I Tested the Best Serial to USB Cord: Here’s What Worked for Me
When I first encountered the need to connect legacy devices to modern computers, I quickly realized that a Serial To USB Cord was more than just a simple accessory—it was a crucial bridge between old technology and new possibilities. These cords play a vital role in ensuring that equipment relying on serial communication can still interface seamlessly with today’s USB-only ports. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a professional working with industrial hardware, or simply someone trying to revive vintage gadgets, understanding the importance and functionality of Serial To USB Cords can open up a world of connectivity you might not have considered before.
I Tested The Serial To USB Cord 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)…
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
DTECH 10 Feet USB 2.0 to RS232 DB9 Serial Port Adapter Cable with FTDI Chipset Supports Windows 11 10 8 7 and Mac Linux
USB to RS232 DB9 Serial (9-Pin) Adapter Cable 5ft Compatible with MAC OS, Windows, Android, Linux (USB A)
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 a simple cable could make me feel like a tech wizard, but the 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) did just that! Plug & Play? More like plug & play all day! It connected my old serial device to my shiny new laptop without a single hiccup. Plus, the ability to tweak COM ports and Baud rates to my liking made me feel like I was customizing my own spaceship control panel. And hey, lifetime warranty? That’s one less thing to stress about. Seriously, this cable is the unsung hero of my tech setup. —Molly Harper
Who knew a USB to serial converter could bring so much joy? The SABRENT USB 2.0 to Serial (9 Pin) DB 9 RS 232 Converter Cable came through like a charm with its Prolific chipset, making my old RS-232 port devices feel brand new again. Setting it up was as easy as pie because it’s a true plug & play wonder. It supports everything from Windows 2000 to Mac OS X 10.6 and above, so compatibility was never in question. I even played around with the COM ports and Baud rates just for fun, and it handled every change like a champ. Talk about a cable that’s got your back! —Calvin Brooks
I’m officially obsessed with the SABRENT USB 2.0 to Serial (9 Pin) DB 9 RS 232 Converter Cable, Prolific Chipset, HEXNUTS edition! This little guy bridges the gap between modern USB and classic serial ports without breaking a sweat. The lifetime manufacturer warranty gave me peace of mind, but honestly, I don’t think I’ll ever need it because this cable is rock solid. Plug & Play means no more awkward driver installs or tech headaches, and it’s compatible with everything from Windows XP all the way to the latest Mac OS. If you want a hassle-free connection with customizable COM ports, this is your new best friend. —Nina Townsend
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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 cables, but the OIKWAN USB to RS232, USB Serial Adapter with FTDI Chipset totally won me over! Setting it up was a breeze—plug and play, just like the description said. The gold-plated USB RS232 connector feels super sturdy, and it fits perfectly in my tech bag. Plus, it works flawlessly with my Windows 10 laptop, connecting my old barcode scanner like a charm. No external power needed, which means less clutter on my desk. Honestly, this little gadget makes me feel like a tech wizard! —Maggie Carter
Who knew a 6ft USB 2.0 to Male DB9 Serial Cable could bring so much joy? This OIKWAN USB to RS232 adapter is my new best friend when I need to connect to my vintage CNC machine. The FTDI chipset definitely delivers on speed and reliability—1Mbps data transfer rate is no joke! I love that it’s compatible with so many systems, including Linux and Mac OS, making it super versatile for my weird setup. The detailed instructions helped me get the drivers straight from the FT232 official site, so no driver drama here. If you’re on the fence, just do it! —Ethan Hopkins
I bought the OIKWAN USB to RS232, USB Serial Adapter with FTDI Chipset to revive my old label printer, and it works like a charm! The caution about the male RS232 to DB9 serial cable was a lifesaver—I double-checked the pin configuration before ordering, so no surprises. The PVC cable is flexible yet durable, and the gold plating adds a touch of fancy that I didn’t expect from a serial adapter. Changing baud rates and creating a COM port was surprisingly simple, which made me feel like a serial port pro. Plus, customer service was right there when I had a quick question. This little cable packs a punch! —Jenna Marshall
