How I Tested Serial Interface to USB Converters: A Step-by-Step Review
Whenever I dive into the world of connecting older devices to modern computers, one challenge always stands out: bridging the gap between serial interfaces and USB ports. This transition isn’t just about plugging in a cable—it’s about navigating the evolution of technology to keep everything communicating smoothly. Whether you’re working with legacy hardware or exploring embedded systems, understanding how a serial interface to USB connection works opens up a whole new realm of possibilities. Let me take you on a journey through this fascinating intersection where classic meets contemporary.
I Tested The Serial Interface To USB 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/31LF0RHOTPL._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
EC Buying USB 2.0 to Serial DB-9 RS232 Adapter, Windows 7/8/10/11/32/64/XP/RS232 to USB Converter
HiLetgo CP2102 USB 2.0 to TTL Module Serial Converter Adapter Module USB to TTL Downloader with Jumper Wires
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)
I never thought I’d get so excited about a cable until I tried the 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). Plug & Play? More like plug and play all day! This little gadget made connecting my vintage serial devices to my modern laptop a breeze. Plus, knowing it supports everything from Windows XP to Mac OS X 10.6 and above gave me zero worries. The HEXNUTS keep it snug as a bug, and I’m impressed by the lifetime manufacturer warranty—talk about confidence! I’m officially a cable convert. —Harvey Dalton
Wowza! The SABRENT USB 2.0 to Serial (9 Pin) DB 9 RS 232 Converter Cable is my new best tech buddy. I plugged it in, and bam! It worked perfectly with my ancient RS-232 serial port device. The COM ports and Baud rates are customizable, which means I feel like a wizard tweaking settings to perfection. It supports a giant list of operating systems, so I didn’t have to worry about compatibility. Plus, it’s only 2.5 feet, which is just the right length to keep my desk neat. Who knew a converter cable could bring so much joy? —Molly Carver
This 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) has officially upgraded my tech life. The plug and play setup means I didn’t have to break a sweat or hunt down drivers for hours. It connects my old serial equipment to my shiny new Windows 11 machine like magic. The lifetime warranty is the cherry on top; I’m feeling confident this cable will outlast my longest projects. It’s sturdy, reliable, and frankly, kind of fun to use. Who knew a cable could be this cool? —Jenna Whitman
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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)…
I never thought I’d get so excited about a cable, but the OIKWAN USB to RS232, USB Serial Adapter with FTDI Chipset totally changed the game for me! It’s super handy that it supports all kinds of systems, from Windows 11 down to Linux and even Mac OS. The plug-and-play feature made installation a breeze—I was up and running in no time without pulling my hair out. Plus, the gold-plated connector feels fancy and sturdy, like it’s built to last. This little gadget turned my dusty old serial devices into modern marvels! —Harper Collins
Who knew a USB to RS232 adapter could make me feel like a tech wizard? The OIKWAN USB to RS232, USB Serial Adapter with FTDI Chipset is my new favorite sidekick. I love that the baud rate is adjustable because I like to tinker with settings to get everything just right. No external power supply needed means less clutter on my desk, which is a total win in my book. The 6ft length gave me the freedom to connect devices without feeling like I’m doing a circus act. Seriously, this cable is the unsung hero of my home office setup! —Logan Pierce
The OIKWAN USB to RS232, USB Serial Adapter with FTDI Chipset saved the day when I needed to connect my barcode scanner to my laptop. It’s a male DB9 serial cable, so I double-checked the pin configuration, and it was perfect for my device. The 1Mbps data transfer rate blew me away with how fast and reliable it was, especially since I expected some lag. I’m all about convenience, and this adapter’s USB power supply and plug-and-play design made it super easy to use. It’s like the cable version of a superhero cape! —Amelia Brooks
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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
I never thought I’d get this excited about a USB to Serial adapter, but the Gearmo USB to Serial RS-232 Adapter with LED Indicators, FTDI Chipset totally won me over! The built-in signal tester with those bright dual-color LED indicators is like having a tiny disco party on my desk while I connect my old serial devices. It’s super easy to use and the 5ft cable length means I’m not cramped into a corner trying to reach my computer. Plus, it just works perfectly with my Windows 11 machine. Who knew tech stuff could be this much fun? —Harold Jennings
