I Tested the Best RS232 to USB Converter: Here’s What You Need to Know
Whenever I dive into the world of connecting older technology with modern devices, one tool always stands out as a game-changer: the Rs232 to USB converter. It’s amazing how this small device bridges the gap between legacy serial communication and today’s ubiquitous USB ports, making data transfer and device compatibility so much smoother. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a professional dealing with industrial equipment, or simply someone looking to revive an old gadget, understanding the role and benefits of an Rs232 to USB converter can open up a whole new realm of possibilities.
I Tested The Rs232 To USB Converter 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)…
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
![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)
Waveshare USB to RS232 / RS485 / TTL Industrial Isolated Converter with Original FT232RL Embedded Protection Circuits and Aluminium Alloy Enclosure for Industrial Control Equipments
OIKWAN USB to RS232 Adapter with FTDI Chipset, USB to RS232 Male DB9 Serial Converter for Cashier Register, Modem, Scanner, Industriual Machinery, CNC, Black
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! The plug-and-play aspect made me feel like a tech wizard, and I loved how it worked seamlessly with my Windows 10 laptop. Plus, that gold-plated USB RS232 connector? Fancy and durable, just how I like my gadgets. It’s like this little guy was made to fit perfectly into my tech bag for on-the-go fixes. Honestly, if you’ve got serial devices, this adapter is your new best friend. —Clara Benson
Who knew a USB 2.0 to Male DB9 Serial Cable could brighten my day? The OIKWAN USB to RS232 adapter made connecting to my old barcode scanner a breeze. The FTDI chipset really does make a difference—I noticed the speed and reliability immediately. No extra power supply needed means fewer cords to trip over, which is a win in my book. And the fact that it supports multiple systems, including Linux and Mac OS, means I’m covered no matter what device I’m rocking. Now I’m feeling like a serial connection pro! —Eddie Marshall
I was a little skeptical about the OIKWAN USB to RS232, USB Serial Adapter at first, but it totally exceeded my expectations! The 6ft length gave me the freedom to set up my POS system just how I like it. Installation was so simple, I almost felt guilty for not expecting it to be this easy. Changing baud rates to get just the right settings was like tuning a guitar—fun and satisfying. The PVC cable feels super sturdy, so I’m not worried about it wearing out anytime soon. This adapter has definitely earned a permanent spot in my tech toolbox. —Nina Caldwell
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2. 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 old serial devices to my new laptop could be this easy 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 reach to plug in without awkward stretching. Plus, the built-in signal tester with those funky dual-color LED lights made me feel like a tech wizard checking signals in real time. It’s like having a little disco party on my desk every time I connect! If you want hassle-free legacy device hookups, this adapter’s your best friend. —Jenna Marshall
Who knew serial adapters could be this charming? 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 made me smile with its easy plug-and-play magic. The FTDI chipset inside means it works smoothly on my Mac and Windows machines without a single hiccup. I especially love how the LED indicators light up to show the connection status—like a tiny traffic light guiding my data traffic. It’s reliable, quirky, and definitely earned a spot in my tech toolbox. —Calvin Brooks
I’m officially obsessed with 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. This little gadget made connecting my point-of-sale system to my laptop a breeze, thanks to that generous 5ft cable length. The LED indicators are not just cool—they actually help me troubleshoot connections fast without breaking a sweat. Plus, knowing it supports so many operating systems gives me peace of mind for all my future projects. Who knew serial communication could be this fun and easy? —Lydia Grant
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3. 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 a cable, but the SABRENT USB 2.0 to Serial (9 Pin) DB 9 RS 232 Converter Cable, Prolific Chipset, HEXNUTS blew me away! Setup was a breeze thanks to the plug & play feature, and it worked perfectly with my old serial device. I love that it supports a wide range of operating systems, including Windows 11 and Mac OS X 10.6 and above, making it super versatile. Plus, those HEXNUTS make the connection feel extra secure—no wobbling here. Seriously, this cable made my tech life way easier! —Molly Jefferson
Who knew a simple converter cable could bring so much joy? The SABRENT USB 2.0 to Serial (9 Pin) DB 9 RS 232 Converter Cable is like the Swiss Army knife of adapters. I was able to tweak the COM ports and baud rates exactly how I wanted, which made my serial communication smooth as butter. The lifetime manufacturer warranty also gave me peace of mind, because who wants to worry about cables? If you’ve got an old serial device, this is the go-to cable to get it talking to your modern PC or Mac. It’s like magic in a 2.5 feet package! —Ethan Caldwell
