Electronics & Computing

The Best Parallel Adapters

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Our picks are based on Amazon bestseller rankings, Amazon customer ratings, and product availability. We update our recommendations regularly to ensure accuracy.

Parallel adapters bridge the gap between older parallel port peripherals and modern computers. These handy devices ensure your legacy printers, scanners, or other devices remain functional, saving you the cost of replacement. Understanding their features and compatibility is key to a seamless connection and continued productivity.

No. 1
SABRENT USB to Parallel IEEE 1284 Printer Cable Adapter (CB-CN36)
  • Supports multiple operation systems
  • IEEE 1284 (Bi-Directional Parallel Interface)
  • Enjoy data transfer rate up to 12Mbps
  • Eliminate manual or automatic parallel switch boxes
SaleNo. 2
StarTech 6ft. (1.8m) USB to Parallel Port Adapter, IEEE-1284 (ICUSB1284)
  • USB TO PARALLEL: The ICUSB1284 USB to Parallel printer adapter allows you to connect a 36-pin Centronics-equipped parallel printer to a computer via a USB-A 2.0 port
  • LOW POWER: USB bus-powered operation, no external power adapter required (0.9W consumption, 5V at 0,18A)
  • SPECS: USB-A male to 36-pin Centronics parallel male cable; 1.8m (6 ft) long; USB 2.0; Colour: Black; Material: Plastic; Chipset: Prolific PL2305
  • COMPATABILITY: Provides Plug and Play installation on Windows based computers with USB; Supports Windows (incl. XP and up) Windows Server (2000 and up), Linux (2.6.X and up) and macOS 10.6 to 10.15, 11.0, 12.0, 13.0
No. 3
SABRENT USB 2.0 to DB25 IEEE-1284 Parallel Printer Adapter (CB-DB25)
  • Connect a printer to your computer without any necessary driver software.
  • Fully plug and play compatible.
  • Automatically negotiates hardware recognition for faster setup of your printer.
  • Compatible with most printers.
SaleNo. 4
StarTech 1-Port Parallel PCIe Card, Scanners & Plotters, SPP/ECP (PEX1P2)
  • 1-PORT PARALLEL PCIe CARD: Using a 1x PCI Express 2.0 Gen 1 slot, add a DB25 parallel communications port to your computer; Installs in full/standard or low profile PCIe cards slots (brackets incl.); Latest version of our popular parallel card PEX1P
  • TECH SPECS: Parallel port LPT controller card supports SPP/Byte/Nibble/ECP modes | Compatible with IEEE 1284 | Speeds up to 2.5Mbps | Asix AX99100 chip | Full profile bracket pre-installed
  • VERSATILE APPLICATIONS: Parallel port expansion card works with printers, scanners, plotters, point of sale terminals, PLCs, control/automation in factories, scientific sensors, medical equipment, oscilloscope
  • WIDE COMPATABILITY: Fully compliant with PCI Express Base Specifications Revision 1.1 and PCI Power Mgmt 1.2; Compatible with PCI-e x1 slot and up; Supports Windows (incl. XP and up) Windows Server (2003 and up) and Linux (2.6.X and up)
No. 5
CybNemo USB to Parallel Printer Cable USB 2.0 Type A Male to CN36 Pin Male Parallel IEEE 1284 Centronics 36PIN...
  • Easy Connection: The USB to parallel port printer cable supports easy connection between USB and scanners/printers; It is possible to connect a computer USB interface with transfer function to an old printer with 36 pin parallel, easily restoring the old...
  • High quality: This USB to IEEE1284 CN36 parallel printer cable adopts standard IEEE1284 cable, multi-layer shielding and pure copper core design, with good conductivity, stable signal transmission, durability, and long service life.
  • Transfer speed: The USB to parallel printer adapter has fast data transfer speed, and the 80 centimeter long cable provides sufficient distance between devices to establish a strong connection and achieve fast printing.
  • Easy to Use: USB to parallel printer adapter cable is plug and play, no driver installation required, easy to install, supports hot swapping, and can be easily set up without any accessories, making printing easier.
No. 6
StarTech.com 1 Port PCI Parallel Adapter Card - Parallel adapter - PCI - IEEE 1284 - PCI1PECP
  • Add a high-speed parallel port (EPP/ECP) to your desktop computer through a PCI expansion slot
  • PCI Parallel Card
  • IEEE 1284 Card
  • Parallel Adapter -PCI DB25 Card
SaleNo. 7
SinLoon USB to Parallel Port Adapter USB to IEEE1284 CN36 Parallel Printer Cable Adapter for Printer (4.6FT)
  • Reconnect to an older printer with the USB 2.0 to Parallel Printer Adapter Cable. This adapter connects older printers to computers, laptops and other USB-enabled devices. Designed to work with printers that feature a CEN36 connector. Designed for...
  • USB to Parallel IEEE 1284 CN36 Printer Adapter Cable 4.6ft. length provides ample reach between devices for versatile home and office setups. Gain a solid connection with the USB 2.0 to Parallel Printer Adapter Cable.
  • SinLoon usb to parallel printer cable allows you to attach your computer to any parallel printer Device thru the USB port and get faster Printing results.
  • Today's computers don't come with parallel ports. But they do have USB! With this adapter cable you can still use your older printers with your newer computer. Converts a printer's parallel port for use with a USB port. This was a perfect solution for old...
No. 8
C2G 16899 USB To DB25 Parallel Printer Adapter Cable, Beige (6 Feet, 1.82 Meters)
  • Connect your Parallel, IEEE-1284, printer to a USB port on your PC or hub
  • Keeps the parallel port on a PC free by using USB instead
  • Connect multiple printers using USB instead of parallel
  • Eliminates the need for a switchbox by using USB ports
No. 9
StarTech 6ft / 2m USB to DB25 Parallel Printer Adapter (ICUSB1284D25)
  • USB interface allows you to quickly add another parallel port to your Windows 98/ME/2000/XP/Vista/7 computer
  • Plug and play USB design eliminates the need for manual or automatic parallel switch boxes
  • Compact size and low weight make it an ideal accessory for portable computers
  • Fully Plug & Play for easy installation

