Best Serial Port Cards Under $200 (2026)

• 6 products compared from 6 brands • avg ItemOracle score 3.6/5

We ranked devices under $200 by interface support, build and mounting options, UART/throughput features, and overall value score

The Verdict

This roundup evaluates serial port cards and converters under $200 that add RS-232/422/485 connectivity or convert serial to Ethernet for industrial, legacy, and hobbyist use. Selections prioritize interface support, build quality, driver/OS compatibility, and value to help you match a serial solution to your project needs

Top Picks

  1. 1
    HF2211 Serial Port Server: RS232/485/422 to Ethernet DTU

    Best Overall HF2211 Serial Port Server: RS232/485/422 to Ethernet DTU

    POCREATION • ★ 3.9/5 • Mid-Range

    Best for networked serial: compact DTU that converts RS-232/485/422 to Ethernet for remote device access

    HF2211 converts RS232/485/422 serial interfaces to Ethernet for networked devices. Enables remote access and Ethernet DTU networking with multiple certifications for safety and compliance

    • multi-interface serial support
    • Ethernet DTU capability
    • compliance certifications
    Check current price on Amazon →
  2. 2
    2-Port ISA Serial/Parallel Expansion Card

    Best Value 2-Port ISA Serial/Parallel Expansion Card

    MOUDOAUER • ★ 3.7/5 • Budget

    Best for legacy PCs: two-port ISA expansion that restores serial and parallel connectivity for older systems

    Retro ISA interface card with 2 RS232 ports (COM1/COM2) and a 5V powered PCI-like adapter. Works in vintage systems with ISA slots; supports DB15 and pin header COM2. Customer says it works with printers

    • two RS232 ports
    • DB15 and pin header interfaces
    • requires only 5V power
    Check current price on Amazon →
  3. 3
    USR-DR301 DIN-Rail RS232 to Ethernet Converter

    USR-DR301 DIN-Rail RS232 to Ethernet Converter

    USR • ★ 3.6/5 • Budget

    Best for DIN-rail installations: RS-232 to Ethernet device server designed for rack and industrial mounting

    DIN-rail RS232 to Ethernet device server with compact size. Enables remote serial access via Ethernet/Websocket. Customer note hints ease of use

    • DIN-rail mounted
    • RS232 to Ethernet
    • Websocket capable
    Check current price on Amazon →
  4. 4
    RS232/485/422 to RJ45 Ethernet module with POE

    RS232/485/422 to RJ45 Ethernet module with POE

    waveshare • ★ 3.5/5 • Budget

    Best for PoE setups: RS-232/485/422 to RJ45 module that supports Power over Ethernet for simplified wiring

    Industrial data gateway converting serial protocols to TCP/IP, supporting multi-function serial server and gateways. Useful for data acquisition and monitoring. Customer note: reliability is good, though documentation quality and setup ease are mixed

    • POE capable Ethernet module
    • bi-directional transparent transmission
    • serial to TCP/IP with multiple gateway features
    Check current price on Amazon →
  5. 5
    StarTech 4 Port RS232 PCIe Serial Card with 16650 UART

    StarTech 4 Port RS232 PCIe Serial Card with 16650 UART

    StarTech • ★ 3.3/5 • Mid-Range

    Best for multiport PCIe needs: four-port RS-232 serial card with 16650 UART for robust serial host connections

    Four RS232 ports with high-speed data transfer, featuring 16650 UART and 256-byte FIFO. Includes 4x 30cm IDC to DB9 cables. Suitable for PCI Express systems

    • four high speed rs232 ports
    • 16650 uart performance
    • includes serial cables
    Check current price on Amazon →
  6. 6
    BLACK BOX IC820A RS-232 to RS-422/485 Bidirectional Converter

    BLACK BOX IC820A RS-232 to RS-422/485 Bidirectional Converter

    Black Box • ★ 3.3/5 • Mid-Range

    Best for protocol conversion: bidirectional RS-232 to RS-422/485 converter offering reliable signal level translation

    RS-232 to RS-422/485 bidirectional converter for serial connections. Useful for integrating legacy serial devices with multi-protocol interfaces. Customer sentiment notes solid value and quality

    • RS-232 to RS-422/485 compatibility
    • bidirectional data flow
    • premium build quality
    Buy at Amazon →

Buying Guide

Choose the right interface

Confirm whether you need RS-232, RS-422, RS-485, or a combination since electrical and wiring requirements differ

Consider connection type

Decide between PCIe/ISA expansion, DIN-rail modules, or network serial servers depending on your host and mounting needs

Check UART and buffering

Higher-quality UARTs (e.g., 16650 or better) and good buffering reduce data loss on high-throughput or multitasking systems

Look for conversion and protocol features

If you need serial over IP, choose device servers or DTUs with TCP/UDP, transparent serial, and configurable baud/flow settings

Assess power and mounting

For industrial deployments prefer DIN-rail or PoE-capable modules and confirm power input and isolation specifications