Electronics & Computing

The Best Parallel Cables

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Parallel cables, also known as printer cables, are essential for connecting older printers and other peripherals to your computer. While USB has become dominant, parallel ports still serve a purpose for specific hardware. Ensuring you select the correct cable type and length is crucial for reliable data transfer and avoiding compatibility issues.

No. 1
XMSJSIY DB25 to CN36 Parallel Printer Cable DB25 25Pin 25C*30AWG - 1.5M
  • DB25 pin to CN36-hole parallel port cable connects your PC to parallel dot matrix printers, older laser printers or other unidirectional peripherals.Suitable for IEEE-1284-compliant inkjet, laser, all-in-one printers and scanners, and other...
  • DB25 to CN36 Parallel Printer Cable with extensive compatibility, plug and play, extensive support for Windows/ XP/Vists/Win7/Win8, Linux and Mac systems, Suitable for printer, supermarket ticket printer, automation equipment, industrial equipment control...
  • Stable Signal Transmission,adopts pure copper core and aluminum-magnesium braided mesh shielding design, excellent solution to the shortcomings of long-distance transmission and avoid printing abnormalities or garbled codes due to short circuits.
  • High-quality PVC housing,has a full complement of 25C wires,consists of 30AWG,wear-resistant and corrosion-resistant, nickel-plated at the interface, effectively guarantee the transmission speed, the connection is fixed with standard general screws, the...
No. 2
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
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.
No. 4
Willwewon 5Ft DB25 Male to CN36 Male Parallel Cable Legacy Printer Cord
  • Connect your PC's DB25 parallel port to printers and peripherals with CN36 Centronics interface.
  • Plug and play, no driver needed. Fully compatible with Windows (XP/Vista/7/8/10/11), Linux, and Mac operating systems. Ideal for home office, retail stores, warehouses, manufacturing facilities, and industrial automation control systems.
  • Built with pure copper conductors and aluminum-magnesium braided mesh shielding to prevent electromagnetic interference. Data transmission is stable, preventing printing errors, garbled text, or incomplete print jobs caused by signal loss or short...
  • High-quality PVC housing with full 25-pin wiring configuration. Nickel-plated DB25 and CN36 connectors resist corrosion and ensure optimal conductivity.
No. 5
Generator Parallel Cables for Honda EU1000i EU2000i EU2200i EU3000i etc.
  • Double Your Power Capacity:Effortlessly link two identical for Honda eu1000i eu2200i or eu3000i(Handi model only) generators using the HPK123HI parallel cable.Achieve up to double the output power(Note:you can only parallel two identical units together)
  • Compatible with Honda Models:Specifically designed for use with for Honda 08E93-HPK123HI EB2000 EU1000 EU2000 EU2200 EB2000i EU1000i EU1000iK1 EU1000iT1 EU2000i EU2000iK1 EU2000iT1 EU2200iT generator power parallel connector cable kit.This cable does...
  • Backup For Power Outage:Not matter you are suffering from a power outage or you need to power up your appliance in RV, this parallel cable will come in handy.Maintain the convenience of portability while gaining extra power
  • Solid Durability:Crafted with high-quality materials,this for Honda parallel cable boasts unparalleled durability and resistance to stretching.Perfect for outdoor use,rv power or emergency backup,you can rely on it for years to come
No. 6
PNGKNYOCN 4.5 Feet DB25 Male to Male Parallel Printer Cable YOUCHENG for the Connection Between a Computer...
  • This DB25 25-pin male-to-male cable can be used to increase the data rate and two-way communication between DB25 IEEE-1284 compatible printers, scanners and other compatible peripherals and the PC.
  • High-quality PVC housing, wear-resistant and corrosion-resistant, nickel-plated at the interface, effectively guarantee the transmission speed, the connection is fixed with standard general screws, the connection is firm, and the use is safe.
  • Cable length: 140cm / 4.5 feet, it is a direct connection of all 25 lines (non-NULL modem cable)
  • DB25 male to male parallel cable is suitable for connecting computers and printers and other parallel port devices and transmitting signals. Plug and play, no driver required
No. 7
Yohii DB25 Extension Cable 4.5M Male to Male Parallel RS232
  • Parallel cable is foil shielded for EMI/RFI protection, and is available fully molded with thumbscrew
  • Excellent solution to the shortcomings of long:distance transmission, ensuring that no garbled characters will appear during printing
  • Use this direct cable connection to connect two computers with DB25 female parallel ports to share e:mail and file information and devices such as printers and Zip drives
  • Shielded Cable and Two Ferrite Core can minimize crosstalk,suppress noise,and protect against electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI)
No. 8
GXMRHWY USB to DB25 Parallel Printer Cable USB with FTDI Chip Male to DB25 Male Serial Port Cable 1.8Meter
  • USB Type A Male To DB25 Male,Parallel Printer Cable,With FTDI Chip,Serial Port,1.8Meter
  • FT232RL signal conversion chip, applied to RS232 serial port printer cables, Win10 and above systems will come with drivers, which will be automatically installed after inserting USB. If it cannot be automatically installed, you can go to the official...
  • Compatible with Windows 32-bit, 64 bit systems, Vista, Linux, Mac OS, Android systems, making it easy to connect and use quickly.
  • Compliant with UL certification in the United States, fire-resistant and flame-retardant, tin plated copper, -40 ℃~80 ℃. Outer diameter (OD) 4.5mm, customizable cable length
No. 9
PNGKNYOCN 8.9 Feet DB25 Pin to CN36 Hole Parallel Printer Cable, YOUCHENG, for Connect Computers, Printers
  • DB25-pin to CN36-hole parallel port cable connects your PC to parallel dot matrix printers, older laser printers or other unidirectional peripherals
  • High-quality PVC housing, wear-resistant and corrosion-resistant, nickel-plated at the interface, effectively guarantee the transmission speed, the connection is fixed with standard general screws, the connection is firm, and the use is safe.
  • Extensive compatibility, plug and play, extensive support for Windows XP/Vists/Win7/Win8, Linux and Mac systems, PS: The printer driver needs to be installed when using it
  • It is suitable for connecting computers and printers and other parallel port devices and transmitting signals. It is strong enough to be used in industrial environments.
SaleNo. 10
Journeyman-Pro Inverter Generator Parallel Kit, 30 Amp RV Cord, 6 Foot
  • DOUBLE THE OUTPUT: This generator parallel cables kit links two identical compatible inverter generator units so combined output can reach up to 40 amps for RV-ready power. It is built for steady connection when more wattage is needed at camp, at a...
  • FIELD-READY BUILD: Solid construction and easy handling stand out in feedback, and this generator cord set is built around that same straightforward design. A braided nylon sleeve keeps the cables together, 12 AWG 100% copper wiring carries the load, and...
  • LOW-PROFILE CONNECTION: Right-angle plugs keep this parallel kit closer to the generator body, which helps limit snagging and exposed plug length during setup or storage. That low-profile shape is a practical detail for tighter spaces, and review feedback...
  • HEAVY-DUTY SPECS: This kit uses 12 AWG 100% copper wiring with a heavy braided nylon sleeve and is rated for a combined 40 amps, 125 volts, and 5000 watts output. The cable build is designed for outdoor wear and repeated handling, while the right-angle...

