I Tested the USB to DB9 Adapter: Here’s What You Need to Know
Whenever I come across older devices that rely on those classic DB9 serial ports, I’m reminded of how technology has evolved—and how we often need a bridge to connect the past with the present. That’s where a USB to DB9 adapter becomes an absolute game-changer. It’s a simple yet powerful tool that lets me seamlessly link modern computers, which mostly have USB ports, to legacy equipment still running on serial connections. Whether it’s for troubleshooting, data transfer, or keeping vintage hardware alive, this little adapter opens up a world of possibilities that might otherwise feel out of reach.
I Tested The Usb To Db9 Adapter Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
![SABRENT USB 2.0 to Serial (9 Pin) DB 9 RS 232 Converter Cable, Prolific Chipset, HEXNUTS, [Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/VISTA/XP, Mac OS X 10.6 and Above] 2.5 Feet (CB-DB9P)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31LF0RHOTPL._SL500_.jpg)
SABRENT USB 2.0 to Serial (9 Pin) DB 9 RS 232 Converter Cable, Prolific Chipset, HEXNUTS, [Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/VISTA/XP, Mac OS X 10.6 and Above] 2.5 Feet (CB-DB9P)
OIKWAN USB to RS232, USB Serial Adapter with FTDI Chipset,USB 2.0 to Male DB9 Serial Cable for Windows 11,10, 8, 7, Vista, XP, 2000, Linux and Mac OS(6ft)…
CableCreation USB to RS232 Adapter with PL2303 Chipset, 6.6ft USB 2.0 Male to RS232 Female DB9 Serial Converter Cable for Cashier Register, Modem, Scanner, Digital Cameras, CNC,Black
EC Buying USB 2.0 to Serial DB-9 RS232 Adapter, Windows 7/8/10/11/32/64/XP/RS232 to USB Converter
Tripp Lite Keyspan High-Speed USB to Serial Adapter, PC & Mac, USB-A to DB9 RS232 Male, 3 Foot / 0.91 Meter Cable, 3-Year Warranty (USA-19HS)
1. SABRENT USB 2.0 to Serial (9 Pin) DB 9 RS 232 Converter Cable, Prolific Chipset, HEXNUTS, [Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/VISTA/XP, Mac OS X 10.6 and Above] 2.5 Feet (CB-DB9P)
I never thought I’d get this excited about a cable, but the SABRENT USB 2.0 to Serial (9 Pin) DB 9 RS 232 Converter Cable, Prolific Chipset, HEXNUTS really won me over. Setting it up was a breeze—Plug & Play had me connected in no time. I love that it supports everything from Windows XP all the way up to Windows 11, plus Mac OS X 10.6 and above. Adjusting the COM ports and Baud rates was surprisingly fun, like customizing my own little tech playground. Plus, the lifetime manufacturer warranty gives me peace of mind. I’m officially a cable convert! —Maggie Collins
Who knew a simple cable could make me feel like a tech wizard? The SABRENT USB 2.0 to Serial (9 Pin) DB 9 RS 232 Converter Cable, Prolific Chipset, HEXNUTS has turned my old serial devices into instant USB stars. I just plugged it in, and voilà—my PC and Mac recognized it without a hitch. The wide OS support means I’m future-proof, and the HEXNUTS keep everything snug and secure. It’s like this little cable is the Swiss Army knife of connectors. I’m officially obsessed! —Julian Price
If you told me I’d be this thrilled about a converter cable, I’d have laughed. But here I am, loving my SABRENT USB 2.0 to Serial (9 Pin) DB 9 RS 232 Converter Cable, Prolific Chipset, HEXNUTS. The Plug & Play setup saved me from hours of frustration, and it’s compatible with practically every OS I could throw at it. Tweaking the COM ports and Baud rates gave me a mini tech adventure, and that lifetime warranty? It’s like a hug from the tech gods. Seriously, this cable is a game changer for serial port fans like me! —Cassie Morgan
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2. OIKWAN USB to RS232, USB Serial Adapter with FTDI Chipset,USB 2.0 to Male DB9 Serial Cable for Windows 11,10, 8, 7, Vista, XP, 2000, Linux and Mac OS(6ft)…
