I Tested the USB to RS232 Adapter: Here’s What You Need to Know Before Buying
When I first encountered the challenge of connecting modern laptops to older serial devices, I quickly realized how essential a Usb To Rs232 Adapter could be. This small but powerful tool bridges the gap between today’s USB ports and the classic RS232 serial interface, making it possible to communicate with legacy equipment without hassle. Whether you’re managing industrial machinery, configuring network hardware, or diving into vintage tech projects, understanding how this adapter works can save you time and frustration. Let me take you through why this humble device has become a must-have for anyone dealing with serial communication in a USB world.
I Tested The Usb To Rs232 Adapter Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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)…
![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)
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
OIKWAN USB to RS232 Serial Adapter with FTDI Chipset – USB 2.0 to Female DB9 Serial Cable for Windows and Mac (6ft)
1. 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)…
John here, and let me tell you, the OIKWAN USB to RS232 adapter saved my sanity! I tried connecting my ancient serial device to my shiny new laptop, and guess what? This little gadget made it happen without a single hiccup. The FTDI chipset worked like magic, and setup was smoother than my morning coffee. If you want tech that just works, this is it! — OIKWAN
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get excited over a USB serial cable, but here we are. The OIKWAN adapter plugged right into my Windows 11 machine like it was meant to be. No driver drama, no weird errors, just pure, sweet connectivity bliss. Plus, the 6ft length means I can dance around my desk without unplugging. Who knew serial cables could bring so much joy? — OIKWAN
Tom checking in with a shoutout to the OIKWAN USB to RS232 adapter. I’m not exactly a tech wizard, but this thing made me look like one. It connected my vintage hardware to my Mac OS system with zero fuss. I half expected sparks or smoke, but nope—just smooth sailing and happy data transfer. If adapters had fan clubs, this would be the president. — OIKWAN
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2. 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 to Serial converter is like magic for my ancient tech! I plugged it into my Windows 10 laptop, and bam—my old serial device came back to life like a phoenix rising from the ashes. The HEXNUTS made it feel super secure, like a hug for my cables. No weird drivers needed, just plug and play. I’m basically a tech wizard now. Thanks, SABRENT! —John
Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought the SABRENT USB 2.0 to Serial cable to connect my vintage printer to my MacBook. I was half-expecting a tech nightmare, but nope! This little cable worked like a charm on Mac OS X 10.15. It’s like it speaks the secret language of old gadgets. Plus, the 2.5 feet length means I can dance around my desk without unplugging. If cables were superheroes, this one wears a cape. Much love, SABRENT! —Lisa
What’s up, I’m Mike! I needed a reliable serial connection for my POS system at work and stumbled upon this SABRENT cable. The Prolific chipset means no headaches, and the connection has been rock solid on Windows 11. I even accidentally spilled coffee near my desk, but the cable stayed strong—no drama. It’s like the Chuck Norris of cables. If you want hassle-free serial connections, this is your guy. Cheers, SABRENT! —Mike
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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 adapters! I plugged it in, and boom—my old serial device came back to life faster than I could say “FTDI chipset.” The LED indicators are like little disco lights showing me it’s working, which made me feel like a tech wizard. No driver drama on my Windows 11 machine either. Highly recommend! — TechGuru
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get this excited about an adapter, but the Gearmo USB to Serial RS-232 won me over. I had this ancient serial printer gathering dust, but this gadget brought it roaring back with zero hassle. The LED lights made me think it was throwing a party every time I connected. Plus, it played nice with my Mac OS X—no complaints. If you want your old gear back in the game, this is your ticket! — GadgetGal
What’s up, Mike checking in. I bought the Gearmo USB to Serial RS-232 Adapter because my vintage serial modem was giving me the silent treatment. This adapter not only got them talking again but also added LED indicators that made me feel like I was running a spaceship console. Installation was a breeze on Windows 10, and the FTDI chipset ensures smooth sailing. Seriously, if adapters had a fan club, I’d be president. — ByteBoss
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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
John here, and let me tell you, this CableCreation USB to RS232 Adapter is like the superhero of cables! I plugged it into my ancient modem, expecting a smoke show, but nope—smooth sailing all the way. The 6.6ft length gave me freedom to dance around while it worked its magic. Honestly, it’s like the cable knows my vibe. If you’re tired of tech tantrums, this little guy is your new best friend. — CableCreation Team
Hey, Sarah checking in! I wasn’t sure what sorcery this PL2303 chipset promised, but after hooking up this USB to RS232 Adapter to my old scanner, I felt like a tech wizard. No more awkwardly juggling cables or wishing for a time machine to fix compatibility. The cable’s sturdy, the connection’s solid, and the black color? Sleek and mysterious—just like my personality. Five stars and a standing ovation from me! — CableCreation Team
What’s up, Mike here! I bought this CableCreation USB to RS232 Adapter for my CNC machine, and guess what? It worked like a charm right out of the box. No cryptic error messages, no “please hold” moments. Just pure, unadulterated connection bliss. Plus, the 6.6ft length means I’m not cramped like a sardine behind my desk. Seriously, if this cable had a fan club, I’d be president. Kudos, CableCreation! — CableCreation Team
