best usb to serial adapter

Affiliate Disclosure: We earn from qualifying purchases through some links here, but we only recommend what we truly love. No fluff, just honest picks!

The constant annoyance of finding a reliable USB to serial adapter ends here, after hands-on testing of several options. I’ve used these adapters with everything from industrial equipment to legacy devices, and not all perform equally. Some struggle with stability, others lack proper driver support or are incompatible across platforms. The one that impressed me most is the OIKWAN USB to RS232 Serial Adapter with FTDI, 6ft.

This model’s durability, thanks to gold-plated connectors and a sturdy PVC cable, stood out during rigorous testing. The FTDI chipset ensures reliable and fast data transfer—up to 1Mbps—across Windows, Mac, and Linux. Its plug-and-play setup reduces fuss, and the compact design fits easily into a bag. Compared to simpler or more expensive replicas, it offers a solid balance of quality, compatibility, and convenience, making it my top pick for most users.

Top Recommendation: OIKWAN USB to RS232 Serial Adapter with FTDI, 6ft

Why We Recommend It: This adapter’s FTDI chipset guarantees dependable cross-platform compatibility and high-speed data transfer, outperforming cheaper alternatives. Its gold-plated USB and PVC cable enhance durability, while the straightforward plug-and-play setup simplifies use. Unlike some models that only support Windows, it works seamlessly with Mac and Linux, and the 6ft length offers flexible positioning—making it the best all-around choice after thorough testing.

Best usb to serial adapter: Our Top 4 Picks

Product Comparison
FeaturesBest ChoiceRunner UpBest Price
PreviewOIKWAN USB to RS232 Serial Adapter with FTDI, 6ftSABRENT USB 2.0 to Serial DB9 RS232 Adapter Cable (CB-DB9P)Gearmo USB to Serial RS-232 Adapter LED Indicators, FTDI
TitleOIKWAN USB to RS232 Serial Adapter with FTDI, 6ftSABRENT USB 2.0 to Serial DB9 RS232 Adapter Cable (CB-DB9P)Gearmo USB to Serial RS-232 Adapter LED Indicators, FTDI
Connector TypeMale RS232 to DB9DB9 RS232DB9 RS-232
Cable Length6ft–5ft
Supported Operating SystemsWindows, Mac, LinuxWindows, macOS, LinuxWindows 7/8/10/11, macOS 10.X, Linux
Driver SupportDownload from FTDI/Cisco website, driver requiredManual driver installation may be requiredBuilt-in signal tester, driver support implied
CompatibilitySerial devices like modems, barcode scanners, POS, PLCsRS-232 serial devices, modems, industrial equipmentLegacy DB-9 serial devices, industrial, lab, POS
Special FeaturesHigh quality FTDI chipset, gold-plated connector, plug and playAdjustable COM ports and baud rates, multi-platform supportLED indicators with dual-color display, signal tester
Price$12.99$9.99$23.88
Available

OIKWAN USB to RS232 Serial Adapter with FTDI, 6ft

OIKWAN USB to RS232 Serial Adapter with FTDI, 6ft
Pros:
  • ✓ Easy plug-and-play setup
  • ✓ Reliable FTDI chipset
  • ✓ Durable, compact design
Cons:
  • ✕ Not compatible with VGA
  • ✕ Requires driver download
Specification:
Connector Type Male RS232 DB9 serial connector
Supported Data Transfer Rate Up to 1 Mbps
Compatibility Windows (10/8.1/8/7/Vista/XP), Mac, Linux
Cable Length 6 feet
Chipset FTDI FT232RL
Power Supply Powered via USB port

After finally getting my hands on the OIKWAN USB to RS232 Serial Adapter with FTDI, I was eager to see if it really lived up to the hype. The first thing I noticed was its sturdy build — the gold-plated USB connector feels solid and premium, and the PVC cable isn’t flimsy at all.

It’s a compact 6-foot length, which gives you plenty of flexibility without being bulky.

Plugging it in was a breeze — no fuss or complicated setup. Just install the driver from the FTDI website, and you’re good to go.

The connection was smooth, and I appreciated how quickly the COM port was created on my Windows machine. The adapter seamlessly supported my barcode scanner and POS system without any lag or dropouts.

The real standout is the chipset — FTDI’s latest tech ensures reliable, fast data transfer up to 1Mbps. I tested it with several serial devices, including a CNC controller and a digital camera, and it worked flawlessly every time.

The plug-and-play design means you don’t need external power — just connect and start working.

One thing I liked was how compact and portable it is. It fits easily into a bag or pocket, making it perfect for on-the-go setups.

Plus, the PVC cable holds up well after multiple bends, so I don’t worry about wear and tear. Just double-check that your device’s port matches the male DB9 connector before ordering.

Overall, this adapter delivers on durability, speed, and ease of use, making it a solid choice for anyone needing reliable serial communication on a modern PC or Mac.

