As winter approaches and you plan to connect that old serial device to your modern laptop, I’d say a reliable serial to USB adapter is your best friend. I’ve tested dozens, and nothing beats how seamlessly the OIKWAN USB to RS232 Serial Adapter with FTDI Chip, 6ft handles real-world connections, even under heavy data transfer. Its FTDI chipset ensures stable, fast communication—perfect for time-sensitive tasks like CNC or barcode scanning.
Compared to others, like the SABRENT or CableCreation models, the OIKWAN stands out with a sturdier design, true plug-and-play setup, and guaranteed compatibility across Windows, Mac, and Linux. It’s especially great if you need high durability for industrial use, thanks to gold-plated connectors and PVC cable. After testing all, this one offers the best blend of performance, reliability, and value.
Top Recommendation: OIKWAN USB to RS232 Serial Adapter with FTDI Chip, 6ft
Why We Recommend It: This adapter outperforms rivals with its advanced FTDI chipset, ensuring reliable and fast up to 1Mbps data transfer. Its gold-plated connectors and PVC cable add durability, while the plug-and-play setup reduces frustration. It’s compatible with multiple OS Platforms, and its design makes it easy to carry. The combination of robustness, speed, and broad compatibility makes it the top choice after thorough hands-on testing.
Best serial to usb adapter: Our Top 5 Picks
- OIKWAN USB to RS232 Serial Adapter with FTDI Chip, 6ft – Best Value
- SABRENT USB 2.0 to Serial DB9 RS232 Adapter Cable (CB-DB9P) – Best for Legacy Devices
- Gearmo USB to Serial RS-232 Adapter LED Indicators, FTDI – Best Premium Option
- CableCreation USB to RS232 DB9 Serial Adapter Cable 6.6FT – Best for Raspberry Pi
- EC Buying USB 2.0 to RS232 DB-9 Adapter for Windows – Best Overall
OIKWAN USB to RS232 Serial Adapter with FTDI Chip, 6ft
- ✓ Easy to install
- ✓ Reliable data transfer
- ✓ Durable design
- ✕ Requires driver installation
- ✕ Not compatible with VGA
| Connector Type | Male RS232 to DB9 serial connector |
| Pin Configuration | 9-pin (DE-9), not 15-pin |
| Data Transfer Rate | Up to 1 Mbps |
| Supported Operating Systems | Windows (10/8.1/8/7/Vista/XP), Mac, Linux |
| Cable Length | 6 feet |
| Power Supply | Powered via USB port, no external power required |
The first thing I noticed about this OIKWAN USB to RS232 Serial Adapter is how solid the connector feels in your hand. The gold-plated USB and DB9 connectors give it a premium look and feel, and the PVC cable is thick enough to suggest durability without being bulky.
Plugging it into my laptop was a breeze—no extra tools needed. The setup was straightforward: download the driver from the FTDI website, and it was ready to go within minutes.
I appreciated the plug-and-play design, which made my serial device instantly recognized without any fuss.
Once connected, I tested it with a barcode scanner and a POS system. The data transfer was smooth at 1Mbps, with no noticeable lag or disconnects.
The 6-foot cable length gave me enough room to work comfortably without feeling tethered. The device powered directly from the USB port, so I didn’t need an external power source.
The compatibility with Windows, Mac, and Linux is a huge plus if you’re juggling multiple systems. The design feels sturdy, and the cable’s flexibility makes it easy to position your device just right.
Overall, it feels reliable and well-made, perfect for any project that needs stable serial communication.
However, I did notice that you need to double-check your device’s male/female connector, as this is a male RS232 to DB9 cable. Also, reading the user manual and installing the driver initially is a must—it’s not a true ‘plug-and-play’ out of the box.
SABRENT USB 2.0 to Serial DB9 RS232 Adapter Cable (CB-DB9P)
- ✓ Compact and lightweight
- ✓ Easy to configure
- ✓ Broad OS compatibility
- ✕ Driver installation needed
- ✕ Compatibility varies
| Connector Type | USB 2.0 to DB9 RS-232 serial |
| Supported Baud Rates | Configurable, up to 115,200 bps |
| Compatibility | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Driver Support | Requires manual driver installation on some systems |
| Maximum Cable Length | Typically up to 1.8 meters (6 feet) |
| Device Compatibility | RS-232 serial devices such as modems, industrial equipment, legacy hardware |
Imagine trying to connect an old industrial barcode scanner to your modern laptop, only to realize it has a serial port, and your computer no longer has one. You reach for the SABRENT USB 2.0 to Serial DB9 RS232 Adapter, plug it in, and cross your fingers.
The first thing you notice is how compact and lightweight it is, making it easy to toss into your bag without bulk.
The cable feels sturdy with a solid connector that clicks into your device securely. When you connect it to your Windows machine, the system recognizes it quickly, but you do need to install drivers manually—nothing too complicated, just a quick download from SABRENT’s website.
Once set up, configuring the COM port and baud rate is straightforward, and the adapter quickly communicates with your legacy hardware.
Using it with a serial modem or industrial equipment, I found the connection stable, with no noticeable lag or dropouts. The versatility across Windows, macOS, and Linux is a huge plus, especially if you work across different systems.
It’s particularly handy for running older software that relies on serial communication, and the adjustable settings allow for a good level of customization.
Overall, this adapter does exactly what it promises—bridging your USB port to serial devices without fuss. It’s affordable, reliable, and easy to set up once drivers are installed.
The only caveat is that some systems might need a bit of driver tinkering, but that’s typical for this kind of device. If you’re dealing with legacy hardware regularly, this adapter makes your life a lot easier.
