Key Points
- Our choice for the #1 Best Overall KVM is the ABLEWE USB and HDMI switch.
- KVMs are incredibly inexpensive, with prices starting at approximately $15.
- A KVM increases your productivity by sharing USB peripherals (Hard drives, DVD drives, printers, scanners, keyboards, card readers, flash drives) and avoiding setting up a complicated network. The switch also allows you to use two different computers and a single keyboard, mouse, and monitor. You’ll switch between computers and peripherals with the KVM switch.
- Use care when selecting a KVM; one size does not fit all! When shopping for the best KVM switch, remember the following four criteria: HDMI, USB, DVI, or Displayport. Selecting the correct KVM switch will save you time and money. Choosing the incorrect KVM switch will cost you money and (worse) poor functionality.
A KVM switch is a handy device that will allow you to switch between several different computers while only using (typically) a single monitor, mouse, and keyboard. After reviewing a bevy of KVM configurations and options, here’s our selection for the best KVM Switches on Earth today.
- Best Overall: ABLEWE USB and HDMI Switch
- Best for USB-C Users: CKLau USB 3.0 Matrix USB-C 2 Port KVM
- Best DVI: IOGEAR 2-Port USB DVI Cable KVM Switch
- Best Budget-Friendly: Jancane 4K KVM Switch
- Best Displayport: TCNEWCL Displayport KVM Switch
- Best Multi-Monitor: TESmart HDMI KVM Switch
#1 Best Overall KVM Switch: ABLEWE USB and HDMI Switch
- Control two computers with just one set of controls
- Easily switch between two displays
- Supports 4K@60Hz resolution
- Compatible with Windows and Mac
- Supports multiple devices including PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Switch
The ABLEWE USB and HDMI KVM Switch is our top selection for the #1 Best Overall KVM Switch. The ABLEWE KVM is the Keyboard Video Monitor (KVM) selection that is the most practical for most users.
| ABLEWE | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Multi-Display | No; Single display monitor |
| Resolution | 4K@60Hz, 4K@30Hz, 1080p |
| HDMI | PS4, PS3, Switch, Xbox One, TV Box, PC, Laptop |
| PC-1/PC-2 | USB 2.0 (1), HDMI (1); USB 2.0 (1), HDMI (1) |
| Computer Monitor | HDMI Output (1) |
| Computer Mouse | USB 2.0 (1) |
| Computer Keyboard | USB 2.0 (1) |
| Remote Switch | No |
| Keyboard Hotkey Switch | No |
| Power Supply | No |
Keyboard Hotkeys
In a perfect world, all KVM switches would have both keyboard hotkeys and remote switches. A keyboard hot switch allows you to change the monitor’s display from one computer to the other by pressing a “hotkey.” A hotkey option saves you the effort of reaching out and manually pushing a switching button on the KVM. It seems trivial, but KVMs have a lot of wires connecting two complete computer systems. Where do you plan to place this unwieldy bundle of goodness?
Remote Switch
A remote switch serves the same function as a keyboard hotkey, switching between devices without having to press a button on the KVM itself physically. Remotes are either wired or wireless. A wireless remote will allow you to bury the KVM (personal experience here) somewhere in your workspace. A wired remote has a finite distance between the remote and the KVM. Check the specs carefully!
The ABLEWE USB and HDMI KVM Switch have neither hotkeys nor a remote. You’ll need to place the KVM switch within a “reachable” distance. Luckily, since you don’t have T-rex arms, you’ll do OK with a little bit of reaching.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It is a practical configuration for most users. | There is no USB 3.0 or USB-C ports. |
| You can mix and match Mac and Windows PCs. | It has no Hotkeys and no remote. |
Check out ABLEWE USB and HDMI Switch on Amazon.
