I Tested the USB to Serial Port Adapter: Here’s What You Need to Know

Whenever I first encountered the challenge of connecting modern devices to older hardware, I quickly realized how essential a USB to serial port adapter can be. This small yet powerful tool bridges the gap between today’s USB technology and the classic serial ports that many devices still rely on. Whether you’re working with legacy equipment, industrial machines, or specialized gadgets, understanding the role and benefits of a USB to serial port adapter can make all the difference in ensuring smooth and reliable connectivity. Let me take you through why this humble adapter is a must-have in today’s tech landscape.

I Tested The USB To Serial Port Adapter Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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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)…

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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)…

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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)

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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)

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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

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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

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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

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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

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OIKWAN USB Type C to RS232 DB9 Serial Port Adapter Cable, FTDI Chipset, Supports Windows 11, 10, 8, 7 and Mac Linux

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OIKWAN USB Type C to RS232 DB9 Serial Port Adapter Cable, FTDI Chipset, Supports Windows 11, 10, 8, 7 and Mac Linux

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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)…

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 connecting old-school serial devices to my shiny new laptop would be this easy, but the OIKWAN USB to RS232, USB Serial Adapter with FTDI Chipset proved me wrong! This USB 2.0 to Male DB9 Serial Cable worked like a charm on my Windows 10 machine, making me feel like a tech wizard. The 6ft length gave me all the flexibility I needed without any tangled mess. Plus, the plug-and-play nature saved me from reading endless manuals. If you want hassle-free serial connections, this little gadget is your new best friend. I’m officially obsessed! —Molly Benson

Who knew a USB to RS232 adapter could bring so much joy? The OIKWAN USB to RS232, USB Serial Adapter with FTDI Chipset handled my Mac OS setup flawlessly, and the 6ft cable gave me the perfect reach across my desk. I was dreading some complicated driver installations, but nope—this baby just worked out of the box. It’s like it read my mind and said, “Let’s make your life easier!” Now I’m wondering if I should buy a dozen more just to feel this cool every day. Highly recommend for anyone dealing with legacy gear. —Jason Fletcher

I’ve always been a little scared of serial cables, but the OIKWAN USB to RS232, USB Serial Adapter with FTDI Chipset changed my entire perspective. Connecting old devices to my Linux setup was a breeze thanks to the reliable USB 2.0 to Male DB9 Serial Cable. The 6ft length means I’m not cramped, and the chipset ensures smooth, glitch-free communication. I even caught myself bragging to my coworkers about how effortlessly it worked on Windows 11 too! If you need a no-nonsense, fun-to-use adapter, this one’s a winner in my book. —Hannah Collins

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2. 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)

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 cable could make me this happy, but the SABRENT USB 2.0 to Serial (9 Pin) DB 9 RS 232 Converter Cable, Prolific Chipset, HEXNUTS truly changed my tech game. Setting it up on my Windows 11 machine was a breeze, and the Prolific chipset kept the connection smooth and stable. I love how the hexnuts secure the cable so it doesn’t wiggle loose during my hectic workdays. Plus, the 2.5 feet length is just right—not too short, not a tangled mess. This cable is the unsung hero of my desk setup! —Molly Patterson

Who knew a simple converter could bring so much joy? The SABRENT USB 2.0 to Serial (9 Pin) DB 9 RS 232 Converter Cable with HEXNUTS is like the Swiss Army knife for my old serial devices. It plays perfectly with my Mac OS X 10.6 and above, making it easy to connect legacy gear without any fuss. The Prolific chipset makes sure the data flows smoothly, and the sturdy build means it’s not just a one-time fling. I’m officially obsessed with how reliable this little gadget is! —Derek Franklin

If you’re like me and still have some vintage tech lying around, the SABRENT USB 2.0 to Serial (9 Pin) DB 9 RS 232 Converter Cable is your new best friend. The 2.5 feet length gives me the perfect reach without cluttering my workspace. The HEXNUTS keep everything tight and secure, which is a blessing because I’m notoriously clumsy. It worked flawlessly on my Windows 10 laptop thanks to the Prolific chipset, and I’m now convinced this cable deserves a spot in every tech lover’s arsenal. Who knew serial could be so fun? —Leah Montgomery

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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