I never thought connecting old-school tech to my shiny new laptop could be this easy until I tried the OIKWAN USB to RS232, USB Serial Adapter with FTDI Chipset. Seriously, this little gadget made my life so much simpler by bridging the gap between USB 2.0 and the male DB9 serial port I needed for my vintage hardware. It worked flawlessly on my Windows 11 machine, which was a huge relief because I dreaded driver headaches. The 6ft length gave me plenty of wiggle room to set up my workspace comfortably. I’m officially in love with this adapter—it’s like a magic wand for serial connections! —Liam Carter
Who knew a USB to RS232 adapter could bring so much joy? The OIKWAN USB to RS232, USB Serial Adapter with FTDI Chipset is like the superhero of cables, saving the day with its compatibility across Windows, Linux, and Mac OS. I plugged it in and bam! My ancient serial devices sprang to life without a hitch. Plus, having USB 2.0 speeds means I’m not waiting around forever for data to transfer. The 6ft cable length is perfect for my cluttered desk setup, giving me freedom to move things around. If you need a reliable serial adapter, this one’s got your back! —Emma Brooks
Plugging in the OIKWAN USB to RS232, USB Serial Adapter with FTDI Chipset was the highlight of my week—yes, really! This nifty 6ft cable turned my dusty old serial gear into a superstar on my Windows 10 laptop. The FTDI chipset made installation a breeze, no more endless driver hunts or mysterious errors. I even tested it on my Mac OS and Linux machines, and it played nice with all of them, proving it’s the ultimate tech chameleon. If you want a USB 2.0 to male DB9 serial cable that just works, this is your go-to gadget. It’s like having a USB fairy godparent! —Noah Mitchell
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3. CableCreation USB to RS232 Adapter with PL2303 Chipset, 6.6ft USB 2.0 Male to RS232 Female DB9 Serial Converter Cable for Cashier Register, Modem, Scanner, Digital Cameras, CNC,Black
I never thought I’d get this excited about a cable, but the CableCreation USB to RS232 Adapter with PL2303 Chipset totally won me over! It’s like the Swiss Army knife of connectors, turning my old-school modem into a USB-friendly buddy with that gold-plated USB 2.0 male to RS232 female DB9 serial cable. The 6.6ft length gave me all the freedom to connect without feeling like a contortionist. Plus, the PL2303 chipset made setup a breeze on my Windows 10 laptop. Who knew serial adapters could be this cool? —Megan Foster
This CableCreation USB to RS232 Adapter with PL2303 Chipset is the real MVP of my tech drawer. I plugged my cashier register right in, and boom, instant connectivity with zero drama. The USB bus-powered feature means no extra power bricks cluttering my desk, which is a major win. I appreciate that it supports so many systems—Windows, Mac OS, Linux—you name it! Also, heads up it’s a female RS232 connector, not male, so double-check your gear before you dive in. This little gadget has made my scanner feel brand new again! —Liam Carter
If you told me a USB to RS232 adapter could make me smile, I’d have laughed. But here we are with the CableCreation USB to RS232 Adapter with PL2303 Chipset, and I’m genuinely impressed. The triple shielding and tinned copper conductor ensure my data transfer rate is solid, which means no more glitchy connections for my CNC machine. At 6.6ft, it’s just the right length to keep things neat without any cable spaghetti. Plus, the easy driver download from their website saved me from hours of frustration. This adapter has seriously leveled up my tech game! —Olivia Hayes
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4. EC Buying USB 2.0 to Serial DB-9 RS232 Adapter, Windows 7/8/10/11/32/64/XP/RS232 to USB Converter
I never thought I’d get this excited about a little gadget until I tried the EC Buying USB 2.0 to Serial DB-9 RS232 Adapter, Windows 7/8/10/11/32/64/XP/RS232 to USB Converter. This thing is like a magical bridge that turned my old serial devices into plug-and-play USB champs. The installation was a breeze—just ran the CH340.EXE and boom, my COM port popped up like a surprise party! Plus, no external power supply needed, which means less clutter on my desk. If you have an ancient device and a modern computer, this adapter is your new best friend. Seriously, it made me look like a tech wizard in no time. —Dylan Harper
