one cable, nothing in this price range comes close.
Check TobenONE USB-C KVM on Amazon →
5. AOOCOO USB-C Dual Monitor KVM — Best Dual-Monitor for Two Laptops
Two laptops, two HDMI monitors, and 100W charging — all through USB-C.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Price | ~$105.99 |
| Rating | 4.8★ — 42 reviews — 50+ bought/month |
| Video | 1× USB-C (MST) + 2× HDMI in → 2× HDMI out, 4K@60Hz |
| USB ports | 4× USB 3.0 (5 Gbps) |
| Charging | 100W PD (actual ~80–85W delivered) |
| Modes | Extended (Windows/Linux), Mirror (macOS) |
| Includes | Wired remote controller |
| Compatibility | Windows, macOS, Linux |
For laptop users who need dual-monitor support, the AOOCOO is the best option currently on the market. Each laptop connects via USB-C, and the switch drives two HDMI monitors simultaneously at 4K@60Hz using MST (Multi-Stream Transport). You get four full-speed USB 3.0 ports to share peripherals, plus 100W PD charging per host — though the actual power delivered is around 80–85W, which is enough to charge most laptops while under load.
The dual-monitor behavior differs by OS. On Windows and Linux, you get true extended mode — two separate screens with different content. On macOS, the switch runs in mirror mode (both screens show identical content) due to Apple’s MST limitations over USB-C. This is an Apple software constraint, not a flaw in the device. The remote controller includes an indicator LED showing which computer is active — a small quality-of-life detail missing from many competitors.
Who this is for: Power users with two laptops who need a full dual-monitor workstation without a desktop PC. Researchers, developers, or anyone running a work + personal MacBook setup who doesn’t want to sacrifice screen real estate.
Strengths:
- Full dual-monitor support via USB-C MST
- 100W PD charging keeps laptops powered
- 4× USB 3.0 for fast peripheral sharing
- Remote controller with active-PC indicator light
- Works with Linux (verified in reviews)
Trade-offs:
- Laptops only — no desktop PC compatibility
- macOS is mirror-only for dual monitors (Apple MST limitation)
- Higher price than other options
- USB-C cables not included
Bottom line: The most capable USB-C KVM in the category for two-laptop, two-monitor setups. Windows users get full extended-display capability; macOS users should note the mirror-only limitation before purchasing.
Check AOOCOO USB-C Dual Monitor KVM on Amazon →
How to Choose a KVM Switch for 2 Computers
Do you need to share a monitor, or just peripherals?
If both computers already have their own monitors and you only want to share a keyboard, mouse, and maybe a printer or webcam, a USB-only switch is simpler and cheaper. The UGREEN USB switch above is the best option — no video cables, no compatibility headaches.
If you want to control both computers from a single monitor, you need a full KVM switch (one that handles video in addition to USB). Pick one based on your monitor count below.
How many monitors do you have?
One monitor: The UGREEN HDMI KVM 1 Monitor at $35 is the obvious choice. If you have two USB-C laptops and a high-refresh monitor, the TobenONE at $50 adds 4K@120Hz and laptop charging.
Two monitors: The UGREEN HDMI KVM 2 Monitors at $64 is the best value. If both machines are USB-C laptops, the AOOCOO handles dual-monitor + charging in one device.
Desktop, laptop, or both?
- Two desktops or a desktop + docked laptop (HDMI/DisplayPort outputs): UGREEN HDMI KVM (single or dual monitor)
- Two USB-C laptops: TobenONE (single monitor) or AOOCOO (dual monitor)
- Mixed (one desktop + one laptop): UGREEN HDMI KVM works — connect the desktop via HDMI and the laptop via HDMI from its docking station or adapter
Do you use a Mac?
All switches listed here support macOS, with one caveat: Apple Silicon Macs (M1 and later) have proprietary multi-monitor handling. On the UGREEN dual-monitor KVM, you may need a Thunderbolt-to-HDMI cable in addition to the included HDMI cable to enable extended display mode. The AOOCOO’s dual-monitor mode is mirror-only on macOS due to Apple’s USB-C MST restrictions.
For Intel Macs, all switches in this roundup work without workarounds.
EDID emulation — do you need it?
EDID emulation prevents your monitor from “forgetting” its settings when you switch inputs, which stops screen layouts from rearranging. None of the switches in this roundup support EDID emulation. If you need it — common in professional broadcast setups or dual-monitor arrangements where window positions keep shifting — look at ATEN or IOGear switches which offer EDID in the $80–150 range.
For most home office and remote work setups, the minor inconvenience of occasional window rearrangement is acceptable, and the savings are significant.
What about hotkey switching?
None of the picks above support keyboard hotkey switching (typing a key sequence to switch inputs). If that matters to you — for example, if the KVM unit will be in a rack or away from your reach — you’ll want a higher-end unit from ATEN or TRENDnet. For desktop use with the included wired controllers, hotkeys are rarely necessary.