Gearmo USB to Serial RS-232 Adapter LED Indicators, FTDI
- ✓ Clear LED indicators
- ✓ Wide OS compatibility
- ✓ Durable construction
- ✕ Slightly pricey
- ✕ Bright LEDs in dark settings
| Cable Length | 5 feet |
| Connector Type | USB to DB-9 RS-232 Serial |
| Chipset | FTDI |
| Supported Operating Systems | Windows 7, 8, 10, 11; Linux; macOS 10.X |
| LED Indicators | Dual-color signal tester for connection status |
| Application Use | Industrial, laboratory, point-of-sale |
Many believe that a simple USB to serial adapter is just a plug-and-play gadget with no surprises. But after plugging in this Gearmo model, I quickly noticed the sturdy build and the clear, dual-color LED indicators that make testing connections so straightforward.
It’s not just a basic converter; it’s designed to give you quick visual feedback, which is a game-changer in busy industrial or lab environments.
The 5-foot cable feels flexible yet durable, making it easy to connect devices without cramping your workspace. The LEDs light up instantly when you connect a device, showing exactly where the signal might be weak or strong.
It’s reassuring to see real-time feedback on each connection, especially during troubleshooting or setup.
What I appreciated most is the chipset — FTDI’s reputation for reliability is well-earned here. Whether you’re on Windows, Linux, or macOS, setup was seamless.
No drivers or complicated configurations needed, which saves time and frustration. Plus, the support from Gearmo, with available CAD files and datasheets, makes integration into larger projects less stressful.
Despite the solid performance, the $23.88 price tag is a bit on the higher side for a small adapter. If you only need occasional use, it might feel like overkill.
Also, the dual-color LEDs are helpful but can be a bit bright in dark environments, which could distract during critical testing.
Overall, this adapter feels like a reliable, well-designed tool that’s built to last. It’s perfect for anyone who needs to connect legacy serial devices to modern computers with confidence and speed.
CableCreation USB to RS232 DB9 Serial Adapter Cable 6.6FT
- ✓ Easy setup and recognition
- ✓ Solid build quality
- ✓ Wide compatibility
- ✕ Not for male ports
- ✕ Driver download needed for some systems
| Connector Type | Female DB9 Serial (RS232) |
| Cable Length | 6.6 feet (2 meters) |
| Data Transfer Rate | Up to 1 Mbps |
| Chipset | Prolific PL2303 |
| Supported Operating Systems | Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7, Linux, Mac OS |
| Power Supply | USB bus-powered |
While digging through my desk drawer, I accidentally knocked over a box of old modems and barcode scanners. That’s when I saw this tiny CableCreation USB to RS232 DB9 Serial Adapter Cable and suddenly remembered how many of those legacy devices I’d been meaning to connect.
I didn’t expect a small cable to feel so sturdy—its gold-plated connectors and triple shielding immediately caught my eye.
Once plugged in, I was surprised by how smooth the setup was. The Windows system recognized it instantly, thanks to the plug-and-play support for Windows 10 and 11.
I appreciated that I didn’t need to hunt down drivers or mess with configurations. The cable’s 6.6 feet length gave me enough room to work comfortably without feeling tethered.
Using my old POS printer and a few industrial tools, I found the data transfer surprisingly stable. The tinned copper conductor and shielding really seem to do their job—no interruptions or data loss.
It’s clear CableCreation designed this for reliability in demanding environments. For devices with female DB9 ports, this cable feels like a perfect fit, both physically and functionally.
But I did notice that if your device needs a male connector, you’ll need an adapter or different cable. Also, for Linux users, a quick driver download is needed, which isn’t a big deal but worth noting.
Overall, this cable offers a simple, effective way to revive those old serial devices without fuss.
EC Buying USB 2.0 to RS232 DB-9 Adapter for Windows
- ✓ Easy plug-and-play setup
- ✓ Supports multiple OS
- ✓ Compact and sturdy design
- ✕ No external power option
- ✕ Limited to USB 2.0 speeds
| Connector Type | USB 2.0 Type-A to DB-9 serial (RS232) port |
| Supported Transfer Speed | Full-speed mode up to 12 Mbps |
| Supported Operating Systems | Windows 98/98SE/Me/2000/XP/Vista/Win7 (32/64-bit), Mac OS 8.6 |
| Driver Installation | Requires CH340 driver, auto-installed upon connection |
| Compatibility | Supports various MCU models, LED screen control, MODEM, ISDN adapters |
| Power Supply | Bus-powered via USB, no external power required |
Ever wrestled with trying to connect an old serial device to a new laptop that only has USB ports? I’ve been there, fumbling with multiple adapters and drivers, only to end up frustrated.
But when I plugged in the EC Buying USB 2.0 to RS232 DB-9 Adapter, everything changed.
This little adapter is a game-changer. It has a sleek, compact design with a sturdy USB connector that fits snugly into my laptop.
The DB-9 port feels solid, with a smooth finish that doesn’t feel cheap. What really impressed me was how easy it was to set up—no external power needed, and the driver installed automatically once I ran the CH340.EXE file.
Within minutes, I had the adapter recognized and a COM port assigned. I connected my serial device, and it immediately started working without any fuss.
I tested it with a few different devices—an LED screen control card and a modem—and they both communicated perfectly in Windows 10. The full-speed transfer mode of 12MBPS was more than enough for my needs.
The adapter supports a broad range of systems, including Windows XP, Vista, 7, and even Mac OS 8.6, which is pretty rare. It’s ideal if you’re dealing with MCU programming, LED control, or any serial communication.
Its plug-and-play nature means no complicated setup, and it’s lightweight enough to toss in your bag for on-the-go use.
Overall, this adapter feels reliable and straightforward, making old serial devices instantly compatible with modern computers. It’s a simple fix for a common pain point, and at just $7.59, it’s hard to beat.