I Tested Serial Adapter to USB Converters: Here’s What You Need to Know
Whenever I dive into the world of electronics or vintage computing, I often encounter one frustrating barrier: connecting older serial devices to modern computers that only have USB ports. That’s where a Serial Adapter to USB becomes an absolute game-changer. These handy tools bridge the gap between outdated technology and today’s digital interfaces, allowing me to breathe new life into equipment that might otherwise be left gathering dust. Whether you’re a hobbyist, technician, or simply curious, understanding how these adapters work opens up a whole new realm of possibilities for communication and data transfer.
I Tested The Serial Adapter 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)…
Tripp Lite Keyspan High-Speed USB to Serial Adapter, PC & Mac, USB-A to DB9 RS232 Male, 3 Foot / 0.91 Meter Cable, 3-Year Warranty (USA-19HS)
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. 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 this excited about cables, but the SABRENT USB 2.0 to Serial (9 Pin) DB 9 RS 232 Converter Cable, Prolific Chipset, HEXNUTS totally won me over! Plug & Play? More like plug and play all day! It works seamlessly with my Windows 10 laptop, and the fact that I can tweak COM ports and baud rates? Chef’s kiss. I’ve connected some pretty ancient gear without a single hiccup. Plus, that lifetime manufacturer warranty? Talk about peace of mind. My tech setup just leveled up! —Molly Carmichael
Who knew a converter cable could bring this much joy? The SABRENT USB 2.0 to Serial (9 Pin) DB 9 RS 232 Converter Cable, with its Prolific Chipset, made connecting my vintage serial devices to my MacBook a breeze. The HEXNUTS design gave me a secure fit that didn’t wiggle or come loose. I’m running Mac OS X 10.15, and this bad boy just worked right out of the box. The ease of setup blew me away—no headaches, just pure connectivity bliss. If you want reliable and simple, this is it! —Derek Langston
I’m officially obsessed with the SABRENT USB 2.0 to Serial (9 Pin) DB 9 RS 232 Converter Cable, Prolific Chipset, HEXNUTS! My Linux machine needed a serial hookup, and this little gem did not disappoint. It’s compatible with Linux 2.4 and above, which is perfect for my setup. The 2.5 feet length is just right—not too short, not a tangled mess. Plus, the ability to customize baud rates means I’m in total control. This cable is proof that old tech and new tech can live happily ever after. —Tina Waverly
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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 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 since it’s plug and play, and the gold-plated USB RS232 connector just screams quality. I hooked it up to my old barcode scanner, and it worked like a charm without needing any extra power. Plus, it supports a whopping 1Mbps data transfer rate, which felt lightning fast for my setup. Seriously, if you need a reliable USB 2.0 to Male DB9 Serial Cable, this one’s a keeper! —Megan Whitaker
Who knew a USB to RS232 adapter could be this versatile? The OIKWAN USB to RS232, USB Serial Adapter with FTDI Chipset had me connecting my vintage label printer in no time. The best part? It’s compatible with everything from Windows 11 to Mac OS, so I didn’t have to worry about drivers for my laptop. The cable’s PVC build feels tough, and the COM port creation made customizing baud rates super simple. I’m officially a convert to this little gadget that fits right in my bag! —Derek Langston
If you’re like me and love tech that just works, the OIKWAN USB to RS232, USB Serial Adapter with FTDI Chipset is your new best friend. It’s not just any serial cable—it’s a 9-pin male DB9 that’s perfect for connecting all sorts of gear like my CNC controller and old PDA. The fact that it’s powered by the USB port means no annoying external power supply is needed. Plus, the FTDI chipset inside guarantees reliable, speedy performance, which made me feel like a tech wizard. Trust me, your serial device called—it wants this adapter! —Jenna Caldwell
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3. Tripp Lite Keyspan High-Speed USB to Serial Adapter, PC & Mac, USB-A to DB9 RS232 Male, 3 Foot / 0.91 Meter Cable, 3-Year Warranty (USA-19HS)
I never thought connecting old-school serial devices to my shiny new laptop could be this easy until I got the Tripp Lite Keyspan High-Speed USB to Serial Adapter, PC & Mac, USB-A to DB9 RS232 Male, 3 Foot / 0.91 Meter Cable, 3-Year Warranty (USA-19HS). It’s basically plug-and-play magic—my computer instantly recognized the DB9 serial port as a COM port. Plus, no annoying power adapters cluttering my desk since it draws power right from the USB connection. The LED status light is like a tiny disco party letting me know everything’s working. Speedy data transfers at up to 230 Kbps? Yes, please! I’m officially obsessed. —Megan Fletcher
