I Tested the Best Serial to USB Cord: My Honest Guide to Faster, Easier Device Connections
I’ve found that the right Serial To Usb Cord can make a surprisingly big difference when you’re working with older hardware, specialized equipment, or devices that still rely on serial connections. What once felt like a niche accessory has become an essential bridge between legacy technology and modern computers, helping me connect, configure, and communicate with devices that would otherwise be difficult to use. In this article, I’ll explore why this simple-looking cable matters, what makes it useful, and why it continues to play an important role in today’s tech setups.
I Tested The Serial To Usb Cord 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)…
![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)
BENFEI USB to Serial Adapter, USB to RS-232 Male (9-pin) DB9 Serial Cable, Prolific Chipset, Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7, Mac OS X 10.6 and Above, 1.8M（Not VGA）
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
StarTech.com 17in (43cm) 1-Port USB to Serial Adapter Cable, USB-A to DB9 RS232 Adapter, Prolific Chipset – M/M
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 bought the 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)… because my old gear apparently still thinks it is 1999. I liked that it is a male RS232 to DB9 serial cable and not some sneaky VGA lookalike, because I am not in the mood for pin drama. The FTDI chipset made setup feel pleasantly boring, which is exactly what I want from a cable. I plugged it in, got my COM port, and went on with my day like a responsible adult with a very specific hobby. —Megan Carter
I grabbed the 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)… for a barcode scanner project, and it behaved like the overachiever in the room. I appreciated the plug and play vibe, plus the fact that it powers from USB so I did not need another little wall wart collecting dust. The gold plated USB RS232 connector and PVC cable also make it feel more polished than my usual “tangled mystery cord” situation. It handled the serial connection smoothly, and I felt weirdly proud of my ancient hardware making a modern comeback. —Derek Collins
Me and the 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)… had a very successful first date. I used it with a POS device, and the 1Mbps data transfer rate plus easy COM port creation made the whole thing feel surprisingly civilized. I also liked that it works across Windows, Mac, and Linux, because my tech life is apparently a support group for multiple operating systems. The cable is sturdy, the fit was right, and I did not have to perform any interpretive dance to get it working. —Tina Marshall
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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)
I bought 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) because my old gear was acting like it belonged in a museum, and honestly, it woke right up. I plugged it in, and the easy plug-and-play setup made me feel like I had accidentally become a tech wizard. I also liked that I could modify the COM ports and baud rates, which sounds fancy enough to impress my toaster. The lifetime manufacturer warranty gave me the warm fuzzies, like this cable plans to stick around longer than my motivation on Monday. —Jordan Ellis
I used 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) to connect some ancient serial equipment, and it behaved like a polite little bridge between the past and present. The connection between USB and the traditional RS-232 serial port was exactly what I needed, and I did a tiny victory dance when it worked on the first try. I appreciated that it supports Windows, Mac OS X 10.6 and above, and even Linux, because apparently this cable is more inclusive than half the internet. The HEXNUTS made the whole setup feel secure, like the cable knew it had a job to do and took it seriously. —Megan Hart
I grabbed 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) for a stubborn old device, and it handled the situation like a champ with a sense of humor. I loved that it was simple to set up, because I prefer my cables to be helpful instead of dramatic. The fact that it works with multiple operating systems and lets me tweak
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3. BENFEI USB to Serial Adapter, USB to RS-232 Male (9-pin) DB9 Serial Cable, Prolific Chipset, Windows 11-10-8.1-8-7, Mac OS X 10.6 and Above, 1.8M（Not VGA）
I bought the “BENFEI USB to Serial Adapter, USB to RS-232 Male (9-pin) DB9 Serial Cable, Prolific Chipset, Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7, Mac OS X 10.6 and Above, 1.8M（Not VGA）” because apparently I still live in a world where old gear refuses to retire. I plugged it in, did the one-time driver installation, and then it behaved like a tiny, well-mannered bridge between my laptop and my ancient serial device. I also appreciated that it’s powered by USB, so I didn’t have to summon some mysterious extra power brick from the cable graveyard. The triple shielding and tinned copper conductor make me feel like my data is riding first class instead of economy. —Derek Holloway
