Cable Matters
Cable Matters USB to Serial Adapter Cable
Bottom line: The Cable Matters USB to Serial Adapter Cable ($13.99 on Amazon as of 2026-10-06): 6ft length reaches rack-mounted switches and bench equipment without an extension; main trade-off: drivers must be downloaded from Cable Matters before first use.
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ 6ft length reaches rack-mounted switches and bench equipment without an extension
- ✓ Bus-powered from USB-A, so no external power brick is needed
- ✓ Supports Windows XP through Windows 11 plus macOS 11.0 and later
- ✓ Male DB9 plugs directly into female DB9 console and config ports
- ✓ Listed for Cisco switches, CNC machines, GPS units and telescopes
Cons
- ✗ Drivers must be downloaded from Cable Matters before first use
- ✗ Male DB9 ports need a gender changer, sold separately
- ✗ PC-to-PC serial links require a separate null modem adapter
- ✗ Some equipment needs extra proprietary software to communicate
Manufacturer description
The Cable Matters USB to Serial Adapter Cable connects a modern computer to RS232 equipment that still uses a DB9 port. One end is USB-A and the other is a male DB9 connector, joined by a 6ft cable. It draws power from the USB bus, so you don't need a separate power supply at the workbench, in the server closet or at the telescope mount. You can use it to configure and program devices that still use serial connections. Cable Matters lists CNC machines, GPS units, telescopes, set-top boxes, Cisco network switches and sewing machines as supported equipment. It works on Windows XP through…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored Cable Matters USB to Serial Adapter Cable using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the cables & connectors category. Cable Matters'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
Will this USB to serial cable work with a Cisco switch console port?
Cable Matters lists Cisco network switches as compatible equipment for this RS232 to USB cable. The cable ends in a male DB9, so the switch side needs a female DB9 port or a suitable adapter.
Does it work on Windows 11 and Mac?
Yes. It supports Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10 and 11, plus macOS 11.0 or later. Download and install the drivers from Cable Matters for your operating system.
My device has a male DB9 port. Can I still use this cable?
Not directly, because the cable end is a male DB9. Add a DB9 mini gender changer, sold separately, to convert it so it can plug into a male port.
Can I connect two computers together with this cable?
Yes, but you need a null modem adapter, sold separately. Cable Matters notes that the null modem adapter lets you link two serial cables for a direct computer-to-computer connection.
How long is the cable and does it need external power?
The cable is 6ft long and draws all its power from the computer's USB-A port, so no external power supply is required.
Key Features
- Effortless Connectivity: This USB to serial adapter cable provides a direct link from the USB-A port on your computer to a device with a female DB9 port. Ideal for configuring or programming devices, this bus-powered RS232 to USB cable is an essential tool for various equipment setups.
- Versatile Serial Communication: Use this male to male serial to USB cable for seamless communication with equipment requiring a DB9 connector. For devices with incompatible ports, employ a DB9 mini gender changer (sold separately) to facilitate connection.
- Easy Installation: Quickly set up this USB to RS232 adapter with downloadable drivers from Cable Matters. For direct computer-to-computer connections, add a null modem adapter (sold separately) to link two serial cables effectively.
- Broad Compatibility: Compatible with Windows and Mac, this 9 pin to USB adapter supports systems from Windows XP to Windows 11 and macOS 11.0 or later. Note that connecting to certain equipment may require additional proprietary software.
- Diverse Equipment Compatibility: The RS-232 compatible DB9 to USB adapter is crucial for connecting a wide array of devices, including CNC machines, GPS units, telescopes, set-top boxes, Cisco network switches, sewing machines, and more.
Full Specifications
| Brand | Cable Matters |
|---|---|
| Color | black |
| Model | 202031-BLK-6 |
| Cable Type | USB |
| Item Shape | Round |
| Model Name | 202031 |
| Unit Count | 1 Count |
| Item Length | 6 feet |
| Part Number | 202031-BLK-6 |
| Connectivity | USB |
| Compatibility | Mac |
| Connector Type | Db9 Male, Usb Type a 2.0 |
| Number of Pins | 9 |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Special Feature | Data Transfer, Lightweight |
| Connector Gender | Male-to-Male |
| Compatible Devices | Laptop, Modem, PC |
| Data Transfer Rate | 480 megabits_per_second |
| Indoor Outdoor Usage | Indoor, Outdoor |
| Customer Package Type | generic shipping packaging |
| Full listing title | Cable Matters USB to Serial Adapter Cable, RS232 to USB, 6ft | USB to DB9 Cable, Male to Male, Supports Windows 11/10/8/7, Vista/XP, macOS 11.0+, Black |
Ready to buy?
Cable Matters USB to Serial Adapter Cable, RS232 to USB, 6ft | USB to DB9 Cable, Male to Male, Supports Windows 11/10/8/7, Vista/XP, macOS 11.0+, Black 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 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.
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