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Telecommunications ConnectivityTop 10 Best Usb Device Sharing Software of 2026
Compare usb device sharing software options for sharing USB peripherals across PCs, with tradeoffs that matter for IT and remote work setups.
How we ranked these tools
Vendors set the topic, but our editors set the inclusion criteria and the evaluation framework before research starts.
Search agents gather the source set and the review record, including transcriptions of video reviews and podcasts.
Framework: Features 40% · Ease 30% · Value 30%
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USB Redirector is the best pick for teams that need consistent remote access to USB dongles over controlled networks because its persistent per-session device mapping keeps the same attachment available across reconnects, while usbip-win is a strong alternative for Windows clients since it attaches exported USB devices directly into the local driver stack.
Editor’s top 3 picks
Three quick recommendations before you dive into the full comparison below — each one leads on a different dimension.
USB Redirector
Persistent per-session device mapping that keeps the same USB attachment available across client reconnects.
Best for: Fits when teams need reliable remote access to USB dongles and peripherals over controlled networks.
usbip-win
Editor pickWindows client attachment that binds an exported USB device into the local driver stack for direct hardware access.
Best for: Fits when Windows clients need OS-level access to a few specific USB devices on a reliable network.
FlexiHub
Editor pickPer-user USB device mapping with eligibility filtering lets admins control which enumerated devices each client can claim.
Best for: Fits when teams need remote access to specific USB peripherals and license dongles with controlled device selection.
Comparison Table
USB Redirector
SMBUSB-over-network software from Incentives Pro that redirects USB devices to remote machines over TCP/IP.
Persistent per-session device mapping that keeps the same USB attachment available across client reconnects.
USB Redirector focuses on USB over network device redirection, where a central service can capture a locally attached USB device and present it to a remote client. It is most relevant when one or more users need consistent access to the same hardware, such as a license dongle or a scanner, without moving the device. The deployment model is straightforward enough for small server rooms but benefits from disciplined device-to-user mapping to avoid accidental exposure across sessions.
A key tradeoff is that latency and reliability depend on the network path because USB traffic must traverse the redirecting tunnel. The tool fits best when the USB device tolerates higher round-trip time, such as dongles or low-bandwidth peripherals, and when administrative control can be maintained over which client sessions are allowed to attach.
- +Server-side device capture with remote attachment per user session
- +Practical support for USB dongles and HID-style peripherals
- +Centralized configuration helps reduce client setup sprawl
- +Device availability persists through repeated client logins
- –Real-world responsiveness varies with network latency and jitter
- –Fine-grained access controls require careful mapping configuration
- –Troubleshooting USB disconnects can be time-consuming
- –Some high-speed or isochronous device workloads may feel constrained
IT ops teams
Share license dongles across office sites
Fewer hardware moves
Engineering teams
Use HID peripherals from remote workstations
Faster remote setup
Show 1 more scenario
Call centers
Provide scanner access to remote terminals
Lower device logistics
USB passthrough-style sharing supports consistent device use without on-site duplication.
Best for: Fits when teams need reliable remote access to USB dongles and peripherals over controlled networks.
usbip-win
vertical specialistOpen-source Windows implementation of the USB/IP protocol for sharing USB devices over IP networks.
Windows client attachment that binds an exported USB device into the local driver stack for direct hardware access.
On the host side, usbip-win enumerates locally connected USB devices, exports selected devices, and exposes them for network attachment. On the client side, it attaches an exported device to the local system so the OS loads standard USB drivers for that device. The practical integration depth is in OS-level device binding, not in a higher-level management plane. Network behavior depends on USBIP session traffic, so stability varies with link quality and latency.
A key tradeoff is that usbip-win provides transport and attachment, but it does not add device-aware authorization or per-device governance features by itself. A common usage situation is sharing a hardware dongle or a USB serial adapter between machines in a controlled network so Windows applications can use the same underlying device.