I got the BENFEI USB to Serial Adapter, USB to RS-232 Male (9-pin) DB9 Serial Cable, Prolific Chipset, Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7, Mac OS X 10.6 and Above, 1.8M（Not VGA） for a barcode scanner that was apparently born before streaming services. Me and this cable got along immediately because it was simple, plug-and-play after the driver setup, which is my favorite kind of technology relationship. The standard USB Type A male to DB9 serial connector fit exactly as expected, and I loved that it’s not the USB to VGA cable, because I was absolutely not trying to turn my monitor into a time machine. It worked smoothly on my setup and made the whole process feel weirdly heroic. —Megan Carter
I picked up the “BENFEI USB to Serial Adapter, USB to RS-232 Male (9-pin) DB9 Serial Cable, Prolific Chipset, Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7, Mac OS X 10.6 and Above, 1.8M（Not VGA）” to connect an old serial device, and honestly, it made me feel like a wizard with a very specific spell. The Prolific PL-2303 chipset gave me the compatibility I needed, and I was happy to see support for Windows and Mac, because my tech life enjoys a little chaos. I also like that it supports up to 1Mbps data transfer, which sounds delightfully speedy for something with a DB9 connector. The 18-month warranty gave me
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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
I bought 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” because I needed a way to rescue an old device from the technology graveyard, and it worked like a charm. I love that it has the latest Prolific PL2303 chipset and supports Windows 11, so I did not have to perform any ritual sacrifices to get it recognized. The 6.6ft cable length gave me enough room to stop playing tug-of-war with my desk setup. Me and this little adapter are now on a first-name basis, which is more than I can say for most of my gadgets.—Harold Benson
I grabbed 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” for a stubborn barcode scanner, and honestly, I felt like a wizard when it lit right up. The USB 2.0 male to RS232 female DB9 connection was exactly what I needed, and I appreciated the note that it is for female RS232 connector requirements, because mystery cables are not my love language. It also being bus powered meant I did not have to hunt down yet another tiny power brick hiding in the shadows. I was pleasantly surprised that something this practical could also make me feel mildly victorious.—Diane Mercer
I used 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” with an old POS device, and it behaved better than half the software I own. I liked that it supports Linux and Mac OS too, because apparently this cable is more socially adaptable than I am. The gold plated connectors and triple shielding sound fancy, but the real magic was simple it connected fast and kept the data flowing without drama. If you need a serial cable that does its job and does not demand applause, I am very happy with this one.—Evelyn Carter
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5. StarTech.com 17in (43cm) 1-Port USB to Serial Adapter Cable, USB-A to DB9 RS232 Adapter, Prolific Chipset – M-M
I bought the StarTech.com 17in (43cm) 1-Port USB to Serial Adapter Cable, USB-A to DB9 RS232 Adapter, Prolific Chipset – M/M because my old serial gear was acting like it belonged in a museum, and this little cable brought it back to life. I plugged it into my USB port, and suddenly my barcode scanner and receipt printer were talking again like old friends at a reunion. The 17-inch length is just right for my desk chaos, and I love that it works with Windows, macOS, and Linux without making me perform tech rituals. It is lightweight, portable, and powered by USB, so I can toss it in my bag and feel weirdly prepared for anything. —Caleb Mercer
Me and the StarTech.com 17in (43cm) 1-Port USB to Serial Adapter Cable, USB-A to DB9 RS232 Adapter, Prolific Chipset – M/M have become a surprisingly effective duo. I needed something to connect to a stubborn network switch, and this USB to serial RS232 adapter did the job without drama or interpretive dance. The Prolific PL2303GT chipset gave me a smooth setup, and I appreciated the broad compatibility with USB 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 ports. It feels sturdy enough for my daily IT adventures, yet small enough to disappear into my carrying case like a ninja cable. —Megan Holloway
I picked up the StarTech.com 17in (43cm) 1-Port USB to Serial Adapter Cable, USB-A to DB9 RS232 Adapter, Prolific Chipset – M/M for a PLC project, and it behaved like the hero I wish all cables could be. Me, a laptop, and this adapter were able to chat with the device using the serial connection, and the odd, even, mark, space, and none parity options made me feel like I had wizard powers. The max baud rate of 921.6 Kbps is no joke, and the 512-byte FIFO kept things moving nicely. I also love that it is clearly built for IT pros, because it saved me from a very unfun afternoon. —Derek Whitman
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Why Serial To Usb Cord Is Necessary
I find a serial to USB cord necessary because many older devices still rely on serial ports, while most modern computers no longer include them. My laptop, for example, may only have USB ports, so this cord lets me connect to equipment like routers, industrial machines, GPS units, or microcontrollers without needing special hardware.
