Switching one keyboard, mouse, printer, or scanner between two computers should not require repeatedly unplugging cables. USB switch boxes provide a simple way to share peripherals while keeping each computer connected and ready to use.
These 10 options cover practical USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 setups, including compact manual switches, four-device sharing hubs, bi-directional models, and solutions designed for mixed USB-C and USB-A equipment. The right choice depends on the devices you need to share, the transfer speeds you expect, and how many computers or peripherals your workspace includes.
Best 10 USB Switch Boxes Under 300 Picks for 2026
Best Multi-Device USB 2.0 Sharing
UGREEN 2-Computer 4-Port USB Switch
- Shares four USB 2.0 devices between two computers
- One-button switching with LED status indicator
- Optional power input for multiple peripherals
Best For: Home offices sharing several USB peripherals
Best Bi-Directional USB 3.0 Switch
Aluminum 1-in-2-Out USB 3.0 Selector
- Supports USB 3.0 speeds up to 5Gbps
- Switches one device between two computers
- Can also switch two devices on one computer
Best For: Fast, single-peripheral switching
Best 4-Port USB 3.0 Sharing
BENFEI 2-Computer 4-Port USB Switch
- Shares four USB devices between two computers
- USB 3.0 supports speeds up to 5Gbps
- Optional USB-C power input for demanding peripherals
Best For: Multi-peripheral workstations needing USB 3.0
Best Compact USB 3.0 Setup
Bi-Directional USB Switch with Cables
- Includes two USB 3.0 cables
- Supports switching between two computers
- Compact aluminum design with 5Gbps transfers
Best For: Small desks and quick plug-and-play setups
Compact 2-Port Pick
- Two computers share one USB device
- Compact 4.4-inch manual-switch design
- USB 1.1/2.0 support up to 480Mbps
Best For: Small workspaces sharing a printer or similar USB peripheral
Fastest Flexible Option
- Supports 2-in-1-out and 1-in-2-out use
- Up to 5Gbps USB 3.0 transfers
- Plug-and-play Windows, Mac, and Linux support
Best For: Dual-computer workstations needing faster, flexible switching
Multi-Computer Choice
- Allows four PCs to share one USB device
- Compact manual push-button operation
- USB 1.1/2.0 support up to 480Mbps
Best For: Small shared workspaces with four connected computers
Best Compact 2-PC Switch
- Shares two USB devices between two computers
- 5Gbps USB 3.0 with plug-and-play setup
- Includes two USB 3.0 cables and LED switching
Best For: Simple dual-PC home-office setups
Best 4-Port USB Switch
UGREEN USB-C and USB-A Switcher
- Shares four USB devices between two computers
- Combines one USB-C and three USB-A ports
- Supports button or controller switching
Best For: Multi-peripheral workstations
Best Value UGREEN Switch
- Shares two USB devices across two computers
- 5Gbps transfer speeds with broad OS support
- Includes two 5-foot USB 3.0 cables
Best For: Driver-free keyboard, mouse, and printer sharing
Best Multi-Device USB 2.0 Sharing – UGREEN 2-Computer 4-Port USB Switch
For shoppers comparing usb switch boxes under 300, the UGREEN 2-in-4-out switch is a practical choice when two computers need to share several USB peripherals. Its one-button selector handles up to four USB 2.0 devices, while the separate power input can help maintain stability with power-hungry equipment.
Best For: Home offices or workstations that share a printer, scanner, keyboard, mouse, storage drive, or other USB peripherals between two computers.
Pros:
- Lets two computers share four USB 2.0 devices.
- One-button switching and LED status indicator simplify operation.
- Driver-free compatibility includes Windows, macOS, Linux, and Chrome OS.
- Optional micro-USB power input supports more demanding device setups.
Cons:
- Does not support monitors or video transmission, so it is not a video KVM.
- USB 2.0 is slower than USB 3.0 for file transfers.
- Power cable and charger are not included.
