Electronics & Computing

The Best Parallel Adapters

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Our picks are based on Amazon bestseller rankings, verified 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
  • Simple Plug & Play installation
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
  • THE IT PRO'S CHOICE: Designed and built for IT Professionals, this USB to parallel cord is backed for 2-Years, including free lifetime 24/5 multi-lingual technical assistance
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.
  • Easy, fast and convenient way to connect your printer.
No. 4
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...
  • Compatible with Windows 95, 98,98SE,ME,2000 and Mac OS 8.6 or later Supports virtually any standard or IEEE 1284 parallel printer
No. 5
BougeRV Solar Connectors Y Branch Parallel Adapter Cable Wire Plug Tool Kit for Solar Panel
  • 【Y Branch Parallel Connector】1 male to 2 female (M/FF) and 1 female to 2 male (F/MM) solar connectors, which can connect 2 solar panels in parallel.
  • 【Main Technical Specification】Rated Current: 20A, Rated Voltage: DC1000V.
  • 【Wide Application】The solar y connector is compatible with various solar cables:14-10AWG (1.5mm² - 6mm²).
  • 【IP67 Waterproof】The waterproof ring in male connector is designed to prevent water and dust. With high-quality PPO material, solar connectors can resist to ultraviolet rays, and high temperature.
  • 【Plug and Play】You can assembly solar y connector quickly and simply. Just press the built-in-lock on the male connector to disconnect.
SaleNo. 6
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)
SaleNo. 7
ECO-WORTHY 30A IP68 Solar Y Branch Parallel Connector Kit for Solar Panels
  • Y Branch Parallel Connector: 1 male to 2 female and 1 female to 2 male solar connectors can connect two solar panels in parallel to provide greater power usage
  • Wide Application: The solar Y connector is made of PPO and tinned copper and is compatible with various solar cables: 14-10 AWG (1.5 mm² - 6 mm²)
  • IP68 Waterproof: Better waterproof and dustproof performance than IP67, VL94-V0 flame retardant grade, working temperature -49 ℉-194 ℉, which can work normally in harsh environments
  • Plug and Play: The solar Y branch is connected by pressing and unlocked by pressing the buckles on both sides, and will not slip off easily
  • Technical Specification: Solar cable rated current: 30 A, rated voltage: DC 1000 V; Suitable for most solar systems
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
  • Package Contents: One adapter cable, User manual
  • Note: This adapter is designed for use with a standard Parallel printer and is not designed to support multi-function printers or other parallel devices. This adapter uses the USB Printing Support function of the operating system and is not designed to...
No. 9
StarTech 10ft USB to Parallel Printer Adapter, M/M (ICUSB128410)
  • Add a Centronics parallel port to your desktop or laptop PC through USB
  • USB to Parallel Adapter
  • USB to Parallel Printer
  • USB to Parallel Cable
  • USB to Centronics

Last update on 2026-08-30 / 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.