Best Parallel Port Cards of 2025

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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 10 Parallel Port Cards
StarTech.com 1-Port Parallel PCIe Card
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.
Multibao PCIe Parallel Port Adapter Card
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.
KALEA-INFORMATIQUE PCI to Parallel Controller Card
The KALEA-INFORMATIQUE Parallel Card is an excellent solution for connecting printers or scanners to your computer. With its high-quality MOSCHIP MCS9865 chipset, you can expect reliable performance across various operating systems, including Windows and Linux. The card is PCI 2.1 compatible and supports IEEE 1284, enabling fast data transfer rates of up to 1.5Mbps. Its external DB25 connector ensures easy connectivity, allowing you to set up your devices effortlessly and enjoy seamless operations.
GODSHARK PCI to DB25 Parallel Port Card
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.
Donkey PC Multi-Mode Parallel Port Card
The Donkey PC Parallel Port Card is designed for versatility and efficiency. It supports various devices like ticket printers, barcode readers, and cash registers, making it ideal for your business needs. With transfer rates of up to 1.5 Mbps, you can expect quick and reliable data transfer. This card is compatible with both Windows and Linux operating systems, ensuring broader usability. Additionally, it comes with a low profile bracket, allowing easy installation in slim PC towers.
StarTech.com PCI Parallel Adapter Card
The StarTech.com PCI Adapter allows you to effortlessly add a parallel port to your low profile or small form factor computer via a PCI expansion slot. With its one-port design, this low profile PCI parallel adapter card is perfect for those who need to connect parallel devices. The inclusion of both standard and low-profile brackets ensures that you can install it in almost any system, providing versatility. By using this adapter, you can enhance your computer's connectivity options without hassle.
Zopsc PCI-E LPT Printer Card Adapter
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.
ELIATER PCIe Serial Parallel Expansion Card
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.
fasient PCI Parallel Adapter Card - 1 Port
The fasient Parallel Adapter Card is a versatile PCI Express single parallel port card that connects to various parallel devices, such as printers and scanners. It supports multiple mainstream operating systems, including Windows, MAC, and Linux, making it a convenient choice for users across different platforms. The card utilizes a PCI Express x1 slot, allowing for easy installation in various PCI Express slots, ensuring compatibility with many systems. This flexibility means you can easily enhance your computing setup with additional parallel device support.
LinksTek PCI Express Parallel Adapter Card
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.
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.
During our parallel port card research, we found 20 parallel port card products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 6,870 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 £20.08.
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.com, Multibao, KALEA-INFORMATIQUE, GODSHARK, Donkey pc.

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