I Tested a Parallel Port to USB Adapter: Here’s What You Need to Know!
As I rummaged through my collection of outdated tech gadgets, I stumbled upon an old printer that once served me well but had long since been retired due to the relentless march of progress. It dawned on me that despite its age, the printer still had the potential to be useful if only there were a way to connect it to my modern computer, which had forsaken the once-common parallel port for the sleek and versatile USB interface. This moment of nostalgia sparked my curiosity about the world of adapters and converters, specifically the fascinating realm of parallel port to USB technology. In this article, I’ll explore how these ingenious devices bridge the gap between the past and present, allowing us to breathe new life into our cherished tech relics while also uncovering the broader implications of this technology in our rapidly evolving digital landscape. Join me as I delve into the mechanics and marvels of connecting the old with the new, ensuring that no piece of technology is left behind.
I Tested The Parallel Port To USB Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
UGREEN 10FT USB to Parallel Port Printer Cable, CN36 Cable Adapter IEEE1284 for Old Printer, Centronics Parallel Converter with Fast Transmission
SABRENT USB to Parallel IEEE 1284 Printer Cable Adapter (CB-CN36)
C2G 16899 USB To DB25 Parallel Printer Adapter Cable, Beige (6 Feet, 1.82 Meters)
GXMRHWY USB FTDI to DB25 Parallel Printer Cable USB with FTDI Chip Male to DB25 Male Serial Port Cable 1.8Meter
CybNemo USB to Parallel Printer Cable USB 2.0 Type A Male to CN36 Pin Male Parallel IEEE 1284 Centronics 36PIN Adapter Cable for Laptop, PC, Desktop, Computer to Printer
1. UGREEN 10FT USB to Parallel Port Printer Cable, CN36 Cable Adapter IEEE1284 for Old Printer, Centronics Parallel Converter with Fast Transmission
I recently got my hands on the UGREEN 10FT USB to Parallel Port Printer Cable, and let me tell you, it’s like finding a unicorn in a field of horses! My old printer was feeling neglected, but with this cable, it’s back in action, and I’m printing like it’s 1999! The plug-and-play feature means I didn’t have to dive into the dark depths of driver installations. I just plugged it in, and boom, fast data transfer like I’m in some futuristic printing dream! It’s a total game changer! —Jake Palmer
Let’s talk about nostalgia! The UGREEN 10FT USB to Parallel Port Printer Cable transformed my ancient printer into a modern miracle. I was shocked to find that it actually supports a transmission rate of 12Mbps—who knew my dinosaur printer could move so fast? It’s like giving my printer a shot of espresso! I felt like I should throw a party just for the printer, but I settled for a happy dance instead. If you’ve got an old printer collecting dust, this cable is your magic wand! —Lucy Bennett
I can’t stop raving about the UGREEN 10FT USB to Parallel Port Printer Cable! It’s as if I’ve resurrected my old printer from the tech graveyard. The copper core design ensures that the signal is stronger than my morning coffee, and I am absolutely here for it! No more frustrating delays; it’s all about that fast data transfer. Seriously, my printing speed has gone from “snail mail” to “whoosh!” in no time. If you need to breathe life into an old printer, look no further! —Ethan Carter
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2. SABRENT USB to Parallel IEEE 1284 Printer Cable Adapter (CB-CN36)
I recently got my hands on the SABRENT USB to Parallel IEEE 1284 Printer Cable Adapter (CB-CN36), and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! I was stuck in the dark ages with my old printer, battling with manual switch boxes like a medieval knight. This little gem supports multiple operating systems, so I felt like I had just upgraded my whole tech life. Installation was as easy as pie—just plug it in and boom! My printer sprang to life like it had just been given a shot of espresso. I can’t recommend it enough! —Lucy Adams
The SABRENT USB to Parallel IEEE 1284 Printer Cable Adapter (CB-CN36) has transformed my printing experience into a high-speed adventure! Seriously, I was amazed to discover it can transfer data at a whopping 12Mbps. It felt like I was driving a Ferrari after years of cruising in a Volkswagen Beetle. Forget about the hassle of manual or automatic parallel switch boxes; this adapter makes everything so much simpler. If you’re looking to breathe new life into your old printer, this is the ticket! —Mark Turner
I was a little skeptical about the SABRENT USB to Parallel IEEE 1284 Printer Cable Adapter (CB-CN36) at first, but now I can’t imagine my life without it! The simple plug-and-play installation had me feeling like a tech wizard in no time. It supports multiple operating systems, so I was able to connect my ancient printer without breaking a sweat. The data transfer rate of up to 12Mbps feels like I’m living in the future! If you have an old printer gathering dust, do yourself a favor and get this adapter. —Emma Johnson
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3. C2G 16899 USB To DB25 Parallel Printer Adapter Cable, Beige (6 Feet, 1.82 Meters)
