SerialTools for Mac

Overview

Serial Tools is a compact, user-friendly utility for observing serial (COM) ports and the hardware connected to them. It makes inspecting port activity straightforward, so technicians and developers can identify communication faults faster and spend less time tracking down serial-link issues.

Key features

• Live monitoring of one or more serial ports to view incoming and outgoing data streams.
• Easy logging of session traffic for later review and in-depth analysis.
• Quick identification of connected devices and their communication settings (baud rate, parity, stop bits).
• Manual transmit/receive controls for sending test sequences and reproducing faults.

Benefits

Using this tool streamlines the debugging process for serial communications by providing clear, real-time visibility into port behavior. Common advantages include faster fault isolation, reduced development downtime, and simpler verification of device responses during testing.

Suggested substitutes and cost

• CheatSheet — available at no charge and suitable when a lightweight, free alternative is preferred.
• Port Inspector — a freemium option with advanced logging and filtering features.
• SerialScope — a commercial product geared toward professional-grade analysis and reporting.