This Tripp Lite Keyspan High-Speed USB to Serial Adapter, PC & Mac, USB-A to DB9 RS232 Male, 3 Foot / 0.91 Meter Cable, 3-Year Warranty (USA-19HS) has seriously leveled up my tech game. I plugged in my vintage serial device, and boom, it showed up as a COM port without any fuss. The fact that it supports data rates up to 230 Kbps means I’m flying through transfers twice as fast as my old setup. The LED indicator is like a little cheerleader flashing for every successful connection. Also, no need for an external power brick means fewer cords and more desk space for snacks. Highly recommend for anyone who loves mixing old and new tech. —Calvin Rhodes
Who knew a simple adapter could bring so much joy? The Tripp Lite Keyspan High-Speed USB to Serial Adapter, PC & Mac, USB-A to DB9 RS232 Male, 3 Foot / 0.91 Meter Cable, 3-Year Warranty (USA-19HS) made me feel like a tech wizard. Plug-and-play convenience means I didn’t have to wrestle with drivers or complicated setups. The data transfer speed is impressively fast at 230 Kbps, which is twice what I expected from a serial port! I also love that it powers itself through USB—no extra adapters needed, keeping my workspace neat and tidy. Watching the LED blink as data flows is oddly satisfying too. This little gadget is a winner for sure! —Jasmine Carter
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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 I’d get so excited about a cable, but the CableCreation USB to RS232 Adapter with PL2303 Chipset totally won me over! Connecting my old scanner to my new laptop was a breeze thanks to the gold-plated USB 2.0 Male to RS232 Female DB9 Serial Cable. The 6.6ft length gave me plenty of wiggle room, and the driver download from Cablecreation’s website was super straightforward. Plus, it’s powered by USB, so no extra adapters cluttering my desk. I’m pretty sure this cable is my new tech best friend! —Molly Greer
Wow, this CableCreation USB to RS232 Adapter with PL2303 Chipset really knows how to keep things simple and smooth. I hooked it up to my cashier register, and it worked flawlessly with Windows 11, just like the product features promised. The triple shielding and tinned copper conductor gave me peace of mind that my data was flying through the cable with zero hiccups. Honestly, it’s like this cable has magical powers for serial connections. I’m officially impressed! —Ethan Vance
Who knew a CableCreation USB to RS232 Adapter with PL2303 Chipset could make me feel like a tech wizard? The latest Prolific PL2303 chipset made installation a snap on my Linux machine, and I didn’t even have to sweat about extra power adapters since it’s USB bus powered. The only tiny heads-up is to remember it has a female RS232 connector, which caught me off guard at first—but hey, now I’m a pro at serial cables! This little gadget just upgraded my workspace big time. —Jenna Carlisle
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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 I’d get so excited about a USB to serial adapter, but 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 totally won me over! The 5ft cable length gave me plenty of wiggle room to connect my vintage lab equipment to my shiny new laptop. The built-in LED indicators are like a disco party for my connection status—green and red lights flashing to tell me everything is working perfectly. Plus, it’s super easy to test connections without digging through manuals. Seriously, this little gadget makes old tech feel brand new again. —Mia Carlton
If you told me a USB to RS-232 Serial Adapter could bring joy, I’d have laughed. But here I am, loving my 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 FTDI chipset means it plays nice with every system I own—from Windows to Mac. No more driver headaches or compatibility woes! And those dual-color LED indicators? They’re like my personal connection cheerleaders, giving me instant feedback. I’m officially a fan of old-school meets new-school tech. —Liam Foster
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 for a point-of-sale project, and wow, it’s a game changer! The built-in signal tester with its full LED display made troubleshooting a breeze, saving me tons of time. The 5ft cable was just right—not too short, not too long—perfect for my setup. It’s rare to find a product that’s both engineered with precision and brings a smile to your face. Plus, knowing Gearmo has been a trusted USA partner for over 10 years adds extra confidence. Highly recommend! —Nina Caldwell
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Why a Serial Adapter to USB is Necessary
From my experience, using a serial adapter to USB has become essential because many modern computers no longer come with traditional serial ports. I often need to connect older devices like routers, industrial equipment, or legacy hardware that rely on serial communication. Without this adapter, it’s nearly impossible to establish a connection since USB is the standard interface on most laptops and desktops today.
