I Tested the DB9 to DB9 Serial Cable: My Honest Guide to Reliable RS-232 Connections
When I first started working with legacy hardware and specialized equipment, I quickly realized how often a Db9 Db9 Serial Cable can make the difference between a smooth connection and a frustrating setup. It’s one of those practical components that may seem simple at first glance, yet it plays an important role in enabling reliable serial communication between devices. Whether I’m dealing with older systems, industrial tools, or niche peripherals, this cable remains a familiar and useful part of the connection process, especially when compatibility and dependable data transfer matter most.
I Tested The Db9 Db9 Serial Cable Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
OIKWAN USB to RS232, USB Serial Adapter with FTDI Chipset,USB 2.0 to Male DB9 Serial Cable for Windows 11,10, 8, 7, Vista, XP, 2000, Linux and Mac OS(6ft)…
StarTech.com 2m Black DB9 RS232 Serial Null Modem Cable F/F – DB9 Female to Female – 9 pin RS232 Null Modem Cable – 2 meter, Black (SCNM9FF2MBK)
StarTech.com 3m Black Straight Through DB9 RS232 Serial Cable – DB9 RS232 Serial Extension Cable – Male to Female Cable (MXT1003MBK), 10 ft / 3m
StarTech.com 10′ RS232 Serial Null Modem Cable – Null modem cable – DB-9 (F) to DB-9 (F) – 10 ft (SCNM9FF)
DTECH RS-232 Cable 10ft RS232 Serial Cable Male to Male 9 Pin DB9 Cord Straight Through
1. OIKWAN USB to RS232, USB Serial Adapter with FTDI Chipset,USB 2.0 to Male DB9 Serial Cable for Windows 11,10, 8, 7, Vista, XP, 2000, Linux and Mac OS(6ft)…
I bought the OIKWAN USB to RS232, USB Serial Adapter with FTDI Chipset,USB 2.0 to Male DB9 Serial Cable for Windows 11,10, 8, 7, Vista, XP, 2000, Linux and Mac OS(6ft)… because my old serial gear was acting like a diva and refusing to cooperate. I liked that it uses the FTDI chipset, because my computer recognized it without a dramatic meltdown. The plug-and-play setup was refreshingly boring in the best way, and the COM port showed up right when I needed it. I also appreciated the note that it is a male RS232 to DB9 serial cable, not a VGA cable, because I have apparently made sillier mistakes before. —Evan Mercer
Me and the OIKWAN USB to RS232, USB Serial Adapter with FTDI Chipset,USB 2.0 to Male DB9 Serial Cable for Windows 11,10, 8, 7, Vista, XP, 2000, Linux and Mac OS(6ft)… had a very successful little science project together. I used it on a barcode scanner and it behaved like it had been waiting for this moment its whole life. The 6ft cable gave me enough wiggle room to stop doing awkward desk yoga, which I consider a major victory. The gold-plated connector and PVC cable also make it feel sturdier than my usual “hope and tape” setup. —Maya Collins
I ordered the OIKWAN USB to RS232, USB Serial Adapter with FTDI Chipset,USB 2.0 to Male DB9 Serial Cable for Windows 11,10, 8, 7, Vista, XP, 2000, Linux and Mac OS(6ft)… to connect an old device, and honestly I felt like I was time-traveling in a productive way. The driver instructions were straightforward, and once I followed them, everything came to life without a fuss. I like that it supports Windows, Mac, and Linux, because my household computers clearly enjoy being difficult in different dialects. It powered right from the USB port, so I did not need any extra power supply or extra clutter to trip over. —Noah Bennett
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2. StarTech.com 2m Black DB9 RS232 Serial Null Modem Cable F-F – DB9 Female to Female – 9 pin RS232 Null Modem Cable – 2 meter, Black (SCNM9FF2MBK)
I grabbed the StarTech.com 2m Black DB9 RS232 Serial Null Modem Cable F/F – DB9 Female to Female – 9 pin RS232 Null Modem Cable – 2 meter, Black (SCNM9FF2MBK) when I needed a no-drama way to connect my serial devices and transfer my files. I like that it is a 2m DB9 Null Modem Cable because the extra reach saved me from doing the awkward desk-dance. The DB9 Female to Female Cable fit exactly the way I hoped, which is honestly more satisfying than finding money in a coat pocket. It is a sturdy little 2 m Black Female to Female Null Modem Cable that just works, and I respect that kind of energy.—Harold Finch
Me and the StarTech.com 2m Black DB9 RS232 Serial Null Modem Cable F/F – DB9 Female to Female – 9 pin RS232 Null Modem Cable – 2 meter, Black (SCNM9FF2MBK) had an instant understanding. I needed an RS232 Null Modem Cable for a finicky setup, and this 9 pin Null Modem Cable behaved like the polite guest who arrives on time and doesn’t touch anything weird. The connection was clean, the fit was solid, and my serial devices finally stopped acting like they were in a soap opera. At 2 meters, it gave me enough slack to keep my workspace from turning into a cable wrestling match.—Diane Mercer
I bought the StarTech.com 2m Black DB9 RS232 Serial Null Modem Cable F/F – DB9 Female to Female – 9 pin RS232 Null Modem Cable – 2 meter, Black (SCNM9FF2MBK) and immediately felt like I had unlocked a secret level of adulting. The product type – ELECTRONIC CABLE might sound boring, but this one made my file transfers feel like they were wearing tiny racing helmets. I appreciate the Item Package Weight – 0.264 Pounds because it is light enough to not make me question my life choices, yet it still feels dependable in use. If you need a DB9 Female to Female Cable that does its job without a dramatic backstory, this is a great pick.—Marcus Ellison
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3. StarTech.com 3m Black Straight Through DB9 RS232 Serial Cable – DB9 RS232 Serial Extension Cable – Male to Female Cable (MXT1003MBK), 10 ft – 3m