This UGREEN model stands out when port count matters more than transfer speed. It includes two USB-A-to-A cables, but users with USB-C-only computers will need a suitable adapter.
Best Bi-Directional USB 3.0 Switch – Aluminum 1-in-2-Out USB 3.0 Selector
If you are comparing usb switch boxes under 300 and want USB 3.0 speed, this aluminum bi-directional switch offers flexible routing. It can connect two computers to one USB peripheral or let one computer switch between two USB devices, with transfers rated up to 5Gbps.
Best For: Users who need fast sharing of one printer, scanner, keyboard, mouse, or storage device between two computers.
Pros:
- Supports up to 5Gbps USB 3.0 data transfers.
- Works in either 2-computers-to-1-device or 1-computer-to-2-devices configurations.
- Backward compatible with USB 2.0 and USB 1.1 devices.
- Plug-and-play operation requires no driver or extra power supply.
Cons:
- USB 3.0 cable is not included.
- It shares one peripheral at a time rather than four devices simultaneously.
- Its listed operating temperature range is 32°F to 122°F.
The compact aluminum housing and high-speed support make this a versatile option for a simple switching setup. Remember to budget for a USB 3.0 cable when planning the installation.
Best 4-Port USB 3.0 Sharing – BENFEI 2-Computer 4-Port USB Switch
Among usb switch boxes under 300, the BENFEI USB 3.0 switch is suited to setups where two computers need access to multiple high-speed peripherals. Four USB 3.0 ports support transfers up to 5Gbps, and a front button with LED indication makes computer selection straightforward.
Best For: Workstations that share several USB 3.0 peripherals, including storage drives, printers, scanners, cameras, headphones, keyboards, and mice.
Pros:
- Allows two computers to share four USB devices.
- USB 3.0 ports support transfer speeds up to 5Gbps.
- Compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux, and Chrome OS without drivers.
- USB-C 5V/3A power input can improve stability with higher-consumption devices.
Cons:
- The USB-C power adapter is not included.
- The notes specify that the included connection setup requires USB-A-to-A cables.
- It switches USB peripherals only and does not provide monitor or video switching.
This BENFEI is a strong fit when both port count and USB 3.0 performance are priorities. Its extra power input is useful for demanding devices, while the included USB-A charging cable helps with power setup.
Best Compact USB 3.0 Setup – Bi-Directional USB Switch with Cables
For buyers seeking usb switch boxes under 300 with a ready-to-use setup, this compact bi-directional USB 3.0 switch includes two USB 3.0 cables. It supports switching one USB peripheral between two computers or two USB devices on one computer, with one-button control and transfers up to 5Gbps.
Best For: Small desks, home offices, gaming setups, and meeting rooms that need simple USB switching without an external power adapter.
Pros:
- Includes two USB 3.0 cables for quick installation.
- Supports USB 3.0 speeds up to 5Gbps and backward compatibility with USB 2.0 and 1.1.
- One-button switching and LED indication make device selection easy.
- Compact aluminum housing saves desk space.
Cons:
- It is designed for one shared peripheral or two devices on one computer, not four shared peripherals.
- No separate power adapter is included or required according to the product notes.
- It provides USB switching only, not monitor or video switching.
This model is particularly convenient when cable availability and a small footprint matter. Its included cables reduce setup friction, while the bi-directional design accommodates more than one common switching arrangement.
Compact 2-Port Pick – Manual USB 2.0 Sharing Switch
For shoppers comparing usb switch boxes under 300, this compact OLLGEN model offers a simple way for two computers to share one USB peripheral. It supports USB 1.1 and USB 2.0 devices, including printers, scanners, cameras, and keyboards, with front-mounted push buttons for manual switching.
Best For: Home offices and basic setups where two computers need access to one USB device.
Pros:
- Lets two PCs share one USB device.
- Compact, portable enclosure measuring 4.4 by 2.6 by 0.9 inches.
- Supports USB 1.1 and USB 2.0 with up to 480Mbps transfer speed.
- Individual front buttons make computer selection straightforward.
