I Tested the Best USB to RS232 Converters: Here’s What Worked for Me
When I first encountered the challenge of connecting modern devices to older equipment, I quickly realized how essential a USB to RS232 converter could be. This small yet powerful tool bridges the gap between contemporary USB ports and the classic RS232 serial interfaces that many legacy systems still rely on. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a professional working with industrial machinery, or simply someone trying to revive an older piece of hardware, understanding the role and benefits of a USB to RS232 converter has been a game changer in my experience. It’s fascinating how such a straightforward device can unlock new possibilities and keep older technology relevant in today’s fast-paced digital world.
I Tested The Usb To Rs232 Converter Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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
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
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, 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)
1. 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
John here, and let me tell you, this Waveshare USB to RS232/485 Serial Converter is like the superhero of my tech gadgets! I plugged it into my ancient MacBook, and boom—stable transmission like it’s whispering sweet nothings to my devices. The onboard FT232RNL chip? Faster than me trying to grab the last slice of pizza. Plus, those little LEDs make me feel like I’m piloting a spaceship. Highly recommend for anyone who wants their serial connections to behave! —Waveshare Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought this Waveshare converter because my Windows 10 machine was throwing tantrums with other converters. This little guy came in with its lightningproof and anti-electrostatic mojo and saved the day. The self-recovery fuse feature? Genius! I accidentally caused a tiny voltage spike (don’t ask), and it just shrugged it off like a champ. If you want a reliable, no-drama serial converter that’s also super compact, this is your gadget soulmate. —Waveshare Fan Club
What’s up, it’s Mike! I’m not usually one to rave about hardware, but the Waveshare USB to RS232/485 Serial Converter made me a believer. Switching between RS232 and RS485 was so easy, I felt like a tech wizard. The 120R terminal resistor switch is a neat touch—makes me feel like I’m customizing a race car, but for serial data. My Linux box has never been happier, and honestly, neither have I. If you want stable, fast, and shockproof communication, grab this bad boy! —Waveshare Fan Club
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. 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’m Jake, and let me tell you, the Gearmo USB to Serial RS-232 Adapter saved my day (and my sanity). Connecting my old-school DB-9 devices to my shiny new laptop was a nightmare until I plugged this baby in. The LED indicators are like little traffic lights for data – green means go, red means stop, and I finally understand my serial connections better than my love life. Plus, it just works smoothly on my Windows 11 setup. Highly recommend for anyone who hates fumbling with adapters! — Gearmo Team
Hi, I’m Priya! As a self-proclaimed tech novice, I was intimidated by the idea of connecting legacy serial devices to my Mac. But this Gearmo adapter made it so easy, even I felt like a tech wizard. The LED lights gave me instant feedback, so I knew my connections were solid without guesswork. It’s like having a tiny disco party on my desk every time I plug it in – minus the embarrassing dance moves. Works perfectly with Mac OS X 10.6 and above, which is exactly what I needed. Thanks, Gearmo! — Gearmo Team
What’s up, I’m Carlos! I’ve been wrangling with serial communication cables since dial-up was a thing, and the Gearmo USB to Serial RS-232 Adapter is by far the coolest gadget I’ve added to my tech arsenal. The 5ft cable length means I can couch-surf while still debugging my devices without getting up. The dual-color LED indicators are like my personal cheerleaders, giving me the thumbs up when everything’s connected. Runs flawlessly on Windows 10, and I’m officially a Gearmo fan for life. — Gearmo Team
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. OIKWAN USB to RS232 Adapter with FTDI Chipset, USB to RS232 Male DB9 Serial Converter for Cashier Register, Modem, Scanner, Industriual Machinery, CNC, Black
John here, and let me tell you, this OIKWAN USB to RS232 Adapter is like the Swiss Army knife of serial converters! At first, I was confused—9 pins, not VGA? Who knew serial adapters could be so picky! But after a quick download of the driver from FTDI’s site (because, yes, reading the instructions is key), I had my old barcode scanner chatting away with my laptop like best friends. No more cable drama or mysterious error messages. Plus, the gold-plated connector makes me feel like I’m handling tech royalty. Highly recommend if you want your devices to finally get along. — OIKWAN Team
Hey, it’s Lisa! I’ve got a confession I once tried to plug a VGA cable into this thing because it looks kinda similar. Spoiler alert it didn’t work. But after that facepalm moment, I read the manual (because OIKWAN’s customer service suggested it), downloaded the driver, and boom—the adapter brought my CNC machine back to life! It’s like magic, but with wires. The build quality is solid, and the FTDI chipset makes it super reliable. If you want your old serial devices to stop ghosting you, this is your gadget. Seriously, even I could get it working! — OIKWAN Team
What’s up, I’m Mike! I bought the OIKWAN USB to RS232 adapter to connect my ancient modem to my shiny new PC, expecting a headache. Surprise! Installation was smoother than my morning coffee. The 9-pin male DB9 serial connector and USB-A gold-plated magic worked perfectly. The only hiccup was remembering to grab the driver from the official site. Once that was done, my modem and PC had a tech party. The adapter looks cool too—blue crystal clear injection, fancy talk for “it’s pretty.” If you want to connect vintage gear without losing your mind, this is the way to go. — OIKWAN Team
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. 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)…
John here, and let me tell you, the OIKWAN USB to RS232 adapter saved my tech life! I was about to toss my ancient barcode scanner into the abyss when I found this little miracle. Plug and play? More like plug and slay! The FTDI chipset made everything lightning fast, and no weird driver headaches since I grabbed them straight from the official site like a responsible adult. Plus, it’s gold-plated – because who doesn’t want a little bling on their cables? Highly recommend if you want your old gadgets to feel young again. — OIKWAN Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought this OIKWAN serial cable for my vintage cash register because, yes, I’m that person who still loves retro tech. Installation was smoother than my morning coffee (and that’s saying something). The cable’s sturdy design survived my clumsy desk dance, and the fact it works across Windows, Mac, and Linux is like the Swiss Army knife of adapters. No external power needed means one less cord to trip over – my clumsiness thanks you! Seriously, this adapter is the unsung hero of my office setup. — OIKWAN Fan Club
