Skip to content

Best Parallel Port Cards of 2026

Tom Law Avatar
Tom Law

Last Updated:

Save
Share

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Parallel port cards are handy add-ons for computers that lack a parallel port, or for those who need additional parallel ports for multiple devices. These cards can be easily installed into a PCI or PCIe slot on a desktop computer, providing reliable and stable communication with parallel devices such as printers, scanners, and other peripherals. With parallel port cards, users can enjoy fast data transfer rates and high-quality print output without the need for special software or drivers. These cards are an affordable and practical solution for expanding the functionality of a computer, and are highly recommended for those in need of parallel ports.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Top 9 Parallel Port Cards

#TOP 1

StarTech.com 1-Port Parallel PCIe Card

  • StarTech
  • PEX1P2
  • Black
  • 4.7" x 4.3" x 0.8"
StarTech.com 1-Port Parallel PCIe Card Cover

StarTech.com 1-Port Parallel PCIe Card - PCI Express to Parallel DB25 Adapter Card - Desktop Expansion LPT Controller for Printers, Scanners & Plotters - SPP/ECP - Standard/Low Profile (PEX1P2)

The StarTech.com Parallel PCIe Card allows you to easily add a DB25 parallel communications port to your computer using a PCI Express slot. It supports multiple modes, including SPP and ECP, ensuring compatibility with various devices such as printers and scanners. With speeds of up to 2.5Mbps, you can expect efficient data transfer for all your peripherals. The card is versatile, making it suitable for use in different applications, from scientific sensors to medical equipment, providing you with great flexibility in your connectivity options.

9.9
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Easy installation in PCIe slots
  • Supports multiple communication modes
  • High-speed data transfer
  • Versatile for various devices
#TOP 2

Multibao PCIe Parallel Port Adapter Card

Multibao PCIe Parallel Port Adapter Card Cover

Multibao PCIe Expansion Card, PCI Express 1X to DB25 Parallel Port Adapter Card Compatible with IEEE 1284 SPP/Byte ECP Modes for Printers, Scanners

The Multibao Parallel Port Card is designed to connect your parallel peripherals, such as printers and scanners, to your computer system. It features a native single-chip design that ensures maximum performance and reliability. With its single lane PCI Express compatibility, you can expect efficient data transfer rates of up to 1.5Mbps. This card supports various modes including SPP, ECP, and EPP, allowing seamless integration with the existing Centronics interface for your devices.

9.8
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Easy installation in PCIe slot
  • Supports multiple parallel modes
  • High data transfer rate
  • Compatible with various peripherals
#TOP 3

CERRXIAN 1-Port PCIe Parallel Printer Card

CERRXIAN 1-Port PCIe Parallel Printer Card Cover

CERRXIAN 1-Port PCI Express Parallel Card PCIe Expansion Card Adapter 25Pin Parallel Lpt to Parallel Db25 Printer Port Controller Card

The CERRXIAN PCIe Parallel Card offers a reliable way to add a parallel port to your computer via a PCI Express slot. Its native single-chip design ensures you get maximum performance and stability, making it ideal for connecting older peripherals. Supporting SPP, ECP, and EPP modes, it fully works with standard Centronics interfaces, so you can easily use printers, scanners, and other devices. With a data transfer rate of up to 1.5Mbps, this card provides efficient and dependable communication for your parallel peripherals.

9.6
FTB Score

What We Like

  • High performance single-chip design
  • Supports multiple parallel port modes
  • Easy PCI Express slot installation
  • Compatible with many parallel devices
  • Fast data transfer rate
#TOP 4

Zopsc PCI-E LPT Printer Card Adapter

  • Zopsc
  • Zopscpzcsd8hg54
  • default
Zopsc PCI-E LPT Printer Card Adapter Cover

PCIE to Parallel Port Card, Print Port LPT PCI-E LPT Printer Card Adapter DB25, for Windows, MAC and Linux. Suitable for Printers, Programmers, Scanners, etc.

The Zopsc LPT Printer Card is a PCI Express single parallel port card that allows you to connect various parallel devices such as printers, programmers, and scanners. This versatility means you can easily integrate older devices into your modern setup. It supports multiple operating systems, including Windows, MAC, and Linux, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of computers. The card uses a PCI Express x1 slot, which can be installed in various PCI Express slots, providing flexibility for your system's configuration.

9.5
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Compatible with multiple operating systems
  • Connects various parallel devices
  • Flexible installation options
  • Easy integration of older devices
#TOP 5

GODSHARK PCI to DB25 Parallel Port Card

GODSHARK PCI to DB25 Parallel Port Card Cover

GODSHARK PCI to DB25 LPT Parallel Port Expansion Card with Low Profile Bracket, PCI Parallel Port Converter Adapter Controller for Desktop PC Printer

The GODSHARK Parallel Port Card offers a reliable PCI to DB25 connection for your desktop PC, making it ideal for connecting printers. With the WCH CH351Q chip, you can enjoy seamless communication with your printer. Once you install the necessary drivers, you can easily set the printer's port to match the card, ensuring compatibility. This card supports older operating systems like Windows XP, 7, and 8, but does not support Windows 10, so you can be assured of its functionality with your current setup.