- +Attaches remote USB devices so Windows loads normal device drivers
- +Supports per-device export selection from the host machine
- +Works with standard USBIP-style host to client attachment workflow
- +Provides clear separation between exporting and client binding steps
- –Latency sensitivity can disrupt devices with tight timing requirements
- –No built-in RBAC or audit log for host export and client attachment
- –Firewall and networking setup often dominates time-to-first-device
- –Not all USB device behaviors remain stable under remote redirection
IT administrators
Centralize dongle access across workstations
Dongle is recognized by apps
QA engineering teams
Test peripherals from remote harness PCs
Repeatable device-driver behavior
Show 1 more scenario
Small engineering teams
Remote access to USB serial adapters
Serial tools work without modification
Expose the adapter on the host and attach it to keep serial workflows running.
Best for: Fits when Windows clients need OS-level access to a few specific USB devices on a reliable network.
FlexiHub
SMBCloud-assisted USB and serial device sharing service that routes peripheral access over the internet.
Per-user USB device mapping with eligibility filtering lets admins control which enumerated devices each client can claim.
FlexiHub provides USB device sharing for remote access, with host-side software that redirects local USB hardware to client machines.
It supports per-user device mapping so multiple people can target the same set of connected devices without manual cable swapping.
FlexiHub also includes admin-oriented configuration controls for enabling the USB redirect service and controlling which devices are eligible for sharing.
For workflows like licensing dongle use and peripheral redirection, it targets stable session behavior rather than raw USB throughput benchmarking.
- +Per-user device mapping reduces manual coordination when multiple clients need access
- +Persistent client sessions help keep dongle-driven tools from repeated reconnect workflows
- +Clear host and client agent model keeps deployment steps separate and auditable
- +Device selection is driven by USB enumeration so exact peripherals can be targeted
- –High device count setups require deliberate configuration to avoid selection mistakes
- –Some high-bandwidth USB use cases can feel latency-sensitive compared with local attachment
Lab technicians and test engineers
Share USB instruments across networked workstations
Teams access instruments remotely
QA teams and support technicians
Route USB devices for validation tests
Troubleshooting without physical swapping
Show 2 more scenarios
Engineers and technicians
Program USB-connected dongles from remote sessions
Programming stays on host
Keep USB programmers attached to a host while a remote user accesses the hardware for programming tasks.
IT teams and operations
Share serial-connected USB equipment
Remote access to serial devices
Redirect selected serial and COM port devices so remote clients use equipment without a direct cable connection.
Best for: Fits when teams need remote access to specific USB peripherals and license dongles with controlled device selection.
USB over Network
SMBFabulaTech application that shares USB devices over Ethernet so remote computers can access them natively.
Per-device mapping lets selected peripherals attach to remote sessions without exposing the full USB tree.
USB over Network is designed around client-server USB passthrough where the USB interface stays attached to a controlled server host and remote clients attach through a network session. The software supports device-level access modes that help when specific peripherals like barcode scanners or license dongles must be mapped without exposing the entire USB topology. It also supports device connection persistence so clients can reconnect after network interruptions without reauthorizing the physical device each time. In practice, this architecture fits sites that centralize USB hardware in one room or rack and deliver access to workstations and RDP-like workflows.
- +Server-controlled USB device mapping reduces cable management overhead
- +Works well for HID and low-to-medium bandwidth peripherals
- +Session reconnection supports continued use after temporary network drops
- +Per-device attachment keeps remote access scoped to selected hardware
- –Latency-sensitive peripherals need testing for acceptable response time
- –Remote multi-client sharing requires deliberate session and availability planning
- –RBAC-style governance and audit log depth are limited for enterprises
- –Network misconfiguration can cause device attach failures
IT admins in distributed offices
Remote access to a single USB dongle
Fewer physical dongle handoffs
Operations teams running shared peripherals
Remote barcode scanner for warehouse terminals
Reduced downtime during peak shifts
Show 2 more scenarios
QA teams with centralized test hardware
Remote use of device under test
Repeatable test execution
A fixed server host maintains the USB attachment while remote test stations reconnect as needed.
Support desks and IT helpdesks
Remote troubleshooting with smart-card readers
Faster incident resolution
Selected USB readers attach to a technician session without moving hardware cables.
Best for: Fits when labs, offices, or support teams need controlled remote access to specific USB peripherals.
USB/IP
open-source specialistOriginal open-source USB over IP framework integrated into the Linux kernel for sharing USB devices across networks.
usbipd-driven export plus remote attach integrates into the kernel USB bus so local apps use standard device nodes.
