Best Parallel Port Cards of 2025

Mike Davis Avatar
Mike Davis
Last Updated: Jan 4, 2025

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Parallel port cards are a useful addition to any computer system that lacks a parallel port, or has an outdated or damaged one. These cards can be easily installed into a PCI or PCIe slot and provide one or more parallel ports for connecting printers, scanners, and other parallel devices. The cards are compatible with various operating systems and offer high-speed data transfer rates, making them ideal for businesses or individuals who require reliable and efficient printing or data transfer capabilities. With their affordable price and easy installation, parallel port cards are a practical solution for those looking to upgrade their computer's parallel port capabilities.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

StarTech.com 1-Port Parallel PCIe Card Cover #TOP 1
StarTech.com 1-Port Parallel PCIe Card
ftb score rating icon 9.9
SIIG 1 Port Single Parallel PCIe Card Cover #TOP 2
SIIG 1 Port Single Parallel PCIe Card
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Vantec PCI Serial and Parallel Card Cover #TOP 3
Vantec PCI Serial and Parallel Card
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Parallel Port Cards

#TOP 1

StarTech.com 1-Port Parallel PCIe Card

PEX1P2
Black
4.7" x 4.3" x 0.8"
StarTech.com 1-Port Parallel PCIe Card Cover
StarTech.com 1-Port Parallel PCIe Card - PCI Express DB25 LPT Printer Card

Add a DB25 parallel communications port to your computer with this 1-Port Parallel PCIe Card that installs in full/standard or low profile PCIe cards slots. The versatile card supports SPP/Byte/Nibble/ECP modes and works with various devices such as printers, scanners, plotters, point of sale terminals, and medical equipment. It is fully compliant with PCI Express Base Specifications Revision 1.1 and PCI Power Mgmt 1.2 and supports Windows and Linux operating systems.

What We Like
Easy to install
Compatible with various devices
Supports multiple operating systems
#TOP 2

SIIG 1 Port Single Parallel PCIe Card

LB-P00014-S1
SIIG 1 Port Single Parallel PCIe Card Cover
SIIG Legacy and Beyond Series 1 Port Single Parallel PCIe Card - Supports SPP/EPP/ECP - IEEE 1284 Standard

The SIIG Legacy and Beyond Series 1 Port Single Parallel PCIe Card is a cost-effective solution that allows you to quickly add one parallel port through an available PCI Express slot. This card is compliant with PCI Express Base Specification revision 1.1 and IEEE 1284 standard, supporting Enhanced Capability Port (ECP), Enhanced Parallel Port (EPP), and Standard Parallel Port (SPP) for maximum compatibility with your peripherals. With a speedy data transfer rate of up to 1.5 Mbps, it works seamlessly with most parallel port peripherals such as printers, scanners, and memory card readers. Check the SIIG website for downloadable drivers.

What We Like
Easy to install and saves you the cost and hassle of upgrading your peripherals
Supports multiple parallel port standards for maximum compatibility
Works hassle-free with most parallel port peripherals
#TOP 3

Vantec PCI Serial and Parallel Card

UGT-PC2S1P
Black
Vantec PCI Serial and Parallel Card Cover
Vantec 2+1 Serial and Parallel PCI Host Card (Black)

The Vantec PCI Port Card allows you to effortlessly expand your computer's connectivity with two additional serial ports and one parallel port. This means you can connect more devices, like printers or modems, without hassle. It features an IEEE 1284 parallel port, which is perfect for connecting parallel devices, ensuring compatibility with older equipment. The card supports two UART serial ports, which are great for serial communications, allowing you to handle multiple devices simultaneously. All three ports conveniently fit into a single PCI slot, maximizing your computer's available space.

