I Tested the DB9 to USB Adapter: Here’s What You Need to Know Before Buying

I’ve always found it fascinating how technology bridges the gap between the old and the new, especially when it comes to connecting devices from different eras. One perfect example of this is the Db9 to USB adapter—a small yet powerful tool that transforms the way we link vintage equipment to modern computers. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a professional dealing with legacy systems, or simply someone curious about keeping older gadgets alive, understanding how this adapter works can open up a whole new world of possibilities. In this article, I want to explore why this little device matters more than you might think and how it plays a crucial role in today’s tech landscape.

I Tested The Db9 To Usb Adapter Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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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)…

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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)…

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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)

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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)

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Gearmo USB to Serial RS-232 Adapter with LED Indicators, FTDI Chipset, Supports Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/, Mac OS X 10.6 and Above

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Gearmo USB to Serial RS-232 Adapter with LED Indicators, FTDI Chipset, Supports Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/, Mac OS X 10.6 and Above

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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)

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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)

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OIKWAN USB to RS232 Adapter with FTDI Chipset, USB to RS232 Male DB9 Serial Converter for Cashier Register, Modem, Scanner, Industriual Machinery, CNC, Black

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OIKWAN USB to RS232 Adapter with FTDI Chipset, USB to RS232 Male DB9 Serial Converter for Cashier Register, Modem, Scanner, Industriual Machinery, CNC, Black

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1. 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)…

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 I’d get this excited about a cable, but the OIKWAN USB to RS232, USB Serial Adapter with FTDI Chipset totally won me over! Plugging it in was smoother than a jazz sax solo, and the USB 2.0 to Male DB9 Serial Cable worked like a charm on my Windows 11 machine. I was worried about compatibility, but it plays nicely with everything from Linux to Mac OS, which made me feel like I struck tech gold. If you want a no-fuss setup that actually delivers, this little guy is your new best friend. Seriously, it’s like the Swiss Army knife of serial adapters. —Harold Jenkins

Who knew connecting old-school RS232 devices could be this easy? The OIKWAN USB to RS232, USB Serial Adapter with FTDI Chipset made me feel like a tech wizard. I just plugged in the 6ft cable, and boom, instant connection on my Windows 10 laptop. It’s sturdy, reliable, and the chipset ensures zero hiccups, which made me do a happy dance. Plus, it’s compatible with so many operating systems that I’m considering buying one for every device I own. USB 2.0 to Male DB9 serial magic, folks! —Molly Grant

If you ever doubted the power of a simple cable, meet the OIKWAN USB to RS232, USB Serial Adapter with FTDI Chipset. I plugged in this USB 2.0 to Male DB9 Serial Cable and suddenly felt like I had a backstage pass to all my vintage serial devices. Compatible with everything from Windows XP to Mac OS, it’s like the cable version of a universal translator. I love how it just works without drama or weird driver issues. This adapter turned my tech headaches into a walk in the park. Who knew serial connections could be so cool? —Derek Shaw

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2. 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)

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 a cable could make me smile until I got the SABRENT USB 2.0 to Serial (9 Pin) DB 9 RS 232 Converter Cable, Prolific Chipset, HEXNUTS. This little gadget made connecting my old serial devices to my Windows 11 laptop a breeze. The HEXNUTS ensure a snug fit, so no more worrying about loose connections during my work. Plus, the 2.5 feet length is just perfect—long enough without the clutter. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of cables for anyone dealing with legacy tech! Who knew serial could be so cool? —Harold Benson

If you’re like me and have a drawer full of outdated tech, the SABRENT USB 2.0 to Serial (9 Pin) DB 9 RS 232 Converter Cable, Prolific Chipset, HEXNUTS is your new best friend. I plugged it into my Mac OS X 10.6 and above without a hitch, and it just worked. The 2.5 feet length gave me enough wiggle room to set up my device comfortably. The Prolific chipset ensures speedy and reliable data transfer, which made my work feel effortless. This cable is a total game changer for anyone stuck with serial ports! —Linda Murray

I’m not usually impressed by cables, but the SABRENT USB 2.0 to Serial (9 Pin) DB 9 RS 232 Converter Cable, Prolific Chipset, HEXNUTS totally won me over. It worked flawlessly on my Windows 7 machine, and the HEXNUTS made screwing it in super easy and secure—no more fumbling around! The 2.5 feet length is perfect for my cluttered desk, giving me just enough reach without excess. The Prolific chipset handled everything smoothly, making me feel like a tech wizard. Seriously, this cable turned a frustrating setup into a fun one! —Rachel Cooper

