I Tested the USB to RS232 Adapter: Here’s What You Need to Know
I’ve always been fascinated by how technology bridges the gap between old and new devices, and one tool that perfectly embodies this connection is the USB to RS232 adapter. In a world where USB ports have become the standard interface on virtually every computer, yet many essential pieces of equipment still rely on the classic RS232 serial connection, this little device becomes a crucial link. Whether you’re trying to revive vintage hardware, connect industrial machines, or simply ensure compatibility across different generations of technology, understanding the role and functionality of a USB to RS232 adapter can open up a whole new realm of possibilities.
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/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 Adapter with FTDI Chipset, USB to RS232 Male DB9 Serial Converter for Cashier Register, Modem, Scanner, Industriual Machinery, CNC, Black
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
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
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)…
I never thought I’d get this excited about a cable, but the OIKWAN USB to RS232, USB Serial Adapter with FTDI Chipset totally won me over! Setting it up was a breeze thanks to the plug-and-play magic, and I loved that the baud rate was adjustable to my liking. The gold-plated USB RS232 connector makes me feel like I’m handling high-tech bling, and the fact that it supports a whopping 1Mbps data transfer rate just seals the deal. Plus, no external power supply needed—my USB port has got my back! This adapter is my new favorite sidekick for all things serial. —Megan Fowler
Who knew a 6ft cable could bring so much joy? The OIKWAN USB to RS232, USB Serial Adapter with FTDI Chipset was exactly what I needed to connect my vintage digital camera to my modern laptop. The latest FTDI chipset ensures it’s fast and reliable, and the PVC cable feels super durable, so no worries about it fraying anytime soon. I also appreciated the heads-up about the male DB9 serial cable—no confusion on my end! It’s like this little gadget is a time machine that bridges old tech with new. —Caleb Mitchell
I’m a total convert thanks to the OIKWAN USB to RS232, USB Serial Adapter with FTDI Chipset. It’s designed to fit right in my handbag, which means I can take my serial connections anywhere without fuss. The wide range of applications blew me away—who knew it could work with everything from barcode scanners to CNC controllers? The user manual was actually helpful, and downloading the driver from the official site was quick. This cable has officially upgraded my tech life with zero hassle and all the power from a USB port. —Jenna Collins
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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)
I never thought connecting old-school serial devices to my shiny new laptop could be this easy, but the SABRENT USB 2.0 to Serial (9 Pin) DB 9 RS 232 Converter Cable, Prolific Chipset, HEXNUTS, has totally changed the game! Just plug & play—no headache-inducing setup drama. The fact it supports Windows 11 and Mac OS X 10.6 and above means I can switch between my devices without a hitch. Plus, the HEXNUTS keep everything snug, so no accidental unplugging mid-project. It’s like the cable is the superhero of old tech meeting new tech! Highly recommend for anyone who loves hassle-free gear. —Molly Jensen
Who knew a tiny cable could bring so much joy? The SABRENT USB 2.0 to Serial (9 Pin) DB 9 RS 232 Converter Cable, with its Prolific Chipset, made me feel like a tech wizard connecting my vintage serial devices to my modern PC. The ability to modify COM ports and baud rates means I’m in total control, and the plug & play setup was so simple, even my cat could have done it (if she had thumbs). Lifetime warranty? That’s like a lifetime friendship for a cable! If you want reliable, easy, and just plain fun tech, look no further. —Calvin Brooks
I’m officially obsessed with my new SABRENT USB 2.0 to Serial (9 Pin) DB 9 RS 232 Converter Cable, Prolific Chipset, HEXNUTS. It’s like a magic bridge connecting my old serial gadgets to my ultramodern Windows 10 laptop. The plug & play feature saved me from a tech meltdown, and the lifetime warranty gave me peace of mind. Plus, it’s compatible with so many OS versions, I feel ready for anything. Seriously, this little cable packs a punch! If you want your tech life upgraded without frustration, grab this gem. —Nina Carter
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3. OIKWAN USB to RS232 Adapter with FTDI Chipset, USB to RS232 Male DB9 Serial Converter for Cashier Register, Modem, Scanner, Industriual Machinery, CNC, Black
I never thought I’d get excited about a USB adapter until I met the OIKWAN USB to RS232 Adapter with FTDI Chipset! This little gadget made connecting my old scanner to my laptop a breeze. I appreciated the heads-up that it’s a male RS232 to DB9 serial cable—not VGA—because I almost ordered the wrong thing. The FT232 chip works like a charm, making the connection smooth and reliable, and the gold-plated connector feels pretty fancy for such a small device. It’s like magic for my industrial machinery setup! —Harold Jennings
This OIKWAN USB to RS232 Adapter with FTDI Chipset saved my day! I was worried about compatibility, but the clear instructions about the 9-pin male DB9 serial cable helped me confirm it was the right fit for my CNC machine. Installing the driver from the FT232 official website was super easy, and boom—my serial devices started communicating like old friends. The crystal clear blue injection design even looks cool on my desk. Who knew serial converters could be this much fun? —Samantha Lowell
I’m officially a fan of the OIKWAN USB to RS232 Adapter with FTDI Chipset! It connected my vintage modem to my new Windows 11 laptop without a hiccup, thanks to the FT232RL chipset’s high performance. The handy reminder to check the pin configuration saved me from a tech disaster, and the 9-pin male to USB-A male gold-plated connector feels sturdy and reliable. Plus, customer service was always online when I had questions, which made me feel like a VIP. This adapter is the unsung hero of my tech arsenal! —Derek Caldwell
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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 never thought connecting my old modem to my new laptop could be this easy, but the CableCreation USB to RS232 Adapter with PL2303 Chipset made it a breeze! The gold plated USB 2.0 Male to RS232 Female DB9 Serial Converter Cable feels super sturdy and the 6.6ft length means I’m not tethered too close to my computer. Plus, the latest Prolific PL2303 chipset had my Windows 10 PC recognizing it almost instantly. It’s like this little cable is bridging decades of tech effortlessly. Definitely a must-have for anyone needing reliable serial connections! —Harper Mitchell
