Best Serial Port Cards of 2025

Tom Law Avatar
Tom Law
Last Updated: 6 Feb 2025

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

Serial port cards are electronic expansion cards that provide additional serial ports for connecting various devices to a computer. These cards are compatible with a range of operating systems and can be installed in desktop computers or servers. They are ideal for businesses and individuals who require multiple serial connections for their equipment, such as printers, scanners, and modems. With a serial port card, users can easily add extra functionality to their systems without the need to purchase a new computer or replace existing hardware.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

StarTech.com 1-port PCIe RS232 Serial Adapter Card Cover #TOP 1
StarTech.com 1-port PCIe RS232 Serial Adapter Card
ftb score rating icon 9.8
StarTech.com 2 Port Low Profile RS232 Card Cover #TOP 2
StarTech.com 2 Port Low Profile RS232 Card
ftb score rating icon 9.7
StarTech.com 4 Port PCI Express Serial Adapter Card Cover #TOP 3
StarTech.com 4 Port PCI Express Serial Adapter Card
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Serial Port Cards

#TOP 1

StarTech.com 1-port PCIe RS232 Serial Adapter Card

PEX1S553LP
Black
StarTech.com 1-port PCIe RS232 Serial Adapter Card Cover
StarTech.com 1-port PCI Express RS232 Serial Adapter Card - PCIe RS232 Serial Host Controller Card - PCIe to Serial DB9 - 16550 UART - Low Profile Expansion Card - Windows & Linux (PEX1S553LP)

The StarTech.com PCIe Serial Adapter is a versatile solution that allows you to connect a single DB9 port with bi-directional RS232 speeds of up to 460.8Kbps. With its 256-byte FIFO buffer, you can ensure smooth data transmission, making it ideal for various applications. The optional configurable power feature gives you the flexibility to choose between 12v, 5v, or none, enhancing usability. Additionally, it comes with both standard and low-profile brackets, allowing for easy installation in different types of desktops or servers.

What We Like
High-speed data transmission
Configurable power options
Versatile installation brackets
Compatible with Windows and Linux
#TOP 2

StarTech.com 2 Port Low Profile RS232 Card

PEX2S553LP
StarTech.com 2 Port Low Profile RS232 Card Cover
StarTech.com 2 Port Low Profile Native RS232 PCI Express Serial Card with 16550 UART - PCIe RS232 - PCI-E Serial Card (PEX2S553LP)

The StarTech.com RS232 Card allows you to add two high-speed RS-232 serial ports to your low profile or small form factor computer. This is particularly useful if you need to connect legacy devices that rely on serial communication. With the PCI Express expansion slot, installation is straightforward, enabling you to enhance your system's connectivity without hassle. Additionally, the card is designed to fit compact spaces, ensuring that you do not compromise on performance in a smaller setup.

What We Like
Adds 2 serial ports
High-speed performance
Easy installation
Compact design
#TOP 3

StarTech.com 4 Port PCI Express Serial Adapter Card

PEX4S553
Green
4 Port
StarTech.com 4 Port PCI Express Serial Adapter Card Cover
StarTech.com 4 Port Native PCI Express RS232 Serial Adapter Card with 16550 UART - Low Profile Serial Card (PEX4S553)

The StarTech.com Serial Adapter Card allows you to easily add four RS-232 serial ports to your computer via a PCI express expansion slot. This feature is especially useful if you need to connect multiple serial devices simultaneously, enhancing your productivity. The card is compatible with both standard and small form factor computers, offering great versatility. With its low-profile design, it fits conveniently into your system while maintaining high performance for your serial communication needs.

What We Like
Adds four serial ports
Compatible with various computers
Low-profile design
Enhances productivity
#TOP 4

DIGITUS 2-Port Serial PCI Card with Autoflow Control

DS-33003
Black
DIGITUS 2-Port Serial PCI Card with Autoflow Control Cover
DIGITUS 2-Port Serial PCI Card

The DIGITUS Serial PCI Card offers a data transfer rate of up to 115.2Kbps, ensuring that your data moves swiftly and efficiently. With its plug and play functionality, you can easily set it up as the I/O address and IRQ are automatically assigned by the BIOS, saving you time and hassle. The on-chip hardware autoflow control guarantees that you won’t experience any data loss, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity of your information. Additionally, it supports various Windows operating systems, including Windows 7, Vista, and XP, making it a versatile choice for your connectivity needs.

What We Like
High data transfer rate
Easy plug and play setup
No data loss with autoflow control
Supports multiple Windows versions
#TOP 5

StarTech.com Dual-Port Serial PCIe Card

2S232422485-PC-CARD
Black
StarTech.com Dual-Port Serial PCIe Card Cover
StarTech.com 2-Port Serial PCIe Card, Dual-Port PCI Express to RS232/RS422/RS485 DB9 Serial Card, Standard/Low-Profile Brackets, 16C1050 UART, ESD Protection, Windows/Linux (2S232422485-PC-CARD)

The StarTech.com Serial PCIe Card is a versatile 2-port solution that allows you to connect RS-232, RS-422, and RS-485 devices independently. With on-board DIP switches, you can easily configure each port to suit your specific needs. The card also features configurable power options, providing flexibility for various applications. Additionally, LED indicators keep you informed about data transmit and receive status, enhancing your control and monitoring capabilities. This makes it an ideal choice for desktops and servers in diverse settings.