Best for USB-C Users: CKLau USB 3.0 Matrix USB-C 2 Port KVM
- Supports two computers and monitors sharing a keyboard and mouse
- Supports two display modes
- Compatible with Thunderbolt 1-4
- 4K@60Hz resolution with Thunderbolt 4 devices
- Wall mount device
We like the CKLau USB 3.0 Matrix USB-C 2 Port KVM’s ability to add a second computer monitor and its USB-C connectivity. Having spent years working in a “cube,” we can honestly say that some work requires multiple computers and monitors. More monitors are better! In a prior position, we juggled three laptops and three 27-inch monitors through KVM switches. We’re not just fans of KVMs for multi-computers; we’re everyday users!
| CKLau | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Multi-Display | Yes; Two separate display monitors |
| Resolution | 4K@60Hz, 1440p@60/144/165Hz, 1080p@60Hz |
| PC-1/PC-2 | HDMI (1), USB-C (1), USB 3.0 (1); HDMI (1), USB-C (1), USB 3.0 (1) |
| PC1 and PC2 Computer Monitor | HDMI Output (2) |
| Shared Computer Mouse | USB 2.0 (1) |
| Shared Computer Keyboard | USB 2.0 (1) |
| Shared USB | USB 3.0 (2) |
| Audio | Shared 3.5mm jack |
| Remote Switch | Yes; Wireless |
| Keyboard Hotkey Switch | Yes |
| Power Supply | Yes, 5V 2A |
USB-C functionality is a key consideration for most of us. We’d expect that sooner or later, USB-C will be the USB standard, but for today, options are limited.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The device has a wired remote control and supports IR remote. | It can be temperamental with gaming keyboards. |
| All cables are included. | It is expensive. |
| The shared USB is USB 3.0. | |
| The device has hotkey support. |
Check out CKLau USB 3.0 Matrix USB-C 2 Port KVM on Amazon.
Best DVI KVM Switch: IOGEAR 2-Port USB DVI Cable KVM Switch
- Control two DVI-D USB 2.0 interface computers sharing a keyboard and mouse
- Utilize the USB mouse port for USB peripheral sharing
- Supports up to 1920 x 1200 at 60Hz resolution
- The click of a button separates the internet and the intranet
The IOGEAR 2-Port USB DVI Cable KVM Switch provides KVM capability for users seeking a KVM with an older Digital Visual Interface (DVI) hardware configuration. DVI, the precursor to HDMI, has been around since 1999.
The odds are good that if you’re seeking DVI KVM compatibility, you’ve discovered a long-lost desktop computer hiding in a relative’s bedroom closet. (Be strong, walk away from the free computer!)
DVI compatibility in a KVM will allow you to use older desktops or laptops, but there are performance limitations. Let’s take a look at the specifications.
| IOGEAR | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Multi-Display | No; One monitor only |
| Resolution | 1080p@60Hz |
| PC1 and PC2 Computer Monitor | DVI Output (1) |
| Shared Computer Mouse | USB 2.0 (1) |
| Shared Keyboard Mouse | USB 2.0 (1) |
| Audio | No |
| Remote Switch | Yes; Wired |
| Keyboard Hotkey Switch | Yes |
| Power Supply | No |
It’s easy to notice all the “missing” features or specifications from the IOGEAR 2-Port USB DVI Cable KVM chart. Keep in mind that it’s a KVM for older computer systems. You won’t find USB 3.0 or HDMI ports. They didn’t exist when DVI was king.
Resolution Limitations
Also, keep in mind that DVI has a much slower data transmission rate than HDMI, so if you’re looking to stream 4K movies on a second monitor while working on the first monitor (not that we’d ever do that ourselves!), please be aware of the inherent resolution limitations of DVI. Be mindful that DVI doesn’t transmit an audio signal!
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The device has a remote control switch. | There are two shared USB 2.0 ports and no open ports for other USB devices. |
| IOGEAR supports older technology. | There is no audio so you have to run a separate line. |
| It can be controlled remotely. | The device has a lower video resolution. |
| It supports hotkeys. |
Check out IOGEAR 2-Port USB DVI Cable KVM Switch on Amazon.
