Best Serial Cables of 2025

Kenneth Collin Avatar
Kenneth Collin
Last Updated: 31 Jan 2025

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Serial cables are an essential component for connecting devices such as printers, scanners, and modems to a computer. They come in a variety of lengths and types, including DB9, DB25, and USB. These cables transmit data between devices and the computer, making it possible for them to communicate and function properly. Whether you're looking to replace an old cable or need a new one for a project, a high-quality serial cable can ensure reliable and efficient data transfer.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

StarTech.com 2m Black DB9 Serial Extension Cable Cover #TOP 1
StarTech.com 2m Black DB9 Serial Extension Cable
ftb score rating icon 9.8
StarTech.com 2m Black DB9 Female to Female Cable Cover #TOP 2
StarTech.com 2m Black DB9 Female to Female Cable
ftb score rating icon 9.7
UGREEN USB to RS232 DB9 Converter Cable Cover #TOP 3
UGREEN USB to RS232 DB9 Converter Cable
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Serial Cables

StarTech.com 2m Black DB9 Serial Extension Cable

MXT1002MBK
Black
6 ft/2 m
StarTech.com 2m Black DB9 Serial Extension Cable Cover
StarTech.com 2m Black Straight Through DB9 RS232 Serial Cable - DB9 RS232 Serial Extension Cable - Male to Female Cable (MXT1002MBK)

The StarTech.com DB9 Serial Cable is designed to enhance your connectivity needs. It features a male and female DB9 connector, making it easy to extend your serial connections. The high-quality shielding effectively prevents EMI interference, ensuring a stable and clear signal for your devices. Additionally, the strain relief molding on the connectors protects against wear and tear, providing you with a durable solution for your serial communication requirements.

What We Like
High-quality shielding
Durable strain relief molding
Easy to connect devices
Prevents EMI interference

StarTech.com 2m Black DB9 Female to Female Cable

SCNM9FF2MBK
Black
6 ft/2 m
StarTech.com 2m Black DB9 Female to Female Cable Cover
StarTech.com 2m Black DB9 RS232 Serial Null Modem Cable F/F - DB9 Female to Female - 9 pin RS232 Null Modem Cable - 2 meter, Black (SCNM9FF2MBK)

The StarTech.com DB9 Null Modem Cable is a 2-metre black cable designed for connecting your serial devices efficiently. With its female-to-female configuration, you can easily transfer files between devices. The high-quality shielding effectively prevents electromagnetic interference, ensuring a stable connection. This means you can enjoy reliable data transmission without interruptions, making your tasks smoother and more efficient.

What We Like
High-quality shielding
2-metre length
Female-to-female configuration
Prevents EMI interference
#TOP 3

UGREEN USB to RS232 DB9 Converter Cable

20210
Grey
UGREEN USB to RS232 DB9 Converter Cable Cover
UGREEN USB Serial Cable USB to RS232 DB9 9 pin Converter Cable for Connecting Cisco Routers and Switches, Celestron Telescope Nexstar hand Controller, Extron Crestron Products with PL2303 Chipset (1m)

The UGREEN USB to Serial Cable allows you to easily connect various serial devices to your computer through a USB port, achieving a data transfer rate of 1Mbps. With its plug-and-play functionality for Windows 11/10/8.1/8, you can enjoy hassle-free usage without needing to install drivers. For older operating systems like Windows 7/XP, Linux, and Mac OS, a simple driver installation is required. This device features a standard USB Type A male connector, making it versatile for connecting to numerous devices.

What We Like
High-speed data transfer
Plug and play for convenience
Compatible with various devices
No external power needed
#TOP 4

StarTech.com 2m Black DB9 RS232 Cable

SCNM9FM2MBK
Black
2 Meters
StarTech.com 2m Black DB9 RS232 Cable Cover
StarTech.com 2 m Black DB9 RS232 Serial Null Modem Cable F/M, DB9 Male to Female, 9 Pin Null Modem Cable, 1x DB9 (M), 1x DB9 (F) - Black

The StarTech.com DB9 Null Modem Cable is designed to connect your serial devices effortlessly. With its 2-metre length, you can easily position your devices without being restricted by short cables. This DB9 Male to Female cable ensures seamless file transfers between your devices, making it perfect for data communication tasks. Additionally, it operates as an RS232 Null Modem Cable, providing reliable connections for various serial applications, ensuring you can work efficiently without interruptions.

What We Like
2-metre length for flexibility
Seamless file transfer capability
Reliable RS232 connections
Easy connection of serial devices

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 6

Aptii 3m DB9 Female to Male Extension Cable

Grey
Aptii 3m DB9 Female to Male Extension Cable Cover
Aptii DB9 Pin Female - Male RS232 Serial Lead Extension Cable 3m

The Aptii DB9 Extension Cable is a 3-metre serial lead featuring a 9 Pin DB9 Female connector on one end and a 9 Pin DB9 Male connector on the other. This extension cable is ideal for connecting devices that require a longer reach, allowing you to set up your equipment with ease. Its 3-metre length provides ample distance between devices, making it convenient for larger setups. The cable's versatility means it can be used in various applications, ensuring that your devices stay connected without hassle.