What We Like
Flexible port configurations
Configurable power options
LED indicators for monitoring
Compatible with various devices
Includes standard and low-profile brackets
#TOP 6

Zerone PCI-E to RS232 Serial Card

B07NPL97HF
Default
Zerone PCI-E to RS232 Serial Card Cover
PCI-E to RS232 PCI Express Serial Card 2 Ports Adapter Card for Windows2000/xp/server 2003/xp 64-bit/Vista/7/8/Linux/Dos

The Zerone Serial Card is designed to enhance your computer's connectivity with its PCI-E to RS232 functionality. This card supports a PCI-Express rate of 2.5Gb/s, ensuring a reliable and fast connection for your devices. With compatibility for standard 16c550 UART and a 256-byte FIFO, you can expect efficient data handling. Furthermore, it boasts a high-speed data transfer rate of up to 250k/sec, making it ideal for tasks that require quick data exchange. Plus, the plug-and-play feature allows for easy installation, so you can start using it right away.

What We Like
High-speed data transfer
Easy plug-and-play installation
Compatible with standard UART
Reliable PCI-Express connection
#TOP 7

StarTech.com 4 Port RS232 PCI Express Card

PEX4S553B
Black
StarTech.com 4 Port RS232 PCI Express Card Cover
StarTech.com 4 Port RS232 PCI Express Serial Card with Breakout Cable, PCIe Serial Adapter Card - Replaced by PEX4S953LP

The StarTech.com PCIe Serial Card features a native single chip design, ensuring reliable performance for your serial connections. With the inclusion of both full profile and low profile/half-height brackets, you can easily install it in various systems. Each port is equipped with a 256-byte depth FIFO, enhancing data handling for transmit and receive tasks. Additionally, the single-lane PCI-Express interface offers impressive throughput of up to 2.5Gbps, making it ideal for fast and efficient data transfer.

What We Like
Reliable single chip design
Flexible installation options
Enhanced data handling
High-speed data transfer
#TOP 8

StarTech.com PCI Serial Parallel Combo Card

PCI2S1P2
StarTech.com PCI Serial Parallel Combo Card Cover
StarTech.com PCI Serial Parallel Combo Card with Dual Serial RS232 Ports (DB9) & 1x Parallel LPT Port (DB25) - PCI Combo Adapter Card - PCI Expansion Card Controller - PCI to Printer Card (PCI2S1P2)

The StarTech.com PCI Combo Card allows you to expand your computer's capabilities by adding one DB25 parallel port and two DB9 RS232 ports. This means you can easily connect printers, scanners, and other devices. With support for various parallel speeds and modes, you will enjoy fast and efficient data transfer. Additionally, the card is compatible with multiple operating systems, ensuring versatility in your setup. You can also choose between standard and low profile brackets for installation, making it adaptable to your needs.

What We Like
Easy installation
Supports multiple devices
Fast data transfer speeds
Versatile operating system compatibility
#TOP 9

StarTech.com PCI Express Serial Parallel Card

PEX2S5531P
StarTech.com PCI Express Serial Parallel Card Cover
StarTech.com 2S1P Native PCI Express Parallel Serial Combo Card with 16550 UART - PCIe 2x Serial 1x Parallel RS232 Adapter Card (PEX2S5531P)

The StarTech.com PCIe Combo Card allows you to effortlessly add one parallel port and two RS-232 serial ports to your standard or low-profile computer using a PCI Express expansion slot. This means you can expand your connectivity options and connect additional devices, enhancing your setup. With its native PCI Express design, installation is straightforward, ensuring you can get up and running quickly. Additionally, the inclusion of the reliable 16550 UART ensures stable communication for your peripherals.

What We Like
Easy installation
Increases connectivity options
Supports various devices
Reliable communication
#TOP 10

Sxhlseller 2 Port PCI Express Serial Card

Sxhlseller4g025xyn9o
Sxhlseller 2 Port PCI Express Serial Card Cover
Sxhlseller 2 Port PCI Express RS232 DB9 Serial Port Card for Windows XP, Vista,7, 8.x, 10, 11 32/64bit for Linux, PCIe Serial Expansion Card PCIe Serial Host Controller Card

The Sxhlseller Serial Port Card allows you to add two RS232 DB9 serial ports to your desktop or industrial equipment via a PCI Express slot. This card features a PCIE X1 interface, making it compatible with various slot sizes and ensuring easy installation. It supports multiple operating systems, including Windows and Linux, providing flexibility for different users. Additionally, with a 256 byte depth FIFO transfer capability, it is ideal for handling data efficiently in applications such as POS systems, scanners, and printers.

What We Like
Easy installation
Supports multiple operating systems
Efficient data handling
Compatible with various devices
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a serial port card?

In computing, a serial port is a serial communication interface through which information transfers in or out sequentially one bit at a time. This is in contrast to a parallel port, which communicates multiple bits simultaneously in parallel.

2. What is serial COM port used for?

A serial port is an interface that allows a PC to transmit or receive data one bit at a time. It is one of the oldest types of interfaces and at one time was commonly used to connect printers and external modems to a PC.

3. Is serial port still used?

The serial port used to be found on almost all new PC's but not anymore. Thus as of 2008, it's becoming obsolete, if not already obsolete. It's often called a "legacy" device, but it's still used by some for hardware designed to connect to the serial port especially for computers used as servers by companies.

4. Is RS-232 a serial port?

RS232 is a Serial Communication Standard developed by the Electronic Industry Association (EIA) and Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA). RS232 defines the signals connecting between DTE and DCE. Here, DTE stands for Data Terminal Equipment and an example for DTE is a computer.

Editor's Notes

During our serial port card research, we found 68 serial port card products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 5,381 customer reviews through our big data system to write the serial port cards list. We found that most customers choose serial port cards with an average price of £25.20.

The serial port cards are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of serial port cards, including StarTech.com, Digitus, Zerone, Sxhlseller. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 579 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

Written by
Tom Law Avatar

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.