Best USB Serial Adapters of 2025

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

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

USB serial adapters are versatile devices that allow users to connect serial devices, such as modems, routers, and barcode scanners, to a computer or laptop through a USB port. These adapters provide a convenient solution for those who need to connect legacy devices to modern computers that lack serial ports. With their plug-and-play functionality, users can easily install and use these adapters without the need for additional drivers. USB serial adapters are compact, lightweight, and offer reliable data transfer rates, making them an essential tool for professionals in various industries.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Gearmo USB to Serial Adapter with LED Indicators Cover #TOP 1
Gearmo USB to Serial Adapter with LED Indicators
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Tripp Lite USB to Serial Adapter Cover #TOP 2
Tripp Lite USB to Serial Adapter
ftb score rating icon 9.8
StarTech.com USB to Serial RS232 Adapter Cover #TOP 3
StarTech.com USB to Serial RS232 Adapter
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 USB Serial Adapters

#TOP 1

Gearmo USB to Serial Adapter with LED Indicators

FTDI-LED
Black
Gearmo USB to Serial Adapter with LED Indicators Cover
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

The Gearmo USB to Serial Adapter with LED Indicators is a 5ft long serial adapter that connects old DB-9 serial communication devices to modern computers with USB. It features a full LED dual-color display for testing RS-232 host to device link easily. This adapter supports multiple OS platforms including Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11, as well as Linux and MacOS 10.X. Gearmo is a reliable and superior-built product and offers CAD, Mechanical Drawings, and Data Sheets.

What We Like
Allows you to connect old DB-9 serial communication devices to modern computers with USB
Features a full LED dual-color display for easy testing of RS-232 host to device link
Supports multiple OS platforms including Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11, as well as Linux and MacOS 10.X

Tripp Lite USB to Serial Adapter

USA-19HS
Black
1-Pack
Tripp Lite USB to Serial Adapter Cover
Tripp Lite Keyspan High-Speed USB to Serial Adapter, PC & Mac, USB-A to DB9 RS232 Male, 3 Foot / 0.91 Meter Cable, 3-Year Warranty (USA-19HS)

The Tripp Lite Keyspan High-Speed USB to Serial Adapter connects a serial device to a USB computer with plug-and-play convenience. It draws power directly from your computer and supports data transfer rates up to 230 Kbps, twice the speed of a standard built-in serial port. The DB9 serial port is seen as a COM port by your computer, and is available for use by any program that accesses COM ports. Additionally, an LED shows adapter status and data activity at a glance.

What We Like
Plug-and-play convenience
No need for an external power adapter
Supports data transfer rates up to 230 Kbps
LED shows adapter status and data activity at a glance
#TOP 3

StarTech.com USB to Serial RS232 Adapter

ICUSB232V2
Gray
1.3ft | nuts
StarTech.com USB to Serial RS232 Adapter Cover
StarTech.com 17in (43cm) 1-Port USB to RS232 DB9 Serial Adapter Cable, USB to Serial Adapter Cable - M/M

The StarTech.com USB to Serial RS232 Adapter is a portable and versatile device that allows you to connect, monitor, and control a serial device through USB. It features broad compatibility with USB 1.0 or 2.0 ports and works with Windows, Mac, or Linux systems. The adapter also supports fast transfer speeds up to 921.6Kbps and is USB-powered, requiring no additional power adapter. Its lightweight design makes it ideal for professionals on the go.

What We Like
Broad compatibility with USB 1.0 or 2.0 ports and Windows, Mac, or Linux systems
Fast transfer speeds up to 921.6Kbps
USB-powered, requiring no additional power adapter
Portable and lightweight design

BENFEI USB to RS232 Male Serial Adapter

000151
Black
5 feet
BENFEI USB to RS232 Male Serial Adapter Cover
BENFEI USB to Serial Adapter, USB to RS-232 Male (9-pin) DB9 Serial Cable, Prolific Chipset, Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7, Mac OS X 10.6 and Above, 1.8M(Not VGA)

The BENFEI USB to RS232 Male Serial Adapter allows you to connect serial devices such as modems, barcode scanners, and PDAs to your computer through a USB port. It features a standard USB Type A Male to Male 9-pin DB9 RS-232 serial connector and has a data transfer rate of 1Mbps. The adapter is compatible with a wide range of platforms, including Windows, MacOS, and Linux, and it comes with a Prolific PL-2303 chipset. The triple shielding and tinned copper conductor ensure the best data transfer rate, and it's powered by the USB port so there's no need for an external power adapter.