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

How to Choose the Best Parallel Cables

Key Factors When Buying a Parallel Cable

When choosing a parallel cable, consider these important factors to ensure compatibility and optimal performance for your devices:
  • Connector Type: The most common parallel connectors are Centronics (36-pin) on the printer end and DB25 (25-pin) on the computer end. Ensure the cable matches the ports available on both your computer and peripheral. Adapters may be available, but a direct connection is generally more reliable.
  • Cable Length: Parallel cables are typically available in lengths ranging from 3 feet to 15 feet. For reliable data transmission, it's best to choose the shortest cable that comfortably reaches between your devices. Longer cables can be more susceptible to signal degradation and interference.
  • Shielding and Quality: Look for cables with good shielding to minimize electromagnetic interference (EMI), which can corrupt data. Higher quality cables often feature durable connectors and robust construction, leading to a longer lifespan and more consistent performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a parallel cable used for?
Parallel cables were primarily used to connect printers to computers, enabling faster data transfer than earlier serial connections. They can also be used for other peripherals that utilize a parallel port.
Can I use a parallel cable with a modern computer that doesn't have a parallel port?
Yes, you can use a parallel-to-USB adapter. These adapters convert the parallel signal to USB, allowing you to connect older parallel devices to computers with only USB ports. Ensure the adapter is compatible with your operating system.
How do I know if my printer has a parallel port?
Look at the back of your printer for a large, trapezoidal port with 25 pins, often labeled 'Parallel' or 'LPT'. This is the DB25 connector. The other end of the cable will typically connect to a similar 36-pin Centronics connector on the printer itself.
Are there different types of parallel cables?
The main distinction is in the connectors (DB25 and Centronics) and cable length. While standard parallel cables exist, some specialized applications might use different configurations, but for general use, the DB25 to Centronics is most common.

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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