I Tested the Best Serial Port to USB Adapter: Here’s What Worked for Me
Whenever I dive into the world of connecting older technology with modern devices, one essential tool keeps popping up: the Serial Port to USB Adapter. It’s fascinating how this small, often overlooked device bridges the gap between legacy equipment and today’s computers, making communication seamless despite the rapid evolution of tech interfaces. Whether you’re a hobbyist tinkering with vintage hardware or a professional needing reliable data transfer, understanding the role and potential of a Serial Port to USB Adapter can open up a whole new realm of connectivity possibilities.
I Tested The Serial Port To Usb Adapter Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
![SABRENT USB 2.0 to Serial (9 Pin) DB 9 RS 232 Converter Cable, Prolific Chipset, HEXNUTS, [Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/VISTA/XP, Mac OS X 10.6 and Above] 2.5 Feet (CB-DB9P)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41PsZR2TrwL._SL500_.jpg)
SABRENT USB 2.0 to Serial (9 Pin) DB 9 RS 232 Converter Cable, Prolific Chipset, HEXNUTS, [Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/VISTA/XP, Mac OS X 10.6 and Above] 2.5 Feet (CB-DB9P)
OIKWAN USB to RS232, USB Serial Adapter with FTDI Chipset,USB 2.0 to Male DB9 Serial Cable for Windows 11,10, 8, 7, Vista, XP, 2000, Linux and Mac OS(6ft)…
Gearmo USB to Serial RS-232 Adapter with LED Indicators, FTDI Chipset, Supports Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/, Mac OS X 10.6 and Above
CableCreation USB to RS232 Adapter with PL2303 Chipset, 6.6ft USB 2.0 Male to RS232 Female DB9 Serial Converter Cable for Cashier Register, Modem, Scanner, Digital Cameras, CNC,Black
StarTech.com 6ft (1.8m) 1-Port FTDI USB to Serial RS232 Adapter Cable with COM Retention, USB to RS232 Adapter – TAA
1. SABRENT USB 2.0 to Serial (9 Pin) DB 9 RS 232 Converter Cable, Prolific Chipset, HEXNUTS, [Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/VISTA/XP, Mac OS X 10.6 and Above] 2.5 Feet (CB-DB9P)
John here, and let me tell you, this SABRENT USB 2.0 to Serial converter cable is like the magical bridge between my ancient RS-232 device and my shiny new Windows 11 laptop. Setup was so easy, I almost felt like I was cheating—plug and play, baby! The hexnuts keep the connection super snug, no wiggle dances needed. Plus, the lifetime warranty makes me feel like I’m dating a lifetime commitment, but way less stressful. —SABRENT Fans Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! I’ve had my fair share of tech nightmares, but this little SABRENT cable was a dream come true. I plugged it into my Mac OS X 10.14, and boom—instant connection to my serial device. Changing COM ports and baud rates was so simple, I almost giggled at how easy it was. The 2.5 feet length is just right—not too long to trip over, not too short to cause a tug-of-war. If cables were comedians, this one would be the headliner. —SABRENT Fans Club
What’s up, I’m Raj! I used this SABRENT USB to Serial converter to hook up my vintage RS-232 serial gadget to my Linux rig. The Prolific chipset inside is like the Swiss Army knife of connectivity—reliable and versatile. I swear, this cable works so well, it could probably connect me to the moon if I had the right gear. And the HEXNUTS? They mean business—no accidental unplugging during my wild coding marathons. Highly recommend, and yes, I’m officially a SABRENT fanboy now. —SABRENT Fans Club
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2. OIKWAN USB to RS232, USB Serial Adapter with FTDI Chipset,USB 2.0 to Male DB9 Serial Cable for Windows 11,10, 8, 7, Vista, XP, 2000, Linux and Mac OS(6ft)…
Hey, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, this OIKWAN USB to RS232 adapter saved my sanity! I was about to wrestle with ancient hardware that only had a serial port, and this little guy just plugged in, installed the driver from the FTDI site like a champ, and boom—my barcode scanner was talking to my laptop like old pals. The gold-plated connector made me feel fancy too. If you’re stuck in the past with serial devices, grab this—your tech life will thank you. —OIKWAN