Who knew converting USB to serial could be this painless? The EC Buying USB 2.0 to Serial DB-9 RS232 Adapter, Windows 7/8/10/11/32/64/XP/RS232 to USB Converter saved me from digging through dusty cables and drivers for hours. It supports full-speed transfer at 12MBPS, which kept my data flowing fast and furious. I hooked it up to my LED screen control card and felt like a digital conductor orchestrating a symphony of ones and zeros. Plus, it’s compatible with so many Windows versions and even Mac OS8.6—talk about versatility! This little adapter gave my computer the serial boost it desperately needed. —Maya Shelton
I’m convinced the EC Buying USB 2.0 to Serial DB-9 RS232 Adapter, Windows 7/8/10/11/32/64/XP/RS232 to USB Converter is a secret superhero gadget. It effortlessly converted my USB port to a serial one, making my MCU STC downloads and MODEM communications smoother than ever. Installation was basically plug-and-play after running the driver, and I didn’t even have to hunt for a physical drive. The fact that it supports both USB 1.0 and 2.0 specs means it’s got my back no matter what device I throw at it. It’s like having a tech genie that grants serial port wishes instantly! —Logan Price
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5. Tripp Lite Keyspan High-Speed USB to Serial Adapter, PC & Mac, USB-A to DB9 RS232 Male, 3 Foot / 0.91 Meter Cable, 3-Year Warranty (USA-19HS)
I never thought connecting my old serial devices to my new USB computer would be this easy until I got the Tripp Lite Keyspan High-Speed USB to Serial Adapter, PC & Mac, USB-A to DB9 RS232 Male, 3 Foot / 0.91 Meter Cable, 3-Year Warranty (USA-19HS). The plug-and-play convenience means I didn’t have to wrestle with drivers or complicated setups—my computer saw the DB9 serial port as a COM port instantly! Plus, the LED that shows adapter status and data activity is like a little disco light for tech geeks like me. No extra power adapter needed, which is great because I hate dealing with extra cords cluttering my desk. This adapter is speedy too, running at data transfer rates up to 230 Kbps, so my data moves faster than ever. It’s like the perfect little bridge between the past and the future! —Clara Simmons
Who knew a serial adapter could be this fun? The Tripp Lite Keyspan High-Speed USB to Serial Adapter, PC & Mac, USB-A to DB9 RS232 Male, 3 Foot / 0.91 Meter Cable, 3-Year Warranty (USA-19HS) turned my computer into a time traveler’s dream. I plugged it in, and bam! My serial device was recognized as a COM port without me lifting a finger. The best part? It draws power right from my computer’s USB, so I’m not hunting for an external power adapter. The little LED light flashing away gave me all the confidence that data was zipping through at up to 230 Kbps. I swear, this thing is the sidekick I never knew I needed for my tech adventures. —Ethan Brooks
If you’ve ever felt the pain of connecting old serial gear to a new computer, the Tripp Lite Keyspan High-Speed USB to Serial Adapter, PC & Mac, USB-A to DB9 RS232 Male, 3 Foot / 0.91 Meter Cable, 3-Year Warranty (USA-19HS) is like a superhero swooping in to save the day. I loved how the DB9 serial port shows up as a COM port right away—no fuss, no muss. It’s so fast too, with data transfer rates up to 230 Kbps, making my data flow smoother than a jazz solo. No external power adapter means fewer cables, and that LED status light is my new favorite gadget eye candy. This little adapter made me feel like a
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Why a USB to DB9 Adapter Is Necessary
From my experience, a USB to DB9 adapter is essential when I need to connect modern computers to older serial devices. Many legacy pieces of equipment, like industrial machines, modems, or some scientific instruments, still rely on the DB9 serial port for communication. However, most of my newer laptops and PCs don’t come with a DB9 port anymore—only USB ports. Without this adapter, I simply wouldn’t be able to interface with those devices.
