1. Free Serial Monitoring Utilities
Here is our selection of free utilities with their pros and cons that can be used to monitor your serial ports:
- Free Serial Port Monitor
- SerialMon
- Free Serial Analyzer
- Portmon for Windows
- SourceForge Serial Port Monitor
Free Serial Port Monitor
This tool is a free, open-source application for monitoring serial interface activity.
Pros:
- simple interface that allows you to quickly start monitoring your ports;
- monitoring your system’s serial communication in real and virtual environments;
- save captured data from multiple ports directly to a file for later analysis and enable or disable monitoring on-the-fly;
- since it is an open-source project you can study the code to learn about serial programming;
- run on all Windows versions from Windows 98 through the latest version of Windows 10 (32-bit and 64-bit).
Cons:
- ability to save data in a text file only.
by Anonymous:
64-bit+virtual environment. Serial port is shareable!. Haven't found any alternatives for the 64-bit environment. This tool allows to work with virtual machine and this is really helpful for my work! Pros: virtual machine. 64-bit environment (en.softonic.com)
SerialMon:
SerialMon is also freeware but is not open-source.
Pros:
- SerialMon is very lightweight so will not take up much room on your system;
- can be used as software and with cabling attached to the monitored device;
- it serves as a protocol analyzer for the ABB RP570, ABB SPA-bus, and NMEA 0183.
Cons:
- you can use this tool strictly as software or with simple monitoring hardware;
- this software is free to use but the developers request donations to support their efforts;
- the last update to the program was in 2013 (cannot be considered reliable for use with Windows 10);
- useful for sniffing COM ports on older versions of Windows (Windows 2000/Windows XP/Windows 2003 Server/Windows Vista).
by shantanu75:
I had used the trial version of SerialMon for one my project 6 months back, that's the reason I suggested you. As it's easy to log serial data using SerialMon that using CRO or LA. (www.xilinx.com)
Free Serial Analyzer:
You can use this freeware to monitor serial traffic employing the RS232/RS485/RS422 protocols.
Pros:
- you can display read/write data in separate windows and view monitored packets in table form;
- filtering functions enable you to control which data packets are observed;
- you can monitor serial ports on a local machine or remotely across the network;
- the software is designed to be run on Windows machines and supports all versions from Windows XP through Windows 10/x64 bit.
Cons:
- the free version of this application limits you to five monitoring sessions per day with the maximum time per session set at 20 minutes;
- grace period 4 day.
Portmon for Windows:
Portmon is another free serial port monitor.
Pros:
- it allows you to perform remote monitoring, log data to a file, and make use of powerful filtering capabilities;
- the software includes an online help file that makes the tool more user-friendly;
- monitoring parallel ports as well as serial activity.
Cons:
- the last update was on January 12, 2012;
- you will only be able to use this utility on systems running Windows NT 4.0, Windows 2000, XP, Server 2003, Windows 95 and Windows 98.
by tomekajja
...Many thanks to you all. I can now send and receive data to the device via USB. Portmon is a great tool to check for serial issues... (www.microchip.com)
SourceForge Serial Port Monitor
SourceForge is an open-source community resource and Serial Port Monitor is one of the applications that it supports.
Pros:
- this tool resides in your Windows notification tray and notifies you when a device is added or removed;
- it is a simple tool that performs a single function to help you track the devices attached to your system;
- this freeware was last updated in late 2018 and supports Windows 10.
Cons:
- This software just shows the COM ports that are plugged into the computer. Actually, it doesn’t monitor the traffic passing through.
2. Professional Serial Port Monitoring Software for Windows
Professional serial port monitoring applications offer more features and support than do the free tools previously mentioned. Here is our selection of quality tools for monitoring your COM port traffic.
- Serial Port Monitor by Eltima
- Serial Monitor by HHD Software
- Advanced Serial Port Monitor
- Serial Port Monitor by Awavo
- Advanced Serial Protocol Analyzer
Serial Port Monitor by Eltima
This high-quality application delivers a full-featured and comprehensive tool for monitoring COM port traffic. This professional-grade solution for discovering and breaking down problems that may occur during the test and optimization COM port devices' performance, and more.