USB/IP is a Linux-oriented USB-over-network device sharing stack that redirects USB device traffic between a host and one or more clients. It uses the USBIP protocol to attach a remote USB device to a local kernel USB device tree so existing applications see the device as if it were plugged in.
- +Kernel-level device attachment makes exported USB enumerate normally
- +Export and attach flows support remote device redirection without custom apps
- +Per-device binding lets clients choose specific USB devices
- +Widely usable on Linux servers via standard usbip tooling
- –Primary functionality targets Linux kernels and drivers
- –Latency and packet loss can break timing-sensitive devices like scanners
- –Some devices fail when required transfer modes or drivers differ on clients
- –Requires network and kernel configuration discipline for reliable sessions
Linux IT administrators
Attach remote USB devices to clients
Apps see devices as local
Support engineers
Provide device access for troubleshooting
Lower trips to endpoints
Show 1 more scenario
Hardware integration teams
Validate USB peripherals over networks
Repeatable remote hardware tests
Use protocol-based forwarding while accounting for client driver support and compatible transfer types.
Best for: Fits when Linux environments need controlled USB device redirection for lab automation or remote peripherals.
AnywhereUSB Plus
enterpriseNetwork-attached USB device servers share USB peripherals over IP for remote access and central management.
Port-to-device mapping via the AnywhereUSB Plus server lets admins restrict which USB-attached endpoints are exposed to clients.
AnywhereUSB Plus from DigiKey enables remote redirection of USB peripherals by running a server on the USB-attached machine and client software on the accessing machine. The product focuses on device sharing for common USB use cases like printers, scanners, and hardware keys by mapping the local USB port to a remote session.
- +USB device sharing works through a server and client service pairing
- +Supports common peripheral categories like printers and scanners
- +Can map specific USB ports to remote sessions for targeted access
- +Print and scan workflows can persist across reconnects
- –Deep control like per-device RBAC and auditing is limited compared with enterprise USB gateways
- –Compatibility varies by device driver stack and USB timing sensitivity
- –Network latency can become noticeable for chatty USB devices and real-time HID
- –Setup requires coordinated configuration across server and client machines
Operations teams
Redirect USB printers for remote jobs
Remote printing without cables
Field service technicians
Use scanners from remote endpoints
Remote document capture
Show 2 more scenarios
IT administrators
Control which keys can be used remotely
Policy-based device sharing
Configure allowed devices and connection endpoints to govern USB hardware access across users.
Lab environments
Share hardware keys across multiple users
Shared access with controls
Connect a USB key to a server and map it into remote sessions for controlled access.
Best for: Fits when teams need practical remote access to standard USB peripherals without building USBIP tooling.
Eltima USB Network Gate for Linux
SMBUSB device sharing software that connects local USB peripherals to remote Linux systems over IP networks.
Host-side device mapping and access control that targets individual USB peripherals for remote session connections.
Eltima USB Network Gate for Linux provides USB device sharing by redirecting a USB device from a server to a client over a network. It focuses on USB device passthrough workflows where the client application interacts with the redirected device as if it were locally attached.
- +Server-to-client USB redirection with host-side device enumeration for client apps
- +Per-device sharing control that limits which specific peripherals can be redirected
- +Client connection management designed for multi-client lab or office scenarios
- +Linux-focused deployment for environments that avoid Windows-based gateways
- –USB hot-swap behavior can be inconsistent for devices that rely on frequent re-enumeration
- –Performance depends heavily on network latency and sustained throughput for isochronous devices
Standardization-focused IT teams
Pass USB peripherals to remote apps
Consistent remote peripheral use
Lab teams across sites
Map devices for session-based access
Reduced manual replugging
Show 1 more scenario
Network and security administrators
Restrict which hosts may connect
Governed device access
Apply access control and discovery on the client side to control remote USB passthrough connections.
Best for: Fits when remote teams need controlled access to specific USB peripherals without changing local client software.
Donglify
vertical specialistLicense dongle sharing software for USB security keys used by desktop applications and CAD tools.
Device mapping configuration that exposes specific locally connected USB hardware to selected remote client endpoints.