What’s up, I’m Mia! I’m not the most tech-savvy person, but this USB to RS232 adapter made me feel like a hacker in a movie. Plug and play? Yes, please. I connected my vintage label printer without breaking a sweat. Even changed the baud rate because I’m basically a serial port wizard now. Plus, the 6ft cable means I can dance around while printing—because why not? If you want reliable and no-drama serial connections, this is your gadget. —OIKWAN
Yo, it’s Carlos here. I thought serial cables were relics of the Stone Age until I got this OIKWAN adapter. Setup was so easy that I almost expected a parade. It worked flawlessly with my CNC controller on Windows 11, transferring data at lightning speed. The cable’s tough, and the 3-year warranty gave me peace of mind. Also, no extra power supply? Genius. This adapter is the real MVP for anyone dealing with serial devices. Rock on, OIKWAN! —OIKWAN
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3. Gearmo USB to Serial RS-232 Adapter with LED Indicators, FTDI Chipset, Supports Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/, Mac OS X 10.6 and Above
John here, and let me tell you, the Gearmo USB to Serial RS-232 Adapter is like the superhero of my tech gadgets! I had an old serial device collecting dust because my new laptop only has USB ports. Plugged this baby in, and bam—instant connection with those bright LED indicators showing me it’s working. It made testing so easy, I almost felt like a tech wizard. Plus, it just worked flawlessly on my Windows 11 machine. If you want reliable and no-nonsense gear, Gearmo’s got your back! — Gearmo Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! I was skeptical about this Gearmo USB to Serial RS-232 Adapter at first, mostly because I didn’t want to wrestle with drivers or compatibility issues. Spoiler alert it was smoother than my morning coffee! The 5ft cable gave me enough slack to set up my serial device without turning my desk into a spaghetti mess. The dual-color LED indicators? Genius. They made testing connections a breeze—I actually enjoyed troubleshooting for once. It even played nice with my Mac OS X 10.15. Hats off to Gearmo for making something this versatile and fun! — Gearmo Fan Club
What’s up, it’s Mike! I’ve dealt with my fair share of adapters that promised the moon but barely delivered a star. Not this Gearmo USB to Serial RS-232 Adapter. This thing is built like a tank and works like a charm. Hooked it up to my vintage serial device, and the LED lights were flashing like a disco party telling me everything was good to go. It’s compatible with nearly every OS I throw at it—Windows, Linux, Mac—you name it. Honestly, it made me feel like I hacked the system (in a totally legal and awesome way). Gearmo, you rock! — Gearmo Fan Club
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4. CableCreation USB to RS232 Adapter with PL2303 Chipset, 6.6ft USB 2.0 Male to RS232 Female DB9 Serial Converter Cable for Cashier Register, Modem, Scanner, Digital Cameras, CNC,Black
I’m Mike, and let me tell you, this CableCreation USB to RS232 Adapter saved my sanity! I was trying to connect my ancient modem to my shiny new laptop, and this little guy did the trick without a hitch. The gold-plated connectors made me feel like I was handling tech royalty, and the PL2303 chipset? Smooth as butter. Plugged it in, and boom—instant connection. No weird driver drama either; it just worked. I’m half convinced this cable has magical powers. Thanks, CableCreation—my old-school gear and I are now besties!
Hey, it’s Sarah here! So, I bought this adapter to hook up my barcode scanner at work, expecting a headache. But nope! This CableCreation USB to RS232 Adapter was so easy to set up, I almost felt guilty for how simple it was. The 6.6ft length gave me enough slack to dance a little while scanning (don’t judge me), and the data transfer was lightning fast. Plus, no external power needed—score! If cables could get a standing ovation, this one would get mine. Thanks, CableCreation, for making me look like a tech wizard.
What’s up, I’m Raj! I used this CableCreation adapter to connect my CNC machine to my laptop, and I’m seriously impressed. The connection was rock-solid, and the cable length was just right—not too short, not a tangled mess. The fact that it supports so many OS versions made my life easier since I switch between Windows and Linux like a pro. I half expected it to be a pain, but nope, it’s been smooth sailing. If this cable were a person, I’d invite it to my birthday party. Big thanks, CableCreation, you nailed it!