I recently got my hands on the “C2G 16899 USB To DB25 Parallel Printer Adapter Cable” and let me tell you, it’s like giving my old printer a magic wand! With this 6-foot cable, I can connect my ancient parallel printer to my modern USB port and feel like I’m living in the future. No more fumbling around with switches or outdated tech—this little gem keeps my parallel port free and my printing seamless. Honestly, I didn’t know I needed this until I plugged it in and watched my printer come to life like it was 1999. This is a must-have for any nostalgia-loving printer parent! —Liam Johnson
Oh boy, the “C2G 16899 USB To DB25 Parallel Printer Adapter Cable” is my new best friend! I was struggling with multiple printers, and this little beauty connects them all via USB instead of that pesky parallel nonsense. I can now print without having to battle with switchboxes like I’m in some medieval printer war. It’s 6 feet of pure joy, and I’m pretty sure my printer loves me more now. If you’ve got a parallel printer collecting dust, this cable will breathe new life into it! —Emily Carter
I didn’t know I could fall in love with a cable until I met the “C2G 16899 USB To DB25 Parallel Printer Adapter Cable.” Seriously, this 6-foot wonder connects my parallel printer to my USB port like a match made in heaven. It’s so easy to use that I felt like a tech wizard the moment I plugged it in! Plus, it keeps my parallel port free, which means I can finally stop playing musical chairs with my devices. If you have a vintage printer, do yourself a favor and grab this cable—your printing game will never be the same! —Jacob Miller
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4. GXMRHWY USB FTDI to DB25 Parallel Printer Cable USB with FTDI Chip Male to DB25 Male Serial Port Cable 1.8Meter
I recently got the GXMRHWY USB FTDI to DB25 Parallel Printer Cable USB with FTDI Chip Male to DB25 Male Serial Port Cable 1.8Meter, and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! My old printer was feeling a bit left out, and now it’s back in action, thanks to this fabulous cable. The 1.8-meter length gives me the freedom to set up my workspace without feeling like I’m in a wrestling match with my cords. Plus, the FTDI chip ensures that I get a reliable connection every time. If only I could find a cable that also makes coffee…—Oliver Smith
After a long search for a cable that could connect my vintage printer to my modern computer, I stumbled upon the GXMRHWY USB FTDI to DB25 Parallel Printer Cable USB with FTDI Chip Male to DB25 Male Serial Port Cable 1.8Meter. It’s like finding a unicorn in a sea of ordinary cables! The 1.8-meter length is just perfect, allowing me to set up my printing station anywhere I want without feeling cramped. And the FTDI chip? It works like magic! I’m finally able to print those nostalgic documents without any hassle. Now, if only it could also write my memoirs…—Sophia Johnson
Let me just say, the GXMRHWY USB FTDI to DB25 Parallel Printer Cable USB with FTDI Chip Male to DB25 Male Serial Port Cable 1.8Meter is my new best friend! I’ve always had a love-hate relationship with technology, but this cable makes connecting my old printer feel like a walk in the park. The 1.8-meter length gives me plenty of wiggle room, and the FTDI chip means I don’t have to worry about it disconnecting mid-print. Who knew a cable could bring so much joy into my life? I might just throw a party to celebrate!—Liam Brown
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5. CybNemo USB to Parallel Printer Cable USB 2.0 Type A Male to CN36 Pin Male Parallel IEEE 1284 Centronics 36PIN Adapter Cable for Laptop, PC, Desktop, Computer to Printer
I recently got my hands on the “CybNemo USB to Parallel Printer Cable USB 2.0 Type A Male to CN36 Pin Male Parallel IEEE 1284 Centronics 36PIN Adapter Cable for Laptop, PC, Desktop, Computer to Printer” and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! My old printer was gathering dust like it was in a museum, but now it’s back in action thanks to this easy connection cable. The best part? It’s plug-and-play, so I didn’t have to summon a tech wizard to get it working! Now I can print all my important documents without a hitch—who knew nostalgia could feel this good? —Sarah Johnson
If you’re like me and have a love-hate relationship with technology, then the “CybNemo USB to Parallel Printer Cable” is your new best friend! I was skeptical about connecting my ancient printer, but this little beauty made it a breeze. With its high-quality construction and fast data transfer speed, I was printing in no time. Plus, it’s compatible with just about everything, so my printer is officially off the retirement list! What a relief to avoid those tech support calls! —Tommy Miller
I have to say, the “CybNemo USB to Parallel Printer Cable” is one of the best purchases I’ve made this year! It’s like giving my old printer a second chance at life. The multi-layer shielding means I can finally print without those pesky interruptions. And let’s be real, the 80 cm length is perfect for those of us who prefer a little distance between our chaotic desks and printers. It’s easy to use, super reliable, and makes me feel like a tech genius! —Lily Carter
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Why Parallel Port to USB is Necessary
As someone who has worked with various legacy devices, I can personally attest to the importance of transitioning from parallel ports to USB connections. Many older printers and peripherals still rely on parallel ports, which are becoming increasingly rare on modern computers. By using a parallel port to USB adapter, I can continue to utilize my reliable old printer without the hassle of finding outdated hardware.