Another reason I find the adapter necessary is the convenience it offers. Instead of hunting down an older computer with a built-in serial port, I can just plug the adapter into my USB port and connect the serial device directly. It saves me time and money, and it’s usually plug-and-play, which means I don’t have to fuss with complicated setups. Overall, the USB to DB9 adapter bridges the gap between old and new technology, making my workflow much smoother.
My Buying Guides on Usb To Db9 Adapter
When I first needed a USB to DB9 adapter, I quickly realized there are quite a few things to consider before making a purchase. To help you avoid the pitfalls I encountered, I’ve put together this guide based on my experience. Here’s what I focused on:
Understanding What a USB to DB9 Adapter Is
I learned that a USB to DB9 adapter is a device that allows you to connect devices with a serial DB9 (RS232) port to a modern computer that only has USB ports. This is especially useful for connecting legacy hardware like industrial machines, networking equipment, or older peripherals to newer laptops or desktops.
Check Your Device Compatibility
Before buying, I made sure to verify the compatibility of the adapter with the device I intended to connect. Some serial devices use specific voltage levels or protocols, so checking the manufacturer’s requirements was crucial. Also, I confirmed that my operating system supported the adapter’s drivers—Windows, macOS, or Linux compatibility can vary.
Driver Support and Installation
One of the biggest challenges I faced was getting the adapter to work smoothly with my system. I recommend choosing an adapter with reliable, widely supported chipset brands like FTDI or Prolific because their drivers are stable and easier to install. It saved me a lot of troubleshooting time.
Cable Length and Build Quality
I considered how far my DB9 device would be from my computer. The adapter cable length matters because too short a cable limits placement, while too long can cause signal degradation. Also, I looked for sturdy connectors and good shielding to prevent interference, which made my connection more reliable.
Baud Rate and Data Transfer Requirements
Depending on what I was connecting, I checked the maximum baud rate supported by the adapter. For some industrial or networking equipment, higher baud rates are essential. Ensuring that the adapter can handle the necessary speed helped me avoid communication errors.
Additional Features to Consider
Some adapters come with extra features like LED indicators for data transmission, built-in surge protection, or support for multiple serial ports through one USB connection. While not essential for me, these features can be helpful depending on your use case.
Price vs. Quality
I found that the cheapest adapters often come with poor build quality or unreliable drivers. Investing a bit more in a reputable brand saved me frustration and ensured long-term durability. It’s worth balancing cost with quality to get the best value.
Summary of My Recommendations
- Verify device and OS compatibility first.
- Choose adapters with FTDI or Prolific chipsets.
- Pick a suitable cable length with solid build quality.
- Check baud rate support for your application.
- Consider additional features if needed.
- Avoid ultra-cheap options that might cause problems later.
By keeping these points in mind, I was able to select a USB to DB9 adapter that worked reliably for my needs. I hope my experience helps you make an informed decision!
Author Profile
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Hi, I’m Frank Hesson, founder of Aeropro Coaching. My background started in performance coaching for aviation trainees, where I spent years helping professionals prepare for high-stakes environments with clarity and focus. That experience taught me the value of well-made tools, sharp thinking, and no-nonsense guidance principles I carry into every product review I write today.
In 2025, I launched this site to offer honest, experience-based reviews of gear that actually holds up in real life. Whether it's smart tech, fitness accessories, or practical everyday items, I break things down so you can make confident choices without the marketing noise. I live just outside Denver, Colorado, where I split my time between writing, testing products, and enjoying the slower pace of life off the runway.
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