Donglify is a USB device sharing utility for redirecting local USB hardware to remote client machines. It focuses on running a USB-over-network style workflow and presenting the redirected device on connected endpoints.
- +Supports remote USB device mapping with per-client device presentation
- +Handles device redirection without requiring application-level USB changes
- +Uses a USB-over-network transport pattern suitable for lab and office use
- +Lets operators control which local USB hardware is exposed to remote clients
- –Latency sensitivity can affect high-rate USB behaviors like isochronous streams
- –Setup and troubleshooting can require careful network and driver alignment
- –Limited clarity on audit and RBAC-style governance for shared device access
- –Device compatibility can vary by USB class and connected hub behavior
Support teams
Provide remote access to dongles
Remote licensing access
Engineering teams
Use programmer devices from remote endpoints
Programming without onsite access
Show 2 more scenarios
Operations managers
Standardize USB hardware sharing
Controlled device availability
Install server and client components then configure which USB ports or devices are eligible for sharing.
Testing teams
Run remote validations using USB devices
Remote hardware testing
Present redirected USB devices to connected endpoints so tests can run without direct cable connections.
Best for: Fits when small teams need remote access to a limited set of hardware devices for testing or remote work.
SEH UTN Manager with UTN Device Servers
enterpriseUSB device servers and management software provide LAN and WAN access to printers, dongles, scanners, and storage devices.
UTN Manager centralizes configuration of device-server exposure and client access rules for remote USB sessions.
SEH UTN Manager with UTN Device Servers is a USB-over-network device redirection and access stack aimed at managing remote USB endpoints from server-side hardware. UTN Manager focuses on centralized configuration for which device servers may expose which USB devices, which supports repeatable deployment across multiple clients.
- +Central UTN Manager configuration reduces per-host setup variance
- +Server-side UTN Device Servers keep USB endpoints managed close to hardware
- +Supports controlled mapping of remote clients to exposed USB devices
- +Designed for enterprise administration workflows with governance controls
- –Remote USB device compatibility depends on the attached peripheral and firmware
- –Setup requires careful planning for device persistence and reconnection behavior
- –Integration effort increases when combining with existing access and identity systems
- –Throughput and latency can be sensitive to network conditions and USB transfer type
IT operations teams
Centralize which devices are exposed
Repeatable device provisioning
Compliance-focused IT teams
Standardize access across multiple clients
Managed USB redirection
Show 1 more scenario
Managed service providers
Govern physical peripherals for remote users
Auditable remote access
Run the server-side gateway in a controlled environment to map connected peripherals over the network.
Best for: Fits when administrators need centrally managed, policy-controlled remote USB access for specific peripherals across offices or labs.
TSplus Remote Access USB Redirection
SMBRemote desktop software with USB redirection for local devices in remote Windows sessions.
USB device selection and redirection are tied to TSplus session assignment, so redirected devices appear as part of the remote desktop experience.
TSplus Remote Access USB Redirection targets USB device redirection inside its remote access stack rather than acting as a standalone USB-over-network appliance. The software remaps local USB devices to remote sessions using the TSplus remote access components, with controls focused on per-session device assignment.
- +USB redirection runs within TSplus Remote Access session handling
- +Per-user device selection supports controlled session mapping
- +Works well for dongle style access that must appear inside the session
- +Administration uses the same TSplus console patterns as remote access
- –USB behavior depends on client OS drivers and application support
- –Latency and isochronous performance are limited for high-time-sensitive devices
- –Troubleshooting spans both remote access and USB driver layers
- –No clear published device compatibility matrix for niche USB peripherals
Remote desktop administrators
Enable USB redirection per remote session
Session-scoped device access
Helpdesk teams
Route dongles into user sessions
Reduced on-site visits
Show 1 more scenario
Operations teams
Share scanners and peripherals to remote users
Peripheral use from remote
Remap local USB devices to remote sessions so users can interact with peripherals without physical access.
Best for: Fits when remote desktop workflows need USB peripherals in-session, and the user base uses TSplus Remote Access consistently.
Conclusion
After evaluating 10 usb device sharing software, USB Redirector stands out as our overall top pick — it scored highest across our combined criteria of features, ease of use, and value, which is why it sits at #1 in the rankings above.
