Best Parallel Cables of 2025

Mike Davis Avatar
Mike Davis
Last Updated: Jan 9, 2025

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Parallel cables are a type of computer cable that allow for data to be transferred between devices at high speeds. They are commonly used to connect printers, scanners, and other peripheral devices to a computer. These cables feature multiple wires running parallel to each other, and are typically equipped with standard DB25 or Centronics connectors. Parallel cables are known for their reliability and durability, making them a popular choice for both home and office settings. They are also relatively inexpensive and widely available, making them a practical choice for those looking for a reliable data transfer solution.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

UGREEN USB to Parallel Port Printer Cable Adapter Cover #TOP 1
UGREEN USB to Parallel Port Printer Cable Adapter
ftb score rating icon 9.9
XMSJSIY DB25 to CN36 Parallel Printer Cable Cover #TOP 2
XMSJSIY DB25 to CN36 Parallel Printer Cable
ftb score rating icon 9.8
4.5 Feet DB25 Male to Male Parallel Printer Cable Cover #TOP 3
4.5 Feet DB25 Male to Male Parallel Printer Cable
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Parallel Cables

#TOP 1

UGREEN USB to Parallel Port Printer Cable Adapter

30228
Grey
10FT
UGREEN USB to Parallel Port Printer Cable Adapter Cover
UGREEN 10FT USB to Parallel Port Printer Cable, CN36 Printer Cable Adapter IEEE1284 for Old Printer, Centronics Parallel Converter with Fast Transmission

The UGREEN USB to Parallel Port Printer Cable Adapter allows you to connect your computer to an old printer with a 36 pin parallel port. It is compatible with various systems and supports data transfer speeds up to 12Mbps. The pure copper core and shielding design help reduce signal loss and ensure stable signal transmission. Additionally, this printer cable is easy to install and use without the need for drivers.

What We Like
Compatible with multiple systems
Supports fast data transfer speeds
Stable signal transmission with pure copper core and shielding design
Easy to install and use without drivers
#TOP 2

XMSJSIY DB25 to CN36 Parallel Printer Cable

LE-42
gray
XMSJSIY DB25 to CN36 Parallel Printer Cable Cover
XMSJSIY DB25 to CN36 Parallel Printer Cable, DB25 25 Pin Male to CN36 Centronics 36 Pin Male Serial Parallel Printer Extension Cable Adapter for Connect Computers, Printers 25C*30AWG - 1.5M

XMSJSIY Parallel Cable connects your PC to parallel printers, scanners, and other devices. It offers extensive compatibility with various systems like Windows, Linux, and Mac. The stable signal transmission ensures no printing abnormalities, thanks to its copper core and shielding design. The high-quality PVC housing with nickel-plated interface guarantees fast transmission speed and a secure connection. This durable cable is suitable for industrial environments, making it a reliable choice for your printing needs.

What We Like
Extensive compatibility
Stable signal transmission
Durable PVC housing
#TOP 3

4.5 Feet DB25 Male to Male Parallel Printer Cable

AUB08FCN2BRH
Black
4.5 Feet DB25 Male to Male Parallel Printer Cable Cover
PNGKNYOCN 4.5 Feet DB25 Male to Male Parallel Printer Cable YOUCHENG for The Connection Between a Computer with DB25 Female Interface and The Printer

The 4.5 Feet DB25 Male to Male Parallel Printer Cable allows for high-quality, two-way communication between DB25 IEEE-1284 compatible printers, scanners, and other compatible peripherals and your PC. The cable features a high-quality PVC housing that is wear and corrosion-resistant, nickel-plated interface to ensure transmission speed, and a firm connection with standard general screws. This plug and play cable is 140cm long and does not require any drivers.

What We Like
Allows for high-quality, two-way communication between peripherals and your PC
Wear and corrosion-resistant PVC housing and nickel-plated interface ensure transmission speed
Firm connection with standard general screws
#TOP 4

UGREEN USB to DB25 Parallel Printer Cable Adapter 6FT

20224
Gray
UGREEN USB to DB25 Parallel Printer Cable Adapter 6FT Cover
UGREEN 6ft USB to DB25 Parallel (25 Pin) Printer Cable Adapter 6FT Male to Female Connector DB25 IEEE 1284 Converter for Old Printer Support Windows 7/8/10/11/Mac/Linux

The UGREEN USB to DB25 adapter cable allows you to connect your USB-equipped computer to a parallel printer, scanner, or other devices with a DB25 parallel interface. It supports fast data transfer speed, is driver-free and compatible with various operating systems. Note that it is not compatible with Zip drive and will not serve as LPT Port.