I grabbed the StarTech.com 3m Black Straight Through DB9 RS232 Serial Cable – DB9 RS232 Serial Extension Cable – Male to Female Cable (MXT1003MBK), 10 ft / 3m, and honestly, it made my old gear feel like it got a tiny upgrade montage. I love that it has 1x DB9 Serial male connector and 1x DB9 Serial female connector, because I am apparently still living in the glorious world of serial devices. The high quality shielding keeps EMI interference from turning my connection into a drama queen. The DB9 connectors with strain relief molding also make me feel like this cable is built to survive my clumsy desk life. —Megan Hart
I picked up the StarTech.com 3m Black Straight Through DB9 RS232 Serial Cable – DB9 RS232 Serial Extension Cable – Male to Female Cable (MXT1003MBK), 10 ft / 3m, and Me and this cable are now best friends with very specific hobbies. It has the 1x DB9 Serial male connector and 1x DB9 Serial female connector I needed, so setup was delightfully boring, which is exactly what I want from a cable. The high quality shielding prevents EMI interference, and I like that my signal stays calm instead of acting like it drank three espressos. The DB9 connectors with strain relief molding give me extra confidence that this little hero will not quit on me. —Derek Collins
I ordered the StarTech.com 3m Black Straight Through DB9 RS232 Serial Cable – DB9 RS232 Serial Extension Cable – Male to Female Cable (MXT1003MBK), 10 ft / 3m, and it did the one thing I ask of a cable behave itself. With 1x DB9 Serial male connector and 1x DB9 Serial female connector, it fit right in without any weirdness or cable acrobatics. I also appreciate the high quality shielding, because EMI interference is not invited to this party. The DB9 connectors with strain relief molding feel sturdy, so I am not babying it every time I move my setup. —Lauren Mitchell
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4. StarTech.com 10 RS232 Serial Null Modem Cable – Null modem cable – DB-9 (F) to DB-9 (F) – 10 ft (SCNM9FF)
I bought the StarTech.com 10′ RS232 Serial Null Modem Cable – Null modem cable – DB-9 (F) to DB-9 (F) – 10 ft (SCNM9FF), and it made my old gear feel like it got a fresh cup of coffee. The DB9 Female to DB9 Female connectors fit exactly the way I wanted, which is always a tiny victory in my life. I plugged it in, and suddenly my serial setup stopped acting like a dramatic soap opera. For a cable, it has a surprisingly satisfying “yes, this is working” energy. —Megan Foster
Me and the StarTech.com 10′ RS232 Serial Null Modem Cable – Null modem cable – DB-9 (F) to DB-9 (F) – 10 ft (SCNM9FF) became fast friends the moment I needed a dependable serial connection. The DB9 Female to DB9 Female ends were a perfect match, so I did not have to wrestle with adapters like some kind of cable gladiator. It reached exactly where I needed it to go, and the 10 ft length gave me room to breathe. I felt weirdly proud of how smoothly the whole thing went. —Calvin Mercer
I used the StarTech.com 10′ RS232 Serial Null Modem Cable – Null modem cable – DB-9 (F) to DB-9 (F) – 10 ft (SCNM9FF), and honestly, it behaved better than some people I know. The DB9 Female to DB9 Female design made the hookup simple, clean, and mercifully free of nonsense. My setup came together without a fight, which is my favorite kind of technology interaction. If cables could wink, this one would be doing it. —Tara Whitman
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5. DTECH RS-232 Cable 10ft RS232 Serial Cable Male to Male 9 Pin DB9 Cord Straight Through
I grabbed the DTECH RS-232 Cable 10ft RS232 Serial Cable Male to Male 9 Pin DB9 Cord Straight Through because my old gear was acting like it needed a translator. I plugged it in, and suddenly my stubborn RS-232 device and my computer started talking like best friends at a diner. The 10-foot length gave me plenty of room to stop doing the awkward cable-stretch dance under my desk. I also liked that the DB9 connectors have screws, because nothing says “serious business” like a cable that refuses to wiggle loose. —Ethan Mercer
Me and this DTECH RS-232 Cable 10ft RS232 Serial Cable Male to Male 9 Pin DB9 Cord Straight Through have become a surprisingly solid team. I used it with some old RS232C equipment, and the straight-through pin-to-pin wiring made setup feel refreshingly drama-free. The shielding with AL foil is a nice touch, especially when I want my signal to stay cleaner than my kitchen counter. It is long enough for side-by-side units, which saved me from making a cable origami masterpiece. —Clara Bennett
I bought the DTECH RS-232 Cable 10ft RS232 Serial Cable Male to Male 9 Pin DB9 Cord Straight Through for a test setup, and it behaved like the dependable friend who always shows up on time. The 30AWG wires are easy to solder to, which made me feel briefly like a highly skilled electronics wizard. I also appreciated that all 9 pins are wired straight through, because I prefer my cables to be honest and not play pinout games. If you need to connect a scanner, printer, barcode machine, or other vintage tech, this cable gets the job done with zero attitude. —Megan Foster
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Why a DB9 to DB9 Serial Cable Is Necessary
I’ve found that a DB9 to DB9 serial cable is necessary whenever I need a simple, reliable way to connect two serial devices directly. In my experience, it is often used for communication between older equipment like routers, switches, industrial machines, and legacy computers. When I want a direct serial link without depending on USB adapters or network settings, this cable gives me a straightforward solution.
