Best Serial Adapters of 2025

Kenneth Collin Avatar
Kenneth Collin
Last Updated: 31 Jan 2025

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

Serial adapters are essential tools for connecting devices that use serial communication to modern computers. They allow for the conversion of serial signals into USB signals, enabling the use of legacy devices with new hardware. Serial adapters can also be used to extend the length of serial cables, making them ideal for industrial and commercial applications. With a wide range of compatibility and functionality options, serial adapters are a versatile and reliable solution for businesses and individuals needing to connect serial devices to modern computers.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

StarTech.com 1-Port USB to RS232 Adapter Cable Cover #TOP 1
StarTech.com 1-Port USB to RS232 Adapter Cable
ftb score rating icon 9.9
StarTech DB9 to DB25 Serial Cable Adapter Cover #TOP 2
StarTech DB9 to DB25 Serial Cable Adapter
ftb score rating icon 9.8
BENFEI USB to RS-232 Serial Adapter Cover #TOP 3
BENFEI USB to RS-232 Serial Adapter
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Serial Adapters

#TOP 1

StarTech.com 1-Port USB to RS232 Adapter Cable

ICUSB232V2
Blue
WIN 8 Compatible
StarTech.com 1-Port USB to RS232 Adapter Cable Cover
StarTech.com 17in (43cm) 1-Port USB to RS232 DB9 Serial Adapter Cable, USB to Serial Adapter Cable - M/M

The StarTech.com USB to RS232 Adapter is designed for maximised portability, allowing you to convert a USB port into an RS232 DB9 serial port. This is particularly useful for connecting, monitoring, and controlling serial devices. With broad compatibility, you can easily use it with your USB 1.0 or 2.0 ports on Windows, Mac, or Linux systems. Experience fast transfer speeds with a Baud Rate of up to 921.6Kbps, ensuring efficient data transfer. Its lightweight design fits conveniently into your carrying case, making it ideal for professionals who are always on the move.

What We Like
Maximised portability
Broad compatibility
Fast transfer speeds
Lightweight design

StarTech DB9 to DB25 Serial Cable Adapter

AT925FM
Beige
StarTech DB9 to DB25 Serial Cable Adapter Cover
StarTech AT925FM DB9 to DB25 Serial Cable Adapter - F/M , Beige

The StarTech Serial Cable Adapter is a reliable solution for converting DB-9 female connections to DB-25 male connections. This is particularly useful for connecting older serial devices to modern equipment, allowing you to maintain compatibility with legacy technology. Its straightforward design makes it easy to use, ensuring hassle-free installation and operation. With durable construction, you can count on this adapter for consistent performance over time, helping you streamline your setup with minimal effort.

What We Like
Easy to use
Durable construction
Compatible with legacy devices
Streamlines connections

BENFEI USB to RS-232 Serial Adapter

000151
Black
BENFEI USB to RS-232 Serial Adapter Cover
BENFEI USB to Serial Adapter, USB to RS-232 Male (9-pin) DB9 Serial Cable, Prolific Chipset, Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7, Mac OS X 10.6 and Above, 1.8M

The BENFEI USB Serial Adapter allows you to connect various serial devices such as modems, barcode scanners, and digital cameras to your computer via a USB port. With a data transfer rate of 1Mbps, it ensures quick communication between your devices. The adapter features a standard USB Type A Male connector to a 9-pin DB9 RS-232 serial connector, making it versatile for different applications. Additionally, the tinned copper conductor and triple shielding provide optimal data transfer performance, making it a reliable choice for your connectivity needs.

What We Like
High data transfer rate
Wide compatibility
Easy plug-and-play installation
No external power required

SABRENT USB to Serial DB9 Adapter 0.85m

CB-DB9P
SOCKET
0.85M Prolific
SABRENT USB to Serial DB9 Adapter 0.85m Cover
SABRENT Serial Cable to USB, 9 Pin USB Serial Adapter, DB 9 RS232 Female Converter, For Printers, Servers, Windows Mac [-NOT a display cable-] 0.85m (CB-DB9P)

The SABRENT USB Serial Adapter is designed to connect various serial devices to your computer effortlessly. With its USB to RS232 functionality, you can link devices like modems, cameras, and routers, providing a convenient solution for older technology. The Prolific chipset ensures wide compatibility with numerous operating systems, making it versatile for different users. Its triple-shielding design protects against interference, enhancing data transfer rates for reliable communication. Plus, the easy plug-and-play feature means you can set it up quickly without any hassle.

What We Like
Wide compatibility with devices
Easy plug-and-play setup
Triple shielding for better protection
Stable data communication
Supports various operating systems
#TOP 5

StarTech.com USB to RS232 Serial Adapter Cable

ICUSB232PRO
Black
1ft | nuts
StarTech.com USB to RS232 Serial Adapter Cable Cover
StarTech.com 1 ft. USB to RS232 Serial DB9 Adapter Cable with COM Port Retention - Up to 920 kpbs USB A to DB9 Serial Adapter (ICUSB232PRO)

The StarTech.com RS232 Adapter provides a reliable way to connect legacy serial devices to your computer via USB. With broad compatibility, you can easily integrate it with various operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and Mac OS. The COM retention feature ensures that your assigned serial COM port values are saved, making reconnection hassle-free. Its versatile functionality allows you to monitor and control industrial sensors and even digital signage boards, enhancing your connectivity options.