What We Like
Easy device connectivity
Supports older equipment
Maximizes PCI slot usage
Multiple device support
#TOP 4

StarTech PCI Serial Parallel Combo Card

PCI2S1P2
Black
StarTech PCI Serial Parallel Combo Card Cover
StarTech.com PCI Serial Parallel Combo Card with Dual Serial RS232 Ports (DB9) & 1x Parallel LPT Port (DB25) - PCI Combo Adapter Card - PCI Expansion Card Controller - PCI to Printer Card (PCI2S1P2)

The StarTech Combo Card enhances your computer by adding one parallel port and two serial ports. This means you can easily connect devices like printers, scanners, and point-of-sale terminals without hassle. It features automatic IRQ and I/O assignment, simplifying installation and ensuring efficient operation. With support for various parallel modes, you can enjoy fast data transfer speeds of up to 1.5 Mbps. Additionally, whether you have a standard or low-profile case, this card comes with the necessary brackets for easy installation, making it a versatile choice for your connectivity needs.

What We Like
Easy installation
Multiple device connections
High data transfer speeds
Supports various operating systems
#TOP 5

LinksTek 1-Port PCI Express Parallel Card

PCIE-PA1
Matte Black
LinksTek 1-Port PCI Express Parallel Card Cover
LinksTek 1-Port PCI Express Parallel Card for Printers, IEEE 1284 Standard DB25 LPT PCIE Parallel Port, Supports IEEE 1284 SPP, Nibble, Byte and ECP Mode, PCIE DB25 Parallel Port Card (PCIE-PA1)

LinksTek 1-Port PCI Express Parallel Card is a PCIE DB25 Adapter that allows users to add a single DB25-Pin parallel LPT port on desktop PCs and industrial devices, which supports IEEE 1284 DB25 protocol and most parallel port peripherals device. It provides 2.5Mbps max communication speed and is compatible with most Intel, AMD, and ARM platform hardware on Windows OS and Linux kernel systems. Its PCIE X1 design is compatible with PCIE X1, X2, X4, X8, X16 slot, and comes with both full height and low-profile brackets.

What We Like
Easy to add a parallel LPT port on desktop PCs and industrial devices
Supports IEEE 1284 DB25 protocol and most parallel port peripherals device
Provides 2.5Mbps max communication speed and is compatible with most Intel, AMD, and ARM platform hardware
#TOP 6

PCIE to DB25 LPT Parallel Port Expansion Card

PCIE to DB25
default
PCIE to DB25 LPT Parallel Port Expansion Card Cover
PCIE to DB25 LPT Parallel Port Expansion Card with Low Bracket, PCI Parallel Port Converter Adapter Controller for Printers, Programmers, Scanners, Support DOS, 8/7 /

The PCIE to DB25 LPT Parallel Port Expansion Card is a convenient and versatile tool for connecting parallel equipment such as printers, programmers, and scanners to your computer. It features a PCI Express X1 slot for installation in a variety of PCI Express slots, and is compatible with traditional operating systems for Windows, Mac, and Linux. The card also comes with a low profile bracket for added convenience.

What We Like
Convenient tool for connecting parallel equipment
Compatible with traditional operating systems for Windows, Mac, and Linux
PCI Express X1 slot for installation in various PCI Express slots
#TOP 7

PCIe Combo Serial Parallel Expansion Card

8541587258
PCIe Combo Serial Parallel Expansion Card Cover
PCIe Combo Serial Parallel Expansion Card PCI Express to Printer LPT Port RS232 Com Port Adapter IEEE 1284 Controller Card WCH382 Chip for Desktop PC Windows 10 with Low Bracket

This card allows for easy upgrade with additional serial or parallel cards to your computer. It has a multi-mode IEEE 1284 compliant controller, faster data rates up to 1.5Mbps for parallel port, and supports IRQ sharing. It is compatible with ExpressCard/34mm Standard and various operating systems. It also comes with plug and play feature, and automatically selects IRQ & IO address.

What We Like
Easy upgrade to your computer
Supports various operating systems
Plug and Play feature
#TOP 8

GODSHARK PCI to DB25 LPT Parallel Port Expansion Card

8541587260
GODSHARK PCI to DB25 LPT Parallel Port Expansion Card Cover
GODSHARK PCI to DB25 LPT Parallel Port Expansion Card with Low Profile Bracket, PCI Parallel Port Converter Adapter Controller for Desktop PC Printer

The GODSHARK PCI to DB25 LPT Parallel Port Expansion Card allows you to connect your desktop PC to a printer or other equipment that requires a 25 port parallel port. It features a WCH CH351Q chip and comes with a low profile bracket. To use the card, simply connect it to your printer and install the driver. You can view the card's port in the device manager. This card is compatible with Win XP, Win7, and Win8, but not with Win10.

