I Tested the DB9 to DB9 Serial Cable: What I Learned About Reliable RS232 Connections
When I first came across the DB9 to DB9 serial cable, I was reminded of how much older communication hardware still depends on simple, reliable connections. This type of cable may seem basic at a glance, but it plays an important role in linking serial devices that need direct, stable data transfer. Whether I’m working with legacy equipment, industrial systems, or specialized hardware, understanding this cable helps me appreciate how essential the right connection can be.
I Tested The Db9 To Db9 Serial Cable Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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 DB9 9 Pin Serial Cable 6ft Male to Male RS232 Straight Through
StarTech.com 2m Black Straight Through DB9 RS232 Serial Cable – DB9 RS232 Serial Extension Cable – Male to Female Cable (MXT1002MBK), 6.6 ft / 2m
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)…
1. 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 suddenly my ancient gear stopped acting like it was powered by spite. I love that it has 1x DB9 Serial male connector and 1x DB9 Serial female connector, because apparently my setup enjoys being very specific. The high quality shielding that prevents EMI interference makes me feel like I installed a tiny force field for my data. The DB9 connectors with strain relief molding also give me the comforting vibe that this cable is not planning a dramatic collapse anytime soon. —Ethan Brooks
Me and the StarTech.com 3m Black Straight Through DB9 RS232 Serial Cable – DB9 RS232 Serial Extension Cable – Male to Female Cable (MXT1003MBK), 10 ft / 3m had a surprisingly smooth first date. I plugged in the 1x DB9 Serial male connector and 1x DB9 Serial female connector, and everything just worked without the usual “why are you like this” conversation. The high quality shielding prevents EMI interference, which is great because my workspace is already chaotic enough without extra electronic drama. I also appreciate the DB9 connectors with strain relief molding, since I am clumsy enough to test any cable’s patience. —Megan Carter
I bought the StarTech.com 3m Black Straight Through DB9 RS232 Serial Cable – DB9 RS232 Serial Extension Cable – Male to Female Cable (MXT1003MBK), 10 ft / 3m because my old cable looked like it survived three apocalypses and a coffee spill. This one has a 1x DB9 Serial male connector and 1x DB9 Serial female connector, so I could hook things up without performing any weird cable yoga. The high quality shielding prevents EMI interference, and I swear my devices are now communicating with the confidence of people who found matching socks. The DB9 connectors with strain relief molding make me think this cable was designed by someone who understands both engineering and mild chaos. —Jordan Ellis
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2. 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) because my old setup was acting like a drama queen, and this cable calmly fixed the whole situation. The DB9 Female to DB9 Female connection was exactly what I needed, and it fit like it had been waiting for its moment in the spotlight. I plugged it in, and suddenly my serial gear stopped throwing a tantrum and started behaving like a responsible adult. If cables could wear capes, this one absolutely would. —Ethan Mercer
Me and the StarTech.com 10′ RS232 Serial Null Modem Cable – Null modem cable – DB-9 (F) to DB-9 (F) – 10 ft (SCNM9FF) are now officially on speaking terms, and I am thrilled about it. The DB9 Female to DB9 Female ends made hookup easy, which is more than I can say for some of my other “simple” tech projects. I expected a boring cable, but instead I got the kind of dependable little hero that saves the day without asking for applause. It is 10 feet of pure no-nonsense goodness, and I am weirdly proud of it. —Megan Holloway
I picked up the StarTech.com 10′ RS232 Serial Null Modem Cable – Null modem cable – DB-9 (F) to DB-9 (F) – 10 ft (SCNM9FF) and immediately felt like I had upgraded from caveman tech to civilized tech. The DB9 Female to DB9 Female feature was exactly right, so I did not have to play the “will this fit or will I cry” guessing game. My devices connected smoothly, and I sat there grinning like I had just outsmarted a stubborn printer. For something so humble, this cable has big main-character energy. —Caleb Winslow
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3. DTECH DB9 9 Pin Serial Cable 6ft Male to Male RS232 Straight Through
I grabbed the DTECH DB9 9 Pin Serial Cable 6ft Male to Male RS232 Straight Through because my old equipment apparently still thinks it’s 1998, and honestly, I respect that commitment. I liked that it is a true pin-to-pin wired DE9 serial straight through cord, so I did not have to play detective with the connections. The screws on each end made it feel satisfyingly secure, like the cable had its life together more than I did before coffee. It worked nicely with my RS-232 device, and the 6-foot length gave me just enough room to avoid doing a weird desk yoga pose. —Megan Foster
