- 4.8 overall rank based on 386+ Reviews
- Requirements: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and Raspberry Pi.
- 10.76MB Size.
- Version 7.0.15125. (3 Jun, 2024).
- Pricing starts $14 per month billed annually
Olga Weis
Last updated Jul 26, 2024
The Digi AnywhereUSB line of devices is commonly used to share USB hardware on local networks. It has its share of problems - support for isochronous devices, such as sound cards and webcams, is poor, and the hubs are Windows-only.
This is where other USB-sharing solutions come into play. The two apps we’ll look at - FlexiHub and USB Network Gate - have significant advantages over AnywhereUSB. If you’re looking to make USB devices connected to one computer available to other, remote computers, these are your best options, and we’ll explain why.
To see the differences more clearly, also look through the USB over internet solutions comparison chart.
|
Digi AnywhereUSB
|
FlexiHub
|
USB Network Gate
| |
|---|---|---|---|
| Device limit | Model-dependent (from 2 to 24) | License-dependent (from 3 to infinite) | License-dependent (from 10 to infinite) |
| Trial version | Available for purchase only | 14 days | 14 days |
| Support and updates | Hardware repairs available | Regular updates, easy to fix | Regular updates, easy to fix |
| Setup | Complex setup with drivers, security, and network settings | Easy installation and usage | Easy installation and usage |
| Devices required | Hub and computer setup required | Host and user computers | Host and user computers |
| OS support | Limited to Windows and Linux | Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, Raspberry Pi | Windows, Mac, Linux, Android |
| Wired hub connection | No | Yes | Yes |
| Pricing | Starting at $290 for 2-port model, plus delivery fee | $14/month for 3 simultaneous USB devices | $159/year for 10 simultaneous USB devices |
FlexiHub is a service that lets you access your USB devices from anywhere, as long as they are plugged into a computer that’s powered on, connected to the Internet, and running FlexiHub, logged into your account.
This app works on Windows, Linux, Android, macOS, and Raspberry Pi, and is entirely cross-platform. Not only that, but the range of supported USB devices is greatly improved in comparison with Digi AnywhereUSB, including advanced peripherals, audio, and video.
FlexiHub provides you with a control panel where all serial and USB ports in the network are displayed as nodes – you can see the type of each device. There is a feature that allows inviting others to access a device you have shared.
The tool supports access to USB ports on virtual machines. It is compatible with all popular virtualization applications – VMWare, ESX, Citrix XenDesktop, Microsoft Hyper-V, Windows Virtual PC, QEMU.
FlexiHub allows you to access the contents and functionality of a USB device remotely, from wherever you are, as long as you are connected to the network.
USB Network Gate is an application for USB device sharing over IP between macOS, Windows, Linux, Android, and other platforms. The basic license has a 10-device limit, which is greater than many Ethernet USB hubs. Supported hardware includes nearly anything, ranging from office peripherals to storage devices. USB Network Gate is also commonly used for USB passthrough to virtual machines.
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