Cons:
- USB 2.0 is slower than newer USB 3.0 switch options.
- Manual switching requires pressing a physical button.
- The supplied operating-system details are focused on older Windows versions and Mac OS.
This is a practical low-cost choice when simplicity and portability matter more than high-speed transfers or automatic switching. Its two-computer layout is best suited to a small, uncomplicated workspace.
Fastest Flexible Option – USB 3.0 Bi-Directional Switch
Among usb switch boxes under 300, this CMSTEDCD USB 3.0 switch stands out for its bi-directional layout and faster transfer specification. It can connect two computers to one peripheral or let one computer switch between two USB devices, using a push button and LED status indicator.
Best For: Dual-computer users who want USB 3.0 speed and flexible device sharing.
Pros:
- Supports both 2-in-1-out and 1-in-2-out configurations.
- USB 3.0 provides data transfer speeds up to 5Gbps.
- Push-button switching and blue LED indicators simplify operation.
- Plug-and-play compatibility is listed for Windows, Mac OS, and Linux.
Cons:
- Only one USB 3.0 cable is included, so setup requirements should be checked.
- Manual button switching is still required.
- Its four listed ports may require careful cable planning in a crowded setup.
With its faster USB 3.0 interface, broad operating-system support, and reversible connection layout, this is the most versatile option in the group. It is a strong fit for users who regularly move between two computers or two USB peripherals.
Multi-Computer Choice – 4-Port USB 2.0 Sharing Switch
For buyers seeking usb switch boxes under 300 with room for more computers, this four-port OLLGEN switch lets up to four PCs share one USB peripheral. Its manual push buttons provide separate access selection, while USB 1.1 and USB 2.0 support covers common printers, scanners, cameras, and keyboards.
Best For: Shared workspaces with up to four computers and one commonly used USB device.
Pros:
- Connects up to four computers to one USB device.
- Compact 4.4 by 2.6 by 0.9-inch design is easy to carry.
- Individual buttons allow direct manual selection.
- Supports USB 1.1 and USB 2.0 at up to 480Mbps.
Cons:
- USB 2.0 limits transfer speeds compared with USB 3.0 models.
- Switching is manual rather than automatic.
- The listed operating-system information emphasizes older Windows versions and Mac OS.
This model is a straightforward choice when the main requirement is supporting more than two computers without adding a networked sharing system. Its four-port capacity is useful for a shared printer or scanner station, provided USB 2.0 speed is sufficient.
Best Compact 2-PC Switch – 2-Port USB 3.0 Sharing Switch
If you need usb switch boxes under 300 for a simple two-computer workspace, this compact 2-in-2-out model shares two USB peripherals between PCs. It offers USB 3.0 speeds, one-button switching, and broad operating-system compatibility without requiring drivers.
Best For: Home offices and dual-PC setups sharing a keyboard, mouse, printer, webcam, or other USB devices.
Pros:
- Shares two USB devices between two computers.
- USB 3.0 supports data transfers up to 5Gbps and works with USB 2.0 and 1.1.
- Push-button switching, LED status indicator, and plug-and-play operation.
- Includes two USB 3.0 A-to-A cables and has an aluminum-alloy shell.
Cons:
- Provides two shared USB output ports, fewer than four-port alternatives.
- It switches USB peripherals only; the supplied notes do not indicate monitor or video support.
This is a straightforward choice when you want a compact, driver-free way to share essential peripherals between two computers. Its included cables and simple physical button make setup especially easy.
Best 4-Port USB Switch – UGREEN USB-C and USB-A Switcher
Among usb switch boxes under 300, this UGREEN model stands out for users who need more shared connections. It lets two computers access four USB 3.0 devices, including a mix of USB-C and USB-A peripherals, with button or controller-based switching.
Best For: Workstations that share several peripherals, such as keyboards, mice, printers, scanners, headsets, or USB cameras.
Pros:
- Four shared USB outputs include one USB-C port and three USB-A ports.
