Dual Port USB to Serial RS-232 Adapter Cable - FTDI Chip - Reliable

In this review the Coolgear Dual Port USB to Serial RS-232 Adapter Cable is examined for users who need to add legacy serial ports without opening a PC. The bottom line: it is a practical, port-powered solution that converts one USB connection into two RS-232 ports, and the single biggest reason to buy is its use of an FTDI chipset that delivers stable communication and wide OS compatibility. For technicians, field engineers, and anyone running serial peripherals, it keeps setups simple and reliable.

Key Features

• Easy Serial Expansion: Adds two RS-232 ports through a single USB connection so multiple serial devices can be used without extra host cards.
• Reliable Performance: The FTDI chipset provides consistent data transfer and stable driver support across systems for fewer connection issues.
• Fast Data Transfers: Supports high baud rates up to 921.6K bps to handle demanding serial communication tasks and faster data throughput.
• Electrical Protection: Built-in 15KV ESD surge protection helps safeguard connected equipment from static and electrical spikes.
• Plug-and-Play Convenience: Port-powered operation avoids IRQ, DMA, and I/O conflicts so installation is straightforward on most systems.
• Universal Compatibility: Works with Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it suitable for mixed-platform environments.

Who It's For

The adapter is best for technicians, embedded systems developers, and small businesses that still rely on RS-232 devices such as modems, ISDN TAs, PDS units, handhelds, and serial printers. Its dual-port design is convenient for fieldwork where carrying multiple adapters would be impractical.

Those who need a single dedicated, high-performance serial port or who require powered auxiliary features on a serial peripheral should look elsewhere; this cable is port-powered and optimized for communication rather than powering heavy external devices.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Stable communications thanks to the reputable FTDI chipset, reducing driver-related problems.
• High baud rate support up to 921.6K bps for faster transfers with compatible equipment.
• Integrated 15KV ESD surge protection helps protect connected serial hardware from spikes.
• Plug-and-play, port-powered setup eliminates IRQ and I/O conflicts for quick installation.

Cons

• Port-powered design may not supply enough power for peripherals that need external power from the serial interface.
• No bundled software or detailed configuration utilities included, so manual driver setup may be required on some systems.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The Coolgear dual-port adapter is a sensible choice for anyone needing reliable serial connectivity without adding internal cards. It offers good value through its proven FTDI chipset, high baud support, and built-in ESD protection, making it especially useful for field technicians and labs that maintain a variety of RS-232 equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this work on macOS and Linux?
Yes, the adapter is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux, using the FTDI chipset for broad driver support.

Does it require external power?
No, the cable is port-powered from USB and does not need a separate power supply for typical serial peripherals.

What baud rates are supported?
It supports high baud rates up to 921.6K bps for fast serial communication with compatible devices.