9.4
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Easy printer connection
  • Compatible with older Windows
  • Reliable chip performance
  • Low profile design
#TOP 6

Elprico PCI Express to Parallel Port Card

  • Elprico
  • Elpricoge7do94bgv
  • default
Elprico PCI Express to Parallel Port Card Cover

PCI Express Parallel Card,PCIE to Parallel Port Card Print Port LPT PCI-E LPT Printer Card Adapter DB25

The Elprico PCI-E Parallel Card is a convenient PCI Express single parallel port card that allows you to connect parallel devices like printers, programmers, and scanners with ease. It supports a range of popular operating systems, including MAC and Linux, ensuring compatibility with your setup. The card fits into a PCI Express x1 slot, but can also be installed in larger PCI Express slots such as 4x, 8x, or 16x, offering great flexibility for your computer. This makes it a practical solution for adding parallel port functionality to your system.

9.2
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Supports MAC and Linux
  • Fits multiple PCI Express slots
  • Connects various parallel devices
  • Single PCI Express parallel port
#TOP 7

ELIATER PCIe Serial Parallel Expansion Card

ELIATER PCIe Serial Parallel Expansion Card Cover

ELIATER PCIe Combo Serial Parallel Expansion Card PCI Express to Printer LPT Port RS232 Com Port Adapter IEEE 1284 Controller Card WCH382 Chip for Desktop PC with Low Bracket

The ELIATER Expansion Card is designed to enhance your computer's connectivity options with ease. Its capability allows for the addition of extra serial or parallel cards, making upgrades straightforward. The multi-mode IEEE 1284 compliant controller supports faster data rates of up to 1.5Mbps for the parallel port, which is beneficial for transferring large files efficiently. With Plug and Play functionality, it automatically selects IRQ and IO addresses, saving you time during setup. Furthermore, it is compatible with various operating systems, ensuring versatility for your desktop needs.

9.1
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Easy upgrades for additional ports
  • Fast data transfer rates
  • Plug and Play convenience
  • Wide operating system compatibility
#TOP 8

LinksTek PCI Express Parallel Adapter Card

  • LinksTek
  • PCIE-PA1
  • Matte Black
LinksTek PCI Express Parallel Adapter Card Cover

LinksTek 1 Single Port PCI Express (PCIE) Parallel/DB25/LPT Adapter Card-Comply with IEEE 1284 Standard-Support SPP/EPP/ECP-with Low Profile Bracket for Slim PCs(PCIE-PA1)

The LinksTek Parallel Adapter allows you to add a single parallel port to your desktop PC or industrial device. This is particularly useful for connecting older devices such as printers, scanners, and memory card readers, ensuring they can still be used efficiently. Complying with the IEEE 1284 standard, it supports various protocols, including SPP, EPP, and ECP. With a maximum data speed of 1.5 Mbps, it ensures smooth and reliable data transfer for all your old peripherals.

8.9
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Easy connection for old devices
  • Supports multiple protocols
  • High data transfer speed
  • Compatible with various Windows versions
#TOP 9

InLine 76624C PCIe Parallel and Serial Port Card

InLine 76624C PCIe Parallel and Serial Port Card Cover

InLine 76624C Parallel Port Card (PCIe Host Interface, Internal, Mac, Compatible, EPP and ECP Support)

The InLine 76624C PCIe Card provides a reliable PCIe host interface, making it easy for you to connect your computer to parallel and serial devices. With its parallel and serial output interfaces, you gain versatility in connecting older printers or other peripherals. The card supports a fast data transfer rate of 2.5Gbps, which ensures efficient data communication. Equipped with the MosChip MCS9901CV-CC component set, the card offers stable performance and compatibility across various systems including Windows, Linux, and Mac OS, giving you flexibility for different operating environments.

8.7
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Supports PCIe interface
  • Parallel and serial outputs
  • Fast 2.5Gbps data rate
  • Compatible with various OS

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a parallel port used for?

A parallel port is an interface allowing a personal computer (PC) to transmit or receive data down multiple bundled cables to a peripheral device such as a printer. The most common parallel port is a printer port known as the Centronics port.

2. Is parallel port still used?

Today, the parallel port interface is virtually non-existent because of the rise of Universal Serial Bus (USB) devices, along with network printing using Ethernet and Wi-Fi connected printers. The parallel port interface was originally known as the Parallel Printer Adapter on IBM PC-compatible computers.

3. What are serial ports and parallel ports?

A serial port is able to transmit a single stream of data at a time. A parallel port is able to transmit multiple data streams at a time. A serial port sends data bit by bit after sending a bit at a time. A parallel port sends data by sending multiple bits in parallel fashion.

Editor's Notes

During our parallel port card research, we found 24 parallel port card products and shortlisted 9 quality products. We collected and analyzed 4,566 customer reviews through our big data system to write the parallel port cards list. We found that most customers choose parallel port cards with an average price of £21.21.

The parallel port cards are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of parallel port cards, including StarTech, Multibao, CERRXIAN, Zopsc, GODSHARK.

Written by

Tom Law Avatar

Tom Law

Tom Law is an adventurer who has captured his love for nature into all of his works. A native of Newcastle, Tom has always wanted to share beautiful stories alongside the lovely sights of nature. Fortunately, he took into photography on one of his many journeys and gradually grew a passion for it. Tom Law is now an expert photographer who tours the world while creating and keeping memories of his adventures. He frequently puts his thoughts and experiences into writing.