Last update on 2026-10-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

How to Choose the Best Parallel Adapters

Choosing the Right Adapter

Prioritize adapters from reputable brands known for quality and support. Reading user reviews can provide insights into real-world performance and potential issues with specific devices or operating systems. If you have a particularly old or obscure parallel device, research its compatibility with USB adapters beforehand to avoid frustration. An adapter with good customer support can be invaluable if you encounter any setup challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a parallel adapter work with any parallel device?
Most standard parallel devices, especially printers and scanners, are compatible with parallel-to-USB adapters. However, highly specialized or industrial equipment might have unique communication protocols that are not supported.
Do I need to install drivers for a parallel adapter?
Many modern parallel adapters are plug-and-play and do not require manual driver installation. Your operating system should automatically detect and install the necessary drivers. However, for some devices or older operating systems, you might need to download specific drivers from the manufacturer's website.
What is bidirectional communication in a parallel adapter?
Bidirectional communication means the adapter can send and receive data. This is crucial for devices like printers that send status information back to the computer, such as ink levels or error messages.
Can I use a parallel adapter for data transfer, not just printing?
Yes, some parallel adapters support data transfer for devices like external hard drives or ZIP drives that use a parallel interface. Ensure the adapter explicitly states support for data transfer if this is your intended use.
How do I troubleshoot connection issues with a parallel adapter?
First, ensure all connections are secure. Try a different USB port on your computer and restart both the computer and the parallel device. If problems persist, verify driver compatibility and consult the adapter manufacturer's support resources.

How we compare Electronics & Computing

1 Specifications: we compare the key features and specifications listed by the manufacturer and on Amazon.
2 Customer ratings: we take into account the average Amazon rating and the number of reviews.
3 Price: we check the current price and highlight notable deals.
4 Updates: comparisons are refreshed regularly as prices and availability change.

Our comparisons are reviewed and updated regularly to reflect the latest products and prices.

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