The WebUSB API allows web applications to interact directly with USB devices from a browser. However, not all devices are supported.
Which Devices Are Compatible?
WebUSB works with USB devices that do not have standard drivers in the operating system. Examples include:
- Peripheral Devices Without Standard Driver
- Custom USB devices (e.g., programmable microcontrollers: Arduino, ESP32, STM32 with custom firmware)
- USB devices with proprietary protocols (e.g., specialized sensors, non-standard HID devices)
- Devices Supporting USB Interface Classes Allowed by WebUSB
- HID (Human Interface Device) — but not all, as keyboards/mice are usually blocked for security reasons
- CDC (Communication Device Class) — e.g., some USB-UART adapters (though many use OS default drivers)
- Vendor-specific classes — devices with custom protocols
- Examples of Specific Devices
- Development & Prototyping:
- Arduino (with WebUSB support, e.g., Arduino Leonardo in WebUSB mode)
- ESP32, Raspberry Pi Pico (with firmware supporting WebUSB)
- STM32 (with custom USB implementation)
- Specialized Devices:
- USB oscilloscopes, logic analyzers (if no default driver exists)
- 3D printers, CNC machines (if using direct USB communication)
- IoT USB devices (sensors, relays, etc.)
Which Devices Are NOT Supported?
- Devices with reserved USB classes (e.g., webcams, USB drives, printers, Bluetooth adapters)
- Devices automatically claimed by OS drivers (e.g., COM ports, keyboards, mice)
- Secure devices (e.g., YubiKey, banking tokens)