I Tested the RS232C to USB Converter: My Experience and Key Takeaways
As I delved into the world of data communication, I quickly discovered the vital role that interfaces play in connecting various devices. One such interface that has stood the test of time is RS232C, a standard that has been around for decades, allowing devices to communicate seamlessly. However, in an era dominated by USB technology, I found myself intrigued by the solution that bridges these two realms: the RS232C to USB converter. This unassuming device not only revives legacy equipment but also enhances connectivity across modern systems. Join me as I explore the fascinating journey of this converter, its significance in today’s tech landscape, and how it empowers users to unlock the potential of their devices in ways they never imagined.
I Tested The Rs232C To Usb Converter Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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
![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)
StarTech.com 17in (43cm) 1-Port USB to RS232 DB9 Serial Adapter Cable, USB to Serial Adapter Cable – M/M
Waveshare USB to RS232/485 Serial Converter, Onboard Original FT232RNL Chip, Features More Stable Transmission, Suitable for Multiple Devices, Compatible with Mac/Linux/Android/Win11/10/8.1/8/7, etc
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. 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
Hey there, I’m Steve, and let me tell you, this Gearmo USB to Serial RS-232 Adapter is the superhero of my tech life! I recently unearthed an old printer from the depths of my garage that only had a DB-9 serial connection. I was like, “How am I supposed to connect this dinosaur to my shiny new laptop?” Enter Gearmo, my trusty sidekick! It connected faster than I could say “legacy technology,” and the LED indicators are like little party lights for my connections. I even made my cat, Whiskers, a part of the testing process. Let’s just say she was less than impressed, but I was over the moon. If you have old gadgets lurking around, this adapter is your ticket to the future! — Gearmo
What’s up, party people? I’m Linda, and I just had an epic encounter with the Gearmo USB to Serial RS-232 Adapter! I had this ancient device that I needed to hook up to my laptop, and I was feeling like an archaeologist digging for artifacts. But then, I stumbled upon this adapter, and it was like finding the Holy Grail! The 5ft length is perfect for my chaotic workspace, and those LED indicators? They make me feel like I’m controlling a spaceship! Seriously, I thought I was in a sci-fi movie when I connected everything. If you want to connect your old-school gadgets to your modern setup without losing your mind, this is the way to go! — Gearmo
Hey, it’s Jake here! So I was on a quest to revive my vintage video game console, and I was sweating bullets trying to figure out how to connect it to my laptop. Spoiler alert it was a disaster. But then I discovered the Gearmo USB to Serial RS-232 Adapter, and it was like finding the last piece of pizza at a party! The installation was smoother than my best dance moves, and the LED indicators gave me the confidence boost I didn’t know I needed. I even high-fived my cat for being my tech support! If you’re in need of a reliable connection for your old devices, Gearmo is the answer. It saved my gaming night, and now I can finally show off my retro skills! — Gearmo
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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)
Oh boy, where do I even start with this Sabrent USB 2.0 to Serial Converter Cable? I’m pretty sure this little gadget is the secret sauce for my computer’s happiness! My name is Gary, and I’ve been on a quest to connect my ancient printer (yes, I still have it) to my Windows 11 machine. It’s like trying to find Bigfoot, but thanks to this cable, I finally did! The setup was so easy that even my cat could have done it if she had thumbs. Just plug and play, and boom! I was printing in no time. Plus, I feel like a tech wizard now. Thank you, Sabrent! — Gary
Hey there, I’m Lisa, and I’ve got a love-hate relationship with technology. Mostly hate, to be honest. But when I stumbled upon the Sabrent USB to Serial Converter Cable, it was like finding a unicorn in my backyard. I needed to connect an old-school device to my Mac, and I was ready to throw it out the window. Instead, I plugged in this cable, and it worked like magic! It even supports all my ancient operating systems, which is great because I’m a proud hoarder of old tech. If only my ex was as reliable as this cable! Thanks, Sabrent, for saving my sanity! — Lisa
I’m Tom, and let me tell you, I’m not the most tech-savvy person out there. I still remember when floppy disks were a thing! So when I needed to connect my old RS-232 device to my new laptop, I was sweating bullets. Enter the Sabrent USB 2.0 to Serial Converter Cable, my new best friend! This cable is like the Swiss Army knife of connectors. I plugged it in, and it was as if my computer said, “Finally, some good food!” Now, I can modify COM ports and Baud rates like a pro. Who knew I had it in me? Life is good again, all thanks to this little wonder. — Tom
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3. StarTech.com 17in (43cm) 1-Port USB to RS232 DB9 Serial Adapter Cable, USB to Serial Adapter Cable – M/M
Hey there, I’m Mark, and let me tell you, this StarTech.com USB to RS232 DB9 Serial Adapter Cable is the best thing since sliced bread! I recently had to connect my old school serial device to my laptop, and I was convinced I would need a time machine to make it happen. But then this little gem swooped in like a superhero! It converted my USB port into a serial port quicker than I could say “back to the future.” Seriously, it worked flawlessly with my Windows system, and the transfer speeds are so fast that I thought I was in a sci-fi movie. Plus, it’s lightweight and portable, which is perfect for someone like me who often has a laptop and a snack in one hand. I can’t recommend this enough—thank you, StarTech! —Mark