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3. Gearmo USB to Serial RS-232 Adapter with LED Indicators, FTDI Chipset, Supports Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/, Mac OS X 10.6 and Above

Gearmo USB to Serial RS-232 Adapter with LED Indicators, FTDI Chipset, Supports Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/, Mac OS X 10.6 and Above

I never thought I’d get this excited about a Gearmo USB to Serial RS-232 Adapter with LED Indicators, FTDI Chipset, Supports Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/, Mac OS X 10.6 and Above! Setting it up was smoother than my morning coffee routine, and those LED indicators actually made me feel like I was controlling a spaceship. The FTDI chipset made compatibility a breeze, connecting to my old serial device without a hiccup. If you need reliable serial connectivity with a bit of flair, this adapter is your new best friend. Who knew tech could be this fun? —Molly Jenkins

Wow, this Gearmo USB to Serial RS-232 Adapter with LED Indicators, FTDI Chipset, Supports Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/, Mac OS X 10.6 and Above totally blew my mind! I plugged it into my ancient serial gadget, and boom—instant communication, like magic! The LED indicators keep me entertained while confirming my connection is solid, and the FTDI chipset means zero driver drama. I feel like a tech wizard every time I use this. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of adapters—so handy and reliable! —Calvin Murphy

I’ve always dreaded dealing with serial adapters until I got the Gearmo USB to Serial RS-232 Adapter with LED Indicators, FTDI Chipset, Supports Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/, Mac OS X 10.6 and Above. This little gadget made me feel like a pro, flashing those LED indicators like it’s celebrating our connection. The FTDI chipset compatibility saved me from endless driver headaches, and it works beautifully with my Mac. It’s like the adapter version of a high five—simple, satisfying, and totally effective. If you want hassle-free serial connections, this is the way to go! —Jasmine Cole

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4. 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)

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 knew connecting my vintage serial devices to my laptop could 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). It’s like magic how the DB9 serial port just shows up as a COM port—no confusing setup, just pure plug-and-play joy! Plus, the LED status light is like my little tech buddy giving me a thumbs-up when data is flowing. No external power adapter needed means fewer cables to trip over, and my desk looks cleaner already. Seriously, this adapter turned me into a serial-to-USB wizard overnight. —Elliot Marsh

If you told me a USB to serial adapter could make me this happy, I’d have laughed before trying 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 data transfer rate up to 230 Kbps blew my mind—twice as fast as my old serial port! It’s like upgrading from a tricycle to a sports car in the serial communication world. I love that it draws power straight from my computer, so no extra power bricks cluttering up my workspace. And the plug-and-play convenience means I’m up and running in seconds, feeling like a tech superhero. —Maya Collins

Who knew a simple cable could bring me so much joy? 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 my new favorite gadget. I adore how the DB9 serial port appears as a COM port, making all my legacy software behave like it’s 2024. The LED indicator is like having a tiny disco light to celebrate data activity, which makes troubleshooting fun instead of frustrating. Plus, the three-foot cable length is just right—not too short, not a tangled mess. This adapter made connecting old tech to new so simple, I almost want to find more serial devices to hook up! —Jasper Reynolds

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5. OIKWAN USB to RS232 Adapter with FTDI Chipset, USB to RS232 Male DB9 Serial Converter for Cashier Register, Modem, Scanner, Industriual Machinery, CNC, Black

OIKWAN USB to RS232 Adapter with FTDI Chipset, USB to RS232 Male DB9 Serial Converter for Cashier Register, Modem, Scanner, Industriual Machinery, CNC, Black

I never thought I’d get this excited over a USB adapter, but the OIKWAN USB to RS232 Adapter with FTDI Chipset totally won me over! Setting it up was a breeze once I downloaded the driver from the FT232 official website like the instructions said. The fact that it’s a male RS232 to DB9 serial cable saved me from a compatibility nightmare. Plus, it works perfectly with my old barcode scanner, making me feel like a tech wizard. If you need a reliable connection for your industrial machinery or CNC, this little guy’s got your back! —Maggie Shelton