What We Like
Compatible with a wide range of platforms
No external power adapter required
Triple shielding and tinned copper conductor for best data transfer rate

OIKWAN USB to RS232 Adapter

AQ-17
OIKWAN USB to RS232 Adapter Cover
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)…

The OIKWAN USB to RS232 Adapter with FTDI Chipset is a high-quality, reliable and convenient solution for connecting serial devices to your Windows, MAC or Linux system. The latest FTDI chipset ensures fast and stable operation, while the gold-plated USB RS232 connector and PVC cable provide excellent performance and durability. With plug-and-play installation, this USB-powered adapter cable supports a transfer rate of up to 1Mbps and can be used with a wide range of devices, including modems, scanners, printers and more.

What We Like
Reliable and fast operation with the latest FTDI chipset
Convenient plug-and-play installation with no external power required
Supports a wide range of devices and operating systems
#TOP 6

StarTech.com USB to RS232 Serial DB9 Adapter Cable

ICUSB232PRO
Black
1ft | nuts
StarTech.com USB to RS232 Serial DB9 Adapter Cable Cover
StarTech.com 1 ft. USB to RS232 Serial DB9 Adapter Cable with COM Port Retention - Up to 920 kpbs USB A to DB9 Serial Adapter , TAA (ICUSB232PRO)

The StarTech.com USB to RS232 Serial DB9 Adapter Cable is a professional-grade solution that offers broad compatibility for connecting legacy or industrial RS232 serial devices to a laptop or desktop computer through USB. The adapter retains assigned serial COM port values in nonvolatile memory to automatically be assigned to the adapter serial port if disconnected and reconnected. With versatile functionality, this USB serial adapter is used to connect, monitor, and control industrial sensors and equipment, as well as control LED and digital signage boards.

What We Like
Broad compatibility for connecting legacy or industrial RS232 serial devices to a laptop or desktop computer through USB.
Retains assigned serial COM port values in nonvolatile memory to automatically be assigned to the adapter serial port if disconnected and reconnected.
Versatile functionality for connecting, monitoring, and controlling industrial sensors and equipment, as well as controlling LED and digital signage boards.

HiLetgo CP2102 USB 2.0 to TTL Module

3-01-0103-B
Small
HiLetgo CP2102 USB 2.0 to TTL Module Cover
HiLetgo CP2102 USB 2.0 to TTL Module Serial Converter Adapter Module USB to TTL Downloader with Jumper Wires

The HiLetgo CP2102 USB 2.0 to TTL Module is a stable and reliable serial adapter that allows you to connect your MCU to your computer with ease. It features a standard USB type A male and TTL 5pin connector, with pins for 3.3V, RST, TXD, RXD, GND, and 5V. It supports a wide range of baud rates, from 300 bps to 1.5 Mbps, and is compatible with Windows, Mac OS, and Linux.

What We Like
Stable and reliable chipset
Supports a wide range of baud rates
Compatible with Windows, Mac OS, and Linux
#TOP 8

DSD TECH USB to TTL Serial Adapter

SH-U09C
DSD TECH USB to TTL Serial Adapter Cover
DSD TECH SH-U09C USB to TTL Serial Adapter with FTDI FT232RL Chip Compatible with Windows 11, 10, 7 and Mac OS

The DSD Tech USB to TTL Serial Adapter with FTDI FT232RL Chip allows you to communicate with your board/MCU through your computer. It has a maximum transmission speed of up to 3Mbps and an LED indicator for TX, RX, and power. With pin definitions for CTS, RTS, RXD, TXD, GND, and VCC, this adapter also supports VCC output of 3.3V and 5V, switchable by jumper. It is compatible with Windows 10, 8, 7 and Mac OS X, making it a versatile option for various systems.

