I’m looking for a reliable COM port emulator for a project where I need to simulate serial communication between two applications on my Windows PC. My hardware setup doesn’t include a physical serial port, so software is my only option. I’ve tried a couple of free tools but ran into issues with compatibility. Any recommendations for something stable and easy to configure?
If you’re diving into simulating serial communication between two apps on a Windows PC and your hardware lacks that classic COM port, the answer is all about finding the right emulation tool. There’s a bunch out there, but honestly, most people in the development space will point you toward Virtual Serial Port Driver—it’s reliable, doesn’t freak out under load, and handles the virtual null modem pairs you probably need.
I’ve juggled a few others like com0com (which, don’t get me wrong, is free and open-source, but can be a bit of a pain to set up with driver signing on newer versions of Windows). VSPE is another option, but that has its own quirks and licensing surprises.
So if you want something with a GUI that actually makes it easy to manage multiple virtual COM port pairs, has good Windows 10/11 support, and doesn’t crash every time your apps go nuts with data, Virtual Serial Port Driver’s been the go-to for years. It basically fools your system into thinking it’s got actual serial ports installed, so any software expecting real hardware will just run without throwing up errors all over.
If you want a full rundown, check out their site—it explains pretty well how it all works, including creating unlimited virtual serial ports, custom port names, and even splitting or joining complicated port configurations. Here’s a decent spot to start: simulate serial ports on your PC.
Basically, with Virtual Serial Port Driver set up, you can easily test serial apps back and forth without ever plugging in a rusty cable or digging up ancient hardware. Just fire it up, set your ports, connect your apps, and you’re in business.
Everyone jumps to com0com and Virtual Serial Port Driver (VSPD) for this—and @ombrasilente laid all that out pretty well—but let me toss in a slightly different take for you.
First off, com0com does work, but on Win 10/11, that driver setup is pure pain if you aren’t a Windows driver wizard. You’ll be jumping through hoops with test-signing, and honestly, sometimes it just stops working after a patch. Been there, debugged that, still have the headaches.
VSPD is my usual fallback not because it’s “popular,” but because it actually works with modern Windows, isn’t some sketchy beta, and the interface isn’t just a wall of options with zero context. But there’s the price tag—so, if this is just a quick-and-dirty test once or twice, you might feel the sting.
One underdog option I rarely see mentioned: Free Virtual Serial Ports from Eterlogic. It’s got a free tier, is generally stable, and while it’s not dripping with features, it covers most basic needs without frying your wallet. Only thing: support isn’t exactly stellar, so if you get stuck, you’re digging through old forum threads for answers.
Btw, some IDEs and dev environments (LabVIEW, for ex.) have their own basic virtual serial instruments. They’re barebones, but if you’re just simulating logs or small packet stuff, no need for heavyweight tools.
If you’re going for reliability, compatibility, and want those extra bells like port splitting/joining (which, let’s be real, you probably will once your project gets more complex), just bite the bullet and grab Virtual Serial Port Driver. It’s what most pros use for a reason. You can dive deeper, check features and grab a download without the usual registration roadblocks here: easily set up virtual COM ports on Windows.
So, do you want easy with support (go VSPD), cheap but tricky (com0com), or ultra-basic but free-ish (Eterlogic)? Your call, but if your sanity matters to you, avoid cobbling together half-working setups with unsigned drivers. Just saying.
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Pros and cons time, since you’re getting solid recommendations already! Virtual Serial Port Driver is a strong pick for a reason: it’s stable, real Windows 10/11 support, and honestly, if your project morphs from “I need two apps talking” to something wild like splitting ports or serious debugging, it holds up.
What everyone skips over, though: it’s not perfect. Price can be a dealbreaker, especially for hobbyists doing quick and dirty tests, and if you’re the kind of person who wants FOSS everything or hates software with installers that tweak your system, you might chafe at how “heavy” VSPD feels (kernel-level stuff, not just a quick background process). Occasional edge-case bugs pop up in rapid connect/disconnect cycles, though I’ll trade that over the utter chaos I’ve had with unsigned driver hoops elsewhere.
Runners-up like Eterlogic’s Free Virtual Serial Ports do the job for basics and lean setups—perfectly viable, way faster to get running for super lightweight stuff, but don’t expect advanced port trickery or rapid dev feedback if things misbehave. com0com is beloved by the free/open-source crowd (as others said), but driver signing on new Windows? A recipe for regret unless you love troubleshooting kernel warnings and half-broken device manager entries.
VSPD wins for “I just need this to freaking work and want options if I get ambitious.” If you just need a fake COM for a weekend and are willing to suffer a little, alternatives cost less—sometimes nothing except your patience.
Summary? VSPD is the reliable workhorse with all the customizable bits and support channels, good for serious serial comms simulation. Alternatives can totally work—if you’re prepared to wrangle them. Personally: If you value your weekend, bite the bullet on Virtual Serial Port Driver, but budget types can survive (with effort) using Eterlogic or, if you’re brave, com0com. Just don’t expect magic.