Best USB Serial Adapters of 2026

Mike Davis Avatar
Mike Davis
Last Updated: Jan 13, 2026

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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
HiLetgo CP2102 USB 2.0 to TTL Module Cover #TOP 3
HiLetgo CP2102 USB 2.0 to TTL Module
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
Gearmo 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
Reliable FTDI chipset
Diagnostic LED indicators
Easy installation
Wide compatibility
Stable data transmission

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
Stable and reliable connection
Excellent compatibility (Windows, Mac)
Easy setup and installation
Comprehensive documentation and support
Consistent COM port assignment

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
Easy driver installation
3.3V and 5V support
Reliable communication
Works with multiple devices
Affordable price

JSAUX 4K DisplayPort to HDMI Adapter 2-Pack

Mini PC
Grey
2Pack
JSAUX 4K DisplayPort to HDMI Adapter 2-Pack Cover
JSAUX 4K DisplayPort to HDMI Adapter 2-Pack, DP PC to HDMI Monitor Converter Video UHD 2K@120Hz,4K@30 DP to HDTV Male to Female Uni-Directional Adapter Compatible with Dell, Lenovo, HP,GPU, AMD -Grey

The JSAUX DisplayPort HDMI Adapter lets you easily connect your DisplayPort-enabled device to an HDMI display with stunning clarity. It supports up to 4K resolution at 30Hz, providing sharp and vibrant visuals for your monitor or TV. If you want smoother motion at lower resolutions, it also supports 2K at 60Hz and 1080p at 120Hz, perfect for gaming or video playback. You won’t need any drivers or software to get started—just plug it in and go, making setup quick and hassle-free. Plus, the adapter’s durable build with gold-plated connectors ensures long-lasting performance and reliable connections for your devices.

What We Like
Supports 4K and high refresh rates
Plug and play, no drivers needed
Durable gold-plated connectors
Wide device compatibility
#TOP 5

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 Serial Adapter Cable, USB-A to DB9 RS232 Adapter, Prolific Chipset - 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
Plug and play setup
Broad OS compatibility
Reliable RS-232 to USB connection
Works without extra drivers
Correct prolific chipset

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
Easy driver installation
Works with Windows 10/11
High build quality
Reliable connectivity
Good value for money
#TOP 7

StarTech.com USB to Serial RS232 Adapter

ICUSB232FTN
Black
5.6ft
StarTech.com USB to Serial RS232 Adapter Cover
StarTech.com 6ft (1.8m) 1-Port USB to Serial RS232 Adapter, FTDI DB9 Serial DCE Adapter Cable, Null Modem, USB 2.0 - TAA

The StarTech.com USB to Serial RS232 Adapter - DB9 Serial DCE Adapter Cable with FTDI - Null Modem - USB 1.1 / 2.0 - Bus-Powered (ICUSB232FTN) offers maximized portability and compatibility with your Windows, Mac, or Linux systems. It features a single cable design that eliminates the need for additional adapters and cables. This serial adapter can convert your available USB port into a null modem RS232 DB9 serial port, which resolves any DTE/DCE conflicts. It also supports fast transfer speeds of up to 921.6Kbps.

What We Like
FTDI chipset reliability
Plug and play setup
LED status indicators
Cross-platform compatibility
Null modem functionality
#TOP 8

DSD TECH SH-U09C5 USB to TTL UART Converter

SH-U09C5
Multi-Coloured
DSD TECH SH-U09C5 USB to TTL UART Converter Cover
DSD TECH SH-U09C5 USB to TTL UART Converter Cable with FTDI Chip Support 5V 3.3V 2.5V 1.8V TTL

The DSD TECH USB UART Cable is a versatile tool that supports multiple TTL voltage levels including 5V, 3.3V, 2.5V, and 1.8V, allowing you to connect with a wide range of devices easily. Featuring the reliable FTDI FT232RNL chip, it offers stable and industrial-grade performance compatible with Windows, Linux, and MacOS systems, ensuring smooth communication. The included transparent protective case shields the device from static interference and accidental short circuits, giving you peace of mind during use. Additionally, the cable provides access to various pins like UART TX, RX, RTS, CTS, and more, making it convenient for detailed hardware debugging and development tasks.

What We Like
Plug-and-play compatibility
Genuine FTDI chip
Multiple voltage options
Reliable performance
Useful accessories included
#TOP 9

SABRENT USB to Serial Adapter Cable

CB-FTDI
Black
6 Ft FTDI
SABRENT USB to Serial Adapter Cable Cover
SABRENT USB 2.0 to Serial (9-Pin) DB-9 RS-232 Adapter Cable 6ft Cable [FTDI Chipset] (CB-FTDI)

The SABRENT USB Serial Adapter is a high-quality cable that allows you to connect your computer to serial devices such as modems, printers, and GPS devices. With a cable length of 6 feet, it provides flexibility in placing your devices. The male thumbscrews on the side connectors ensure a secure connection. This adapter supports remote wake-up and power management, eliminating the need for IRQs and avoiding IRQ conflicts. It also features a 96-byte buffer for efficient data transfer. Compatible with USB Specification v1.1(0) and USB CDC v1.1, USB 2.0, it offers seamless compatibility with various devices. With the SABRENT USB Serial Adapter, you can easily connect and manage your serial devices hassle-free.

What We Like
Stable data transfer
Plug-and-play setup
Compatible with multiple OS
Reliable chipset options
Flexible cable length
#TOP 10

waveshare USB to RS485 Converter Adapter FT232RL

Industrial USB to RS485 Converter
FT232RL Version
waveshare USB to RS485 Converter Adapter FT232RL Cover
USB to RS485 Converter Industrial Adapter Original FT232RL and SP485EEN Fast Communication Embedded Protection Circuits Resettable Fuse ESD Protection

The waveshare USB RS485 Adapter is an industrial-grade converter that allows fast and reliable communication between USB and RS485 devices. It comes with original FT232RL and is embedded with multiple protection circuits such as lightning-proof, resettable fuse, ESD protection, and TVS diode, ensuring stability, reliability, and safety. The adapter is small in size, easy to use, and allows automatic transceiving. It's an ideal choice for industrial control equipment and applications with high communication requirements. The onboard self-recovery fuse and protection diodes ensure stable current and voltage outputs and provide over-current/over-voltage protection, improving shock resistance. The adapter also features 3 LEDs that indicate the power and transceiver status. It supports various operating systems, including Mac, Linux, Android, WinCE, Windows 10 / 8.1 / 8 / 7 / XP.

What We Like
Easy installation
Stable performance
Useful status LEDs
Reasonable price
Good build quality
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 66,755 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 $18.24.

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, HiLetgo, JSAUX, StarTech. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 89 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.