Best Budget-Friendly KVM Switch: Jancane 4K KVM Switch
- Control 2 computers using the same peripherals
- Switch between two displays
- Supports 4K@60Hz resolution
- Compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux, and Chrome
The Jancane KVM budget-friendly KVM option packs a truckload of configuration options into a small package. It’s hard to beat the price!
| Jancane | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Multi-Display | No; One display monitor |
| Resolution | 4K@60Hz,4K@30hz, 1080p |
| PC-1/PC-2 | HDMI 2.0 (1), USB 2.0 (1); HDMI 2.0 (1), USB 2.0 (1) |
| PC1 and PC2 Computer Monitor | HDMI Output (1) |
| Shared Computer Mouse | USB 2.0 (1) |
| Shared Computer Keyboard | USB 2.0 (1) |
| Shared USB | USB 2.0 (2) |
| Remote Switch | No |
| Keyboard Hotkey Switch | No |
| Power Supply | No |
It’s hard to beat a $23 KVM switch, and the Jancane KVM covers most of the technology bases. If you know exactly what you want and need in a KVM switch, the Jancane might be your cup of tea.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It is easy to use. | It requires an additional HDMI 2.0 cable. |
| All cables are provided. | |
| No external power supply is required. |
Check out Jancane 4K KVM Switch on Amazon.
Best Displayport KVM Switch: TCNEWCL Displayport KVM Switch
- For 2 Displayport computers sharing a single monitor and USB 2.0 devices
- Compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux
- Can supply power to a gaming console
- Supports 4k@60Hz resolution
The TCNEWCL Displayport KVM Switch is designed for users who want a Displayport monitor connection. Displayport 1.2 and HDMI 2.0 have the exact maximum output resolution, 4K@60Hz. While technology eggheads will debate the virtues of both platforms, we’re not here to solve the debate.
Here’s what we will say: DP is an active component on computers and computer monitors. HDMI is an active component on TVs, projectors, computer monitors, game consoles, streaming devices, and Blu-Ray players.
If you’re looking to purchase a KVM switch that’s DP compatible, you need to have a monitor and computer that are DP compatible. Don’t land yourself into the wacky land of adapters.
| TCNEWCL | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Multi-Display | No; One display monitor |
| Resolution | 4K@60Hz,4K@30hz, 1080p |
| PC-1/PC-2 | DP 1.2 (1), USB 2.0 (1); DP 1.2 (1), USB 2.0 (1) |
| PC1 and PC2 Computer Monitor | DP 1.2 Output (1) |
| Shared Computer Mouse | USB 2.0 (1) |
| Shared Computer Keyboard | USB 2.0 (1) |
| Shared USB | USB 2.0 (2) |
| Remote Switch | Yes; Wired |
| Keyboard Hotkey Switch | No |
| Power Supply | No |
A great feature of a Displayport configuration is that it allows the user to use an open HDMI for a different output port, like a gaming console, instead of a display port. Displayport KVM switches require that you use Displayport cables. Don’t select a Displayport KVM if your computer monitors are configured for HDMI connections.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| All cables are included. | The display defaults to the second computer. |
| It can supply power to a gaming console. | There is no remote switcher. |
| It offers a convenient desktop controller. |
Check out TCNEWCL Displayport KVM Switch on Amazon.
Best Multi-Monitor KVM Switch: TESmart HDMI KVM Switch
- Best for 2 desktops or laptops with 2 monitors and 1 set of peripherals
- Supports 4K@60Hz resolution (downward compatible)
- Supports 3D, HDR10, HDCP2.2, and Dolby Vision
- Compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux-based OS
For lovers of multi-monitors and multi-computers, the TESmart HDMI KVM Switch allows you to drive two display monitors and two computers. (You already know about our love of dual monitors and laptops!) Multi-computers and multi-monitors are exactly where KVM switches begin to shine.
| TESmart | Specification |
|---|---|
| Multi-Display | Yes; Two display monitors |
| Resolution | 4K@60Hz, 3440×1440@100hz, 1440p@144hz |
| EDID | Yes-All ports |
| PC-1/PC-2 | USB A-B (1), HDMI (1); USB A-B (1), HDMI (1) |
| Computer Monitor | HDMI Output (1) |
| Computer Mouse | USB 2.0 (1) |
| Computer Keyboard | USB 2.0 (1) |
| Remote Switch | Yes; Wireless |
| Keyboard Hotkey Switch | Yes |
| Power Supply | Yes, 12V 2A |
We can feel your skepticism about two computers and two monitors. Yet, what if you wanted to use one computer to play a PC game (Quake, anyone?) and the other computer to stream your Twitch channel for your mom and her friends to watch? Oh, you’re more advanced than that? We hear you!