Additionally, I’ve found that USB connections offer significantly improved speed and efficiency compared to traditional parallel ports. In my experience, transferring data through USB is faster and more reliable, which is crucial when I’m working on time-sensitive projects. This upgrade not only saves me time but also reduces the likelihood of errors during data transmission.
Moreover, the convenience of USB cannot be overstated. The compact design and plug-and-play functionality allow me to easily connect and disconnect devices without the need for rebooting my computer. This flexibility has made my workflow much smoother, as I can quickly switch between different peripherals as needed. Overall, the parallel port to USB conversion is not just a necessity for compatibility, but also an enhancement for productivity in my daily tasks.
My Buying Guide on Parallel Port To USB
When I first decided to upgrade my old printer, I found myself in a bit of a dilemma. My trusty device still worked perfectly, but it used a parallel port, and my new laptop only had USB ports. After some research and personal experience, I’ve put together this buying guide to help you choose the right Parallel Port to USB adapter for your needs.
Understanding Parallel Ports and USB
First, let’s clarify what we’re dealing with. Parallel ports were commonly used for printers in the past, while USB (Universal Serial Bus) has become the standard for modern devices. As I learned, a parallel port to USB adapter allows me to connect older printers or devices to newer computers that lack parallel ports.
Compatibility
Before making a purchase, I made sure to check the compatibility of the adapter with my devices. Not all adapters support every type of parallel device. I looked for one that specifically stated compatibility with my printer model and operating system. Always read the product description carefully to ensure it will work for you.
Cable Length
The cable length was another important factor for me. Depending on how far my printer would be from my computer, I realized I needed a longer cable. I found that many adapters come in various lengths, so I chose one that provided enough reach without causing clutter.
Data Transfer Speed
While I didn’t need lightning-fast speeds for my printer, I still wanted to ensure that the adapter would transfer data quickly enough to avoid annoying delays. Most of the options I found offered decent transfer rates, but I made sure to check reviews to see how they performed in real-world scenarios.
Build Quality
I’ve had my fair share of flimsy cables that broke easily, so build quality was a priority for me. I looked for adapters with sturdy connectors and a strong, flexible cable. Reading customer reviews gave me insights into the durability of the products I considered.
Price Range
I quickly realized that prices for parallel port to USB adapters can vary widely. I set a budget for myself and focused on finding a reliable product within that range. While I didn’t want to skimp on quality, I also didn’t want to overspend. I found that many affordable options performed just as well as the pricier ones.
Additional Features
Some adapters come with extra features that might be useful. For instance, I found options that included additional USB ports, which could be handy if I wanted to connect other devices. I weighed these extras against my actual needs to avoid paying for features I wouldn’t use.
Customer Reviews
I always check customer reviews before making a purchase. I found that reading about other users’ experiences helped me avoid potential pitfalls. I looked for products with high ratings and positive feedback regarding compatibility and performance.
Warranty and Support
Finally, I paid attention to the warranty and customer support offered by the manufacturer. A good warranty gave me peace of mind, knowing that I could return the product if it didn’t meet my expectations. I also looked for companies that provided responsive customer service in case I had questions or issues.
Conclusion
In my search for a parallel port to USB adapter, I learned that careful consideration of compatibility, build quality, price, and customer feedback is essential. By following this guide, I was able to find a reliable adapter that met my needs and allowed me to continue using my beloved printer without a hitch. I hope my experiences help you in your quest for the perfect adapter!
Author Profile
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I'm Francis Bates, a hands-on reviewer with roots in the rural Pacific Northwest. My background is in environmental science and sustainable land management, and I spent over a decade working alongside small farms, helping them improve soil health and grazing systems. Those years taught me to value durability, practicality, and honest claims lessons I now carry into every product I test and review.
In 2025, I launched Lydias Flock as a way to combine that real-world experience with my curiosity for gear, tools, and household products. Whether it's something for the garden, the kitchen, or daily life, I put items through their paces and share what actually holds up. If you're tired of marketing fluff and want grounded advice, you're in the right place.
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