What We Like
Fast data transfer speed up to 12Mbps
Driver-free plug and play
Wide compatibility with various operating systems
#TOP 5

Dahszhi DB25 Male to Female Cable

43237-2
1.4M/ 4.6 Ft
Dahszhi DB25 Male to Female Cable Cover
Dahszhi DB25 Male to Female Parallel Printer Serial Extension Cable IEEE1284 25 pin 1.4M/4.6 Ft

The Dahszhi Parallel Printer Cable offers a reliable connection between your computer and various displays, projectors, or printers. You will appreciate its ability to maintain high performance over long distances, ensuring that your printed documents come out clear and without errors. With foil shielding, this cable protects against electromagnetic interference, providing a stable connection. The fully molded design with thumbscrew connectors makes setup quick and simple, allowing you to connect devices without hassle. This cable is perfect for sharing files and devices between two computers equipped with DB25 female parallel ports.

What We Like
High-performance connection
Long-distance transmission
EMI/RFI protection
Easy setup with molded connectors
#TOP 6

StarTech.com USB to Parallel Printer Adapter

ICUSB128410
Black
10ft
StarTech.com USB to Parallel Printer Adapter Cover
StarTech.com 10 ft USB to Parallel Printer Adapter - M/M - USB to ieee 1284 - USB to centronics - USB to Parallel Cable (ICUSB128410), Black

StarTech USB Adapter allows you to add a Centronics parallel port to your desktop or laptop PC through USB. This adapter enables you to connect your USB to a parallel printer, offering a convenient solution for printing. With the USB to Parallel Cable, you can easily link your devices without the need for a built-in parallel port. The USB to Centronics feature ensures seamless compatibility, making printing tasks hassle-free.

What We Like
Easy USB connection
Enables parallel printing
Convenient device linking
#TOP 7

Cable Leader DB25M to CN36M Printer Cable

Black
15 Foot (1 Pack)
Cable Leader DB25M to CN36M Printer Cable Cover
Cable Leader DB25M to CN36M Parallel Printer Cable, 25C (15 Foot (1 Pack))

The Cable Leader Parallel Printer Cable is designed with 25 conductors made from 28 AWG wiring, ensuring efficient data transfer for your printing needs. This 15-foot cable provides ample length, allowing you to position your printer conveniently without being limited by short cables. Additionally, it complies with RoHS standards, meaning it is environmentally friendly and safe to use. This cable is perfect for connecting older parallel printers to your computer, making your printing tasks easier and more reliable.

What We Like
High conductor quality
15-foot length
Environmentally friendly
Reliable connection
#TOP 8

Yohii Parallel Printer Extension Cable

Yohii
8541684834
14.7 Ft/ 4.5M
Yohii Parallel Printer Extension Cable Cover
Yohii 14.7 Ft/ 4.5M DB25 Male to Male Parallel Printer Extension Cable Serial RS232 Cable- (G7.23)

Yohii Printer Cable is a reliable 14.7 Ft/ 4.5M DB25 Male to Male cable that ensures high-quality parallel connections. The cable is foil shielded for protection against interference, preventing garbled characters during printing. It allows direct connection between computers with DB25 female parallel ports for sharing information and devices like printers. With shielded cable and two ferrite cores, it minimizes crosstalk and noise, safeguarding against electromagnetic and radio frequency interference. This cable provides a high-performance link between PCs and various displays, projectors, and printers, making it suitable for different industrial and automation systems.

What We Like
EMI/RFI Protection
Long-distance Transmission
Direct Cable Connection
#TOP 9

Tripp Lite 6-ft Parallel Printer Cable

P606-006
Black
Tripp Lite 6-ft Parallel Printer Cable Cover
Tripp Lite IEEE 1284 AB Parallel Printer Cable (DB25 to Cen36 M/M) 6-ft.(P606-006)

The Tripp Lite Parallel Cable is a 6-foot connection that links computers with a DB25 female port to printers with a Centronics 36 female port. This cable features a robust design with built-in strain relief and foil shielding, helping to protect against electromagnetic and radio frequency interference. You will experience high-speed bi-directional printing thanks to its excellent conductivity, which is enhanced by nickel-plated connectors and gold-plated copper contacts. This means you can enjoy reliable and efficient printing without interruptions, making it a great choice for your printing needs.