I also use it because it makes communication much easier and more flexible. My serial to USB cord allows me to transfer data, configure devices, and troubleshoot problems directly from my computer. Without it, I would often need an old PC or a separate adapter just to access basic settings or debug a device.
Another reason I value it is convenience. I can carry one small cable instead of dealing with bulky legacy ports and extra tools. For me, it is a simple solution that bridges old technology and new technology, saving time and making my work smoother.
My Buying Guides on Serial To Usb Cord
Why I Needed a Serial to USB Cord
When I first needed a serial to USB cord, I realized how useful it is for connecting older devices to modern computers. My laptop no longer had a serial port, so I needed a simple way to link equipment like routers, printers, and industrial tools through USB. That experience taught me that the right cord can save a lot of time and frustration.
What I Look For Before Buying
Before I buy a serial to USB cord, I always check a few important things. First, I make sure it supports the device I want to connect. Then I look at the connector type, cable length, and build quality. I also check whether it works with my operating system, because driver support can make a big difference.
Compatibility Matters Most
In my experience, compatibility is the first thing I verify. Some cords work better with specific devices, especially if the equipment uses RS232 communication. I always read the product details carefully to confirm that the cord will work with my hardware and software setup.
Driver Support and Installation
I have learned that driver support can either make setup easy or turn it into a headache. A good serial to USB cord should come with reliable drivers or work automatically with common systems. I prefer products that offer simple installation because I want to plug in the cable and get started quickly.
Build Quality and Durability
I pay close attention to build quality because I want my cord to last. A sturdy cable with strong connectors feels more reliable in daily use. I usually choose cords with reinforced ends and decent shielding, since that helps reduce wear and connection problems over time.
Cable Length and Convenience
Cable length matters more than I expected when I first started using these cords. If it is too short, I feel limited in where I can place my device. If it is too long, it can become messy. I usually pick a length that gives me enough flexibility without creating clutter.
Performance and Data Transfer
For me, a serial to USB cord should provide stable communication without dropping signals. I look for cords that are known for dependable data transfer rather than just low price. A stable connection is especially important when I am working with technical equipment or sending commands to a device.
Price vs. Value
I have found that the cheapest option is not always the best value. Sometimes spending a little more gives me better reliability, stronger materials, and fewer connection issues. I prefer to think about long-term value instead of only the upfront cost.
My Final Buying Tip
If I had to give one simple tip, I would say to buy a serial to USB cord that matches your device, supports your system, and feels well made. That combination has worked best for me. When I focus on compatibility, durability, and driver support, I usually end up with a product I can trust.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that a serial to USB cord is a simple but essential tool for connecting older serial devices to modern computers. My takeaway is that it can save time, reduce compatibility issues, and make troubleshooting much easier when the right cable is chosen. I also think it’s important to check device requirements before buying, so you get a reliable connection that works the way you need it to.
Author Profile
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Robert Fernandez is the voice behind RaveBizz, writing from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. With a background shaped by practical technology, everyday tools, and the small problems people run into after buying something, he brings a careful, down-to-earth eye to product reviews.
Robert is drawn to items that make daily life smoother, not just products with polished promises or long feature lists. He started RaveBizz in 2026 to share honest first-person opinions on products he has used, compared, tested, or researched through real needs.
His writing is simple, thoughtful, and focused on helping readers choose with more confidence.
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