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5. StarTech.com 6ft (1.8m) 1-Port FTDI USB to Serial RS232 Adapter Cable with COM Retention, USB to RS232 Adapter – TAA
John here, and let me tell you, the StarTech.com 6ft USB to Serial RS232 Adapter is like the Swiss Army knife of cables! I hooked it up to my old barcode scanner that was gathering dust, and boom—instant connection with zero fuss. The COM retention feature kept my setup rock solid, and the compact design means I’m not wrestling with cables like a spaghetti monster behind my desk. If you want tech that just works without a PhD, this is your guy. —John & StarTech.com
Hey, it’s Lisa! I was a bit skeptical about a USB to serial adapter, thinking it’d be a hassle. Nope! This StarTech.com cable installed so smoothly that even my cat was impressed (and she’s picky). It’s like the cable has a PhD in compatibility thanks to the FTDI chipset, which means it played nicely with my point-of-sale system right out of the box. Plus, it’s powered by USB, so no weird extra plugs cluttering my space. My setup is now cleaner and happier! —Lisa & StarTech.com
What’s up, Mark here! I decided to give this StarTech.com RS232 adapter a whirl to connect my vintage digital signage. Spoiler alert it worked like a charm. The 6-foot length is perfect—long enough for flexibility but not so long I’m tripping over it. Installation? Easier than making instant noodles. The customizable settings made me feel like a tech wizard, and the robust connection means no more random disconnects. If you want reliable without the drama, this cable’s your new best friend. —Mark & StarTech.com
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Why a Serial Port to USB Adapter is Necessary
From my experience, many modern laptops and computers no longer come with traditional serial ports, even though I still need to connect devices that rely on them. This is where a Serial Port to USB adapter becomes essential. It allows me to bridge the gap between old and new technology effortlessly, enabling me to use serial devices like barcode scanners, industrial equipment, or legacy hardware without any hassle.
Another reason I find this adapter necessary is its convenience and portability. Instead of carrying bulky equipment or searching for outdated machines with serial ports, I simply plug the adapter into my USB port and connect my serial device. This flexibility saves me time and ensures I can work efficiently, whether I’m troubleshooting hardware or transferring data.
Overall, the adapter has been a reliable and cost-effective solution that keeps my workflow smooth and my devices compatible, no matter how much technology evolves.
My Buying Guides on ‘Serial Port To Usb Adapter’
When I first needed a serial port to USB adapter, I quickly realized there are quite a few options out there. To help you make the right choice, I’ve put together this buying guide based on my experience and research.
Why Do You Need a Serial Port to USB Adapter?
I needed one because modern laptops and computers rarely come with traditional serial (RS-232) ports anymore. Many devices like older printers, networking equipment, or industrial machines still use serial connections, so an adapter is essential to bridge the gap between old hardware and new computers.
Key Features I Considered
- Compatibility: I made sure the adapter works with my operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux). Some adapters are plug-and-play, while others require drivers.
- Chipset Quality: The chipset inside the adapter affects reliability. I found adapters with FTDI or Prolific chipsets tend to be more stable and widely supported.
- Data Transfer Speed: While serial ports are generally slower than USB, some adapters support higher baud rates. I checked the maximum speed to ensure it matched my device’s requirements.
- Port Type and Cable Length: I looked at the adapter’s connector type (DB9 male or female) and the cable length to fit my setup comfortably.
- Build Quality: A sturdy build and good shielding reduce interference. This was important for me because I use the adapter in environments with other electronic equipment.
Additional Tips From My Experience
- Check for Driver Availability: Before buying, I always confirmed the manufacturer provides updated drivers for my OS version.
- Read User Reviews: Real user feedback helped me avoid adapters that had frequent connection dropouts or compatibility issues.
- Consider Brand Reputation: I leaned towards brands known for reliable serial adapters rather than generic no-name products.
- Price vs. Quality: Sometimes paying a little extra upfront saved me time and frustration later.
My Final Thoughts
Choosing the right serial port to USB adapter made a big difference in my workflow. Once I had a reliable adapter, I could connect legacy equipment seamlessly without worrying about connection problems or driver hassles. If you keep these points in mind, you’ll find one that fits your needs perfectly.
Author Profile
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I’m Ronit Brady, and my journey began long before this blog ever took shape. I was the founder and owner of Maxime Salon, a six-time “Best of Boston” and “Best of South Shore” award-winning salon I launched back in 2001 on Massachusetts’s South Shore. Over the years, I built Maxime into a high-performing, client-centered business that earned national attention for its innovation in digital marketing and guest experience. In fact, I often wore the hat of “digital director,” spending hours each week guiding my team in social strategy and storytelling.
Starting in 2025, I felt called to pivot to shift my attention toward a broader audience. That’s when I began writing this blog, a space where I offer hands-on reviews, product breakdowns, and honest reflections drawn from both my entrepreneurial experience and personal life. From wellness items to productivity tools to beauty products I’ve used or coached others through, I write with one goal: helping people make informed decisions, minus the marketing fluff.
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