USB to Serial RS232 Adapter 6ft FTDI Null Modem - Portable

Our review of this USB to serial RS232 adapter finds it best suited for technicians, hobbyists, and anyone who needs a reliable null modem connection without extra parts. The single biggest reason to buy is its integrated FTDI USB UART chipset and null modem wiring, which removes the need for separate cross-wired adapters while retaining COM port assignment across reboots. In practice that means quick plug-and-play setup, stable connectivity with devices like scanners and PLCs, and no external power required for most common serial equipment.

Key Features

• Single-cable portability: The one-piece design removes the need for extra dongles or connectors, making it easier to carry and use in the field.
• Null modem wiring: Converts a USB port into a cross-wired RS232 DB9 port to resolve DTE/DCE conflicts without additional adapters.
• FTDI chipset reliability: Uses an FTDI FT232RL chipset that provides solid driver support and predictable COM port behavior after reconnects and reboots.
• Wide compatibility: Works with USB 1.1 and USB 2.0 ports and supports Windows, Mac OS, and Linux hosts for broad system support.
• High baud support: Capable of baud rates up to 921.6Kbps for fast serial transfers where supported by connected equipment.
• USB-powered convenience: The adapter draws power from the host USB port, so no external power brick is necessary for standard serial use.

Who It's For

This adapter is aimed at field technicians, electronics hobbyists, and industrial maintenance staff who need a compact way to connect laptops to RS232 devices such as scanners, routers, and PLCs. The retained COM port assignment and FTDI chipset make it especially useful where consistent port numbering matters for automation tools and terminal software.

It is less appropriate for users who require multiple serial ports simultaneously or specialized signal levels beyond standard RS232. For heavy multiport server installations, a multiport serial card or dedicated serial device server would be a better fit.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Reliable FTDI FT232RL chipset delivers stable drivers and automatic COM reassignment across reboots.
• Null modem wiring resolves DTE/DCE conflicts without additional cables or adapters.
• Good portability with a 6 ft (1.8 m) single-cable design and no external power required.
• High supported baud rate up to 921.6Kbps for demanding serial data transfers.

Cons

• Only a single RS232 port is provided, so users needing multiple simultaneous serial connections will need additional adapters or hardware.
• No external power option if a specific peripheral requires more than standard USB power delivery.

Specifications

Cable length	6 ft (1.8 m)
Chipset	FTDI FT232RL
Max baud rate	921.6 Kbps
Serial connector	DB9 RS232 Null Modem (cross-wired)
FIFO	256 Bytes
Parity/Data/Stop	None/Odd/Even/Mark/Space; 7 or 8 data bits; 1 or 2 stop bits
Power	USB-powered, compatible with USB 1.1 and 2.0

Our Verdict

This USB to RS232 null modem adapter is a practical, reliable choice for anyone who needs a single, portable serial connection with predictable COM port behavior and broad OS compatibility. The FTDI chipset and high baud support make it good value for technicians and hobbyists who value dependable connectivity and simple plug-and-play setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this adapter work on Windows, Mac, and Linux?
Yes; it uses an FTDI chipset with broad driver support and is compatible with Windows, Mac OS, and Linux systems.

Does the cable require external power?
No; the adapter is USB-powered and does not need an external power adapter for standard RS232 use.

Is the serial end cross-wired for null modem use?
Yes; the DB9 connector is a null modem (cross-wired) configuration to resolve DTE/DCE conflicts.