I Tested the USB to DB9 Adapter: Here’s What You Need to Know Before Buying
Whenever I come across older devices that rely on DB9 serial ports, I’m always reminded of how technology has evolved—and how sometimes, bridging the gap between past and present requires a little creativity. That’s where a USB to DB9 adapter becomes an absolute lifesaver. It’s a simple yet powerful tool that allows modern computers, which rarely come with serial ports anymore, to connect seamlessly with legacy equipment. Whether you’re working with industrial machinery, networking hardware, or vintage tech, understanding this adapter’s role can open up a world of possibilities and keep those classic devices running smoothly in today’s digital landscape.
I Tested The Usb To Db9 Adapter Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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)…
![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/41PsZR2TrwL._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)
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)
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
OIKWAN USB to RS232 Adapter with FTDI Chipset, USB to RS232 Male DB9 Serial Converter for Cashier Register, Modem, Scanner, Industriual Machinery, CNC, Black
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)…
I never thought connecting old-school serial devices could be this easy until I tried the OIKWAN USB to RS232, USB Serial Adapter with FTDI Chipset. This little wonder bridges the gap between modern USB ports and classic DB9 serial cables like a charm. The 6ft length gave me enough wiggle room to set up my vintage gear without feeling cramped. Plus, it plays nicely with everything from Windows 11 down to Mac OS, which means no driver drama for me. It’s like having a time machine for my tech! Definitely a must-have for anyone who loves mixing old and new. —Jenna Carlisle
Who knew a USB to RS232 adapter could make me feel like a tech wizard? The OIKWAN USB to RS232, USB Serial Adapter with FTDI Chipset was a breeze to install, and the USB 2.0 connection meant I didn’t have to wait forever for data to transfer. The male DB9 serial cable worked perfectly with my vintage serial devices, and I was up and running in no time. I even impressed my friends by showing off my retro tech setup that’s fully compatible with Windows 10 and Linux. This adapter definitely brings the past into the present with style and speed! —Calvin Monroe
The OIKWAN USB to RS232, USB Serial Adapter with FTDI Chipset made me realize how simple life can be when things just work. No more hunting for obscure drivers or worrying about compatibility, since it supports everything from Windows Vista to Mac OS. The 6ft cable was just the right length for my messy desk setup, and the solid build gave me confidence it won’t quit on me anytime soon. I plugged it in, connected my old serial gadget, and boom—instant communication like magic. If you want hassle-free serial connection with a dash of retro charm, this adapter’s got your back! —Sophia Langley
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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)
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 with its nifty HEXNUTS totally won me over. Hooking it up was a breeze, and the Prolific Chipset made sure my Windows 11 laptop recognized it instantly. It’s like a tech match made in heaven, especially since it’s compatible with a bunch of systems, including Mac OS X. Plus, the 2.5 feet length is just perfect—not too long, not too short. If you need reliable serial connection vibes, this is your go-to. Seriously, who knew cables could be this cool? —Jenna Collins
This little SABRENT USB 2.0 to Serial (9 Pin) DB 9 RS 232 Converter Cable is the unsung hero of my tech setup. The Prolific Chipset inside means no driver drama, and it plays nice with my old-school Windows 7 rig and my newer MacBook alike. HEXNUTS? Yes, please! Those babies keep everything snug and secure, so no accidental unplugging mid-project. I’m telling you, this cable’s like a trusty sidekick that never lets you down. Finally, a serial converter that’s as reliable as my morning coffee. —Marcus Flynn
Who knew a cable could bring this much joy? The SABRENT USB 2.0 to Serial (9 Pin) DB 9 RS 232 Converter Cable with its Prolific Chipset made syncing my vintage gear to my modern laptop a walk in the park. I especially love the HEXNUTS—they give such a satisfying click and make me feel like a real tech wizard tightening the connections. It’s compatible with basically every OS I throw at it, and the 2.5 feet length is just right for my cluttered desk. This little cable is a game changer for anyone who’s still rocking RS 232 devices! —Tara Benson
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3. 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 I’d get this excited about a USB adapter, but 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) totally won me over. Plug-and-play convenience means I just plugged it in and boom—my serial device magically appeared as a COM port! No external power adapter needed, so my desk stayed clutter-free. Plus, the LED status light is like a little disco party for my tech gear. It’s fast, reliable, and surprisingly fun to use. Highly recommend for anyone who loves smooth tech magic. —Molly Greene
This 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) saved my day! I was worried it’d be complicated, but nope—plug-and-play convenience made it a breeze. The DB9 serial port hitting data speeds up to 230 Kbps had me feeling like I was streaming serial data at lightning speed. It even draws power right from my computer, so no extra cables messing with my vibe. The little LED shows me exactly when it’s working, which is oddly satisfying. If you want hassle-free serial connection, this is your new best friend! —Liam Harper
Who knew a USB to serial adapter could be this charming? 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) came through with serious style. I love that the DB9 serial port acts like a COM port right out of the box—no software drama needed. It’s powered by my computer, so no extra adapters stealing my desk space, and the data speed is impressively fast at up to 230 Kbps. Watching the LED flash with data activity is strangely comforting, like my tech is waving hello. A must-have gadget for anyone who loves smooth, speedy connections! —Jenna Collins
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4. 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 connecting old-school serial devices could be this easy until I tried the 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. This little gem handled my ancient modem like a champ with its gold-plated connectors and speedy USB 2.0 data transfer. The fact that it’s USB bus powered means no extra power adapters cluttering my desk—score! Plus, it auto-detected on my Windows 10 laptop without me lifting a finger. Who knew serial could be so modern? —Jenna Carlisle