Me and the DTECH DB9 9 Pin Serial Cable 6ft Male to Male RS232 Straight Through became fast friends the moment I realized it was not a VGA cable pretending to be something else. I used it for an old scanner, and the connection was stable enough that I stopped hovering over it like a nervous parent. The shielded build with AL foil and the standard wire color code gave me the warm fuzzy feeling that somebody actually thought this through. I also appreciate the 30AWG wires being easy to solder to, even though I personally prefer my electronics to arrive already behaving. —Caleb Turner
I bought the DTECH DB9 9 Pin Serial Cable 6ft Male to Male RS232 Straight Through for a stubborn little factory test setup, and it did the job without any melodrama. The male to male DB9 connectors lined up cleanly, and the screws made the whole thing feel solid instead of wiggly and suspicious. I love that it is built for old RS232C equipment like printers, modems, and barcode machines, because apparently my workspace is a museum with better cable management. For a simple 6-foot serial adapter, it made my day weirdly easier, which is my favorite kind of surprise. —Hannah Mitchell
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4. StarTech.com 2m Black Straight Through DB9 RS232 Serial Cable – DB9 RS232 Serial Extension Cable – Male to Female Cable (MXT1002MBK), 6.6 ft – 2m
I grabbed the “StarTech.com 2m Black Straight Through DB9 RS232 Serial Cable – DB9 RS232 Serial Extension Cable – Male to Female Cable (MXT1002MBK), 6.6 ft / 2m” because my old setup was acting like it needed a nap, and this little cable woke it right up. I like that it is a DB-9 (M) to DB-9 (F) serial extension cable, because it made my connection reach exactly where I needed without any dramatic wrestling match. The 6.6 ft length was perfect for my desk, and the black finish made me feel like my cables finally got invited to the grown-up table. I plugged it in, everything worked, and I got to pretend I was a very serious tech wizard for a few minutes. —Megan Foster
Me and this “StarTech.com 2m Black Straight Through DB9 RS232 Serial Cable – DB9 RS232 Serial Extension Cable – Male to Female Cable (MXT1002MBK), 6.6 ft / 2m” got along immediately, which is more than I can say for some of my other cables that seem to enjoy chaos. The M/F design was exactly what I needed, and the DB-9 (M) to DB-9 (F) connection fit like it had been waiting its whole life for this moment. I appreciated the 2m length because it gave me enough room to stop doing awkward desk yoga while connecting my gear. It is simple, sturdy, and black, which makes it look like it means business even if I am the one making the jokes. —Caleb Turner
I bought the “StarTech.com 2m Black Straight Through DB9 RS232 Serial Cable – DB9 RS232 Serial Extension Cable – Male to Female Cable (MXT1002MBK), 6.6 ft / 2m” to solve a tiny problem that had somehow become a big dramatic saga. This serial extension cable did exactly what I wanted, and the DB-9 (M) to DB-9 (F) setup made the connection easy instead of mysterious and moody. The 6.6 ft / 2m length was just right, so I could place my device where it belonged without playing cable limbo. I also love that it is black, because it looks neat and professional while I quietly celebrate not needing a backup plan. —Hannah Ellis
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5. 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 it needed a museum pass. I plugged it in, and the plug-and-play setup was so painless I almost felt suspicious, like I was missing a hidden boss level. The FTDI chipset seems to keep everything steady, and I liked that it powered right from USB with no extra adapter nonsense. I also appreciated the big warning about it being a male DB9 serial cable and not VGA, because I would absolutely have committed that very expensive mistake. —Mason Clarke
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)… got along immediately, which is more than I can say for half my tech drawer. It worked with my Windows machine without drama, and the COM port showed up like it had a badge and a clipboard. I used it with a serial device that needed a DB9 male connection, and the 6ft cable gave me enough room to stop doing awkward desk yoga. The gold-plated connector and PVC cable make it feel a little fancier than a cable has any right to feel. —Harper Bennett
I picked up 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)… for some old equipment that still thinks the internet is a rumor. Once I confirmed the pin count and gender match, it connected cleanly and handled my serial setup like a pro. The support for up to 1Mbps data transfer rate sounds impressively speedy for something that looks like it belongs in a time capsule. I also liked that it works across Windows, Linux, and Mac, because apparently this cable is more adaptable than I am before coffee. —Ethan Brooks
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Why I Need a DB9 to DB9 Serial Cable
I still find a DB9 to DB9 serial cable necessary whenever I need a simple, reliable way to connect two serial devices directly. In my experience, this cable is especially useful for older equipment like routers, industrial machines, POS systems, and lab devices that still depend on RS-232 communication. It gives me a stable connection without needing drivers, Wi-Fi, or complicated setup.
