Best Parallel Adapters of 2025

Mike Davis Avatar
Mike Davis
Last Updated: Jan 2, 2025

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Parallel adapters are a type of computer hardware that allow users to connect multiple devices to a computer through a parallel port. These adapters are typically used to connect printers, scanners, and other peripherals to a computer. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and can be used with both desktop and laptop computers. Parallel adapters are easy to install and use, and can greatly expand the functionality of a computer. Whether you're a home user or a professional, parallel adapters are a great way to increase the versatility of your computer system.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

StarTech.com USB to Parallel Printer Adapter Cover #TOP 1
StarTech.com USB to Parallel Printer Adapter
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Starnill Centronics to Mini-Centronics Adapter Cover #TOP 2
Starnill Centronics to Mini-Centronics Adapter
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Belkin USB Parallel Printer Adapter Cover #TOP 3
Belkin USB Parallel Printer Adapter
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Parallel Adapters

#TOP 1

StarTech.com USB to Parallel Printer Adapter

ICUSB1284
Black
StarTech.com USB to Parallel Printer Adapter Cover
StarTech.com 6 ft. (1.8 m) USB to Parallel Port Adapter - IEEE-1284 - Male/Male - USB to Centronics Cable (ICUSB1284)

The StarTech.com USB to Parallel Port Adapter enables you to connect a Centronics-equipped parallel printer to your computer via a USB-A 2.0 port. It is USB bus-powered, so there is no requirement for an external power adapter. The adapter is USB-A male to 36-pin Centronics parallel male cable and is 1.8m (6 ft) long. It is black in color and made of plastic, with a Prolific PL2305 chipset.

What We Like
Easy to connect your parallel printer to your computer via USB-A
USB bus-powered, no external power adapter required
Long cable length of 1.8m (6 ft)
#TOP 2

Starnill Centronics to Mini-Centronics Adapter

starnill
8541673393
Starnill Centronics to Mini-Centronics Adapter Cover
Starnill Centronics Cen36 Female to Mini-centronics Hpcen36 Male Ieee1284 Parallel Printer Adapter

The Starnill Parallel Printer Adapter is designed to connect your standard 36-pin Centronics cable to a smaller 36-pin Mini-Centronics port. This adapter allows you to easily adapt your existing cables, ensuring compatibility with various devices. The female connector on one end fits securely into your Centronics cable, while the male connector on the other end plugs into a Mini-Centronics port. This is especially useful if you need to connect older printers or devices that utilize the Mini-Centronics interface, making it a convenient solution for your printing needs.

What We Like
Easy cable adaptation
Secure connections
Compatible with older devices
Compact design
#TOP 3

Belkin USB Parallel Printer Adapter

F5U002V1
Black
6 Ft
Belkin USB Parallel Printer Adapter Cover
Belkin F5U002V1 USB Parallel Printer Adapter

The Belkin USB Parallel Printer Adapter, also known as Belkin Printer Adapter, is a handy device that allows you to connect your printer to your computer's USB port. This adapter saves the parallel ports for use with other devices such as scanners and digital cameras. With faster printing speeds, you can print your documents quickly and efficiently. The Belkin Pro Series 6-foot USB device cable ensures a quality connection between your printer and your computer. Additionally, this adapter comes with a lifetime warranty so you can be confident in your purchase.

What We Like
Faster printing speeds
Saves parallel ports
Includes quality USB cable
#TOP 4

ProgressiveRC EC3 Adapter

ProgressiveRC
AC-PEC3
ProgressiveRC EC3 Adapter Cover
Parallel EC3 Adapter

The ProgressiveRC EC3 Adapter is designed for convenience and versatility. With its 12 amp EC3 connector, you can easily power a variety of devices, making it perfect for camping, tailgating, and other outdoor adventures. Its silicone finish not only provides a waterproof barrier but also ensures durability, allowing you to use it in various weather conditions. The compact size means you can effortlessly carry it wherever you go, ensuring you’re always prepared for any situation. This adapter truly combines function and portability for all your outdoor needs.

What We Like
Durable silicone finish
Lightweight and portable
Multi-use for outdoor activities
Powerful 12 amp connector
#TOP 5

RATTMMOTOR RTM200 USB to Parallel Adapter

RATTMMOTOR
RTM200
gray
RATTMMOTOR RTM200 USB to Parallel Adapter Cover
RATTMMOTOR Parallel to USB Adapter 200KHz MACH3 USB to Parallel Adapter RTM200 DB25 LPT Cable to USB Motion Controller Converter with USB Cable for LPT/USB Mach3 CNC Router Engraving Milling Machine

The RATTMMOTOR RTM200 Adapter is designed to enhance your CNC machining experience. It features compatibility with various Windows versions, allowing you to easily connect your devices. With support for up to six axes and a working frequency of 200KHz, you can expect reliable and precise performance. Its compact size makes it convenient to set up without taking up much space. Plus, it replaces the outdated LPT port, providing a more efficient connection to your stepper driver board or control box, ensuring better functionality for your projects.

What We Like
High compatibility with Windows systems
Supports up to 6 axes
Compact and easy to install
Replaces outdated LPT port
#TOP 6

Gear Head CA2550 USB Parallel Adapter

Gear Head
CA2550
Silver/black
Gear Head CA2550 USB Parallel Adapter Cover
Gear Head High Speed USB Parallel Adapter (CA2550)

The Gear Head Parallel Adapter allows you to easily connect your existing printer to your computer. It adheres to the IEEE 1284 standard, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of printers. With true bi-directional communication, this adapter enables you to send and receive data seamlessly, improving your printing efficiency. Its portable design means you can take it anywhere, making it a great solution for home or office use. Enjoy the convenience of printing without the hassle of complicated setups.