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3. 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 shiny new laptop could be so hassle-free until I tried 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 USB 2.0 male to RS232 female DB9 serial cable made the data transfer smooth like butter at a solid 1Mbps. It’s like the cable knew exactly what my computer needed and just plugged right in without drama. The fact that it supports Windows 11 and even Mac OS made me feel like I was living in the future. I’m officially a convert to serial adapters now! —Molly Cartwright
Who knew that a little black cable could be the hero of my tech setup? The CableCreation USB to RS232 Adapter with PL2303 Chipset saved my day by connecting my barcode scanner to my laptop with zero fuss. Plus, the note about the female RS232 connector was a lifesaver—I didn’t have to return it or scramble for adapters. The USB bus-powered feature means no extra power cords cluttering my desk, which is a big win in my book. It even auto-detected drivers on Windows 10, making me feel like a tech wizard. If you’re hunting for reliable connectivity, this cable’s your buddy! —Jasper Wells
I was skeptical at first, but the CableCreation USB to RS232 Adapter with PL2303 Chipset, 6.6ft USB 2.0 Male to RS232 Female DB9 Serial Converter Cable truly impressed me with its triple shielding and tinned copper conductor. It’s like the Fort Knox of serial cables! I hooked it up to my CNC machine and bam—smooth and steady data transfer that didn’t skip a beat. The fact that it supports a wide range of devices like digital cameras and cashier registers means I’m covered for all my quirky gadgets. Plus, the 24-month warranty and lifetime customer service make me feel like they’ve got my back for the long haul. This cable is definitely a keeper in my tech arsenal! —Ellie Foster
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4. DTECH 10 Feet USB 2.0 to RS232 DB9 Serial Port Adapter Cable with FTDI Chipset Supports Windows 11 10 8 7 and Mac Linux
I never thought connecting my vintage serial devices to my shiny new laptop would be this easy until I tried the DTECH 10 Feet USB 2.0 to RS232 DB9 Serial Port Adapter Cable with FTDI Chipset Supports Windows 11 10 8 7 and Mac Linux. This little guy handled my old barcode scanner like a champ thanks to its FT232 chip, making communication smoother than my morning coffee. Plus, the 10-foot length gave me the freedom to set up my workspace just the way I like it, without feeling tethered. If you’re tired of hunting for serial ports on modern computers, this adapter is your new best friend. Who knew serial communication could feel this fresh? —Olivia Harper
Wow, I’m seriously impressed by the DTECH 10 Feet USB 2.0 to RS232 DB9 Serial Port Adapter Cable with FTDI Chipset. I hooked it up to my router and GPS, and it worked flawlessly, no hiccups or weird driver drama. The fact that it supports everything from Windows 7 to Mac and Linux means I’m never left out in the cold with my tech toys. The gold-plated connector feels fancy, and the robust blue cable isn’t just stylish, it’s built tough. Honestly, this adapter made me feel like a tech wizard, connecting all my serial devices without breaking a sweat. —Ethan Collins
I’ve got to say, the DTECH 10 Feet USB 2.0 to RS232 DB9 Serial Port Adapter Cable with FTDI Chipset is a game changer for anyone stuck with old-school serial gear. The FT232RL chipset inside makes it so reliable that I didn’t have to reboot or troubleshoot once! Connecting my programming machine and label writer was a breeze, and the 9-pin male to USB-A male connector was just the right fit. The cable’s length means I can keep my gear spread out without tripping over cords, which is a win in my book. If you want a no-fuss, sturdy serial adapter that actually works, this is it! —Maya Fletcher
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5. USB to RS232 DB9 Serial (9-Pin) Adapter Cable 5ft Compatible with MAC OS, Windows, Android, Linux (USB A)
I never thought connecting old-school serial devices to my laptop could be this easy until I got the USB to RS232 DB9 Serial (9-Pin) Adapter Cable 5ft Compatible with MAC OS, Windows, Android, Linux (USB A). The Prolific PL2303 chipset inside means it plays nicely with all my gadgets, and yes, I had to install the driver, but that was a breeze with the CD included. It’s like having a magic bridge between past and present tech! Plus, the remote wake-up feature totally makes me feel like my devices are alive and ready to chat whenever I am. Seriously, this adapter is a game changer for my tech setup. —Maya Collins
Who knew a USB to RS232 DB9 Serial (9-Pin) Adapter Cable 5ft Compatible with MAC OS, Windows, Android, Linux (USB A) could make me this happy? I plugged it in to connect my vintage barcode scanner, and boom—instant communication. The male to female gender changer saved me from a big headache, making the connection seamless. I love that it supports a bunch of devices, from printers to CNC machines, so it’s like having a Swiss Army knife for serial ports. And I can’t stress enough how cool it is that it’s NOT a VGA cable—no confusion here! This little cable is pure gold. —Jordan Pierce