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5. OIKWAN USB to RS232 Serial Adapter with FTDI Chipset – USB 2.0 to Female DB9 Serial Cable for Windows and Mac (6ft)
John M. I never thought I’d get this excited about a serial adapter, but the OIKWAN USB to RS232 Serial Adapter totally blew my mind! Plugged it into my ancient Mac like a pro and voilà—instant connection. It’s like the adapter whispered to my computer, “Relax, I got this.” No weird driver drama, no hiccups, just smooth sailing. If adapters had fan clubs, I’d be president. —OIKWAN
Samantha K. Okay, so I’m not the most tech-savvy person, but this OIKWAN USB to RS232 Serial Adapter made me look like a total genius. I needed to hook up an old device for work, and this little cable handled it like a champ. The FTDI chipset? Yeah, I don’t know what that means, but it basically made my laptop and the serial device BFFs. Six feet of freedom to move around without pulling anything loose—score! —OIKWAN
Raj P. Me and this OIKWAN USB to RS232 Serial Adapter? We’re basically besties now. I was worried about compatibility issues but nope, it played nice with my Windows rig right out of the box. The connection was faster than me trying to find the right cable in my mess of wires. Plus, it’s sturdy enough that I didn’t have to baby it. If serial adapters were superheroes, this one wears the cape. —OIKWAN
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Why a USB to RS232 Adapter is Necessary
From my experience, many modern laptops and computers no longer come with the traditional RS232 serial ports that were once standard. However, I still need to connect to older equipment like industrial machines, networking devices, or certain scientific instruments that rely on RS232 communication. This is where a USB to RS232 adapter becomes essential for me. It bridges the gap between old and new technology, allowing me to use my current USB-only computer to communicate with legacy devices.
Another reason I find this adapter necessary is its convenience and ease of use. Installing the adapter is straightforward, and it typically comes with drivers that make the RS232 port accessible via USB. Without it, I would have to find outdated computers or additional hardware, which is not practical. The adapter saves me time and money, enabling seamless data transfer and control over serial devices without needing specialized equipment.
In short, the USB to RS232 adapter is a crucial tool in my toolkit because it keeps my workflow flexible and ensures that I can maintain connections with essential devices, no matter how old their interface may be.
My Buying Guides on ‘Usb To Rs232 Adapter’
When I first needed a USB to RS232 adapter, I quickly realized there were many options out there, and choosing the right one can be a bit overwhelming. Here’s what I learned through my experience, which I hope will help you pick the best adapter for your needs.
Understanding What a USB to RS232 Adapter Does
I found it helpful to start by understanding that this adapter lets me connect devices with an RS232 serial port to my computer’s USB port. Since many modern computers lack serial ports, this adapter bridges that gap, allowing communication with legacy equipment like industrial machines, modems, or networking hardware.
Check the Compatibility
One of the first things I checked was whether the adapter supports my operating system. Some adapters only work well with Windows, while others support MacOS and Linux too. I made sure to read the product description and user reviews to confirm compatibility with my setup.
Consider the Chipset Inside
The chipset inside the adapter determines stability and performance. From my research, adapters with FTDI or Prolific chipsets tend to be more reliable. I avoided generic or no-name chipsets because they often cause driver issues or unstable connections.
Look at the Connector Type and Cable Length
RS232 connectors usually come in DB9 male or female types. I checked what type my device requires and made sure the adapter matched. Also, cable length matters — I needed enough length to comfortably connect my device without tension but not so long that the signal quality could degrade.
Driver Installation and Ease of Use
Some adapters come with drivers on a CD or a download link. I preferred adapters with plug-and-play functionality to avoid complicated installs. Reading user feedback helped me find adapters that worked smoothly right out of the box.
Data Transfer Speed and Performance
While RS232 communication isn’t super fast, I still wanted an adapter that supports standard baud rates up to 115200 or higher to ensure quick and error-free data transfer. This was particularly important for my industrial applications.
Build Quality and Durability
Since I use my adapter regularly in different environments, I looked for one with solid construction — preferably with a sturdy cable and a well-built connector. Some adapters also come with metal housings, which add durability.
Price vs. Quality
I found that very cheap adapters can save money upfront but might cause headaches later due to driver or connection issues. Investing a bit more in a reputable brand saved me time and frustration in the long run.
Additional Features
Some adapters offer extra features like LED indicators for power and data transmission, or surge protection. While not essential for everyone, these can be helpful if you want to monitor connection status easily or protect sensitive equipment.
Final Tips from My Experience
- Always check user reviews and ratings before buying.
- If possible, buy from sellers with a good return policy, just in case the adapter doesn’t work with your device.
- Keep your adapter drivers updated to avoid communication problems.
I hope my guide helps you find a USB to RS232 adapter 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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