Pros:
- the software including the ability to sniff multiple ports simultaneously;
- emulate data transmission to test serial devices and applications;
- the app can monitor ports that are already opened and used by another application;
- has the ability to present captured data in multiple views and formats;
- in addition to supporting the standard RS232/422/485 serial protocols, Modbus RTU and Modbus ASCII communications can also be monitored and decoded with this flexible app;
- this tool provides session playback feature;
- it supports all Windows versions from XP to the latest Windows 10;
- supports all COM-port types: standard on-board ports, extension board ports, software-based virtual COM ports, Bluetooth serial ports, etc.
Other features of this serial port monitor are that the Bit Rate, Character Width, Parity and Stop Bits change serial port parameters on-the-fly.
You can download Serial Port Monitor for a fully-functional 14-day free trial. The standard version of the software costs $99.95 and the popular Pro version is $199.95.
by Rew:
I’ve been using this tool for a long time, and it is really powerful and easy to use. It provides a convenient way to monitor and analyze serial port activity. That’s exactly what I need. Thanks! (www.colormango.com )
Serial Monitor by HHD Software
Serial Monitor is the paid cousin of the aforementioned Free Serial Analyzer.
Pros:
- the features of this tool allow you to monitor, save, and analyze all serial interface activity;
- the software features a configurable user-interface to facilitate its use;
- multiple ports can be monitored at one time;
- the app supports custom defined serial protocols;
- it supports all Windows versions from XP to Windows 10.
Cons:
- the standard license doesn't provide MODBUS protocol commands.
You can try the application for 14 days risk-free. Purchasing a standard license costs $64.99 with the Pro version going for $149.99, the Ultimate version would cost $199.99.
Advanced Serial Port Monitor
Here is a flexible serial monitor that allows you to monitor serial traffic as well as sending and receiving data from your COM ports.
Pros:
- useful for diagnosing problems with external serial devices;
- data can be displayed in HEX or ASCII characters and you can log files for later analysis;
- a built-in scripting engine enables you to execute commands through plugins;
- the app can run on all Windows versions.
Cons:
- the program has system requirements that run with one free serial port;
- it does not decode Modbus RTU and ASCII.
The trial version is available but is limited to 30 minutes of use before requiring a license to continue. You can get a one year license for $19 with the standard product costing $60. A professional version is also available for $165 and comes bundled with additional software.
Serial Port Monitor by Awavo
Awavo COM Port Monitor lets you display, log and analyze RS232/422/485 serial communication data.
Pros:
- this application displays data that is sent and received through your system’s COM ports and timestamps the data transmission;
- useful for sending data to specific ports based on defined conditions or periodically on a timed basis;
- filters allow you to control the flow of data so only pertinent information is displayed
- COM Port Monitor supports Windows 10/8/7/Vista/XP.
You can test drive this software for free for 14 days and the full product costs $99.95.
RS232 Analyzer by CommFront
The last product in our review of professional COM monitoring apps. It is an easy to use program with many advanced features.
Pros:
- it can be used to monitor, analyze, and control serial port activities and can display data in numerous formats;
- you can configure the application with programmable buttons, automated responses, and macros;
- All major Windows versions through Windows 10 are supported by this flexible software tool.
A Limited version is available for free with no time limitations. A single computer license of the full package costs $79.95. Multi-license would cost $279.95, also developers have an Unlimited-Site-license offer for $494.95.
3. Serial Port Monitoring Software for Linux
Some users may use Linux systems to read serial ports and monitor their system’s serial activity. We have some solutions that will run on the Linux OS.
- Serial Monitor
- jpnevulator
- Linux Serial Sniffer
- Native Linux Commands
Serial Monitor
Serial port monitor for Linux is a plugin that lets you display all serial port activity initiated by other applications.
Pros:
- You can see the actual data flow as well as events such as the opening and closing of ports and changes in the control and status lines;
- It intercepts the calls between a serial port driver and an application enabling direct monitoring of the serial I/O;
You can evaluate the plugin for free but continued use requires a license that will cost you $95.
jpnevulator
This free Linux serial sniffer provides a basic serial port monitor. This utility is a component of the Debian operating system.
