The Best CoolTerm Alternative: Finding Your Ideal Serial Terminal
CoolTerm is a widely used, simple serial port terminal application designed for hobbyists and professionals who need to exchange data with hardware connected to serial ports. Its robust features, including multiple concurrent connections, flexible data display (plain text or hexadecimal), and various sending options (keypresses, Send String dialog, copy-paste, text files), make it a go-to tool for interacting with servo controllers, robotic kits, GPS receivers, and microcontrollers. However, as with any software, users might seek a CoolTerm alternative for specific platform compatibility, advanced features, or simply to explore different user experiences. This guide explores some of the top alternatives available.
Top CoolTerm Alternatives
Whether you're looking for cross-platform support, more robust emulation features, or simply a different interface, there are several excellent CoolTerm alternatives worth considering. Here's a closer look at some of the best options:
Zterm
Zterm is a classic terminal emulation program specifically for the Macintosh. While historically used for connecting to Bulletin Board Systems, it remains a viable CoolTerm alternative for Mac users who appreciate its simplicity and driverless serial terminal capabilities. It offers basic terminal emulation, making it suitable for direct serial communication without requiring complex setups.
Get Console
Get Console stands out as a unique CoolTerm alternative, being the first commercial serial port terminal application specifically designed for iPhone and iPad. This offers unprecedented portability and convenience for professionals who need to manage serial connections on the go. Its terminal emulator functionality is tailored for mobile devices, providing a seamless experience without the need for jailbreaking.
goSerial
goSerial is a free, Universal Binary application for Mac users looking for a simple serial terminal emulation. While it does not support VT terminal type emulation, it serves as a straightforward CoolTerm alternative for basic serial communication tasks on macOS. Its no-frills approach makes it easy to use for quick data exchange with hardware.
Serial
Serial is a full-featured commercial serial terminal for the Mac, offering robust capabilities as a CoolTerm alternative for more demanding users. Priced competitively, it includes developer tools, driverless operation, and crucial session logging features. These advanced functionalities make it an excellent choice for professionals who require detailed record-keeping and a comprehensive set of tools for their serial communication needs.
When selecting the best CoolTerm alternative, consider your operating system, specific feature requirements (e.g., terminal emulation, logging, mobile access), and budget. Each of these alternatives offers unique advantages that might align perfectly with your workflow. Explore them to find the perfect fit for your serial communication projects.