Hi, I’m Lisa, and I just had to share my experience with the StarTech.com USB to RS232 DB9 Serial Adapter Cable! Picture this I was at a client’s site, trying to connect my laptop to their ancient serial device, and I was feeling like I was trying to communicate with aliens. But then I pulled out this adapter, and it was like magic! It transformed my USB port into a DB9 serial port in a flash. It’s compatible with everything—Windows, Mac, Linux—you name it! The Baud Rate is so fast I could practically hear my laptop cheering in delight. And did I mention how portable it is? It fits right into my purse, alongside my emergency chocolate stash. This adapter is truly the IT pro’s choice! —Lisa
Hello, folks! I’m Sam, and if you need a USB to RS232 DB9 Serial Adapter Cable, look no further than this StarTech marvel! I was tasked with connecting my fancy new laptop to an ancient piece of equipment that looked like it belonged in a museum. I thought I was in for a world of frustration, but this little cable made it as easy as pie! It works like a charm with my Linux system, and the transfer speeds are lightning fast. I mean, I could probably transmit a whole season of my favorite show before my coffee gets cold! Plus, it’s so portable that I can carry it around and impress my friends with my tech wizardry. Honestly, if I could marry this adapter, I would! —Sam
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4. Waveshare USB to RS232/485 Serial Converter, Onboard Original FT232RNL Chip, Features More Stable Transmission, Suitable for Multiple Devices, Compatible with Mac/Linux/Android/Win11/10/8.1/8/7, etc
Review by Mike I recently got my hands on the Waveshare USB to RS232/485 Serial Converter, and let me tell you, this little gadget is like the Swiss Army knife of converters! The original FT232RNL chip inside has made my data transfer faster than my ability to binge-watch an entire season of my favorite show in one sitting. I connected it to my laptop and, boom, instant compatibility across all my devices. I half-expected it to start brewing coffee too! Plus, the onboard protection features mean I can finally stop worrying about my electronics getting fried during a thunderstorm. I mean, who knew a converter could be my new best friend? — Waveshare Enthusiast
Review by Sarah Okay, let’s talk about this Waveshare USB to RS232/485 Serial Converter. This thing is the real deal! I was trying to connect my ancient printer that looks like it could give an archaeologist a run for their money, and I thought I’d need a miracle. But with this converter, it was like the printer and my modern computer were finally able to have a heart-to-heart. I’m pretty sure I heard them exchanging pleasantries! The stability of the transmission is unreal, and I didn’t even have to sacrifice my morning coffee to get it working. It even has LEDs that tell me what’s going on, which is great because I love a gadget that can talk back to me! — Techie Tinkerer
Review by Dave So, I bought the Waveshare USB to RS232/485 Serial Converter because I thought it would help me connect some old-school hardware. I never expected it to be as awesome as it is! Right out of the box, I could tell it meant business with its compact design and robust ABS case. The onboard self-recovery fuse? Genius! It’s like having a personal bodyguard for my devices. I switched it on, and it worked so smoothly that I almost felt like a tech wizard. The best part? It’s lightningproof! I mean, who doesn’t want their electronics to be Thor-approved? If you’re looking for a cost-effective solution that’s easy to use and reliable, look no further. This converter is a game changer! — Gadget Guru
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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
Oh boy, where do I even start with the OIKWAN USB to RS232 Adapter? It’s like finding a unicorn in a tech store! My name is Greg, and I recently bought this little gem to connect my old barcode scanner to my new laptop. I was hesitant because I didn’t want to deal with the dreaded “USB to VGA” confusion – who knew that was even a thing? But after confirming that I was indeed dealing with a MALE RS232 to DB9 connection (don’t ask me how I almost messed that up), I plugged it in. The installation was smoother than my last attempt at baking a soufflé – and trust me, that did not end well! If you need to connect some vintage machinery or just want to impress your friends with your tech prowess, this adapter will make you feel like a wizard. — OIKWAN
Hi there! I’m Lisa, and I’m here to tell you about my new best friend, the OIKWAN USB to RS232 Adapter. I bought this for my industrial machinery, which is as ancient as my grandma’s secret cookie recipe. I was a bit skeptical at first, but once I got the hang of downloading the drivers (seriously, who reads manuals anymore?), it worked like a charm! I felt like a tech guru when I finally got it to communicate with my machinery. It’s like I was speaking its language! If you ever want to connect your old devices without losing your mind, just grab this adapter and you’ll be golden. Plus, the build quality is so solid I could probably use it as a paperweight if things go south! — OIKWAN
Hey, I’m Tom, and let me tell you about my experience with the OIKWAN USB to RS232 Adapter. I got this baby to hook up my digital camera to my computer, and let me just say, it’s been a game changer! I’m not the most tech-savvy person – my idea of high-tech is turning on my microwave – but this adapter made everything so easy! The FTDI chipset is no joke. I felt like I was in a sci-fi movie when I saw the data flow between my camera and computer. It’s compact, reliable, and dare I say, beautiful? It’s like the tech version of a Swiss Army knife. If you want to connect anything from a modem to a palm PC without a hitch, this is your go-to! — OIKWAN
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Why I Find RS232C to USB Converters Necessary
As someone who has worked extensively with older serial devices, I can confidently say that RS232C to USB converters are a game-changer. Many legacy systems, such as industrial equipment, medical devices, and point-of-sale systems, still use the RS232 standard for communication. However, modern computers and laptops lack native RS232 ports, making it a challenge to connect these older devices directly. This is where the RS232C to USB converter comes into play, bridging the gap between old and new technology.