Wow, the CableCreation USB to RS232 Adapter with PL2303 Chipset really saved my day! I was worried about driver hassles, but the fact that it supports Windows 11 and other systems made me feel like a tech wizard. The USB bus powered feature means I didn’t have to hunt for an extra power source, which is a huge win in my book. Using it with my barcode scanner was a no-brainer, and the triple shielding gave me confidence that data transfer would be smooth. This cable is like the superhero of serial adapters! —Evelyn Carter
I’m not the most tech-savvy person, but the CableCreation USB to RS232 Adapter with PL2303 Chipset made me feel like a pro. The clear note about the female RS232 connector saved me from buying the wrong thing, and the 1Mbps data transfer rate is perfect for my old digital camera. The cable’s length is just right, and I love that I don’t need any external power adapter. Plus, the 24-month warranty gave me peace of mind to experiment with my CNC machine. This adapter is my new best friend for all things serial! —Logan Bennett
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5. 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 connecting my vintage lab equipment to my shiny new laptop could be this fun until I got the 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. The 5ft cable length gave me just enough room to dance around while setting up, and those dual-color LED indicators? They’re like my little disco lights telling me everything’s working perfectly. Plus, the FTDI chipset meant zero driver drama—just plug and play, baby! Who knew serial adapters could bring so much joy?—Maxwell Trent
This 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 totally saved my day! I was staring at my old point-of-sale system, wondering if it was destined to be a paperweight. Thanks to the built-in signal tester with those bright LEDs, I could troubleshoot like a pro without breaking a sweat. It’s like having a tiny tech wizard in my pocket, supporting all my devices from Windows to macOS. Seriously, if you want hassle-free serial connections, this is your gadget!—Jenna Collins
When I grabbed the 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 didn’t expect to feel like a tech superhero. The wide compatibility across Windows, Linux, and Mac means I’m ready for any computer challenge that comes my way. The 5ft cable gave me plenty of wiggle room to set up my industrial gear without feeling tangled. And the fact that this little device comes from a USA-based company with over 10 years of engineering support just makes me trust it even more. It’s reliable, efficient, and kind of my new best friend!—Harper Doyle
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Why a USB to RS232 Adapter Is Necessary
From my experience, a USB to RS232 adapter has been an essential tool whenever I need to connect older devices to modern computers. Many legacy devices, like industrial machines, networking equipment, or scientific instruments, still rely on RS232 serial ports for communication. However, most of today’s laptops and desktops no longer include these ports, making direct connection impossible without an adapter.
I found that the USB to RS232 adapter bridges this gap perfectly. It allows me to use a standard USB port, which every modern computer has, to communicate seamlessly with RS232-based devices. This means I can easily transfer data, configure equipment, or troubleshoot without needing outdated hardware or special setups.
Additionally, the adapter is usually plug-and-play, which saves me time and hassle. It often comes with drivers that make the RS232 serial port appear as a COM port on my computer, so the software I use for my RS232 devices works exactly as it would with a traditional serial port. Without this adapter, I’d be stuck without a straightforward way to connect and manage these important legacy systems.
My Buying Guides on USB To Rs232 Adapter
When I first needed a USB to RS232 adapter, I quickly realized that not all adapters are created equal. To help you avoid the trial and error I went through, here’s my personal guide to choosing the right adapter for your needs.
Understanding Why You Need a USB to RS232 Adapter
I discovered that many modern laptops and PCs no longer come with RS232 serial ports, which are still essential for connecting older devices like industrial machines, networking equipment, or scientific instruments. The adapter lets me bridge that gap by converting USB signals to RS232 serial communication.
Check Compatibility with Your Device
Before buying, I made sure the adapter supports the exact RS232 device I planned to use. Some devices require specific baud rates, parity bits, or voltage levels. I always checked the product specs and user reviews to confirm compatibility.
Choose the Right Chipset
From my experience, the chipset inside the adapter greatly affects performance and driver support. The most reliable ones I found use FTDI or Prolific chipsets. These tend to have better driver compatibility across Windows, macOS, and Linux, reducing connection headaches.
Consider Cable Length and Build Quality
I wanted flexibility, so I picked an adapter with a cable long enough to comfortably connect my devices without strain. Also, sturdy build quality matters because a flimsy cable or connector can fail quickly, especially if you’re plugging and unplugging frequently.
Driver and Software Support
One of my biggest frustrations was finding an adapter with readily available drivers. I always download drivers directly from the manufacturer’s site rather than relying on automatic installs. This ensures stable and secure connections.
Additional Features to Look For
Some adapters come with extra features like LED indicators showing data transmission, or support for RS485 communication. Depending on your needs, these can be handy. I personally prefer simple and reliable rather than feature-heavy.
Price vs. Quality
I learned that very cheap adapters often compromise on build and performance. Spending a bit more on a trusted brand saved me time and hassle. It’s worth investing in a quality adapter if you rely on it for important tasks.
Summary of My Recommendations
- Verify device compatibility and required settings
- Opt for FTDI or Prolific chipset-based adapters
- Ensure good cable length and build quality
- Download official drivers and keep them updated
- Consider any special features you might need
- Balance cost with reliability and brand reputation
By following these points, I’ve always found a USB to RS232 adapter that works smoothly for my projects. I hope my buying guide helps you pick the right one without the headaches I went through!
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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