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SABRENT USB 2.0 to DB25 IEEE-1284 Parallel Printer Cable Adapter [THUMBSCREWS Connectors] (CB-DB25)
SABRENT

SABRENT USB 2.0 to DB25 IEEE-1284 Parallel Printer Cable Adapter [THUMBSCREWS Connectors] (CB-DB25)

Bottom line: The SABRENT USB 2.0 to DB25 IEEE-1284 Parallel Printer Cable Adapter ($9.55 on Amazon as of 2026-10-06): No driver install needed - plug and play on connection; main trade-off: USB to DB25 only - no serial DB9 or Centronics 36-pin end.

$9.55

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Buy on Amazon — $9.55 Compare to similar cables & connectors

By , Founder & Editor-in-Chief · Listing data updated

Mike Perry — Hardware researcher since 2014. For retro PC hardware and period-correct parts, synthesises manufacturer documentation, community compatibility lists and marketplace listings rather than first-hand lab testing. Core beat: GPU performance across gaming, rendering, and local-LLM inference.

*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • ✓ No driver install needed - plug and play on connection
  • ✓ Thumbscrew DB25 shell stays seated when the desk gets bumped
  • ✓ Auto-negotiates hardware recognition, so setup is near-instant
  • ✓ Revives parallel-only printers on USB-only modern machines

Cons

  • ✗ USB to DB25 only - no serial DB9 or Centronics 36-pin end
  • ✗ Printer class device: not a general IEEE-1284 parallel port
  • ✗ SABRENT states 'most printers' - no published compatibility list
  • ✗ No driver control panel for legacy or non-standard printers

Manufacturer description

The SABRENT CB-DB25 bridges the gap between a modern USB-only computer and a parallel-port printer, giving you a DB25 IEEE-1284 connection without hunting for a legacy port or installing driver software. It is fully plug and play: connect the USB end to your machine, thumbscrew the DB25 end into the printer cable, and the adapter automatically negotiates hardware recognition so setup finishes in seconds rather than through a driver install wizard. Those knurled thumbscrews matter more than they sound. A parallel connection that walks loose mid-job is the classic failure mode on retro…

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SpecPicks Verdict

SpecPicks scored SABRENT USB 2.0 to DB25 IEEE-1284 Parallel Printer Cable Adapter using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the cables & connectors category. SABRENT's cables & connectors lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.

Common buyer scenarios for cables & connectors of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to install drivers for this SABRENT adapter?

No. SABRENT lists it as fully plug and play - it automatically negotiates hardware recognition with no driver software required.

Will it work with my old parallel printer?

SABRENT states compatibility with most printers. It is a printer-class USB-to-DB25 IEEE-1284 adapter, so check your printer's model against the product listing before ordering.

What connector is on the printer end?

A DB25 IEEE-1284 male connector with thumbscrews, so you can hand-tighten it into the mating port without a screwdriver.

Can I use this for a non-printer parallel device like an EPROM programmer or Zip drive?

It is sold as a USB-to-parallel printer cable adapter, not a general-purpose parallel port. Devices needing raw LPT register access are outside its stated use.

Key Features

  • Connect a printer to your computer without any necessary driver software.
  • Fully plug and play compatible.
  • Automatically negotiates hardware recognition for faster setup of your printer.
  • Compatible with most printers.
  • Easy, fast and convenient way to connect your printer.

Full Specifications

BrandSABRENT
ColorBlack
ModelCB-DB25
Cable TypeUSB
Item ShapeRound
Model NameCB-DB25
Unit Count1.0 Count
Item Length180 Centimeters
Part NumberCB-DB25
ConnectivityUSB
Connector TypeUsb
Number of Pins36
Maximum Voltage5 Volts (DC)
Number of Items1
Special FeatureTangle Free
Connector GenderMale-to-Female
Compatible DevicesPrinter
Data Transfer Rate0.01 Gigabits Per Second
Indoor Outdoor UsageIndoor, Outdoor
Warranty Description1 year limited. 2 years with manufacturer registration

Ready to buy?

SABRENT USB 2.0 to DB25 IEEE-1284 Parallel Printer Cable Adapter [THUMBSCREWS Connectors] (CB-DB25) is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.

Buy on Amazon — $9.55

*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.

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SABRENT USB 2.0 to DB25 IEEE-1284 Parallel Printer Cable Adapter [THUMBSCREWS Connectors] (CB-DB25)
$9.55
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