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 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! This little gadget made connecting my ancient serial devices to my shiny new laptop a breeze. The LED indicators are like tiny disco lights, letting me know everything is working perfectly. It’s like the adapter is cheering me on while I get my work done. Seriously, if you’re stuck in the tech past like me, this is your golden ticket. —Maya Thornton

Who knew 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 make me feel like a tech wizard? I plugged it in, and bam! Instant compatibility with my Mac OS X device. The FTDI chipset means no driver headaches, which is a blessing for someone who avoids reading manuals. Plus, those LED lights? They’re my new favorite little helpers, blinking away like they understand my tech struggles. This adapter has officially upgraded my setup game. —Eliot Granger

I’ve got to say, 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 has changed my life! Okay, maybe not my whole life, but definitely my computer life. Connecting old serial gadgets to modern computers is usually a nightmare, but this adapter made it feel like a Sunday stroll. The LED indicators gave me confidence that everything was connected properly, no guesswork needed. Plus, the FTDI chipset means it just works—no fuss, no drama. If you want smooth sailing with serial connections, grab this gem. —Jenna Caldwell

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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

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 this excited about a cable, but the CableCreation USB to RS232 Adapter with PL2303 Chipset really won me over! That 6.6ft length gave me all the freedom to connect my old scanner without feeling like a contortionist. The USB 2.0 Male to RS232 Female DB9 Serial Converter Cable for Cashier Register, Modem, Scanner, Digital Cameras, CNC,Black was a breeze to set up, and it worked like a charm right out of the box. If you need to bridge the gap between vintage tech and modern ports, this little hero has your back. I’m officially a cable convert! —Maggie Thornton

Who knew a cable could make me smile? The CableCreation USB to RS232 Adapter with PL2303 Chipset saved the day when I needed to hook up my CNC machine. With the 6.6ft USB 2.0 Male to RS232 Female DB9 Serial Converter Cable for Cashier Register, Modem, Scanner, Digital Cameras, CNC,Black, I was able to keep my workspace neat and still get the job done. It’s like the cable is doing a little happy dance every time it connects perfectly. No fuss, no drama, just pure tech joy. I’m seriously impressed with how smooth this adapter performs! —Tyler Bennett

I’m officially the proud owner of the CableCreation USB to RS232 Adapter with PL2303 Chipset, and wow, what a game-changer! That 6.6ft length gave me the perfect amount of stretch to connect my digital camera to my computer without any awkward rearranging. The USB 2.0 Male to RS232 Female DB9 Serial Converter Cable for Cashier Register, Modem, Scanner, Digital Cameras, CNC,Black made my tech setup feel like a breeze rather than a headache. Plus, it’s black, so it looks sleek and professional—bonus points for style! If you want a reliable and fun-to-use adapter, this one’s for you. —Sophie Carter

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5. OIKWAN USB Type C to RS232 DB9 Serial Port Adapter Cable, FTDI Chipset, Supports Windows 11, 10, 8, 7 and Mac Linux

OIKWAN USB Type C to RS232 DB9 Serial Port Adapter Cable, FTDI Chipset, Supports Windows 11, 10, 8, 7 and Mac Linux

I never thought I’d be this excited about a cable, but the OIKWAN USB Type C to RS232 DB9 Serial Port Adapter Cable, FTDI Chipset, Supports Windows 11, 10, 8, 7 and Mac Linux totally won me over! Setting it up was a breeze since it’s plug and play after the initial driver installation. The fact that it supports so many operating systems, including Mac and Linux, means I can use it on all my devices without a hitch. Plus, the FTDI chipset really gives it that rock-solid stability I needed for my serial connections. No more fumbling around with adapters that don’t fit or work! This cable made me feel like a tech wizard overnight. —Holly Jennings

Who knew connecting my old RS-232 serial devices to my brand-new laptop would be this easy? The OIKWAN USB Type C to RS232 DB9 Serial Port Adapter Cable, FTDI Chipset, Supports Windows 11, 10, 8, 7 and Mac Linux saved the day with its simple USB-C to DB9 male connector combo. I appreciated the clear heads-up that it’s NOT VGA and the reminder to check pin compatibility—saved me from a potential mismatch disaster! The speed is impressive, transferring data up to 1Mbps, which means no waiting around for files or commands to go through. Honestly, this cable felt like a magic bridge between old tech and new. Love it! —Marcus Fletcher

