Finding a reliable USB to serial adapter is essential for connecting legacy equipment to contemporary PCs. This guide highlights top USB to RS232 adapters, focusing on compatibility, chipsets, and ease of use. Each option below supports common Windows, Mac, and Linux environments, with varying cable lengths and gender configurations to fit different devices. Use this overview to compare features, connection stability, and device support before purchasing.
| Product | Brand | Connector | Chipset | Cable Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OIKWAN USB to RS232 Adapter | OIKWAN | Male DB9 RS232 | FTDI | 6 ft |
| SABRENT USB 2.0 to Serial (9 Pin) DB9 | SABRENT | DB9 RS232 (Male) | Prolific | 2.5 ft |
| Gearmo USB to Serial RS-232 Adapter | Gearmo | DB-9 RS232 | FTDI | 5 ft |
| StarTech.com 17in USB to Serial Cable | StarTech.com | DB9 RS232 (Male) | Prolific | 43 cm (approx. 1.4 ft) |
| CableCreation USB to RS232 Adapter | CableCreation | DB9 RS232 (Female) | PL2303 | 6.6 ft |
Note: The list includes adapters with different gender connectors (male vs. female) and chipsets to cover a wide range of devices. Ensure the connector gender matches your equipment before ordering, and download the appropriate drivers from the chipset manufacturer when needed.
OIKWAN USB to RS232 Adapter With FTDI Chipset
The OIKWAN USB to RS232 adapter uses an FTDI chipset, delivering reliable USB 2.0 to RS-232 conversion. It supports Windows, Mac, and Linux environments and provides a 6-foot cable length for flexible setups. This model is designed for devices with a DB9 male connector and is suitable for serial modems, label printers, barcode scanners, CNC machines, POS systems, and other RS-232 peripherals. Users should install the FTDI drivers from the official site to ensure optimal performance and compatibility.
SABRENT USB 2.0 to Serial (9 Pin) DB9
The SABRENT CB-DB9P uses a Prolific chipset to bridge USB to RS-232 with a 2.5-foot cable. It supports Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux, offering Plug & Play setup for quick integration with serial devices such as barcode scanners, printers, POS terminals, and industrial controllers. It is designed for straightforward installation without extra power adapters, relying on USB power for operation.
Gearmo USB to Serial RS-232 Adapter
The Gearmo adapter adopts an FTDI chipset and includes LED indicators for quick connection and troubleshooting. It supports Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7, Mac OS X 10.6 and above, and Linux systems. The 5-foot cable length provides ample room for equipment located away from the computer, making it suitable for industrial, laboratory, and point-of-sale environments where reliable serial communication is required.
StarTech.com 17in USB to Serial Adapter Cable
This StarTech USB to RS232 adapter provides broad compatibility across Windows, MacOS, and Linux, with a Prolific chipset for stable serial connections. Its 1-Port configuration supports devices such as barcode scanners, lab equipment, scales, and PLCs. The compact design emphasizes portability while maintaining a robust DB9 RS232 interface, and it retains configuration settings for convenient re-use after reconnection.
CableCreation USB to RS232 Adapter With PL2303
The CableCreation PL2303-based adapter features a female RS232 connector and a 6.6-foot USB 2.0 cable. It supports Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, and more. The driver is available from CableCreation’s website, enabling compatibility with a wide range of devices including modems, cash registers, CNC machines, barcode scanners, and POS systems. Note that it is not compatible with some cutting plotters or certain factory equipment, so verify device requirements before purchase.
Tripp Lite Keyspan High-Speed USB to Serial Adapter
The TRIPP LITE Keyspan USB to Serial Adapter provides a reliable COM port experience for Windows and Mac. It is designed for easy plug-and-play use, with a DB9 serial port presented to software as a standard COM port. This model draws power directly from the USB bus, eliminating the need for external adapters and reducing cable clutter in professional settings such as data collection and industrial controls.
SABRENT USB 2.0 to Serial (9-Pin) DB-9 FTDI
This SABRENT adapter uses an FTDI chipset to deliver robust USB to RS-232 conversion. It features a 6-foot cable and male DB9 connectors, suitable for a variety of devices. The device supports wake-up and power management features and is designed to minimize IRQ conflicts, making it a practical choice for busy environments with multiple peripherals.
StarTech.com 1 ft USB to Serial Cable with COM Port Retention
StarTech’s compact USB to RS232 adapter emphasizes portability and COM port retention. It supports Windows, Mac OS, and Linux, and the COM port values are saved in nonvolatile memory so they are automatically reassigned when the device is reconnected. It’s a solid choice for professionals using legacy serial devices that require consistent port naming across sessions.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations For USB To Serial Adapters
- Chipset compatibility: FTDI, Prolific, and PL2303 are common. FTDI often yields strong compatibility and driver support across Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- Connector gender: Match DB9 male or female as required by your devices. Some adapters use DB9 male; others provide DB9 female connectors.
- Cable length: Longer cables offer flexibility for awkward setups but may introduce signal loss on very long runs. Typical lengths range from 1 to 6 feet, with some options around 43 cm to 6.6 feet.
- Driver availability: Some devices require drivers from chipset manufacturers or vendor pages. Ensure drivers are up-to-date for your OS version.
- Power and portability: USB-powered adapters do not need external power. Portable designs are ideal for fieldwork or maintenance tasks.
- OS and device compatibility: Verify support for Windows, macOS, and Linux, as well as specific versions (e.g., Windows 10, macOS Catalina, Linux kernels).
- Reliability features: LED indicators, COM port retention, and plug-and-play ease can improve troubleshooting and daily productivity.
- Intended application: Industrial controllers, barcode systems, CNC machines, POS terminals, modems, and other RS-232 peripherals have varying reliability requirements; choose an adapter aligned with your use case.