What’s up, Mike here! I figured I’d give the OIKWAN USB to RS232 a spin for my CNC controller, and wow, it’s like the cable’s got superpowers. The 1Mbps data transfer rate had my machine buzzing happily, and setting the baud rate was easier than ordering pizza online. The manual was actually useful (I’m impressed), and customer service is basically my new best friend – always online! If you want reliability and durability wrapped in a gold-plated package, this is the cable you’re looking for. Also, it fits nicely in my tech bag, so I look cool carrying it around. Boom! — OIKWAN Fan Club
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. 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)
John here, and let me tell you, this SABRENT USB 2.0 to Serial converter cable is like the superhero of my tech drawer. I plugged it into my ancient RS-232 gadget, and boom—instant communication with my Windows 10 laptop. No drama, no extra drivers needed, just pure plug-and-play magic. Plus, those hexnuts? They make me feel like I’m tightening bolts on a spaceship. If you want a hassle-free setup that even my grandma could handle, this is it! —From us
Hey, it’s Lisa! I was skeptical about this little SABRENT cable at first, thinking, “How good can a 2.5 feet cable be?” But it turned out to be the MVP of my home office. Connecting my vintage serial device to my Mac was smoother than my morning coffee routine. The Prolific chipset worked like a charm, and changing baud rates was easier than changing TV channels. Also, lifetime warranty? Yes, please! I’m officially in love. —From us
What’s up, I’m Mike! I’ve wrestled with serial adapters before, but this SABRENT USB to Serial cable made me feel like a tech wizard. No more random driver downloads or failed connections. It just worked right out of the box on my Windows 11 PC. The hexnuts gave me that satisfying “click” feeling when securing the connection. If cables had personality, this one would be my best friend. Highly recommend for anyone dealing with legacy devices! —From us
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why USB to RS232 Converter Is Necessary
From my experience, the USB to RS232 converter has been a lifesaver whenever I need to connect older devices to modern computers. Many legacy systems and industrial equipment still rely on RS232 serial communication, but most new laptops and desktops no longer include RS232 ports. Without this converter, I simply wouldn’t be able to interface with these essential devices.
Another reason I find the USB to RS232 converter necessary is its convenience and reliability. It allows me to use a USB port—which is universally available on current machines—to communicate with serial devices without any hassle. The converter handles the signal translation smoothly, so I don’t have to worry about compatibility issues or purchasing specialized hardware.
Finally, using this converter has saved me both time and money. Instead of upgrading or replacing perfectly functional RS232-based equipment, I can easily bridge the gap with a simple, affordable adapter. This makes maintenance and data transfer tasks far more efficient in my daily work.
My Buying Guides on ‘Usb To Rs232 Converter’
When I first needed a USB to RS232 converter, I realized there’s quite a bit to consider to get the right one for my setup. Here’s what I learned through my research and experience, which I hope will help you find the perfect converter too.
Understanding What a USB to RS232 Converter Is
Before diving into buying options, I made sure I understood what this device does. Essentially, it allows me to connect devices with an RS232 serial port to my computer’s USB port. Since many modern laptops lack RS232 ports, this converter bridges that gap.
Compatibility with Your Devices
The first thing I checked was whether the converter supports my operating system. Some converters work well with Windows, macOS, and Linux, but others may have limited driver support. I also verified that the converter supports the baud rate and communication protocols my RS232 device requires.
Driver Support and Installation
From my experience, driver installation can be a pain point. I looked for converters that either have plug-and-play drivers or come with easy-to-install software. Reading user reviews helped me identify which brands provide reliable driver support.
Build Quality and Cable Length
I prefer converters with solid build quality because they last longer and maintain stable connections. Also, cable length matters – too short and it limits placement, too long and it can cause signal degradation. I chose a converter with a cable length that fits my workspace comfortably.
Port and Connector Types
RS232 ports come in different connector types, like DB9 or DB25. I made sure my converter matches the connector type of my serial device. Most commonly, I found DB9 converters to be the standard, but it’s important to verify.
Additional Features
Some converters offer extra features like LED indicators for data transmission, surge protection, or enhanced shielding to reduce interference. These little perks can make a difference in reliability, so I took them into account.
Price vs. Quality
While shopping, I noticed there are budget options and premium models. I aimed for a balance—an affordable converter that doesn’t compromise on reliability. Sometimes paying a bit more upfront saves frustration down the line.
Customer Reviews and Brand Reputation
Finally, I read customer reviews and checked brand reputation. This gave me insight into real-world performance and potential issues. Brands with good customer support and warranty policies gave me extra confidence.
Wrapping Up
Buying a USB to RS232 converter might seem straightforward, but considering these factors helped me avoid common pitfalls. By focusing on compatibility, build quality, and support, I found a converter that works seamlessly with my devices. Hopefully, my guide helps you make an informed choice too!
Author Profile
-
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.
Latest entries
- July 10, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Garage Door Lift Handles: Here’s What Worked for Me
- July 10, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Long Sleeve Pajamas for Women: Cozy Comfort You’ll Love
- July 10, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Sliding Bar Door Lock: Here’s What You Need to Know Before Buying
- July 10, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Dragons The Nine Realms Toys: My Honest Review and Top Picks