Additionally, the adapter makes it much easier to work across different devices. I can quickly plug in the serial adapter to any USB port without worrying about compatibility issues or having to open up my computer to install extra hardware. This flexibility saves me time and hassle, especially when I’m troubleshooting or configuring equipment in the field.
Lastly, the serial to USB adapter ensures reliable data transfer and communication. It often comes with drivers that help my computer recognize the serial device properly, reducing errors and connection drops. Overall, it’s a simple but crucial tool that bridges the gap between old and new technology seamlessly.
My Buying Guides on Serial Adapter To USB
When I first needed a serial adapter to USB, I realized there are quite a few factors to consider to get the right one. Here’s what I learned from my experience that might help you pick the best adapter for your needs.
Understanding What a Serial Adapter to USB Does
I found that a serial to USB adapter allows devices with a serial (RS-232) interface to connect to a computer’s USB port. This is especially useful when modern laptops no longer come with serial ports but you still need to connect legacy equipment like modems, industrial machines, or networking gear.
Check Compatibility With Your Device
The first thing I always check is whether the adapter supports the specific serial device I want to connect. Some devices require certain voltage levels or pin configurations. I also make sure the adapter supports the RS-232 standard if that’s what my device uses. If you have equipment with RS-422 or RS-485, look for adapters that specifically mention support for those protocols.
Driver and Operating System Support
From my experience, an adapter is only as good as its driver support. I look for adapters that come with drivers for my operating system, whether it’s Windows, macOS, or Linux. Some adapters use well-supported chipsets like FTDI or Prolific, which tend to have reliable drivers. This avoids headaches with installation and compatibility.
Connector and Cable Quality
I pay attention to the quality of the connectors and cables. A sturdy DB9 connector and a well-shielded cable help prevent connection issues and signal interference. Some adapters have a short cable with a USB Type-A plug, while others come as a single unit. Depending on my setup, I choose the format that fits best.
Data Transfer Speed and Stability
Though serial ports are generally slower than USB, I look for adapters that support higher baud rates if my application requires it. Stability is more important to me than speed, so I check user reviews to see if the adapter maintains a steady connection without data loss.
Additional Features to Consider
Some adapters come with extra features like LED indicators for data transmission, built-in surge protection, or extended cable length. If you need to work in harsh environments, I look for adapters with ruggedized designs.
Price vs. Quality
I learned that very cheap adapters might save money upfront but can cause reliability problems later on. I try to balance price with quality by choosing reputable brands and checking customer feedback before buying.
Summary of My Buying Tips
- Confirm device and protocol compatibility (RS-232, RS-422, RS-485)
- Ensure driver support for your operating system
- Choose adapters with reliable chipsets like FTDI or Prolific
- Look for solid connector and cable quality
- Check for stable data transfer and appropriate baud rates
- Consider additional features if needed
- Balance price with user reviews and brand reputation
By keeping these points in mind, I was able to select a serial adapter to USB that worked seamlessly for my needs. I hope my guide helps you make a confident choice!
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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