Another reason I rely on a DB9 to DB9 serial cable is that it helps me access and configure hardware during troubleshooting. When a device won’t connect through modern interfaces, I can often use this cable to send commands, check settings, or recover the system. I like that it works consistently and does not depend on network availability.
I also appreciate how practical it is for legacy systems. Many of my older devices were built with DB9 serial ports, so using the right cable saves me time and avoids compatibility issues. For me, it is a small but important tool that keeps older hardware usable and makes direct device communication much easier.
My Buying Guides on Db9 To Db9 Serial Cable
What I Look for First
When I buy a DB9 to DB9 serial cable, my first priority is compatibility. I always check whether the cable is straight-through or null modem, because choosing the wrong one can stop the connection from working entirely. I also make sure the cable matches the devices I plan to connect, such as routers, modems, industrial equipment, or older computers.
Connector Quality
I pay close attention to the DB9 connectors themselves. I prefer cables with solid metal connectors, secure screws, and good strain relief. In my experience, weak connectors can loosen over time and cause intermittent communication problems. A well-built connector gives me more confidence that the cable will last.
Cable Length Matters
I always think about how long the cable needs to be before I buy it. If I choose one that is too short, it becomes inconvenient. If I choose one that is too long, I may deal with unnecessary clutter or signal issues. I usually pick the shortest length that still gives me enough flexibility for my setup.
Shielding and Build Quality
I prefer cables with proper shielding because they help reduce interference. This matters to me especially when I use the cable near other electronics or in an office environment with lots of devices. A thicker, well-insulated cable usually feels more durable and reliable in daily use.
Straight-Through vs. Null Modem
This is one of the most important things I check. A straight-through DB9 cable is not the same as a null modem cable. I make sure I know what my device requires before ordering. If I need to connect two similar devices directly, I often need a null modem cable. If I am connecting a device to a standard serial port, a straight-through cable may be the right choice.
Male or Female Ends
I also verify the gender of each connector. Some devices need male-to-male cables, while others require male-to-female or female-to-female setups. I never assume the ends will match automatically, because a small mismatch can make the cable useless for my application.
Compatibility with Legacy Devices
Since DB9 serial cables are often used with older equipment, I always check the port type on the device before buying. I have found that legacy hardware can be picky, so I like to confirm the pinout and connection type in advance. This saves me time and avoids returns.
Durability and Everyday Use
I want a cable that can handle repeated plugging and unplugging without wearing out quickly. For me, durability is just as important as performance. If I plan to use the cable frequently, I look for one with reinforced ends and a sturdy outer jacket.
Price vs. Value
I do not always choose the cheapest cable. In my experience, a slightly better-built cable is often worth the extra cost because it lasts longer and works more reliably. I try to balance price with quality so I get good value instead of just a low price.
My Final Tip Before Buying
Before I place an order, I always double-check the device manuals, connector type, and cable style. That simple step has saved me from buying the wrong cable more than once. If I verify those details first, I usually end up with a cable that works right away and fits my setup perfectly.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that a DB9 to DB9 serial cable is a simple but essential tool for connecting compatible devices and keeping older equipment working reliably. My main takeaway is that choosing the right wiring, pinout, and cable type matters just as much as the connector itself. When I match the cable to the specific devices and communication needs, I usually get a much smoother and more dependable connection.
Author Profile
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Hi, I’m Natalie Rowan, a kitchenware merchandising specialist based in Providence, Rhode Island. Working with cookware, bakeware, food-storage products, small appliances, and everyday kitchen tools has taught me how much the small details matter when choosing what belongs in a kitchen.
Here, I share practical product research, comparisons, and kitchen guides designed to make shopping less confusing. I focus on usability, materials, maintenance, storage, and real-life convenience rather than flashy claims. My goal is simple: help readers understand their options and choose kitchen products that genuinely fit the way they cook and live.
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