In essence, USB to IP hardware can come in handy for sharing USB devices between two computers. If you have more than two machines which require shared access to the same USB device, you should try to make this device accessible over the network with the help of a software USB over Ethernet tool.
Factors that are important to consider when choosing the right USB over Ethernet software solution include cross-platform functionality, cost, and limits on the number of devices that can share USB over Ethernet simultaneously using the tool.
Software Solution |
Price | Supported OS | Devices | Pros | Cons |
USB Network Gate | $159.95 for 10 USB devices |
Windows, macOS, Linux, Android |
Up to 10 | • Supports a wide range of USB devices • Secure • Cross-platform |
• Paid • Requires both server-client setup |
FlexiHub | From $14/month | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android |
Starts from 5 devices | • Supports USB/COM devices • Multiple OS support |
• Subscription-based • Requires internet access for remote sharing |
USB/IP Project | Free | Windows, Linux | Unlimited (hardware limit ≈127) | • Free to use Open-source • Customizable |
• Complex setup limited GUI • Some device compatibility issues |
USB over Network | 149,95$ | Windows, macOS, Linux |
Unlimited | • Simple interface • Flexible network options |
• Limited advanced features • Potential device compatibility issues |
VirtualHere | $49 | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android |
Unlimited (hardware/ports bound) | • Lightweight • Easy to use • Ideal for virtual |
• Paid solution with limited free features |
USB over Ethernet - KernelPro | Started 54,99$ | Windows, Linux | 1–6 standard, higher tiers unlimited | • Advanced features • Reliable for enterprise networks |
• Requires advanced setup • Not free |
USBDeviceShare | Started 99$ | Windows, Linux | Unlimited | • Reliable • Flexible licensing • Secure remote access |
• Subscription-based • Setup may be challenging |
A USB over Ethernet solution is a software that enables users to share their USB devices over a network. It also allows remote access to USB peripherals from a computer and extends USB device functionalities across a network for remote work, virtual environments, or in-person office settings.
USB Network Gate by Electronic Team, Inc. is the best USB over Ethernet software solution that will reliably redirect the USB traffic from any device across a network. This app provides a convenient way to share printers, card readers, webcams, and any other USB device over any network including WiFi, Ethernet, LAN or the Internet.
Price: Starts at $159.95 (Can allows up to 10 USB devices that can be shared simultaneously on a single computer).
Supported OS: Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android
Ideal For: On-site corporate IT infrastructure or remote work setup.
Key Features:
Pros.
Cons.
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For seamless USB device sharing across networks, FlexiHub offers versatile solutions for all types of users.
Price: Starts at $14 per month
Supported OS: Windows, Linux, macOS, and Android
Ideal For: Any environment that requires remote USB device access, including businesses that share COM ports together with USB devices.
Key Features:
Pros.
Cons.
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VirtualHere is a handy app that eliminates the need to physically plug USB devices into your computer when you want to use them. With this solution, your valuable peripherals can be accessed remotely over a local network, the Internet or in the cloud.
Price: Cheapest tier priced at $49
Supported OS: Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android
Ideal For: Users seeking a basic USB device sharing functionalities for a virtualized ecosystem.
Key Features:
Pros.
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USB/IP is an open-source software that can share USB devices over a network. It is a flexible and cost-saving solution for developers who want to access USB devices remotely over TCP/IP networks.
Price: Free
Supported OS: Windows and Linux
Ideal For: Advanced and tech-savvy users seeking an affordable USB over network open source.
Key Features:
Pros.
Cons.
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USB over Network is a simple tool for USB device sharing over a network. While it is a paid solution, it is a reliable remote USB access tool because of its easy-to-use UI.
Price: Starts at $149.95
Supported OS: Windows, macOS, Linux
Ideal For: Cheap and straightforward method of sharing USB devices over LAN or Internet.
Key Features:
Pros.
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KernelPro provides a specialized solution to share USB dev ices over a network. It comes with advanced management features made for top-level businesses and enterprise use.
Price: Started at $54.99, 15 days trial period
Supported OS: Windows, Linux
Ideal For: Enterprises looking for the best USB over Ethernet solutions for advanced USB device management in complex network environments.
Key Features:
Pros.
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USBDeviceShare is a USB device sharing application that works with various USB hardware. As with the software above, it works with multiple network types.
Price: 15-day free trial. A single server license costs $99 with site licenses priced at $499.
Supported OS: Windows, Linux
Ideal For: For remote users and businesses that need constant and uninterrupted USB device access over a network.
Key Features:
Pros.
Cons.
More Useful Information About USBDeviceShare
As we compare USB over Ethernet software, it is apparent that USB Network Gate and FlexiHub are excellent choices. These tools are perfect for users seeking flexible, easy-to-use, and highly compatible USB device sharing applications.
But if you prefer a budget-friendly solution, USB/IP is also a good choice as it is an open-source program.
Whatever app you will end up choosing, make sure it meets your current remote access needs and technical requirements.