USB to Serial Adapter Cable 3ft (1m) - COM Retention, FTDI Chip

In this review of the USB to Serial Adapter Cable 3ft (1m), the bottom line is clear: this compact adapter is best for technicians, engineers, and anyone who needs reliable RS-232 connectivity from a USB-A port. The review finds the cable stands out for its practical combination of an FTDI FT232R chipset, real-time LED diagnostics, and interchangeable DB9 screws or nuts that make it simple to secure to a range of serial peripherals. For users who need predictable COM retention and solid build quality at a short length, it is a dependable choice.

Key Features

• Interchangeable nuts and screws: Lets the adapter be secured using pre-installed DB9 slotted thumbscrews or the included DB9 nuts for compatibility with other serial cables and devices.
• LED indicators: Transmit, Receive, and USB LEDs provide immediate, at-a-glance diagnostics of activity and connection status to aid troubleshooting.
• Wide compatibility: Works across Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, and Linux with drivers that auto-install on modern systems for fast setup.
• COM retention: Ensures the assigned COM port is retained or automatically re-assigned after reconnection or reboot, reducing configuration headaches.
• Robust build quality: One-piece molded TPE housing, copper shielding and Level-4 ESD protection reduce damage from static and EMI for longer service life.
• FTDI chipset and performance: FT232R chipset, up to 921.6Kbps baud and built-in FIFOs give dependable serial throughput for many legacy and industrial devices.

Who It's For

The adapter is aimed at IT staff, field service technicians, and makers who need to add a DB9 RS-232 port to a laptop or desktop quickly and with minimal fuss. Its short 3ft (1m) length keeps cable clutter down at workbenches and in lab environments while the COM retention and LEDs save time during repetitive device connects and diagnostics.

Those who need very long runs, multiport serial hubs, or USB-C native connectors should look elsewhere; this cable is a single-port USB-A to DB9 solution designed for direct connections rather than complex installations.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Reliable FTDI FT232R chipset ensures stable serial communications across supported OSes.
• Interchangeable screws and nuts make the adapter easy to secure to a variety of serial devices and cables.
• Durable construction with copper shielding and Level-4 ESD protection for industrial use.
• Onboard LEDs and COM retention simplify troubleshooting and repeated connections.

Cons

• Limited to a single USB-A to DB9 port and a 3ft (1m) cable length, so not ideal for long-distance or multiport needs.
• Users with only USB-C ports will need an adapter to connect this USB-A model.

Specifications

Cable length	3.3ft (1m)
Chipset	FTDI FT232R
Max baud rate	921.6Kbps
FIFO	128 Byte Rx / 256 Byte Tx
ESD protection	Level-4 (15kV air / 8kV contact)
Operating temperature	-40C to 80C
Connector	USB-A to DB9 RS-232 (male)

Our Verdict

For professionals and hobbyists who need a straightforward, well-built USB-A to RS-232 cable, this adapter offers excellent value due to its FTDI chipset, COM retention, and sturdy construction. It is particularly useful when immediate diagnostics and secure attachment to serial equipment are priorities. If a single short run and USB-A compatibility meet your needs, this cable is a practical, reliable choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this work on modern Windows and macOS?
Yes. Drivers auto-install on Windows 7 and later, macOS 10.15 and later, and many Linux distributions, providing immediate serial connectivity.

Can I secure the DB9 connector to my device?
Yes. The adapter ships with pre-installed slotted DB9 thumbscrews and includes spare DB9 nuts to match other serial peripherals or cables.

Does the cable keep the same COM port after reconnecting?
Yes. COM retention enables the port to automatically re-assign after disconnection, reconnection, or system reboot to reduce configuration work.