COM Port Monitor
for Mac

Olga Weis Oct 24, 2024

When setting up a serial connection on a Mac OS, you may encounter issues due to the lack of a physical COM port and suitable software. To avoid these problems, you will need a USB-to-serial connector and one of the following utilities. It's crucial for users working with hardware connected via serial ports to have the appropriate serial port monitoring software. Whether you are debugging, developing hardware, or managing data transfers, having the right tool can make a significant difference. Mac users have access to various serial port monitor apps, each offering different features to cater to a range of needs, from simple data transmission to advanced terminal emulation and protocol analysis. In this article, we will discuss some of the top serial port monitoring apps for macOS, outlining their features, pros, and cons to assist you in selecting the most suitable one for your workflow.

Here is a short list of some Mac serial port monitors:

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.

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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

SerialTool

SerialTool is a versatile tool for developers working with serial ports, offering powerful features for both professionals and beginners, especially those using Arduino or similar boards.

Pros:

Free with Extensive Features: Most functions are free, making it accessible for hobbyists and professionals alike.
Simultaneous Port Management: Manage multiple serial ports without launching multiple instances.
Python Scripting Integration: Built-in editor for Python scripts allows direct display of data on the main screen, saving time on custom interfaces.
Cross-Platform Compatibility: Works on 64-bit Windows, macOS, and Linux, ensuring a consistent experience across systems.
Hex File Editor: Ideal for embedded systems, allowing easy file creation and modification.

Cons:

Limited Advanced Features in Free Version
Learning Curve for Beginners
No Native Support for Proprietary Protocols
No Support for 32-bit Systems

In short, SerialTool is a robust choice for serial communication projects, though some advanced users may find limitations.

ZTerm

ZTerm is a well-known terminal emulation program that has been around for years, now updated for Intel Macs. It supports VT100 emulation, which means it somewhat works with Meridian Mail (Function keys on a MacBook: fn + f-key). ZTerm is Shareware, meaning you can try it before purchasing.

Pros:

Long-standing software with years of reliability.
Supports VT100 emulation, compatible with older systems like Meridian Mail.
Ideal for users who need basic serial port functionality.

Cons:

The interface might feel outdated to some users.
Requires manual configuration, which could be difficult for beginners.
Limited to VT100 emulation and doesn’t support other terminal types natively.

To configure ZTerm, open Settings ➤ Modem Preferences and select your USB-Serial device as the default modem (Serial Port). Then edit your connection in Settings ➤ Connection. Remember to connect the USB-Serial cable before launching ZTerm.

goSerial

goSerial allows multiple connections simultaneously, sending and receiving files, session logging, and supports scripting. However, it lacks terminal emulation (e.g., VT100). goSerial operates on a Donation-ware model, so it’s free but donations are encouraged.

Pros:

Supports multiple simultaneous connections.
Can send and receive files, and log sessions.
Free to use with an optional donation.
Easy to use, minimal setup required for basic tasks.

Cons:

Does not include terminal emulation support, limiting its use with some older systems.
Lacks advanced features compared to paid alternatives.
The interface is quite basic, and not ideal for complex use cases.
To configure goSerial, click the light switch in the Toolbar and select your USB-Serial device as the Serial Port. The communication settings are available in the same window. Serial ports dynamically update when devices are added or removed.

Serial Tools

Serial Tools for OS X is a free utility available from the Mac App Store. It includes a Terminal Emulator, a Protocol Analyzer, and a serial port monitor to detect connections and disconnections of serial ports.

Pros:

Completely free and available directly from the Mac App Store.
Includes a wide range of tools like a terminal emulator and protocol analyzer.
Ideal for monitoring and diagnosing serial port connections.

Cons:

The interface can feel basic compared to other, more polished apps.
Limited documentation and support, which could be difficult for new users.
Lacks the refinement of paid options in terms of features and user experience.

MacWise

MacWise is a feature-rich terminal program that emulates several terminal types, including ADDS Viewpoint, Wyse 50, Wyse 60, Wyse 370, Televideo TV 925, DEC VT100, VT220, and Prism. It allows connections via modem, direct serial, SSH, or Telnet. A single-user license costs $95.

Pros:

Emulates a wide range of terminals, making it versatile for different use cases.
Supports multiple connection methods, including modem, serial, SSH, and Telnet.
Rich in features and highly customizable.

Cons:

Relatively expensive at $95 per license.
Overkill for users who only need basic serial communication.
The interface can be complex for beginners or those unfamiliar with terminal programs.

ZOC

ZOC is a highly capable SSH/telnet client and terminal emulator, supporting a broad range of terminal emulations, including xterm, VT220, TN3270, TN5250, Wyse, QNX, and more. It enables access to hosts and mainframes via secure shell, telnet, direct serial, modem, and more. The single-user license costs $80, and the evaluation version is unrestricted.

Pros:

Extensive terminal emulation support, covering most major types.
Works with a variety of connection methods, including SSH, telnet, and serial.
Full-featured with options like secure shell, scripting, and session logging.
Professional-grade software for power users and IT professionals.

Cons:

Costs $80 for a single-user license, which may be expensive for casual users.
The complexity and broad feature set can be overwhelming for beginners.
The evaluation version is unrestricted but limited in duration.

We hope you have found our review of COM port monitoring utilities for Mac OS helpful in selecting the application that suits your needs.

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Information

Requirements

Requirements: Windows (32-bit and 64-bit): Vista/7/8/10/11, Windows Server 2008/2012/2016/2019/2022, Windows on ARM

Latest version

Latest version: v9.5.589, Released 16 Nov, 2023 Release notes

COM Port Monitor for Mac

CoolTerm

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Serial

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SerialTool

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ZTerm

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goSerial

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Serial Tools

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MacWise

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ZOC

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COM Port Monitor
for Mac