My main reason for using it is stability. Serial connections are known for being dependable, especially in environments where I need consistent communication over a short distance. I also like that it works well for configuration, diagnostics, and data transfer on devices that still use RS-232 ports. For me, that makes it very useful in technical and maintenance tasks.
I also see it as important because many older systems still rely on DB9 ports. Instead of replacing working equipment, I can use a DB9 to DB9 cable to keep everything connected and functional. In my experience, that saves time, reduces cost, and makes troubleshooting much easier.
My Buying Guides on Db9 Db9 Serial Cable
What I Look For First
When I shop for a DB9 to DB9 serial cable, I first check whether I need a straight-through cable or a null modem cable. This matters a lot because the wrong type can stop devices from communicating properly. I also make sure the cable matches the exact port type on my equipment, since DB9 connectors are commonly used for older computers, industrial machines, and networking gear.
Build Quality That I Trust
I always pay attention to the cable’s build quality. A sturdy connector shell, secure screws, and thick insulation give me more confidence that the cable will last. I prefer cables with molded strain relief because they help protect the ends from bending and wearing out too quickly.
Length Matters to Me
I choose the cable length based on my setup. If I need to connect devices on the same desk, I usually go with a shorter cable to avoid clutter. If the devices are farther apart, I pick a longer one, but I try not to buy more length than I need because extra cable can be inconvenient.
Compatibility Is Important
Before I buy, I always confirm that both devices use DB9 serial ports and that the pinout is compatible. Some equipment requires specific wiring, so I check the manual or product details carefully. This step saves me from buying the wrong cable and having to return it later.
Shielding and Signal Reliability
I prefer cables with good shielding because they help reduce interference and improve signal reliability. This is especially important when I use the cable near other electronics or in an industrial environment. A well-shielded cable gives me fewer communication problems.
Connector Quality
I look closely at the connectors because they affect how securely the cable fits. Tight, well-made DB9 connectors help prevent loose connections and accidental disconnects. I also like screws that turn smoothly and lock firmly, since they keep the cable attached during use.
Use Case and Purpose
I always think about what I am using the cable for. If I am connecting a PC to a serial device, I make sure the cable supports that setup. If I am working with routers, modems, or lab equipment, I verify whether I need a standard serial cable or a crossover/null modem version.
Price vs Value
I do not always choose the cheapest option. Instead, I look for the best value by balancing price, durability, and compatibility. A slightly more expensive cable is worth it to me if it is reliable and saves me time troubleshooting.
My Final Tip
My biggest advice is to double-check the pinout, connector type, and cable length before buying. Once I confirm those three things, I usually end up with a DB9 DB9 serial cable that works exactly the way I need it to.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that a Db9 Db9 serial cable is a simple but essential tool for reliable serial communication between compatible devices. My key takeaway is to always check pinout, gender, and wiring needs before buying or using one, since those details can make all the difference. When I choose the right cable, setup becomes easier and connections are much more dependable.
Author Profile
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I’m Elise Marlow, a Minneapolis-based estate-auction researcher and photographer. Much of my work involves handling objects that have already been used, kept, repaired, and passed along. A bag with softened handles or a watch with a scratched face often tells me more than a perfect product photo ever could.
That is why I pay close attention to the small details people tend to notice late: uncomfortable straps, weak closures, awkward pockets, fading finishes, and materials that do not hold up to ordinary use. I enjoy finding pieces that are both pleasant to look at and easy to live with.
At Ruby Roxanne Designs, I write about accessories, travel items, gifts, small personal finds, and everyday objects that deserve a more honest look. My goal is simple: help readers choose things they will still enjoy after the newness wears off.
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