What We Like
3-metre length for flexibility
9 Pin DB9 connectors
Serial male to female design
Versatile for various devices
#TOP 7

StarTech 3m RS232 Null Modem Cable

9FMNM-3M-RS232-CABLE
Black
StarTech 3m RS232 Null Modem Cable Cover
StarTech.com 3m RS232 Serial Null Modem Cable, Crossover Serial Cable w/Al-Mylar Shielding, DB9 Serial COM Port Cable Female to Male, Compatible w/DTE Devices, Black, F/M (9FMNM-3M-RS232-CABLE)

The StarTech Null Modem Cable is an essential tool for connecting two DTE devices over a distance of up to 3 metres. Its high-quality construction ensures durability, with tinned wires and aluminium mylar shielding that protect against electromagnetic interference. You will appreciate the screw locking feature, as it prevents accidental disconnections, helping to avoid data loss. Additionally, the cable comes with moulded PVC connectors, which provide strain relief, reducing the risk of damage from bends and twists.

What We Like
Flexible setup configuration
Durable and high-quality construction
Prevents accidental disconnections
Reduces risk of damage

CMYKZONE 2-in-1 Cisco Console Cable

cjj00017
Blue
CMYKZONE 2-in-1 Cisco Console Cable Cover
CMYKZONE Cisco Console Cable Serial Cable Rj45 to DB9 & RS232 to USB (2 In 1) for Cisco Device, Stable, Easy to Operate, Easy to Login Cisco System 1.8M+1M

The CMYKZONE Console Cable is an ideal solution for those needing a console connection without a serial port. By simply connecting the USB-to-Serial cable to the Serial-to-RJ45 rollover cable, you can effortlessly establish a connection. This cable is compatible with both new and old devices, allowing you to access the IOS via standard software like HyperTerminal or Putty. As computers evolve, this cable addresses the diminishing availability of DB9 Serial Connections, ensuring you stay connected with your Cisco systems.

What We Like
Compatible with various Cisco devices
Easy to set up and use
Works with modern and old equipment
Eliminates need for serial ports
Includes two cable lengths
#TOP 9

DTech 5ft RS232 Serial Extension Cable

Black
5ft(1.5m)
DTech 5ft RS232 Serial Extension Cable Cover
DTech 5ft RS232 Serial Cable Male to Female 9 Pin Straight Through (1.5m,Black)

The DTech RS232 Cable is a reliable solution for extending your COM port connection between your computer and older RS-232 compatible devices. You can easily position your serial device further away from your PC, which enhances your workspace flexibility. With screws on each end, this cable ensures a stable and secure connection for uninterrupted data communication. The 30AWG gauge wires are easy to solder, allowing you to customise connections as needed, while the standard pinout guarantees compatibility with a range of RS232C equipment.

What We Like
Extends device connection distance
Secure screw connections
Easy to solder wires
Compatible with various devices

DIGITUS 2.0m D-Sub 9 Serial Cable

AK-610106-020-E
beige
DIGITUS 2.0m D-Sub 9 Serial Cable Cover
DIGITUS Serial Connection Cable - D-Sub 9 to D-Sub 9 - Socket to socket - 2.0m - RS-232 - RS-485 - Beige

The DIGITUS Serial Cable is a practical solution for your connectivity needs, featuring a 9-pin female connector on one end and a 9-pin socket on the other. Its 1:1 assignment ensures a straightforward setup, allowing you to connect devices easily without any confusion. The potted hood provides extra protection for the connectors, making it durable for regular use. Additionally, the nickel-plated contact surface enhances signal quality, ensuring reliable data transmission for your devices.

What We Like
Durable potted hood
Nickel-plated contact surface
Easy 1:1 assignment
Reliable data transmission
2.0m length offers flexibility
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a serial cable used for?

A serial cable is a cable used to transfer information between two devices using a serial communication protocol. The form of connectors depends on the particular serial port used.

2. Are there different types of serial cables?

Types of serial cables In reality, there are a lot of cables and ports that fit the “serial” definition, and can be categorized based on the interfaces and communication standards, including what you might think of when you think of serial cables, the catchy-named ones like RS-232, RS-422, and RS-485.

3. What is a serial DCE cable?

DCE stands for data circuit-terminating, data communications, or data carrier equipment - this is a modem or more generally, a line adapter. DTE stands for data terminal equipment which generally is a terminal or a computer. Basically, these two are the different ends of a serial line.

4. How many wires do the serial cables?

The RS-232 Standard Although RS-232 does not specify connector configurations, two have become de facto standards: DB25 (a 25-pin connector, in which usually no more than 10 wires are used), and DB-9 (a 9-pin connector, in which usually all 9 wires are used).

Editor's Notes

During our serial cable research, we found 306 serial cable products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 101,398 customer reviews through our big data system to write the serial cables list. We found that most customers choose serial cables with an average price of £6.65.

The serial cables are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of serial cables, including StarTech.com, UGREEN, SABRENT, Aptii, CMYKZONE. 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.