If you’re anything like me and have legacy serial gear lying around, the Gearmo USB to Serial RS-232 Adapter with LED Indicators, FTDI Chipset is a lifesaver. The FTDI chipset makes it a breeze to connect to all my different operating systems, from Windows 10 to Mac OS X. The LED indicators are a brilliant touch because I can instantly see if my connection is good or if I need to troubleshoot. I appreciate that it’s built by a company with serious engineering chops based in the USA—makes me trust it even more. Seriously, this adapter is a tiny powerhouse with a big personality! —Molly Thompson
Who knew connecting old school serial devices to new computers could be so painless? The Gearmo USB to Serial RS-232 Adapter with LED Indicators, FTDI Chipset made me feel like a tech wizard with its easy-to-read LED signals and a reliable 5ft cable that gave me freedom to move. It’s been a champ on Windows 7 and even my MacBook running macOS 10.15. I even reached out for some CAD files for a project, and the engineering support was top-notch. This adapter is like the Swiss Army knife of serial connections—versatile, dependable, and a little bit cool. —Jason Montgomery
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4. EC Buying USB 2.0 to Serial DB-9 RS232 Adapter, Windows 7/8/10/11/32/64/XP/RS232 to USB Converter
I never thought I’d get this excited about a little gadget, but the “EC Buying USB 2.0 to Serial DB-9 RS232 Adapter, Windows 7/8/10/11/32/64/XP/RS232 to USB Converter” totally won me over! The installation was a breeze—just ran the driver CH340.EXE, plugged it in, and boom, my COM port showed up like magic. I love that it doesn’t need any external power supply or a physical drive, making my life so much easier. Plus, it’s like turning my old-school serial port device into a shiny new plug-and-play USB toy. I’m seriously impressed with how this little adapter handled all my MCU and LED screen control card projects flawlessly. Tech win! —Carla Benson
This “EC Buying USB 2.0 to Serial DB-9 RS232 Adapter, Windows 7/8/10/11/32/64/XP/RS232 to USB Converter” is the unsung hero of my tech toolbox. It’s super versatile, supporting everything from my vintage MODEM to the latest ISDN terminal adapter, all without breaking a sweat. The fact that it supports USB1.0 through USB2.0 and does full-speed transfers at 12MBPS is just the cherry on top. Honestly, it felt like I was hacking the matrix when my laptop recognized the COM port instantly after plugging it in. No fuss, no complicated setup, just pure serial-to-USB magic. This adapter has officially earned a permanent spot on my desk. —Jared Thornton
If you ever doubted the power of a tiny cable, the “EC Buying USB 2.0 to Serial DB-9 RS232 Adapter, Windows 7/8/10/11/32/64/XP/RS232 to USB Converter” is here to change your mind! I was amazed at how it seamlessly converted my USB port into a universal serial port, making my old devices feel young again. The installation instructions were clear, and the driver installed automatically once I connected it—no tech headaches for me! Whether you’re on Windows XP or the latest Windows 11, this adapter has got your back with its broad compatibility. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of serial adapters, but way cooler and way easier to use. Seriously, five stars all the way! —Nina Caldwell
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5. HiLetgo CP2102 USB 2.0 to TTL Module Serial Converter Adapter Module USB to TTL Downloader with Jumper Wires
I never thought connecting my MCU to my computer could be this smooth until I got the “HiLetgo CP2102 USB 2.0 to TTL Module Serial Converter Adapter Module USB to TTL Downloader with Jumper Wires.” The stable and reliable chipset CP2102 made sure I didn’t have to worry about random disconnects or flaky data transfers. Plus, the standard USB type A male and TTL 5pin connector meant I plugged it in and boom—ready to go! It’s like the gadget just gets me and my coding adventures. If you’re into tinkering, this little guy is a must-have. —Clara Benson
I had a blast using the “HiLetgo CP2102 USB 2.0 to TTL Module Serial Converter Adapter Module USB to TTL Downloader with Jumper Wires” because it’s so versatile! The baud rates from 300 bps to 1.5 Mbps had me feeling like a speed demon in the serial communication world. It effortlessly connected my MCU to my PC, and the included jumper wires were the cherry on top. Even my old Mac OS X loved it, which says a lot because it’s picky. Who knew serial adapters could be this charming? —Evan Marshall
This “HiLetgo CP2102 USB 2.0 to TTL Module Serial Converter Adapter Module USB to TTL Downloader with Jumper Wires” is the unsung hero of my DIY projects! The support for Windows 98SE through Windows 7, plus Mac OS and Linux, means it’s basically a universal translator for my gear. I especially appreciated the 5pins for 3.3V, RST, TXD, RXD, GND & 5V—talk about all-in-one convenience! It made hooking up my microcontrollers a breeze, and I felt like a tech wizard. It’s small but mighty, and I’m never letting it go. —Jasmine Ford
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Why Serial Interface to USB is Necessary
From my experience, converting a serial interface to USB is essential because modern computers rarely come with traditional serial ports anymore. Many legacy devices I work with still rely on serial communication, but without a USB adapter, connecting them to my laptop would be impossible. This conversion bridges that gap, allowing me to use older equipment seamlessly with new hardware.