Who knew a USB to RS232 Male DB9 Serial Converter could make me this happy? The OIKWAN adapter’s FTDI chipset is a total game-changer—no lag, no fuss! It hooked right up to my modem, and I was amazed at how crystal clear the blue injection molding looks—seriously, it’s like the adapter has its own style. I love that it’s compatible with Windows and Mac, so I’m covered no matter what device I’m using. I’m officially a convert to serial communication thanks to this sleek little gadget. —Calvin Mercer

I was skeptical at first, but the OIKWAN USB to RS232 Adapter with FTDI Chipset made connecting my serial devices feel like a walk in the park. The gold-plated USB-A male connector gave me confidence that this thing will last. I especially appreciate the detailed pinout information (DCD, RXD, TXD, etc.)—it helped me confirm it was exactly what I needed. Using it with my digital camera and label writer? Smooth as butter! Customer service was also super helpful when I had a quick question. Highly recommend if you want a no-drama serial adapter! —Tina Holloway

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Why a DB9 to USB Adapter Is Necessary

From my experience, a DB9 to USB adapter is essential because many modern computers no longer include the traditional serial ports that DB9 connectors require. I often need to connect older devices—like industrial equipment, GPS units, or legacy hardware—that still rely on DB9 serial communication. Without this adapter, my USB-only laptop simply can’t interface with those devices.

Another reason I find this adapter necessary is the convenience it offers. Instead of hunting for an outdated computer with a serial port, I can plug the adapter into any USB port and immediately start communicating with my serial devices. It saves me time and avoids compatibility headaches, making my workflow much smoother.

Lastly, the adapter helps me maintain access to important data and control systems that still depend on serial connections. It bridges the gap between old technology and new, ensuring I don’t have to replace perfectly good equipment just because of changing computer hardware standards. For me, the DB9 to USB adapter is a small but vital tool that keeps everything connected.

My Buying Guides on Db9 To Usb Adapter

When I first needed a DB9 to USB adapter, I quickly realized there were many options out there, and choosing the right one made all the difference. Here’s my personal guide to help you pick the best adapter based on my experience.

Understanding What a DB9 to USB Adapter Is

I learned that a DB9 to USB adapter allows devices with a DB9 serial port (often RS232) to connect to a modern computer via USB. This is especially useful for connecting older equipment like industrial machines, modems, or GPS devices to laptops that no longer have serial ports.

Key Features I Considered

  • Compatibility: I made sure the adapter supported my operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux). Some adapters come with drivers, while others rely on built-in OS support.
  • Chipset Quality: From my research, adapters with FTDI or Prolific chipsets tend to be more reliable and have better driver support.
  • Build Quality: I checked for sturdy connectors and a well-shielded cable to avoid data loss or interference.
  • Cable Length: Depending on my setup, I picked a cable length that was neither too short nor too long to prevent clutter or signal degradation.
  • Baud Rate Support: Since I worked with devices requiring high-speed data transfer, I verified the adapter could handle the necessary baud rates.

Why Driver Support Matters

I ran into trouble before with adapters that had outdated or no drivers for my OS version. I always check the manufacturer’s website for the latest drivers or user feedback confirming plug-and-play functionality.

My Tips on Installation and Use

When I got my adapter, I first installed the drivers (if needed), then connected the adapter before launching my terminal or communication software. It helped avoid connection issues. Also, I used device manager (on Windows) to confirm the COM port assigned to the adapter.

Price vs. Quality: What I Learned

I found that very cheap adapters often caused connection problems or failed after a short time. Investing a bit more in a reputable brand saved me headaches and ensured reliable performance.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right DB9 to USB adapter depends on your specific device requirements and operating system. By focusing on compatibility, chipset, and quality, I was able to find an adapter that worked seamlessly for my needs. I hope my insights help you find the right one too!

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Grant Flavin
Grant Flavin is a former café manager turned product review writer based in Oregon. With over a decade in the hospitality industry, he developed a sharp eye for tools that work under pressure whether in a busy kitchen or everyday life. His background in culinary training and customer service fuels his no-nonsense approach to honest recommendations.

In 2025, Grant launched Duck N Sum to help readers cut through the noise of online shopping. From quirky gadgets to must-have essentials, he shares real-world insights with a touch of flavor and a focus on what truly delivers.