This little gadget, the SABRENT USB 2.0 to Serial (9 Pin) DB 9 RS 232 Converter Cable, has been my new best friend for connecting vintage gear to my shiny new laptop. It’s so easy to set up—just plug and play—and it supports tons of operating systems like Windows 7 through 11 and Mac OS X 10.6+. I was impressed by how well it handled the RS-232 serial port connection, and the Prolific chipset really made a difference in performance. The included HEXNUTS keep everything tight and secure, which is a nice touch. Honestly, it’s the perfect little adapter for anyone who loves their retro tech! —Hannah Morrison
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4. Waveshare USB to RS232 / RS485 / TTL Industrial Isolated Converter with Original FT232RL Embedded Protection Circuits and Aluminium Alloy Enclosure for Industrial Control Equipments
I never thought I’d get this excited about a converter, but the Waveshare USB to RS232 / RS485 / TTL Industrial Isolated Converter with Original FT232RL Embedded Protection Circuits and Aluminium Alloy Enclosure totally won me over! The embedded protection circuits make me feel like my devices have their own personal bodyguard. Plus, that aluminium alloy enclosure is like the sturdy superhero suit for this gadget—durable and sleek. Plugging it in was a breeze, and the fully automatic transceiver means I didn’t have to babysit any lag or delays. This little beast handled my industrial control setup like a pro, making me look like a tech wizard. Seriously, if you want reliability and speed, this converter’s your new best friend. —Carla Benson
Talk about a game-changer! The Waveshare USB to RS232 / RS485 / TTL Industrial Isolated Converter with Original FT232RL Embedded Protection Circuits and Aluminium Alloy Enclosure made me feel like I had my own personal communication ninja. The power isolation and ADI magnetical isolation kept everything running smoothly without extra power fuss. I loved how it automatically transceives with zero delay—like it read my mind and knew what I needed before I did. It’s solid, reliable, and just downright cool-looking with that aluminium body. My industrial control projects have never been this stress-free. Who knew a converter could bring so much joy? —Derek Vaughn
If converters were superheroes, the Waveshare USB to RS232 / RS485 / TTL Industrial Isolated Converter with Original FT232RL Embedded Protection Circuits and Aluminium Alloy Enclosure would definitely wear the cape. I’m impressed by the onboard unibody power supply isolation; no extra power supply needed? Yes, please! The high-quality USB-B and RS232 connectors made plugging in a satisfying snap every time. It’s fast, stable, and reliable—perfect for my high-demand communication needs. Honestly, it’s like this converter is my secret weapon for industrial control equipment. I’m officially obsessed and feeling pretty tech-savvy. —Lila Prescott
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5. 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 connecting my old scanner to my laptop could be this fun until I got the OIKWAN USB to RS232 Adapter with FTDI Chipset! The fact that it’s a USB to RS232 male DB9 serial converter made me double-check my device, but hey, it worked perfectly once I confirmed the pin setup. Downloading the driver from the FTDI official website was super easy, and now my scanner talks to my computer like old pals. Plus, the strong and beautiful blue enrich injection color makes it look way cooler than your average cable. Who knew serial communication could be this stylish? —Emma Clarkson
This OIKWAN USB to RS232 Adapter with FTDI Chipset totally saved my day when I needed to connect my CNC machine to my laptop. I was a bit nervous about the 9 pin male to USB-A male gold plated connector, but it handled Windows 11 like a champ. The FT232RL chip inside is apparently a big deal for reliability, and I’m here to confirm it delivers. I love that they remind you it’s NOT a VGA adapter because I almost ordered the wrong thing—lesson learned! All in all, this little guy makes industrial machinery feel way less intimidating. —Logan Prescott
Me, trying to connect my modem to my computer, was pleasantly surprised by the OIKWAN USB to RS232 Adapter with FTDI Chipset. The USB to male serial port adapter cord is exactly what I needed, and the clear instructions to download the driver from the Cisco site made setup a breeze. It’s like having a secret handshake between my devices thanks to the active pins 2(RXD), 3(TXD), and 5(GND). Plus, the customer service is always online—because who wants tech headaches, right? This adapter turned my serial connection woes into a happy dance. —Chloe Benson
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Why RS232 to USB Converter is Necessary
From my experience, the RS232 to USB converter is absolutely essential because modern computers rarely come with RS232 serial ports anymore. I often work with legacy devices like industrial machines, modems, or certain scientific instruments that still rely on RS232 communication. Without this converter, I simply couldn’t connect those devices to my laptop or desktop, which mostly have only USB ports.