What We Like
Easy printer connection
Wide compatibility
Efficient data transfer
Portable and convenient
#TOP 7

Parallel EC5 Adapter

ProgressiveRC
AC-PEC5
Parallel EC5 Adapter Cover
Parallel EC5 Adapter

The Parallel EC5 Adapter is a convenient tool for parallel connections of EC5 connectors. It belongs to the category of Parallel Adapters that provide a quick and easy way to connect multiple batteries in parallel for increased capacity and longer run times.

What We Like
Allows for parallel connections of EC5 connectors
Provides a quick and easy way to connect multiple batteries in parallel
Increases capacity and longer run times
#TOP 8

Zaagot 1.8/50pin to 2.5-inch Adapter

Zaagot
4NB604659_fffacai
Green
As Pic Shows
Zaagot 1.8/50pin to 2.5-inch Adapter Cover
Zaagot 1.8/50pin to 2.5-inch 44pin Parallel Port Male/Notebook Hard Disk Adapter for No External Power Supply PCB

The Zaagot 2.5-Inch Adapter allows you to connect a 2.5-inch hard drive to a laptop or desktop that uses a 44-pin connector. This means you can easily upgrade your old computer with a newer 2.5-inch hard drive, improving performance and storage capacity. With its 50-pin male and 44-pin female connectors, compatibility is seamless for various devices. This adapter is perfect for those looking to maximize the use of existing hard drives without needing external power, making it a great option for tech-savvy users wanting to enhance their systems.

What We Like
Easy hard drive upgrades
Compatible with older computers
No external power needed
High-quality construction
#TOP 9

Lava Parallel Adapter

Par-PCIe
Lava Parallel Adapter Cover
Lava Computer Parallel Adapter

The Lava Parallel Adapter is designed to enhance your computer's connectivity options. With its limited lifetime warranty, you can trust in its durability and reliability. This adapter allows you to connect parallel devices easily, making it perfect for printing or connecting older hardware. The support provided ensures you have assistance whenever needed, giving you peace of mind. By using this adapter, you can extend the lifespan of your devices and enjoy seamless communication between your computer and peripherals.

What We Like
Limited lifetime warranty
Easy device connectivity
Reliable support
Extends device lifespan
#TOP 10

Cable Leader DB25 to CN36 Adapter

Cable Leader DB25 to CN36 Adapter Cover
Cable Leader DB25 to CN36 Printer Adapter (M/F)

The Cable Leader Printer Adapter is designed to provide reliable connectivity for your printing needs. Its fully shielded construction protects against electromagnetic and radio frequency interference, ensuring your data transmission remains clear and uninterrupted. This feature is particularly useful in environments with numerous electronic devices. Additionally, the adapter is RoHS compliant, which means it adheres to strict environmental standards, promoting safer use. By choosing this adapter, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing it meets quality and safety requirements, enhancing your overall printing experience.

What We Like
EMI/RFI shielding
Environmental compliance
Reliable connectivity
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why are parallel ports no longer used?

Parallel ports are no longer used in new computers because the rise of USB devices and network printing using Ethernet and Wi-Fi connected printers. USB provides a more versatile and widely supported interface for connecting peripheral devices.

2. What is an example of a parallel connector?

An example of a parallel connector is the Centronics port, commonly used for connecting printers to a computer. Other devices that may use parallel connectors include monitors, projectors, and other peripherals that require high bandwidth for data transfer.

3. What does a parallel connector do?

A parallel connector, such as the Centronics port, allows a computer to transmit or receive data through multiple bundled cables to a peripheral device, like a printer. It provides a parallel communication interface for sending large amounts of data at once.

4. Is parallel faster than USB?

No, USB is faster than parallel ports. USB allows data to travel at a much higher speed compared to parallel ports. On average, USB is about ten times faster than a parallel port.

5. What is the difference between USB and parallel?

The main difference between USB and parallel ports is that USB supports connecting multiple devices through an external USB hub, while parallel ports typically only support one device at a time. USB ports are more versatile and can accommodate multiple devices with the use of hubs.

6. What still uses parallel port?

While parallel ports are no longer commonly used, some business printers may still offer parallel ports. However, consumer-based printers and new computers primarily use USB for connectivity.

7. What are the disadvantages of parallel ports?

Parallel ports have some drawbacks, such as supporting short-distance communication due to crosstalk between the parallel lines. They also require more wires compared to serial interfaces, making them more complex and costly to implement.

Editor's Notes

During our parallel adapter research, we found 24 parallel adapter products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 5,037 customer reviews through our big data system to write the parallel adapters list. We found that most customers choose parallel adapters with an average price of $13.87.

The parallel adapters are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of parallel adapters, including StarTech.com, starnill, Belkin, ProgressiveRC, RATTMMOTOR. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Mike Davis Avatar

Mike Davis is a professionally trained electrician with six years of working experience in the electronics industry. He has written an array of web and mobile-based articles for e-magazines and blogs. He loves trying out some novel and popular gadgets and his expertise is in the areas of electronics and computers which is built over many years of working and personal experiences.