Pros:
- it is capable of sending data to serial devices;
- the author has not needed to make updates to the code since 2011 but continues to support the program;
- component of the Debian OS.
Cons:
- it is a command line tool that does not present a user-friendly interface.
Linux Serial Sniffer
Here is a Linux com port terminal application that is free to use
Pros:
- It can display monitored data on the screen or send it to disk;
- customize the monitoring process with the included user filters;
- users can intercept and extend the data stream from either direction to facilitate troubleshooting and testing;
- free.
Cons:
- Last update was in 2002;
- Supports by x32 bit system only.
Native Linux Commands
This link is not to any dedicated software tool but rather to a page that illustrates how to use several Linux utilities designed for serial communication. It can be very informative for Linux users unfamiliar with serial communication commands and utilities. Add these tools to your Linux cheat sheet.
4. COM Port Monitors for MacOS
We would be remiss if we did not include some Mac serial port monitors. Here are two options for Mac users.
- CoolTerm
- Serial
CoolTerm
CoolTerm is designed to facilitate data exchange between your computer and serially connected hardware devices
Pros:
- it supports multiple simultaneous connections and can send and receive data in HEX or ASCII;
- it is highly configurable and lets you log received data to text files so they can be analyzed at a later time.
CoolTerm is a free software tool that runs on OS X 10.9 and later.
Serial
This aptly named application for the macOS brings a full-featured serial terminal to your Mac or MacBook. It was developed specifically for the Mac and is not a port of a Windows program. It’s a great tool for system administrators working on a Mac.
Pros:
- the app provides terminal emulation, break support, and the ability to conduct file transfers;
- it can work directly with your serially-connected devices and lets you rename them if you so desire;
- free demo for 7 days.
You can try it for free or buy the program for $29.99
5. How to monitor Serial Ports in Windows10
We believe Eltima’s Serial Port Monitor is your best choice in this type of communication software. To that end, we will use the product to illustrate how easy it is to monitor your COM ports using the tool. Just follow these steps:
- Download and install the Serial Port Monitor.
- Start a new monitoring session. By navigating to Session -> New session on the Main menu. This brings up the New monitoring session screen.
- Select the view mode to be used from among Table, Line, Dump, and Terminal view.
- Select Start monitoring now or Start in a new window.
- Specify the events you want to capture in the Capture options menu.
- Click Start monitoring to activate the session.
- Save the session by selecting Session -> Save session/ Save session As from the Main menu.
That’s all there is to it. Name your session meaningfully so you can retrieve it for later analysis.
If you are interested in how to add a COM port on Windows10, in this article you will find a simple and effective guide on how to add a COM port in Windows 10 via Windows built-in tools or with the help of special virtual serial port software.
6. Serial Port Monitor Crack
You may be tempted to download a cracked version of Serial Port Monitor. There are signs that you have downloaded a pirated copy of a software application. They include very low discounts exceeding 50%, the absence of product documentation, and software keys that are available online.
Using pirated software is not recommended for a variety of reasons. You will be depriving the developers of compensation for their efforts and breaking copyright laws. You also will not be able to receive program updates or customer support and may be exposed to malware attached to your download.
U.S. Copyright Law says:
{Title 17 U.S.C. Section 101 et seq., Title 18 U.S.C. Section 2319}
Copyright infringements can be punishable by up to five years in prison and $250,000 in fines. Repeat offenders can be imprisoned for up to 10 years. Violators can also be held civilly liable for actual damages, lost profits, or statutory damages up to $150,000 per work.
Conversely, when you buy a fully authorized version of Serial Port Monitor you get complete access to product updates which include bug fixes and regular upgrades to your software product. You also can take advantage of customer support if the need arises.
Eltima Software guarantees that all of their software applications have passed a quality control test ensuring that they are stable and free of any malware.
If you have inadvertently downloaded and are using a pirated copy of the Serial Port Monitor, you can apply for a discount on the purchase price of a fully licensed version.
