I've been developing software and firmware for microcontrollers for years, and I've seen several posts on Dev.to about software that uses the Serial Port.
After some time, I decided to write my review of what I currently consider the best freemium serial port software.
I'm happy to dedicate my time to help you avoid wasting yours on complicated paid software or outdated free software.
Are you curious about my choice?
Well, let me reveal the mystery. Without a doubt, I choose SerialTool - www.serialtool.com
First of all, it's freemium software, meaning that most of the features are free and fully usable without the need to purchase a license (which, by the way, is much cheaper compared to other similar software).
It is cross-platform and runs with the same interface and functionalities on Windows, Linux, and macOS. Yes, even on macOS, where there aren't many advanced tools that allow efficient serial port usage and, most importantly, MBUS protocol emulation, which is essential in the industrial automation world.
Here are the main features of SerialTool:
Multiple Serial Port Management:
Manage multiple serial ports simultaneously without launching multiple instances of the software.
Link: [https://serialtool.com/_en/serial-port-multiple-serials]
Python Scripting Support:
This is a game-changer! You can control the GUI through custom Python scripts. Have you ever wanted to use the serial port and have a fantastic graphical interface available that could display data to and from the serial port?
If you need this and want to create your own program to easily control the serial port without having to install libraries in a simple language accessible to everyone, SerialTool with Python is the tool you were looking for.
Link: [https://serialtool.com/_en/serial-port-python.php]
MODBUS Support:
Full MODBUS RTU, ASCII, and TCP support – a lifesaver, especially on macOS.
Link: [https://serialtool.com/_en/serial-port-modbus-client-rtu-ascii-tcp]
Hexadecimal Traffic View:
Besides ASCII terminal mode, you can view traffic in HEX format for detailed analysis.
Link: [https://serialtool.com/_en/serial-port-ascii-hex-terminal]
Integrated HEX File Editor:
Edit files in HEX format effortlessly. Typically, a standalone HEX editor costs as much as SerialTool’s full license!
Link: [https://serialtool.com/_en/hex-file-editor]
USB Device Mapping (USBMap):
View all USB-connected devices, including serial ports, along with details like driver info, serial numbers, and paths.
Link: [https://serialtool.com/_en/serial-port-usbmap]
Byte and Bit Level Serial Port Simulation (ByteVisualizer):
A low-level simulator that visually represents serial port traffic in byte and bit format, great for education and debugging.
Link: [https://serialtool.com/_en/serial-port-byte-bit-visualizer]
Quick Buffer Storage for Rapid Transmission:
Save frequently used data buffers and quickly retrieve them for transmission.
Link: [https://serialtool.com/_en/serial-port-multiple-buffers]
Auto Answer Mode:
Automatically respond to specific packets arriving at a selected serial port—ideal for simulating remote devices.
Link: [https://serialtool.com/_en/serial-port-auto-answer]
Trigger Alarms on Specific Serial Packets:
Filter and highlight important data when traffic becomes overwhelming.
Link: [https://serialtool.com/_en/serial-port-alarm-trigger-on-buffer]
File Transfer via Serial Port:
A must-have feature for updating remote devices via serial communication.
Link: [https://serialtool.com/_en/serial-port-send-file]
SpyPort – Serial Sniffer and Logger (Windows Only):
Exclusive for Windows – A kernel-level driver that monitors all serial traffic, even from software using the port. Saves all sniffed data to a file.
Link: [https://serialtool.com/_en/serial-com-spy-sniffer-logger.php]
I've only listed some of the features because this software is packed with functionalities and is constantly updated. By the time you read this, even more features may be available that I haven't had a chance to review!
I hope this recommendation helps you and saves you valuable time with a powerful, easy-to-use serial port tool.
Let me know if you have any comments!