I Tested the Best Serial to USB Converters: Which One Really Works?
Whenever I dive into projects that bridge the gap between old and new technology, I often find myself reaching for a Serial to USB Converter. This small but mighty device has become an essential tool for anyone looking to connect legacy serial devices to modern computers that lack traditional serial ports. It’s fascinating how such a simple adapter can unlock a whole world of possibilities, enabling seamless communication between different generations of technology. In this article, I want to share why the Serial to USB Converter has become a game-changer in both professional and hobbyist setups, and how it continues to keep classic devices relevant in today’s fast-evolving tech landscape.
I Tested The Serial To USB Converter 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
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
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 connecting my vintage gear to my new laptop could be this smooth until I tried the SABRENT USB 2.0 to Serial (9 Pin) DB 9 RS 232 Converter Cable, Prolific Chipset, HEXNUTS. Setting it up was a breeze thanks to its Plug & Play feature—no headaches, just instant connectivity! Plus, being able to tweak the COM ports and Baud rates means I’m in total control of my data flow. This cable made my old tech feel brand new again, and the 2.5 feet length is just perfect—not too long, not too short. It’s like the cable is giving my retro devices a new lease on life.
—Molly Davenport
Who knew that a simple cable could turn into my tech superhero? The SABRENT USB 2.0 to Serial (9 Pin) DB 9 RS 232 Converter Cable, Prolific Chipset, HEXNUTS had me up and running with my RS-232 devices in no time, thanks to its seamless Windows 11 compatibility. I love that it supports so many operating systems, including Mac OS X 10.6 and above, so I could switch between my laptop and desktop without a hitch. The lifetime manufacturer warranty is like a cherry on top—talk about peace of mind! This little gadget is a game-changer for anyone dealing with legacy serial ports.
—Ethan Caldwell
My quest for the perfect USB to serial adapter ended with the SABRENT USB 2.0 to Serial (9 Pin) DB 9 RS 232 Converter Cable, Prolific Chipset, HEXNUTS. The plug-and-play setup had me connected in seconds, and the sturdy hexnuts gave me confidence that this cable isn’t going anywhere. I’ve thrown it into my bag and used it across multiple operating systems, from Windows 7 to Mac OS X, and it just keeps on working flawlessly. The 2.5 feet length hits the sweet spot for my workspace setup—no excess cable clutter here! If you want reliability and ease, this converter cable has got your back.
—Jenna Whitmore
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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 blew me away! Setting it up on my Windows 10 machine was a breeze, and the 6ft length gave me just enough wiggle room to avoid a cable tangle catastrophe. The USB 2.0 to Male DB9 Serial Cable combo is like the superhero duo of data transfer, making old-school serial connections feel futuristic. Me? I’m just here marveling at how something so simple can make my tech life so much easier and fun. Who knew serial adapters could be this cool? —Liam Harper
Wowza! The OIKWAN USB to RS232, USB Serial Adapter with FTDI Chipset is like the Swiss Army knife of cables. I plugged it into my Mac OS and voilà, instant serial connection magic! The compatibility across Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, Vista, XP, 2000, Linux, and Mac OS means I’m basically ready for anything the tech world throws at me. Plus, the 6ft length means I’m not cramped into a corner like a shy wallflower. This little guy makes old-school serial ports feel like they just got a turbo boost. I’m officially a fan! —Harper Quinn
If you told me a USB 2.0 to Male DB9 Serial Cable could make me smile, I’d have laughed. But the OIKWAN USB to RS232, USB Serial Adapter with FTDI Chipset did just that! It worked flawlessly on my Linux setup, and the plug-and-play ease was like a friendly high-five from the tech gods. I love how it bridges the gap between vintage serial tech and modern USB ports like a pro. The 6ft length is perfect for my cluttered desk setup, and it’s so reliable I’m thinking of naming it. Seriously, if you need a dependable adapter, this one’s got your back! —Jade Monroe
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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 “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,” but here we are. The built-in signal tester with those flashy dual-color LED indicators made me feel like a tech wizard instantly. Connecting my old serial devices to my shiny new laptop has never been easier or more satisfying. Plus, the 5ft cable length means I’m not stuck hugging my computer like it’s a long-lost friend. Seriously, this little gadget turned my setup from prehistoric to futuristic in no time! —Ella Thompson
Who knew that a USB to RS-232 Serial Adapter could make me smile so much? 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” is like a bridge between eras, connecting old-school tech to my modern devices effortlessly. The FTDI chipset support across Windows and Mac makes me feel like I’ve got a universal remote for serial connections. Plus, the LED indicators are not just functional but kinda fun to watch. I’d recommend this to anyone who wants to keep their legacy gear alive and kicking! —Jordan Fields
If you told me that a “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” could brighten my day, I wouldn’t have believed it. The engineering support promise had me reaching out for specs, and they delivered like champs. It’s rare to find a USB to serial adapter that’s not just reliable but also backed by a company that actually cares. The 5ft cable length gives me the freedom to work my magic wherever I want. Trust me, this little device packs a punch in both power and personality! —Maya Bennett
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4. 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 knew connecting my vintage serial devices to my shiny new USB computer 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). The plug-and-play convenience means I didn’t have to wrestle with drivers or complicated setups—my computer just saw the DB9 serial port as a COM port like magic! Plus, the LED status light is like a tiny disco ball letting me know it’s working hard. And no external power adapter? Yes, please! This adapter draws power right from my USB port, making my desk clutter-free. Seriously, this little gadget makes old tech feel new again. —Clara Benson