What We Like
High-speed bi-directional printing
Foil shielding for protection
Durable molded construction
Lifetime Limited Warranty
#TOP 10

CablesOnline 8" DB25 Parallel Male/Dual Female Y-Splitter Cable

CablesOnline 8" DB25 Parallel Male/Dual Female Y-Splitter Cable Cover
CablesOnline 8 inch DB25 Parallel Male/Dual Female Y-Splitter Printer Cable (YS-005)

The CablesOnline 8 inch DB25 Parallel Male/Dual Female Y-Splitter Printer Cable is a heavy-duty, fully loaded 25-pin M/2F Y-Splitter designed to split a single DB25 port into two. It is fully molded and shielded to prevent EMI/RFI interference and has a rubber strain relief for extended durability. With a length of 8 inches, this cable is perfect for connecting your parallel devices.

What We Like
Heavy-duty and fully loaded 25-pin M/2F Y-Splitter
Prevents EMI/RFI interference
8-inch length for easy connection of parallel devices
Buying Guide Image

Finding the Best Parallel Cables for You

Introduction

When it comes to connecting devices, parallel cables are an often overlooked yet crucial component. Choosing the right parallel cables can make a significant difference in the performance and reliability of your setup. In this article, we will discuss some important factors to consider when selecting parallel cables.

Types of Parallel Cables

There are two main types of parallel cables: DB-25 and Centronics. DB-25 cables are named after the 25-pin connector they use, and they are typically used for older printers and other devices. Centronics cables, on the other hand, use a 36-pin connector and are commonly used for newer printers and other devices that require higher data transfer rates.

Cable Length

Another important factor to consider is the length of the parallel cable. In general, it is best to choose a cable that is as short as possible to minimize signal loss and potential interference. However, if you need a longer cable, make sure to choose one that is designed to support longer lengths.

Shielding

Parallel cables are susceptible to electromagnetic interference (EMI), which can cause errors and data loss. To prevent this, it is important to choose parallel cables that are properly shielded. Look for cables that have braided or foil shielding to protect against EMI.

Quality

As with any other type of cable, the quality of the parallel cable can make a big difference in its performance. Cheap, low-quality cables are more likely to fail and can cause frustration and downtime. To ensure reliable performance, it is worth investing in high-quality parallel cables from reputable manufacturers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing the right parallel cables is essential for ensuring the performance and reliability of your device connections. Consider the type of connector, cable length, shielding, and quality when selecting parallel cables for your setup. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your devices are connected with cables that will provide reliable performance for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Where are parallel cables used?

Parallel cables are used to connect motherboards in systems with disk drive applications and link to external circuit boards. They enable the simultaneous transfer of multiple data blocks from one device to another, increasing overall transfer speed.

2. Are parallel cables still used?

Parallel cables have been largely replaced by USB and computer networks for consumer use. Many manufacturers consider the parallel interface to be a legacy port and no longer include it in personal computers and laptops.

3. How do parallel cables work?

Parallel cables consolidate multiple conductors onto a single reel, allowing for a single pull instead of separate pulls for each type of wire or cable. This simplifies installation for electricians and is appreciated by distributors who offer this service.

4. Why would you wire in parallel?

Parallel circuits are essential for the functioning of our homes and electronic devices. They ensure that lights stay on and different appliances continue to work, even if others are turned off. Without parallel circuits, our devices wouldn't function as required.

5. What are the advantages of parallel cable?

Parallel cables offer high-speed transmission by allowing multiple bits to be transmitted simultaneously. They are faster than equivalent serial interfaces and are designed to match the underlying computer and transmission hardware.

6. What are the disadvantages of parallel cable?

Parallel interfaces have certain disadvantages. They support short-distance communication due to crosstalk between parallel lines. Additionally, parallel interfaces require more wires, making them more costly and complex to implement compared to serial interfaces.

Editor's Notes

During our parallel cable research, we found 24 parallel cable products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 10,213 customer reviews through our big data system to write the parallel cables list. We found that most customers choose parallel cables with an average price of $14.55.

The parallel cables are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of parallel cables, including UGREEN, XMSJSIY, PNGKNYOCN, Dahszhi, StarTech.com. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 8,889 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

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.