What We Like
Broad compatibility with operating systems
COM port retention for convenience
Versatile for industrial applications
Easy connection for legacy devices

StarTech 6ft USB to Serial Adapter

ICUSB232FTN
Black
Null Modem
StarTech 6ft USB to Serial Adapter Cover
StarTech.com 6ft (1.8m) 1-Port USB to Serial RS232 Adapter, FTDI DB9 Serial DCE Adapter Cable, Null Modem, USB 2.0 - TAA

The StarTech USB to Serial Adapter offers excellent portability with its single cable design, eliminating the need for extra adapters and cables. You can easily convert your USB port into a null modem RS232 DB9 serial port, effectively resolving DTE/DCE conflicts. Its broad compatibility means it works seamlessly with USB 1.0 or 2.0 ports across Windows, Mac, and Linux systems. Additionally, you will appreciate the fast transfer speeds, supporting up to 921.6 Kbps, ensuring efficient data transfer for your devices.

What We Like
Maximised portability with single cable
Resolves DTE/DCE conflicts easily
Broad compatibility with multiple systems
Fast transfer speeds up to 921.6Kbps

DB9 Solderless Female Serial Adapter with Case

DB0002
Green,White
DB9 Solderless Female Serial Adapter with Case Cover
DB9 Breakout Connector,DB9 Solderless RS232 D-SUB Female Serial Adapters 9-Pin Port White Adapter to Terminal Connector Signal Module with case

The YIOVVOM DB9 Adapter offers a convenient solution for connecting serial devices without the need for soldering. Its screw-type design allows for easy wiring, accommodating wire ranges from 12-24 AWG. You will appreciate the environmentally friendly copper terminal design, which eliminates the hassle of using a soldering iron. The compact size and folding buckle housing make assembly and disassembly simple, ensuring a user-friendly experience every time you need to adjust connections.

What We Like
Solderless installation
Easy to assemble
Compact size
Environmentally friendly materials
Includes protective covers
#TOP 8

Xiatiaosann 6 PCS DB9 Gender Changer Set

NR-XT-112A
Xiatiaosann 6 PCS DB9 Gender Changer Set Cover
Xiatiaosann 6 PCS DB9 Male to Male/Female to Female, RS232 Gender Changer, 9 Pin Data Transfer Serial Port Adapter Connector

The Xiatiaosann DB9 Adapters offer a practical solution for connecting DB9 serial cables with mismatched interfaces. With two DB9 male to male, two female to female, and two male to female converters, you can easily adapt your connections without purchasing additional cables. Each adapter is fully shielded, protecting against unwanted EMI/RFI interference, ensuring reliable data transfer. This versatility makes it ideal for various devices including computers, digital machine tools, and industrial instruments, enhancing your setup's efficiency.

What We Like
Versatile connection options
Fully shielded for protection
Prevents connection mismatches
Widely compatible with devices
#TOP 9

ATEN UC232C USB-C to RS-232 Adapter

UC232C
Black
ATEN UC232C USB-C to RS-232 Adapter Cover
ATEN UC232C USB-C to RS-232 Serial Adapter, Anti-Electromagnetic Interference (Anti-EMI), USB compliant, OS Compatibility: Windows, Mac, and Linux, Data Transfer Rates Up To 921.6 Kbps, 45cm Cable

The ATEN UC232C Adapter is designed to support the RS-232 serial interface, making it ideal for connecting legacy serial devices to modern computers. Its excellent anti-electromagnetic interference (anti-EMI) capability ensures stable transmission performance, meaning you can rely on consistent data flow without disruption. This adapter is fully compliant with USB specifications, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices. Additionally, it supports impressive data transfer rates of up to 921.6 Kbps, allowing you to transfer data quickly and efficiently.

What We Like
Stable transmission performance
Wide OS compatibility
High data transfer rates
Supports legacy devices
#TOP 10

Fasizi CH340G USB to TTL Converter Module

ELB0360
Fasizi CH340G USB to TTL Converter Module Cover
Fasizi 3.3V / 5V USB to TTL converter CH340G UART Serial Adapter Module Golden

The Fasizi USB to TTL Adapter is a compact module, measuring just 4 x 2.2 cm, making it easy to integrate into your projects. With a brand new CH340G original chip, you can expect reliable performance for serial communication tasks. The switching output supports both 3.3V and 5V, providing versatility for different applications. Additionally, the module features indicator lights for power (PWR), transmit (TXD), and receive (RXD), allowing you to monitor the status easily and ensuring seamless operation.

What We Like
Compact size for easy use
Reliable CH340G original chip
Supports 3.3V and 5V output
Indicator lights for status monitoring
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are serial adapters?

A device that adds a serial port to a computer. It plugs into the USB port and contains one or more serial port sockets.

2. What is a USB to serial port adapter?

A USB to serial adapter, also referred to as a USB serial converter or RS232 adapter is a small electronic device which can convert a USB signal to serial RS232 data signals. RS232 is the type of signal which is in many older PCs and is referred to as a serial COM port.

3. How do USB serial adapters work?

As a simplified example a typical standard USB to serial adapter consists of a USB processor chip which processes the USB signals. The USB processor sends the processed USB signals to a serial driver chip which applies the correct voltages and sends the processed data signals to the serial output.

4. Do USB to serial adapters need drivers?

The devices for some USB-to-Serial cables aren't installed by default on 64-bit operating systems. These cables use unsigned device drivers and must be installed manually.

Editor's Notes

During our serial adapter research, we found 306 serial adapter products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 77,561 customer reviews through our big data system to write the serial adapters list. We found that most customers choose serial adapters with an average price of £12.18.

The serial adapters are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of serial adapters, including StarTech.com, BENFEI, SABRENT, YIOVVOM, Xiatiaosann. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 590 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

Written by
Kenneth Collin Avatar

Kenneth Collin graduated from Imperial College, London, at 22. He is a UX/UI designer, a web developer, and a writer, amongst others. At age 14, Kenneth programmed his first app. Kenneth's app served as a remote control for censored devices. "When I was 8, I would pick up scraps from electronics and try to rebuild or at least fix them," Kenneth said in one of his recent articles on Home repairs for top gadgets.