There are many technical fits for two computers/displays.
- As a design and editing workstation, the KVM will allow you to use one computer for CPU-intensive tasks and the other for differing tasks.
- Financial or trading: One computer is connected to real-time data, and the other allows you to place buy or sell orders.
- Collaborative work projects: Share a computer with coworkers but keep one computer for your own tasks.
- Hi-tech manufacturing: Use two monitors to track performance across a fleet of server racks.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The device has more flexibility. | Adding an extra monitor raises the cost. |
| It offers EDID-seamless switching. | There are no USB-C ports. |
| All cables are included. |
Check out TESmart HDMI KVM Switch on Amazon.
How to Pick the Best KVM Switch: Step-By-Step
Most buyers have five primary considerations when choosing a KVM switch.
- Do You Need a KVM Switch?
- Primary Functionality
- Price
- Remote switch
- Resolution
Let’s examine these considerations in more detail, and we’ll start by looking at if you truly need a KVM.
Do I Need a KVM Switch?
KVM switches are the bee’s knees for merging two computers into a single display monitor. Computer A is running a CPU-intensive process (like generating a crazy funny video for Youtube), and computer B’s CPU is idling, allowing you easy access to other applications. (Email, surfing the web, writing a document that outlines how to cure cancer, etc.). If this is you, then yes, you need a KVM switch!
KVM switches are less than ideal if you want to extend your desktop display onto two monitors. For example, extending your desktop monitor onto two monitors allows you to drag applications (like email) onto one monitor while working on a document, like Google Docs, on the other monitor. You can use a second monitor to watch a movie! (Not that we would…) If this is you, then, no, you do not need a KVM switch.
Primary Functionality
When buying a KVM switch, we recommend that you have a good idea of what features you need and want before you purchase the KVM.
- HDMI — Does your display support HDMI? Do you want to use an HDMI port for gaming?
- Displayport — Does your display support both HDMI and Displayport outputs? We don’t recommend displays that only support Displayport. It’s nice to have some flexibility in your computer’s hardware configuration.
- One monitor or two? If you have projects that you can start (begin execution) on and then leave that computer to process or execute the function, you may be good with a single monitor. If you have projects that require continual attention, you might be best served with a KVM switch that can handle two monitors. Continual switching back and forth between monitors is a complete drag. (OK, it is fun when you initially set up the KVM switch, but the newness wears off quickly.)
Price
What’s your budget? You’ll find more features as the KVM price point increases, but the improved features may not justify the extra expense.
Remote Switch
A remote switch is definitely a nice feature. It will allow you to bury (and hide) the KVM hardware away from your desktop. We love the inexpensive nature of lower-end KVMs. Still, we also like the hotkey functionality on several slightly more expensive models that allows you to switch between computer monitors from the keyboard.
Resolution
Our experience with KVMs is that life is easier when both computers use the same display resolution output. Having said that, you can use different resolutions on different computers, but you may find the less expensive KVMs to be glitchy.
What to Know Before Buying a KVM Switch
Depending on your expectations, a less expensive KVM switch may work as well as a more expensive KVM switch. A less expensive KVM switch may take several seconds for the “display transfer” between computers. A more expensive KVM may function more seamlessly during the transition, but if you’re OK with a screen burp or two, it may not make much of a difference to you.
Using KVM Switches: What It’s Like
KVM switches make multi-computer operation easier. We’ve been using KVM switches for over twenty years, and they’re just a part of the background now. A KVM switch allows us to transfer between different computer display screens using the same mouse, keyboard, and display monitor.
A hotkey configuration, or a remote switch, will allow you to oscillate back and forth between computer display outputs with minimal effort. We prefer hotkey configurations as it requires less effort on our part. (Color us lazy.) A remote switch will allow you to switch monitors when you press a button on a remote control. Lacking a hotkey or remote switch functionality, you’ll find that you’re reaching for the actual physical KVM switch as often as you need to switch displays.
Whichever KVM switch you choose, we know you’ll love the improved functionality and decreased hardware costs (you don’t need a second keyboard, mouse, or display monitor) that KVM switches bring to the table.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Vac1/Shutterstock.com.