What We Like
High stability with FT232RL chip from FTDI
LED indicator for easy debugging and downloading
Supports both 3.3V and 5V VCC output

OIKWAN USB to RS232 Adapter

OIKWAN-
Black
OIKWAN USB to RS232 Adapter Cover
OIKWAN USB to RS232, USB Female Serial Adapter with FTDI Chipset,USB 2.0 to Female DB9 Serial Cable for Windows 11,10, 8, 7, Vista, XP, 2000, Linux and Mac OS(6ft)…

The OIKWAN USB Serial Adapter is designed to connect your serial DB9 devices, like modems or printers, to a USB port on your computer. It features a 9-pin female connector, ensuring compatibility with your devices. With its FTDI chipset, this adapter supports a wide range of operating systems, including Windows and Mac OS, making it versatile for various users. The plug-and-play functionality means you can easily start using it without additional power sources, as it draws power directly from your computer. This convenience allows you to streamline your connections quickly and efficiently.

What We Like
Compatible with multiple operating systems
Plug-and-play functionality
FTDI chipset for reliability
Gold-plated connectors for durability
#TOP 10

Atnsinc USB to TTL CP2102

USB 2.0 to TTL CP2102
Atnsinc USB to TTL CP2102 Cover
Atnsinc 3Pcs CP2102 USB 2.0 to TTL 5Pin Serial Adapter USB to TTL Serial Converter Module for UART STC 3.3V and 5V with Dupont Wire (USB 2.0 to TTL CP2102)

The Atnsinc USB TTL Adapter is a stable and reliable chipset CP2102 that supports a full range of STC single-chip microcomputers with output voltage of 3.3V and 5V. It is compatible with various operating systems including Windows, Mac OS, and Linux. With baud rates ranging from 300 bps to 1.5 Mbps, it supports high-speed data transmission up to 115200 bps. The adapter features a standard USB type A male connector and a TTL 5pin connector, making it easy to connect your microcontroller to your computer. The built-in indicator LEDs provide visual feedback for power status, data reception, and data transmission. The Atnsinc USB TTL Adapter is perfect for USB to TTL electronic projects, offering convenience and reliability for your UART STC communication needs.

What We Like
Stable and reliable chipset
Supports high-speed data transmission
Easy connection to microcontroller
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a USB to serial adapter used for?

A USB to serial adapter is a small electronic device that converts a USB signal to serial RS232 data signals. It is used to connect devices that use a serial COM port, commonly found in older PCs, to a computer or device with a USB port.

2. Are all USB to serial adapters the same?

No, USB to serial adapters can vary based on different protocols like RS232, RS422, and RS485, as well as the specific application you are using for communication. It is important to consider these factors when choosing the right USB to serial adapter for your needs.

3. Can you make a USB port a serial port?

Yes, you can make a USB port act as a serial port by using a USB to serial adapter. Simply plug the adapter into a USB port and set it to act as a COM1 port, allowing you to use software that requires a serial port connection.

4. Do USB to serial adapters need drivers?

Yes, most USB to serial adapters require the installation of a driver. The driver is usually provided on a CD that comes with the adapter, or it can be downloaded from the manufacturer's website. However, some cheaper adapters may use generic drivers that may not work well with newer versions of Windows.

5. What advantage does a USB port have over serial ports?

USB ports have several advantages over serial ports. They allow data to be transferred at a much faster speed, with USB 2.0 offering a maximum transfer rate of 480 Mbps compared to the average 150 kbps of a serial port. USB ports are also more commonly found on modern computers and devices.

6. Can USB be converted to RS-232?

Yes, a USB to serial adapter can convert a USB signal to serial RS232 data signals. This allows devices that use the RS232 signal, commonly found in older PCs and referred to as a serial COM port, to be connected to a computer or device with a USB port.

Editor's Notes

During our usb serial adapter research, we found 24 usb serial adapter products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 64,287 customer reviews through our big data system to write the usb serial adapters list. We found that most customers choose usb serial adapters with an average price of $18.05.

The usb serial adapters are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of usb serial adapters, including Gearmo, Tripp Lite, StarTech.com, BENFEI, OIKWAN. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 95 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

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.