Use the comparison table and detailed reviews above to validate the fit against your own requirements before committing to a tool.
Frequently Asked Questions About Usb Device Sharing Software
Which tools expose USB devices at the OS driver level on the client, not just as an application stream?
How does per-device mapping differ across USB over Network, FlexiHub, and SEH UTN Manager?
Which product fits remote licensing dongle sharing when device eligibility must be constrained per user?
When do HID passthrough style peripherals behave differently between USB over Network and TSplus Remote Access USB Redirection?
What breaks if multiple remote endpoints try to use the same physical device at the same time?
How do admin controls and governance workflows differ between Eltima USB Network Gate for Linux and USB/IP?
What integration path is available in TSplus Remote Access USB Redirection compared with AnywhereUSB Plus?
How does usbip-win handle device attachment on Windows clients after the host exports a device?
What setup gap appears when mixing Linux and Windows clients across USB/IP and USB over Network deployments?
Tools reviewed
Primary sources checked during evaluation.
Referenced in the comparison table and product reviews above.
How to Choose the Right Usb Device Sharing Software
The real difference comes from how well each option handles the full USB session end-to-end: whether it maintains device behavior under disconnects, and whether it gives admins clear audit trails and RBAC. Look hardest at session stability and admin controls.
USB session stability
Why it matters
USB session stability determines whether the device stays usable after reconnects, network hiccups, or app restarts. If sessions drop or re-enumerate oddly, keyboards, scanners, and storage devices can become frustrating.
How to check
In a demo, disconnect and reconnect the physical USB device and watch whether the same device name and function come back in the app. Also restart the client app without unplugging anything and confirm the device still works as expected.
Throughput and latency feel
Why it matters
Throughput and latency feel affects whether transfers and HID-like inputs feel normal for your devices. When it feels laggy, workflows around input devices and bulk transfers slow down quickly.
How to check
Test with your common workload: copy a medium-size file to a USB storage device and time it. For input devices, type or scan continuously for 30–60 seconds and note missed keystrokes or pauses.
Device compatibility coverage
Why it matters
Device compatibility coverage matters because USB device behavior varies by class and firmware. A tool that works for one device type may fail for another in real deployments.
How to check
List your 2–3 key devices (e.g., storage, scanner, sensor) and verify they appear correctly on both ends. Ask the demo to show at least one device that matches each class you use.
RBAC and audit logging
Why it matters
RBAC and audit logging help you control who can connect devices and trace what happened when issues occur. Without it, it’s harder to manage shared environments and troubleshoot after changes.
How to check
Ask for a permission test: create at least two roles and confirm one role can’t connect devices the other can. Then trigger a connection/disconnection and confirm there’s a time-stamped audit trail you can export.
API and automation for provisioning
Why it matters
API and automation for provisioning reduce manual clicks when you map devices to users or environments. This is especially important when devices change often across teams.
How to check
Request a workflow walkthrough that provisions a device mapping using the API or automation features. Confirm you can retrieve current mappings and change them predictably, with documented endpoints or scripts.
Connection policies and mapping control
Why it matters
Connection policies and mapping control prevent accidental sharing and keep the right device with the right workspace. Good controls also reduce surprise behavior when multiple users or devices are present.
How to check
In the demo, connect two clients or user profiles and verify whether the tool enforces your chosen rules (exclusive vs allowed sharing). Change a mapping and confirm the old association is revoked the way you expect.
Red flags
- Devices work once but fail after a reconnect or app restart
- Audit logs are missing, vague, or don’t show who initiated actions
- The tool only supports a narrow set of device types you rely on
Fit by situation
- If you depend on stable device behavior across reconnects, prioritize USB session stability.
- If multiple users share access, prioritize RBAC and audit logging.
- If you manage changing device assignments, prioritize API and automation for provisioning.
Funding and competing interests
This study was co-funded by several of the vendors assessed in it. No single vendor funded it. Funders could propose the market studied.
They had no role in selecting vendors, setting or weighting criteria, analysing data or drawing conclusions, and they received the same factual-accuracy check as every other vendor assessed.
Market definition, inclusion rules and criteria weights were fixed by an editor before research began and did not change afterwards. Editorial process →
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