What We Like
Easy to connect your desktop PC to a printer or other equipment that requires a 25 port parallel port.
Comes with a low profile bracket.
Driver supports for Win XP, Win7, Win8.
#TOP 9

StarTech.com 1 Port PCI Parallel Adapter

PCI1P_LP
One Color
One Size
StarTech.com 1 Port PCI Parallel Adapter Cover
StarTech.com 1 Port Low Profile PCI Parallel Adapter Card - Parallel adapter - PCI low profile - IEEE 1284 - PCI1P_LP

The StarTech.com PCI Parallel Adapter is designed to add a parallel port to your low-profile or small form factor computer via a PCI expansion slot. This adapter is perfect for connecting older printers or devices that require a parallel connection. It comes with both standard and low-profile brackets, ensuring compatibility with nearly any system setup. With its IEEE 1284 compliance, you can expect reliable data transfer rates, making it a practical choice for users needing to connect legacy hardware effortlessly.

What We Like
Easy installation
Compatible with various systems
Supports legacy devices
Reliable data transfer
#TOP 10

X-MEDIA PCI-E 1-Port Parallel Card

XM-PEX-1P
Green
X-MEDIA PCI-E 1-Port Parallel Card Cover
X-MEDIA XM-PEX-1P PCI-E 1-Port DB25 Parallel PCI Express (PCIe x1) Card - IEEE 1284 Parallel Adapter Card - WCH382L Chipset - Supports ECP/EPP/SPP

The X-MEDIA XM-PEX-1P PCI-E 1-Port DB25 Parallel PCI Express (PCIe x1) Card is compliant with PCI Express Specification Rev 1.1 and IEEE 1284 standard. It supports ECP/EPP/SPP and bi-directional data transmission of speed up to 2MByte/s. The card comes with both standard and low profile brackets and supports various operating systems such as Windows, DOS, and Linux.

What We Like
Compliant with PCI Express Specification Rev 1.1 and IEEE 1284 standard
Supports ECP/EPP/SPP and bi-directional data transmission of speed up to 2MByte/s
Comes with both standard and low profile brackets
Supports various operating systems such as Windows, DOS, and Linux
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the purpose of a parallel port?

The purpose of a parallel port is to provide an interface for connecting computer peripheral devices that require high bandwidth, such as printers, monitors, and projectors. It allows for parallel communication, enabling the transmission of large amounts of data at once.

2. What is a PCI parallel card?

A PCI parallel card is a high-performance adapter card that can be installed in a computer's PCI slot. It adds an IEEE 1284 parallel port to the PC, allowing for the connection of parallel devices.

3. Are parallel ports still used?

While most consumer printers now use USB or WiFi for connectivity, some older models still rely on the parallel port. The parallel port, although largely obsolete, is still present in certain devices.

4. What are the types of parallel ports?

There are five types of parallel ports: extended capability port (ECP mode), enhanced parallel port (EPP) mode, byte mode, nibble mode, and compatibility mode (Standard Parallel Port or SPP). Compatibility mode is primarily used for printers and is unidirectional.

5. What are the advantages and disadvantages of parallel ports?

Parallel ports offer the advantage of faster loading of registers, but they require more interconnect traces. On the other hand, serial ports offer simplicity but have lower speed compared to parallel ports.

6. What is the difference between serial and parallel PCI?

The main difference between serial and parallel PCI interfaces is how they transmit data. Serial interfaces send or receive data one bit at a time over clock pulses, while parallel interfaces send or receive multiple bits (4, 8, or 16) at a time over multiple transmission lines.

7. Is a parallel port faster than USB?

USB is faster than a parallel port, with data traveling approximately ten times faster on average. USB offers higher speed compared to both parallel and serial ports.

Editor's Notes

During our parallel port card research, we found 24 parallel port card products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 4,518 customer reviews through our big data system to write the parallel port cards list. We found that most customers choose parallel port cards with an average price of $19.68.

The parallel port cards are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of parallel port cards, including StarTech.com, SIIG, Vantec, LinksTek, Diyeeni. 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.