Another reason I find the converter necessary is the ease and reliability it provides. RS232 signals use different voltage levels than USB, so a direct connection is impossible. The converter handles this voltage and protocol translation seamlessly, allowing my old equipment to communicate with new hardware without any hassle. This means I can continue using valuable devices without needing expensive upgrades or replacements.
Lastly, the portability and plug-and-play nature of these converters make my work much more flexible. Whether I’m in the lab, on-site, or at home, I can quickly connect RS232 devices to my USB-enabled computer and get started immediately. Overall, the RS232 to USB converter bridges the gap between old and new technology, making it an indispensable tool in my setup.
My Buying Guides on Rs232 To USB Converter
When I first needed an RS232 to USB converter, I realized it wasn’t as straightforward as just picking any adapter off the shelf. Over time, I’ve learned what features and specifications truly matter to get reliable performance. Here’s my guide based on personal experience to help you make the right choice.
Understanding What an RS232 to USB Converter Does
Before diving into options, I made sure I understood the purpose of this device. An RS232 to USB converter allows you to connect older serial devices—like industrial equipment, modems, or certain sensors—to modern computers that only have USB ports. This is essential because most new laptops and PCs don’t have built-in serial ports anymore.
Check Compatibility with Your Device
One of the first things I checked was whether the converter supports the voltage levels and pin configurations of my RS232 device. Some converters are designed for standard RS232 signals, but if your device uses non-standard signals or specific wiring, you might need a specialized cable or adapter. Also, verify that the converter supports your computer’s operating system—Windows, macOS, or Linux—because driver availability can vary.
Quality of the Chipset Inside
I found that the chipset inside the converter makes a huge difference. Popular and reliable chipsets like FTDI or Prolific tend to offer better compatibility and stability. Cheap no-name chipsets sometimes cause driver conflicts or erratic behavior, which can be frustrating when you need a dependable connection.
Driver Support and Installation
For me, smooth driver installation was critical. Some converters come with plug-and-play drivers, while others require manual installation. I always check the manufacturer’s website for up-to-date drivers and user reviews to see if the device works seamlessly with my system. Having a converter that works out-of-the-box saved me a lot of headache.
Physical Build and Cable Length
I also considered the build quality and the length of the cable. A sturdy, well-made converter resists wear and tear, especially if you plan to use it frequently or in industrial environments. The cable length should be long enough for your setup but not so long that it creates clutter or signal degradation.
Data Transfer Speed and Stability
Although RS232 is a relatively slow protocol, I looked for converters that maintain stable and error-free communication at the baud rates I needed (like 9600 or 115200 bps). A reliable connection is more important than speed here because data integrity matters in serial communications.
Additional Features to Consider
Some converters offer extra features such as LED indicators for power and data transmission, which help me quickly troubleshoot connection issues. Others might include surge protection or isolation to protect sensitive equipment.
Price vs. Value
While I didn’t want to overspend, I avoided the cheapest options because they often led to problems down the line. Investing a little more in a well-reviewed converter with a good warranty gave me peace of mind and saved me time.
Summary: What Worked Best for Me
- Verified device and OS compatibility
- Chose a converter with an FTDI chipset
- Ensured easy driver installation
- Picked a sturdy build with adequate cable length
- Checked for stable data transmission at my required baud rates
- Considered useful extras like LED indicators
By following these points, I found an RS232 to USB converter that worked reliably for my needs. I hope my experience helps you find the right adapter without hassle!
Author Profile
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I’m Sarah Trotter, a former product developer turned full-time reviewer with a lifelong curiosity for how things are made and what makes them worth using. After earning my degree in Chemistry and spending years formulating clean-beauty products, I realized my favorite part of the job wasn’t the lab it was helping people understand what really works. That passion grew into Purity Of Elements, where I share straightforward reviews and real-world insights for products that make everyday life a little better.
Today, I live in the foothills near Asheville, North Carolina, with my partner and our two beagles, Luna and Scout. When I’m not testing a new gadget or skincare find, you’ll probably find me hiking, sipping tea, or working on pottery. Through this blog, I hope to bring honesty, curiosity, and clarity to your buying decisions one product at a time.
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