BENFEI
BENFEI USB to Serial Adapter
Bottom line: The BENFEI USB to Serial Adapter ($9.99 on Amazon as of 2026-10-07): Prolific PL-2303 chipset covers Windows 11 back to 98, MacOS 8+, Linux 2.4.0+; main trade-off: requires a one-time driver install, not truly plug and play out of the box.
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-07. Price and availability subject to change.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Prolific PL-2303 chipset covers Windows 11 back to 98, MacOS 8+, Linux 2.4.0+
- ✓ USB bus powered, no external power adapter to carry
- ✓ Triple shielding plus tinned copper 24-28 AWG conductors for stable signaling
- ✓ 1Mbps transfer rate handles modems, barcode scanners, and terminal adapters
Cons
- ✗ Requires a one-time driver install, not truly plug and play out of the box
- ✗ Prolific PL-2303 clones have a history of driver conflicts on newer Windows builds
- ✗ Fixed 1.8M length with no shorter or longer option in this SKU
- ✗ DB9 male only, so female-port devices need a separate gender changer
Manufacturer description
The BENFEI USB to Serial Adapter bridges modern laptops to legacy RS-232 hardware that stopped shipping with a native DB9 port years ago. Built around the Prolific PL-2303 chipset, this 1.8M cable terminates in a standard USB Type-A male on one end and a male 9-pin DB9 RS-232 connector on the other, moving data at up to 1Mbps. That makes it a practical link to serial modems, ISDN terminal adapters, barcode scanners, label writers, digital cameras, PDAs, and palm PCs still running in the field. Inside, tinned copper conductors (24-28 AWG) and triple shielding protect signal integrity across…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored BENFEI USB to Serial Adapter using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the cables & connectors category. BENFEI'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
Does this work with Windows 11?
Yes. BENFEI lists Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, XP, Vista, 2000 and 98 support, along with MacOS 8 and above and Linux 2.4.0 and later, via the Prolific PL-2303 chipset.
Do I need to install a driver?
Yes, a one-time driver installation is required. After that the adapter is plug and play on each connection.
Is this a USB to VGA cable?
No. It is a USB Type-A male to 9-pin DB9 RS-232 serial adapter. VGA uses a 15-pin connector and will not mate with this cable.
How long is the cable and how fast is it?
The cable is 1.8M and supports data transfer rates up to 1Mbps, which is enough for serial modems, barcode scanners, and ISDN terminal adapters.
Key Features
- HOW IT WORKS: BENFEI USB to RS232 DB9 Male Serial Adapter is designed for connecting to serial devices such as DB9 equipped serial modems, ISDN Terminal Adapters, digital cameras, label writers, palm PCs, barcode scanners, PDAs etc through USB port with 1Mbps data transfer rate;
- ✅ CONNECTORS: With standard USB Type A Male to standard Male 9-pin DB9 RS-232 serial connector;❗It's not the USB to VGA cable but USB to DB9 cable.
- CONDUCTOR & SHIELDING: Tinned Copper Conductor(Wire guage#24#28) and triple shielding ensure the best data transfer rate. Powered by USB port, no external power adapter required. Simple installation, plug & play after one time driver installation;❗This product requires driver installation for use.
- WIDE COMPATIBILITY: USB to RS232 adapter is with Prolific PL-2303 Chipset for widest possible compatibility with Windows 11,10, 8, 7, XP, Vista, 2000, 98, MacOS8 or higher, Linux 2.4.0 and later, and other platforms.
- 18 MONTH WARRANTY: Exclusive BENFEI Unconditional 18-month Warranty ensures long-time satisfaction of your purchase; Friendly and easy-to-reach customer service to solve your problems timely
Full Specifications
| Brand | BENFEI |
|---|---|
| Color | Black |
| Finish | Copper |
| Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
| Connectivity | USB |
| Model Number | 000151 |
| Compatibility | Mac, Linux |
| Input Voltage | 5 Volts (DC) |
| Warranty Type | Limited |
| Connector Type | DB9 |
| ✅ CONNECTORS | With standard USB Type A Male to standard Male 9-pin DB9 RS-232 serial connector;❗It's not the USB to VGA cable but USB to DB9 cable. |
| Item Dimensions | 0.39 x 0.39 x 0.39 inches |
| Mfr Part Number | 000151black |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Number of Ports | 1 |
| Compatible Devices | Modem |
| Smart Home Compatibility | Not Smart Home Compatible |
| Item dimensions L x W x H | 0.39 x 0.39 x 0.39 inches |
| Full listing title | BENFEI USB to Serial Adapter, USB to RS-232 Male (9-pin) DB9 Serial Cable, Prolific Chipset, Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7, Mac OS X 10.6 and Above, 1.8M（Not VGA） |
Ready to buy?
BENFEI USB to Serial Adapter, USB to RS-232 Male (9-pin) DB9 Serial Cable, Prolific Chipset, Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7, Mac OS X 10.6 and Above, 1.8M（Not VGA） 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.
*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-07. Price and availability subject to change.
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