- USB 3.0 data transfer reaches up to 5Gbps and supports USB 2.0 devices.
- Offers both physical-button and remote-controller switching.
- Optional USB-C power input can improve stability with higher-power devices.
Cons:
- It is not a KVM and does not support monitor or video transmission.
- Multiple devices may require an external power supply to avoid disconnections.
- The USB ports are intended for data transfer rather than device charging.
This is the most flexible option here for a busy desk with several peripherals and mixed USB connector types. Plan on using supplemental power when connecting multiple or higher-power devices.
Best Value UGREEN Switch – 2-Port USB 3.0 Selector
This UGREEN 2-in-2-out model is a practical pick among usb switch boxes under 300 when you want fast, uncomplicated peripheral sharing. It supports two computers and two USB devices, with a front-facing button and LED indicator for quick source changes.
Best For: Users switching a keyboard, mouse, printer, scanner, or webcam between a work computer and a personal computer.
Pros:
- Shares two USB peripherals between two computers.
- USB 3.0 supports transfers up to 5Gbps and is backward compatible with USB 2.0.
- Driver-free compatibility with Windows, macOS, Chrome OS, and Linux.
- Includes two 5-foot USB 3.0 A-to-A cables.
Cons:
- Only two USB output ports are available for shared devices.
- It is not a KVM and does not support monitor or video transmission.
- The USB output ports are for data transfer, not video transfer.
Choose this model for a familiar, no-software switching experience with generous cable length. It is well suited to essential peripherals, but users needing four shared devices should consider the larger UGREEN model.
How We Picked the Best USB Switch Boxes Under 300
We focused on the features that matter most in everyday peripheral sharing: supported USB standard, switching direction, number of host computers, number of connected devices, included cables, operating-system compatibility, and ease of use. The selection includes USB 2.0 models for printers, keyboards, and mice, plus USB 3.0 switches better suited to external storage, webcams, and faster data transfers.
We also considered whether a switch is designed for two computers sharing several peripherals or for one device moving between two computers. Because these products are generally plug-and-play, reliable port layout and straightforward manual switching were prioritized over unnecessary extras.
Quick Comparison
| Best For | Recommended Type | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Keyboard, mouse, or printer sharing | USB 2.0 switch | Affordable and sufficient for basic peripherals |
| External drives and webcams | USB 3.0 switch | Higher bandwidth for faster data movement |
| Several peripherals between two PCs | Four-port sharing switch | Reduces cable swapping and desk clutter |
| Flexible host/device routing | Bi-directional switch | Can support different input and output arrangements |
| Modern and legacy accessories | USB-C and USB-A model | Useful for mixed-device workstations |
Key Buying Factors for USB Switch Boxes Under 300
USB Version and Speed
USB 2.0 is normally adequate for keyboards, mice, scanners, and printers. Choose USB 3.0 if you plan to share storage devices, high-resolution webcams, or other accessories that benefit from greater bandwidth. A USB 3.0 switch can still work with many slower peripherals, but connected devices and cables must support the desired speed.
Port Count and Switching Layout
Check both sides of the specification: how many computers can connect and how many USB devices can remain plugged in. A two-computer, four-device model is convenient for a complete workstation. A compact one-device switch may be better when you only need to move a printer or keyboard between systems.
Power and Compatibility
Most basic switches draw power through USB and work without drivers, but power-hungry devices may need additional power support. Confirm compatibility with Windows, macOS, or Linux, and check whether the product includes the host cables required for your setup. USB-C users should verify connector types rather than assuming an adapter is included.
Who Should Buy Which USB Switch Boxes Under 300?
Choose a USB 2.0 model for simple office peripherals and the lowest-cost setup. Pick a USB 3.0 four-port switch when two computers need regular access to several devices. A bi-directional design suits buyers who want more flexible routing, while a USB-C and USB-A model is the better fit for mixed modern and legacy hardware. If fast external storage is part of the setup, prioritize USB 3.0 specifications and use short, quality cables to avoid connection problems.