Best Serial Adapters of 2026

"After struggling with constant data corruption using adapters based on the Prolific chip, I switched to this model with a genuine FTDI chipset and was amazed by the rock-solid reliability. The LED indicators are incredibly helpful for troubleshooting and identifying active ports. Since the switch, long-term data logging and using legacy hardware have become completely routine for me."

"I needed a dependable solution for connecting my laptop to a Singer sewing/embroidery machine via RS232, which originally required old Windows software. This adapter was easy to install, came with all necessary drivers, and worked perfectly on my Windows 8 machine. I'm thrilled with how well it works, though I wish the price in Canada was as low as in the US."

"This is my fourth USB-RS232 cable, and it's the first one that has worked flawlessly across Windows, Linux, and Android. Though it's a bit pricier than others, it's totally worth it to avoid the headaches I've had with cheaper alternatives."

"I've been using this adapter to connect older serial devices to my modern laptop and it has worked flawlessly. Setup was quick, with no issues on either PC or Mac, and the connection is always stable. I especially appreciate the excellent build quality and the peace of mind from the 3-year warranty. I highly recommend it for anyone who needs a dependable RS232 to USB adapter."

"After struggling with unreliable cheap adapters, I switched to the Keyspan USB to Serial Adapter and the difference was night and day. Installation was straightforward, the included documentation is top-notch, and the adapter works seamlessly with both Windows and Mac. I’m impressed by how reliable and consistent the data transfer is, and I’ve had zero communication errors since making the switch."

"As an IT professional, I installed this adapter for a client who was having persistent communication errors with another brand. With the Keyspan, all problems disappeared; it’s fully compatible with demanding diagnostic hardware and is even recommended by major manufacturers. This product delivers exactly what’s needed for stable, professional use."

"I bought this to flash the firmware on a game controller, and it did exactly what I needed. Just installed the driver (it didn't install automatically), and everything worked smoothly. RX/TX lines run at 3.3V logic, which was perfect for my setup."

"I use these adapters to replace unreliable Prolific USB programming cables for my Chinese handheld radios. With so many fake Prolific cables causing problems, these CP2102 modules have been a dependable solution that works every time."

"The only issue I had was that the heat shrink covering extended too far over the USB plug, so I trimmed it back. After that, the device was detected automatically and worked flawlessly on my Linux machine with minicom."

"I've relied on this adapter for seamless RS-232 connectivity across Windows, Linux, and Mac for years. The fact that it just works without hassle is invaluable to me. I'm sharing my experience to help others—this is a solid, dependable option if you need serial to USB conversion."

"After struggling with outdated adapters and driver issues on modern computers, I switched to this one and it worked instantly out of the box. No headaches, no searching for fixes—just simple, reliable operation from the start."

"As someone who manages large-scale power infrastructure, having a robust adapter that supports every major OS is critical. Once the right drivers are in place, this adapter has always delivered consistent results. Star Tech remains my go-to brand for essential connectivity solutions."

"I bought this after struggling with my old USB to Serial cable on my new HP Windows 11 laptop. Once I downloaded the latest FTDI driver, everything worked perfectly. Now I can easily access all my aircraft's flight and engine data without hassle."

"Needed a reliable cable for my Motorola XTS5000 programming setup. This one worked flawlessly—plug and play on Windows 11, with drivers installing automatically. Build quality is solid, and connection stays stable even after switching USB ports."

"I use this cable on a Windows 11 VM running on a Mac with ARM architecture, and it worked immediately right out of the box. No driver issues and excellent performance. Couldn't be happier."

"I found the installation process extremely easy—the adapter fit perfectly into my desktop, and the speed is excellent for use as a storage drive. I had no issues at all, and for the price, it's a great addition to my setup."

"Upgrading my 10-year-old PC with this adapter and a 2TB Samsung 990 PRO NVMe SSD was a smooth experience. The device was detected immediately, and data migration was quick. Even though my motherboard only supports PCIe 3.0, I still got better performance than SATA. The adapter's compatibility and reliability helped breathe new life into my old system. I highly recommend it for similar upgrades."

"This adapter delivers full PCIe 4.0 speeds with no bottlenecks, and the heatsink keeps my SSD cool. Installation was straightforward, and the build quality feels solid. My only minor gripe is that the red LED is extremely bright, but covering it with tape solved that. Overall, I would definitely purchase this product again."

"I was able to flash four ESP8285 devices with ESPHome right out of the box with zero hassle. After wasting hours with a cheap programmer, this FTDI adapter solved my issues immediately. It worked seamlessly on my Linux laptop and, after a quick driver install, also on my Windows machine. Highly recommend for anyone needing reliable programming."

"I’ve tried several USB/UART converters, but this one stands out because it uses a real FTDI chip. It handled non-standard baud rates and heavy current draw without any hiccups. The selectable voltage and included ribbon cable made my setup effortless. It might cost a bit more, but the flawless performance saved me time and money—I even bought another one!"

"This serial adapter is incredibly easy to use. It’s truly plug and play on Windows 11, unlike my previous adapter. The multiple voltage settings and included jumper/cable are fantastic. Build quality is solid—it’s everything I need in a serial adapter."

"I've been using this cable for a couple of years to connect to my Agilent 34401A precision meter, and it’s always worked flawlessly. After a disappointing experience with a cheaper alternative that couldn't communicate with my meter, I bought a second one of these and, once again, it just worked out of the box. Reliability and ease of use are what make this cable stand out."

"For my projects, I’ve found this to be one of the best null modem cables available. No drivers were needed on Windows 10, and the LED indicators for data activity are incredibly helpful for diagnosing signal issues. I appreciate the robust build, though the DB9 end is a bit longer than usual due to the onboard electronics, something to consider if you're working in a tight space."

"I primarily use this cable for serial consoles on both Linux and macOS, and it’s been extremely convenient and reliable. The FTDI chipset has always delivered solid performance for me. My only minor concern is about the FTDI drivers, given some past issues with counterfeit chips, but so far, this cable has worked perfectly whenever I needed it."

"I've tried several adapters, but this one was simply plug-and-play on my Linux Mint 21.2 system, no extra drivers required. After struggling for hours with other cables, I was able to connect my device immediately. Highly recommend for seamless setup!"

"The SABRENT USB to RS-232 DB9 Serial Adapter has been a dependable and versatile solution for my connectivity needs. I appreciate the stable performance from the Prolific PL2303 chipset and the ample 6-foot cable. It works flawlessly across different devices and operating systems. No issues encountered so far—definitely recommended!"

"The only issue I noticed was the inclusion of a CD for drivers in the packaging. In this day and age, most computers don’t have CD drives, so it feels like unnecessary waste. Still, the product itself works great and does exactly what I need."

"I connected this to my PowMr solar inverter and hooked it up with Solar Assistant on an Orange Pi. Setup was straightforward, and it’s been running smoothly for a month. The price was just a bit higher than a USB cable, and build quality feels solid."

"I’m using this with a Raspberry Pi 3 as a pool controller. It powers perfectly off the Pi’s USB port and the terminal block fits securely. Once everything was connected, I had no concerns about stability or losing connection."

"I paired it with a thermistor module to monitor my beer fermentation on an old Windows XP laptop. Installation was effortless, and the status LEDs helped with debugging. It’s been stable for weeks in 24/7 use. I had to unplug and replug to reset during software conflicts, but I think that’s more about Windows XP than the adapter."