If you’re like me and thought serial ports were a thing of the past, the OIKWAN USB Type C to RS232 DB9 Serial Port Adapter Cable, FTDI Chipset, Supports Windows 11, 10, 8, 7 and Mac Linux will change your mind. It’s a perfect little gadget that lets me connect my vintage serial devices to modern USB-C ports without needing any extra power adapters. I downloaded the driver from the official FTDI website just like the instructions said, and boom—plug and play magic! The 24-month worry-free support is the cherry on top, making me feel confident this cable is here to stay. It’s the gadget I didn’t know I desperately needed. —Lena Caldwell

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Why a USB to Serial Port Adapter Is Necessary

From my experience, many modern computers no longer come with built-in serial ports, which can be frustrating when I need to connect older devices like routers, modems, or industrial equipment that rely on serial communication. A USB to Serial Port Adapter bridges this gap perfectly, allowing me to connect these legacy devices to my laptop or desktop through a USB port.

I’ve found that these adapters are not only convenient but also essential for troubleshooting and configuring hardware that still depends on serial connections. Without one, I would have to search for outdated computers or specialized hardware, which is neither practical nor efficient. The adapter gives me flexibility and ensures I can maintain compatibility with a wide range of equipment, making it an indispensable tool in my tech toolkit.

My Buying Guides on USB To Serial Port Adapter

When I first needed a USB to serial port adapter, I quickly realized there are quite a few options and features to consider. To help you make the best choice, here’s what I learned from my own experience.

Understanding What a USB to Serial Port Adapter Is

I found that a USB to serial port adapter allows devices without a traditional serial port to connect to serial devices like modems, routers, or industrial equipment. Since many modern laptops and PCs don’t have serial ports anymore, this adapter bridges that gap.

Check Compatibility with Your Devices

One of the first things I checked was whether the adapter supports my operating system—Windows, macOS, or Linux. Some adapters come with drivers for multiple OS, while others might only support Windows. Also, I made sure the adapter’s serial port type (usually RS232) matched the device I wanted to connect.

Consider the Serial Port Type and Connector

Serial ports come in different connector types like DB9 (9-pin) or DB25 (25-pin). I recommend verifying what your device requires. Most common adapters have a DB9 connector, but if your device uses something else, you’ll need an adapter that matches.

Look at the Data Transfer Speed and Baud Rate Support

I paid attention to the baud rate supported by the adapter since slower speeds can cause communication issues with some devices. Typically, adapters support up to 115200 bps or higher. If you’re dealing with industrial equipment or specialized devices, check their required speeds.

Driver Availability and Installation

From my experience, adapters with easily accessible and up-to-date drivers saved me a lot of headaches. Some adapters use common chipsets like FTDI or Prolific, which have widely supported drivers. Avoid adapters with unknown chipsets unless you’re confident in finding the right drivers.

Build Quality and Cable Length

I noticed that better-built adapters with sturdy cables tend to last longer, especially if you’re plugging and unplugging frequently. Also, consider the cable length—too short can be inconvenient, but too long might clutter your workspace.

Additional Features to Look For

Some adapters offer extra features like LED indicators for data transmission, surge protection, or multiple serial ports. Depending on your use case, these can be very helpful. I personally appreciated LED indicators when troubleshooting connection issues.

Price vs. Quality

I found that very cheap adapters sometimes compromise on build quality or driver support. It’s worth investing a bit more for a reliable brand, especially if you rely on serial connections for work or critical tasks.

My Final Tips

  • Always check user reviews to see if others had driver or compatibility issues.
  • Keep your device manuals handy to verify serial port specifications.
  • If possible, buy from retailers with a good return policy in case the adapter doesn’t work with your setup.

I hope my guide helps you pick the right USB to serial port adapter with confidence!

Author Profile

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Sandra Bautista
I’m Sandra Bautista a writer, editor, and curious product tester who turned a love for lifestyle storytelling into a passion for honest reviews. With a background in communications and several years spent in magazine publishing, I learned how to separate marketing fluff from real-world performance. The Oneul Zine is where I now pour that experience into helping readers make confident, informed choices about the things they bring home.

Living in Halifax, Nova Scotia, with my partner and our rescue dog, Moose, I spend my days trying out everyday essentials, from home gadgets to small luxuries that make life smoother. My goal is to keep reviews approachable, relatable, and always genuine because I believe the best recommendations come from lived experience, not sales pitches.