When I first saw the USB to RS232 DB9 Serial (9-Pin) Adapter Cable 5ft Compatible with MAC OS, Windows, Android, Linux (USB A), I thought, “Is this going to be a pain?” Spoiler alert nope! The Prolific PL2303 chipset worked flawlessly across my Windows and Linux machines, and the driver installation was super straightforward. I connected my old-school CNC controller and felt like a tech wizard bringing ancient gear back to life. The power management and remote wake-up features make this cable smarter than some of my other gadgets, honestly. If you need a reliable bridge between USB and serial ports, this is it! —Liam Thornton
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Why a Serial to USB Cord Is Necessary
I found that having a Serial to USB cord is absolutely essential, especially when dealing with older devices that still use serial ports for communication. My laptop doesn’t have a traditional serial port anymore, so without this cord, connecting to legacy equipment like routers, modems, or industrial machines would be nearly impossible. It bridges the gap between modern USB ports and older serial interfaces, making data transfer smooth and hassle-free.
In my experience, this cord saves a lot of time and frustration. Instead of hunting down outdated hardware or specialized computers with serial ports, I can simply plug the cord into my USB port and get to work immediately. It’s also incredibly useful for programming or troubleshooting devices that rely on serial communication, giving me direct access without needing bulky adapters or complicated setups. Overall, it’s a small but powerful tool that keeps my workflow efficient and flexible.
My Buying Guides on Serial To USB Cord
When I first needed a Serial to USB cord, I quickly realized there were quite a few options and technical details to consider. To help you avoid the confusion I faced, here’s a straightforward guide based on my experience.
Understanding What a Serial to USB Cord Is
A Serial to USB cord is a cable that allows devices with a serial port (like RS232) to connect to a modern computer’s USB port. This is especially useful because many newer computers no longer have serial ports, but some older devices still rely on them for communication.
Check Your Device’s Serial Port Type
Before buying, I made sure to identify the exact type of serial port my device uses. Common types include DB9 (9-pin) and DB25 (25-pin). Most cables are DB9 to USB, so if your device uses something different, you’ll want to find a compatible cable or adapter.
USB Version Compatibility
I looked for cords compatible with USB 2.0 or USB 3.0, since these are standard on most computers. While USB 3.0 cables often work with USB 2.0 ports, confirming compatibility ensures smooth communication without driver or speed issues.
Driver Support and Operating System Compatibility
One of the biggest hurdles I encountered was driver installation. It’s crucial to check if the cable manufacturer provides drivers compatible with your operating system—whether it’s Windows, macOS, or Linux. Some cables use well-supported chipsets (like FTDI or Prolific), which tend to have reliable drivers and fewer installation problems.
Build Quality and Cable Length
I considered the build quality carefully. A sturdy cable with good shielding helps prevent signal interference and lasts longer. Also, I picked a cable length that suited my workspace—too short limits placement, and too long can cause signal degradation or clutter.
Additional Features to Look For
Some serial to USB cords come with extra features like LED indicators that show data transmission status or support for different voltage levels. Depending on your device’s requirements, these extras can be quite handy.
Price and Warranty
While I didn’t want to overspend, I found that very cheap cables sometimes come with poor build quality or unreliable chipsets. Investing a bit more for a reputable brand with a warranty gave me peace of mind and better performance.
My Final Tips
- Always read user reviews to see how the cable performs with devices similar to yours.
- Keep your device’s manual handy to verify serial port specifications.
- After buying, install the drivers first before connecting the cable to avoid recognition issues.
By following these steps, I was able to pick a serial to USB cord that worked seamlessly with my setup. I hope my guide helps you find the right cable without the hassle I went through!
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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