SABRENT USB 2.0 to Serial DB9 RS232 Adapter Cable (CB-DB9P)

SABRENT USB 2.0 to Serial DB9 RS232 Adapter Cable (CB-DB9P)
Pros:
  • ✓ Compact and lightweight
  • ✓ Easy to install on Windows
  • ✓ Multi-platform support
Cons:
  • ✕ Manual driver setup needed
  • ✕ Compatibility varies with hardware
Specification:
Connector Type USB 2.0 to DB9 RS-232 serial
Supported Baud Rates Configurable (supports standard baud rates, e.g., 9600, 115200)
Compatibility Windows, macOS, Linux
Driver Support Requires manual driver installation on some systems
Maximum Data Transfer Rate Up to 115.2 kbps (standard for RS-232 communication)
Cable Length Typically around 1 meter (inferred standard, not explicitly specified)

The first time I plugged in the SABRENT USB 2.0 to Serial DB9 RS232 Adapter, I was surprised by how lightweight it felt in my hand. It’s small enough to slip into a pocket, but solid enough to feel durable.

When I connected it to my laptop, I appreciated the snug fit of the USB plug and the sleek black cable that doesn’t tangle easily.

Once I powered up my legacy device and installed the driver, I was relieved to see the device recognized quickly on Windows. The setup process was straightforward, though I did have to manually select the COM port and adjust the baud rate for stable communication.

The adjustable settings really helped me match the adapter to my hardware’s needs.

Using the adapter with my industrial equipment, I noticed how responsive the connection was once configured properly. Data transfer was smooth, with no noticeable lag.

The multi-platform support meant I could test it on my Mac and Linux system without much fuss, though driver support on Linux was a bit more involved.

Overall, this adapter is a reliable, budget-friendly choice for connecting older hardware to modern machines. Its compact design makes it perfect for on-the-go use or cluttered workspaces.

Just be prepared to tweak driver settings and COM port configurations for optimal performance.

Gearmo USB to Serial RS-232 Adapter LED Indicators, FTDI

Gearmo USB to Serial RS-232 Adapter LED Indicators, FTDI
Pros:
  • ✓ Clear LED indicators
  • ✓ Wide OS compatibility
  • ✓ Sturdy build quality
Cons:
  • ✕ Limited cable length
  • ✕ No additional ports
Specification:
Cable Length 5 feet
Connector Type USB to DB-9 RS-232 Serial
Chipset FTDI
Compatibility 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

The moment I plugged in the Gearmo USB to Serial RS-232 Adapter, I immediately noticed the dual-color LED indicators flickering to life, clearly showing the connection status. It’s such a simple feature, but it makes testing and troubleshooting a breeze, especially when dealing with legacy equipment that can be finicky.

The 5-foot cable feels sturdy yet flexible, giving you enough length to comfortably connect devices without tugging or stretching. The build quality is solid, and the connector feels snug in the DB-9 port, so I didn’t worry about accidental disconnections during use.

What really impressed me is the compatibility. It seamlessly worked with my Windows 10 machine and even Linux without any fuss.

The FTDI chipset ensures reliable communication, which is crucial when you’re handling sensitive industrial or lab equipment.

Setting it up was straightforward — no drivers needed on Windows, just plug and play. The dual-color LED indicators quickly confirmed whether the connection was live or if there was a problem, saving me from hours of guesswork.

Overall, this adapter handles both everyday and demanding tasks with ease. Its reliability and the handy testing feature make it a great choice for anyone who works with legacy serial devices regularly.

Plus, knowing you have US-based support and detailed datasheets gives extra peace of mind.

If you’re tired of flaky adapters that only work sometimes, this one should be on your radar. It’s a simple tool that delivers dependable performance and makes your serial connections straightforward and hassle-free.

CableCreation USB to RS232 DB9 Serial Adapter, 6.6 ft

CableCreation USB to RS232 DB9 Serial Adapter, 6.6 ft
Pros:
  • ✓ Easy plug-and-play setup
  • ✓ Solid build quality
  • ✓ Supports multiple OS
Cons:
  • ✕ Female RS232 connector only
  • ✕ Driver download needed for some systems
Specification:
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
Shielding Triple shielding with tinned copper conductor

The moment I plugged in this CableCreation USB to RS232 DB9 Serial Adapter, I noticed how solid and well-made it feels in my hand. The gold-plated connectors immediately caught my eye, promising better signal quality.

I had a legacy modem that needed a quick connection, and the female DB9 port was a perfect fit—no awkward adapters needed.

It’s surprisingly compact for a 6.6-foot cable, which helps keep my workspace tidy. The triple shielding and tinned copper conductors give me confidence that data transfer will be stable.

Once I connected it to my Windows 10 system, the plug-and-play feature recognized the device instantly—no driver fuss.

Using it with my old barcode scanner was a breeze. The adapter supports data rates up to 1 Mbps, which was more than enough for my needs.

I appreciate that it’s bus-powered—no extra power adapter required—so I can just plug and go. I did have to check that my device used a female RS232 port, but the description made that clear.

One thing to keep in mind is that if your device needs a male connector, this won’t fit without an adapter. Also, in some Linux setups, I needed to download drivers from CableCreation’s website—nothing too complicated, just a heads-up.

Overall, it’s reliable, affordable, and compatible with a wide range of equipment, making it a solid choice for anyone with legacy serial devices.

Related Post:

Leave a Comment