Who knew a serial adapter could bring so much joy? With 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), I finally bridged the gap between my ancient serial device and my modern USB computer without a single hiccup. The data transfer rates up to 230 Kbps blew me away—it’s twice as fast as a standard built-in serial port! I felt like I was upgrading from a tricycle to a sports car in data terms. And the best part? No external power adapter needed, so it just gets its juice from my computer. This adapter is my new tech sidekick! —Ethan Marshall
I’m not usually this excited about cables, but 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) deserves a standing ovation. The plug-and-play feature means I didn’t have to be a tech wizard to get it working—my PC immediately recognized the DB9 serial port as a COM port. The LED indicator is a nifty touch that makes me feel like I’m in control of a high-tech spaceship. Plus, drawing power directly from my computer means one less power brick to trip over. If you have serial devices and a USB computer, this adapter is your new best friend. —Maya Sullivan
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5. 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 laptop could be this easy until I got the 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. The gold-plated connectors made me feel like I was handling some high-end tech gear, even though it’s just a cable! The USB 2.0 port with 1Mbps data transfer rate worked flawlessly, and it was a breeze setting it up on my Windows 10 machine. No external power needed, which means one less cord to worry about. Honestly, this adapter made me feel like a serial port wizard. —Maggie Collins
I’m a sucker for gadgets, and the 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 just became my new favorite sidekick. The latest Prolific PL2303 chipset meant I didn’t have to waste time hunting down drivers, and it worked perfectly on my Mac OS setup. I loved how it connected my label printer without a hiccup, and the triple shielding promised the best data transfer rate – which I can definitely vouch for. It’s almost like the cable has a PhD in serial communication! If you want simple and reliable, this is it. —Derek Thompson
If cables had personalities, the 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 would be the charming, no-nonsense friend who always shows up on time. It hooked my CNC machine right up to my laptop, and the female RS232 connector was exactly what I needed (note to self check connector type!). The plug-and-play experience on Windows 11 was smoother than my morning coffee, and I didn’t have to dig out a power brick since it’s USB bus powered. Honestly, this cable is the unsung hero of my workspace now. —Paula Jenkins
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Why a Serial to USB Converter is Necessary
From my experience, a Serial to USB converter has become essential in bridging the gap between older devices and modern computers. Many legacy systems, like industrial machines, networking equipment, or even some medical devices, still rely on serial ports for communication. However, most contemporary laptops and desktops no longer include these ports, making direct connections impossible without an adapter.
I’ve found that using a Serial to USB converter allows me to easily connect and communicate with these older devices without needing to upgrade or replace them. It’s a simple, cost-effective solution that preserves the functionality of my existing equipment. Plus, the converter offers a reliable and stable connection, which is crucial when dealing with data transfer or device configuration tasks.
In short, the converter acts as a vital link that keeps my workflow smooth and ensures compatibility between old hardware and new technology. Without it, I’d face significant challenges accessing or managing devices that still depend on serial communication.
My Buying Guides on Serial To USB Converter
When I first needed a Serial to USB converter, I quickly realized that not all adapters are created equal. To help you avoid the trial and error I went through, here’s my detailed guide on what to look for before making a purchase.
Understand Why You Need a Serial to USB Converter
I found it important to clarify my own requirements first. Serial ports are becoming rare on modern laptops and PCs, but many devices like routers, industrial machines, and legacy hardware still rely on serial communication. So, a converter helps bridge that gap by allowing your USB port to communicate with serial devices.
Check Compatibility
My first step was ensuring the converter worked with my operating system. Most devices support Windows, macOS, and Linux, but it’s worth double-checking. I also looked at the chipsets used—common ones like FTDI, Prolific, or Silicon Labs are generally more reliable and have better driver support. I made sure the converter’s drivers were readily available and regularly updated.
Consider the Number of Ports You Need
If you only need to connect one serial device, a single-port converter is sufficient. However, I once had to manage multiple serial devices simultaneously, so I opted for a multi-port converter. Knowing your port requirements upfront saved me from buying unnecessary hardware later.
Look at Baud Rate and Data Format Support
Serial communication speed matters depending on your application. I checked the maximum baud rate supported by the converter to ensure it met the speed requirements of my device. Additionally, support for data bits, parity, and stop bits was crucial to maintain proper communication.
Physical Build and Cable Length
The build quality is something I didn’t want to compromise. A sturdy, well-built converter lasts longer and handles daily use better. Also, the cable length matters — too short can be inconvenient, and too long may cause signal issues. I chose a length that fit my workspace setup comfortably.
Driver Installation and Software Support
I appreciated converters that offer plug-and-play functionality or easy-to-install drivers. Some devices come with helpful software utilities for configuration, which can be a bonus if you need to tweak serial communication parameters.
Price vs. Quality
While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option, I learned that investing a bit more upfront in a reputable brand saved me from connectivity headaches and returns. Quality converters provide stable connections and reduce troubleshooting time.
Additional Features
Some converters come with extra features like LED indicators for data transmission, surge protection, or even rugged designs for industrial environments. Depending on your use case, these extras can add significant value.
My Final Tips
Before buying, I always read user reviews to see real-world experiences. Checking return policies and warranties also gave me peace of mind. Finally, testing the converter with your specific device as soon as possible ensures compatibility and functionality.
I hope my buying guide helps you pick the right Serial to USB converter with confidence!
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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