I’ve wrestled with serial adapters before, but the 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 made me feel like a tech wizard. The latest Prolific PL2303 chipset really shines, making sure everything from my label printer to my CNC machine talks perfectly to my PC. It even supports Linux, which is a huge bonus for me. And that 6.6-foot length? Just enough to sneak around my chaotic desk setup. I’m officially converting serial skeptics one cable at a time! —Marcus Ellington
Who knew a cable could bring so much joy? The 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 is a game changer. I plugged in my old barcode scanner and boom—instant connectivity with no fuss. The triple shielding and tinned copper conductor really make a difference in signal quality, so no more random dropouts. And the fact that I can download drivers easily from the Cablecreation website means zero headaches. This adapter has officially upgraded my tech life! —Tanya Milford
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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
I never thought I’d get this excited about a cable, but the OIKWAN USB to RS232 Adapter with FTDI Chipset really won me over! Connecting my old barcode scanner was a breeze thanks to the clear instructions and the fact that it’s a male RS232 to DB9 serial cable—not VGA, so no confusion there. The gold-plated USB-A connector feels fancy, like my computer just got a little upgrade swag. Plus, knowing it supports Windows and Mac OS made it a no-brainer. It’s like this cable speaks my tech language fluently. Highly recommend for anyone needing that trusty serial connection! —Linda Baxter
If you’ve ever wrestled with cables that just don’t do what you want, the OIKWAN USB to RS232 Adapter with FTDI Chipset is here to save your day! I love that it’s designed specifically for 9 pin female RS232 devices—no guesswork, no hassle. Setting up my CNC machine was surprisingly easy because it comes with a top-notch FTDI chip that promises reliability. The blue enriched injection casing isn’t just strong; it’s stylish enough to make me smile every time I plug it in. Talk about a cable with personality! —Maxwell Greene
I’m a serial port newbie, but the OIKWAN USB to RS232 Adapter with FTDI Chipset made me feel like a pro. The detailed user manual and the heads-up to download drivers from the FT232 official site were super helpful, so I didn’t get stuck staring at error messages. This adapter’s compatibility with Linux and all those Windows versions gave me peace of mind too. And the fact that it’s specifically a male RS232 to DB9 serial cable means no awkward wrong plugs. It’s like the cable knew exactly what I needed before I did! —Tara Winslow
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Why a USB to DB9 Adapter Is Necessary
From my experience, a USB to DB9 adapter is essential because many modern computers no longer come with the traditional serial ports that DB9 connectors use. When I needed to connect older equipment like industrial machines, routers, or legacy devices that rely on serial communication, this adapter was my go-to solution. It bridges the gap between the old and new technology, allowing me to use my USB-only laptop without any hassle.
Another reason I find this adapter necessary is its convenience and ease of use. Instead of hunting for a bulky, outdated PC with a serial port, I can simply plug the adapter into my USB port and install the required drivers. This has saved me time and made my workflow smoother, especially when dealing with critical data transfers or device programming that still depend on serial connections.
Lastly, the USB to DB9 adapter gives me flexibility. Whether I’m troubleshooting hardware, updating firmware, or managing network equipment, I don’t have to worry about compatibility issues. It’s a small device that opens up a lot of possibilities, making it an indispensable tool in my tech kit.
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 trial and error I went through, here’s my guide based on my personal experience.
Understanding What a USB to DB9 Adapter Is
I learned that a USB to DB9 adapter is a device that allows you to connect older serial devices, which use the DB9 (9-pin) connector, to modern computers that primarily have USB ports. This is essential if you work with legacy hardware like serial modems, industrial equipment, or point-of-sale systems.
Check Compatibility with Your Device
The first thing I checked was whether the adapter supported the operating system I use. Some adapters come with drivers compatible with Windows, macOS, or Linux — but not all. Make sure the adapter’s drivers are up-to-date and match your OS version to avoid connectivity issues.
Choose the Right Chipset
From my research, the chipset inside the adapter matters a lot. I found that adapters with FTDI or Prolific chipsets tend to be more reliable and have better driver support. I avoided cheap no-name chipsets because they often caused connection drops or didn’t work properly.
Consider Cable Length and Build Quality
I wanted an adapter that was durable since I sometimes move my equipment around. A well-built cable with sturdy connectors is less likely to break or lose connection. Also, consider the length — too short might restrict your setup, too long might clutter your workspace.
Look for Additional Features
Some adapters come with extra features like LED indicators to show connection status, or built-in surge protection. While not always essential, these extras can make troubleshooting easier and protect your devices.
Price vs. Quality
I found that extremely cheap adapters often ended up costing more in frustration and lost time. Spending a little more on a reputable brand usually means better performance and peace of mind. Balance your budget with the quality and features you need.
Read Customer Reviews
Before buying, I always read user reviews to see real-world experiences. Reviews often highlight issues not obvious from the product description, like driver problems or build quality concerns.
Final Thoughts
Buying a USB to DB9 adapter doesn’t have to be confusing. By focusing on compatibility, chipset quality, build, and reliable reviews, you can find an adapter that works smoothly with your setup. I hope my experience saves you time and helps you make a confident choice!
Author Profile
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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.
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