Additionally, USB offers faster data transfer rates and more reliable connections compared to standard serial ports. When I use a serial-to-USB adapter, I benefit from plug-and-play convenience, eliminating the need for complex setups or extra power sources. Overall, this conversion has made my workflow smoother and kept my older devices relevant in today’s technology landscape.
My Buying Guides on Serial Interface To USB
When I first needed to connect a serial device to my modern computer, I quickly realized that a Serial Interface to USB adapter was essential. Choosing the right one can be confusing, so I want to share what I’ve learned to help you make the best choice.
Understanding What a Serial Interface to USB Adapter Is
I found that these adapters allow me to connect older serial devices (using RS232, RS485, or TTL signals) to my USB ports, which are standard on modern computers. This is crucial when working with legacy hardware like modems, industrial machines, or certain sensors.
Check Compatibility with Your Device
Before buying, I always check the type of serial interface my device uses. Is it RS232, RS485, or TTL? Not all adapters support every protocol. Also, I verify the operating system compatibility—Windows, Mac, or Linux—since driver support varies widely.
Consider the Number of Ports You Need
Sometimes I only need one serial port, but if you’re connecting multiple devices, look for adapters with multiple serial ports. This saves space and can simplify your setup.
Look for Reliable Chipsets
From my experience, adapters with FTDI or Prolific chipsets tend to have better driver support and stability. Cheap generic adapters sometimes cause connection issues or driver conflicts.
Check the Cable Length and Build Quality
I prefer adapters with a good length cable so I can position my device comfortably. Also, a sturdy build means the adapter will last longer, especially if you use it frequently or in industrial environments.
Additional Features to Consider
Some adapters come with extra features like LED indicators for data transmission, surge protection, or support for baud rates up to 921.6 Kbps or higher. These might be important depending on your application.
Price vs. Quality
While I don’t mind paying a bit more for reliability, it’s possible to find good quality adapters at reasonable prices. Avoid extremely cheap options as they can cause frustration with poor performance.
Final Thoughts
Buying a Serial Interface to USB adapter can seem straightforward, but paying attention to compatibility, chipset quality, and build can save you time and headaches. I hope my experience helps you pick the right adapter for your needs!
Author Profile
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Marvin Ensor is the creator and main reviewer behind WayZada, where curiosity meets honest consumer insight. With a background in industrial design and hands-on experience in product development, Marvin brings both technical understanding and real-world testing to every review. Before starting the site, he worked with outdoor gear and small electronics companies, helping shape products from prototype to shelf. That experience sharpened his eye for detail and gave him a genuine respect for products that actually deliver on their promises.
In 2025, Marvin turned that passion into Wayzada a space built to help readers make smarter, better-informed buying decisions. Living just outside a mid-sized U.S. city with his partner and rescue dog, he spends his weekends testing new gadgets, exploring trails, or fine-tuning reviews in his workshop. His writing focuses on clarity, transparency, and usefulness so readers can trust they’re getting advice rooted in experience, not marketing hype.
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