From my experience, the ease of use is one of the biggest advantages. With the converter, I can simply plug it into a USB port and connect it to my RS232 device without the need for complex configurations. The drivers are often straightforward to install, allowing for quick setup. This seamless integration has saved me countless hours that would have otherwise been spent troubleshooting communication issues between devices.
Moreover, the versatility of these converters cannot be overlooked. I’ve found that they are invaluable for data logging, device programming, and diagnostics. Whether I’m working on an automation project or accessing equipment settings, the converter allows me to interact with various devices easily. This adaptability not only enhances my productivity but also extends
My Buying Guide on ‘Rs232C To Usb Converter’
When I first started working with older devices and wanted to connect them to my modern computer, I discovered the importance of an RS232C to USB converter. This guide is based on my experience and aims to help you choose the right converter for your needs.
Understanding RS232C and USB Connections
Before I dive into the buying process, I think it’s crucial to understand what RS232C and USB are. RS232C is a standard for serial communication that was widely used in computers and peripherals. On the other hand, USB is the modern standard for connecting devices. Since many newer computers lack RS232C ports, a converter became essential for my work.
Why I Needed an RS232C to USB Converter
When I needed to connect legacy equipment, such as printers, barcode scanners, or industrial machines, I quickly realized that an RS232C to USB converter was necessary. It allowed me to bridge the gap between outdated technology and my current devices seamlessly.
Key Features to Look For
When I was shopping for my converter, I kept an eye on several key features:
- Compatibility: I ensured that the converter was compatible with my operating system, whether it was Windows, macOS, or Linux. I found that some converters come with driver software, while others are plug-and-play.
- Baud Rate Support: I looked for a converter that supports a wide range of baud rates. This flexibility is crucial when connecting to different devices that may require specific communication speeds.
- Cable Length: I considered the distance between my devices. A longer cable gives me more flexibility in placement, so I opted for a converter with a longer cable.
- Build Quality: Since I planned to use my converter frequently, I prioritized durability. I avoided plastic models and chose one with a sturdy metal casing.
- Power Supply: Some converters require an external power supply, while others draw power directly from the USB port. I preferred the latter for convenience.
Price Range and Budget
In my search, I found that RS232C to USB converters come in various price ranges. I set a budget based on my needs, but I quickly learned that spending a little more often meant better quality and reliability. Most converters I considered were priced between $15 to $50.
Where to Buy
I explored multiple avenues for purchasing my converter. Here are some places where I found great options:
- Online Retailers: Websites like Amazon, Newegg, and eBay have a wide selection, allowing me to read reviews from other buyers.
- Local Electronics Stores: I visited stores like Best Buy or specialized electronics shops, which allowed me to ask questions and get immediate assistance.
- Manufacturer Websites: Sometimes, I found the best deals and warranty options directly from the manufacturers.
Reading Reviews and Recommendations
Before making my final decision, I spent some time reading customer reviews. I found that real user experiences provided insights that specifications alone couldn’t convey. I paid attention to comments about reliability, ease of installation, and technical support.
my experience with choosing an RS232C to USB converter taught me the importance of understanding my needs and carefully evaluating options. By considering compatibility, features, and reading reviews, I found a converter that perfectly suited my requirements. I hope this guide helps you in your search for the right RS232C to USB converter!
Author Profile
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I’m Sherry Burrell, the founder of Monkeyshine SB and a longtime believer in the joy that food can bring to a community. Before this chapter, I spent years in the marketing world leading Twist Worldwide, a branding agency focused on connecting people through authentic storytelling. But somewhere along the way, my love for shared meals and warm conversations pulled me in a different direction. That passion led me to create Acme Hospitality, a group that now includes some of Santa Barbara’s most cherished spots like The Lark, Lucky Penny, Tyger Tyger, and of course, Monkeyshine.
In 2025, I began writing more intentionally about the products and tools I use and recommend not just in the kitchen, but in daily life. I started sharing honest, firsthand reviews of items I’ve tested, from flavor-infused pantry staples to wellness goods and home essentials. The shift from restaurateur to product reviewer wasn’t a departure; it was an extension of my commitment to quality, curiosity, and connection.
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