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Best Laptops with Built-in Serial Port (RS-232 / COM Port)

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Updated on: July 7, 2026
Time to read: 15 minutes

You can find laptops with RS-232 ports, but they are generally available in rugged and industrial categories. These were dropped by mainstream brands, such as Lenovo and HP years ago. 

So, if you are looking for a built-in serial port for use cases, such as networking gear, industrial equipment, or field diagnostics, this article is for you. It covers all the options, including refurbished bargains, USB-to-Serial alternatives, last models from Lenovo and HP, and new rugged laptops. With the specialized application, e.g. Virtual Serial Port Emulator you can create any number of virtual COM interfaces.

Note: Best laptops with serial ports have various drawbacks, with high cost being the most significant. Fortunately, you can add a serial port to almost any laptop using alternative solutions that are far more affordable.
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Do New Laptops with Serial Ports Still Available?

“Need a Windows 10 laptop with serial ports.”
— Reddit

No, modern business laptops do not come with a built-in RS-232 (DB9) serial port. You can find a native RS-232 serial port only in the industry categories or brands like HP discontinued the feature around 2014, Lenovo in the mid-2010s, and Dell’s rugged ones. Mainstream standard Latitude line soon after. 

Most available models are purpose-built rugged laptops designed for industrial environments, field technicians, and engineers. Here, reliable and interference-resistant serial connections remain essential for:

• Managing the configuration of PLC machinery, industrial control systems, and CNC equipment
• Connecting to network devices, such as routers, firewalls, and switches, through a console cable
• Interacting with scientific, diagnostic, and medical instruments
• Vehicle-based computing solutions for law enforcement and fire/EMS operations

There are still some brands that offer new laptops with serial ports. They are Getac, Dell Rugged Latitude, and Panasonic Toughbook. To use serial ports in other brands, you will need a USB-to-Serial adapter or an older refurbished device. 

Best Laptops with RS-232 Serial Port (COM Port)

Built-in serial ports (RS-232, DB9) are usually located on the rear or side of the chassis. They deliver a hardwired, interference-resistant connection that USB doesn’t always replicate reliably in industrial environments. Rugged laptops stand apart from consumer models because they are built to endure harsh conditions, such as drops, dust, rain, and extreme temperatures. 

To choose the right rugged laptop with serial port, consider your environment (fully rugged or semi-rugged), touchscreen requirements, and budget. 

Let’s now discuss some of these models below.

Panasonic Toughbook FZ-55

Panasonic Toughbook FZ-55 is one of the most popular semi-rugged laptops in its category, and it stands out for its unique modular xPAK system. It is designed for professionals who require a flexible, future-proof device that adapts over time.

Panasonic Toughbook FZ-55

Classification: Semi-rugged

Price: Approximately $2,500 +

Features:

• Intel Core i5-1345U / i7-1370P (13th Gen)
• Up to 64 GB RAM
• Up to 3 TB SSD
• 14” FHD 1000-nit display 
• Windows 11 Pro
• RS-232 serial port with optional xPAK module

Pros

  • Provides a modular xPAK design that includes an add/swap serial port, 2nd battery, a barcode reader without tools, and a DVD
  • Offers an outdoor readable display with 1000 nits of brightness
  • Delivers up to 20 hours of battery life with dual hot-swappable batteries
  • The lightest model in its rugged class on this list

Cons

  • Serial port support is optional and requires an add-on module. Confirm the configuration at the time of purpose
  • Rated as semi-rugged (IP53, MIL-STD-810H), this model is not ideal for extreme environments

Panasonic Toughbook CF-33

Panasonic Toughbook CF-33 is a fully rugged 2-in-1 laptop designed for tough field environments. It pairs a removable tablet with a rugged keyboard base that allows you to use this device flexibly in vehicles, mobile operations, or on-site diagnostics. 

Panasonic Toughbook CF-33

Classification: Fully rugged 2-in-1 

Price: Approximately $3,000 +

Features

• Intel Core i5-1345U / i7-1370P (13th Gen)
• 16 to 32 GB RAM
• 512 GB SSD
• 12” QHD 1200 nit touchscreen
• Configurable built-in RS-232 serial port
• Windows 11 Pro

Pros

  • Offers a fully separable tablet along with a keyboard for multiple usage modes
  • Provides IP65 + MIL-STD-810H, which is designed for harsh environments
  • Supports glove and rain with a 1200-nit QHD display
  • Equipped with dual hot-swappable batteries for longer field use

Cons

  • Costs you more than semi-rugged alternatives
  • More weight than standard laptops because of its rugged build
  • The compact 12” display can make complex tasks more challenging

Getac S410

The Getac S410 is a highly adaptable semi-rugged laptop built for manufacturing, automotive diagnostics, and field service. It delivers a solid balance of performance, durability, and affordability. This makes the device a more accessible option with configurable legacy I/O.

Getac S410
Note: By default, the RS-232 port is optional, but it can be added through Getac’s configurable I/O options. You can add the serial port using an expansion slot or I/O bay, depending on what configuration you select. While ordering, always confirm the port availability first.

Classification: Semi-rugged

Price: Approximately $1,800 +

Features

• Intel Core i5-1340P / i7-1360P (13th Gen)
• Up to 2 TB SSD
• DDR5 RAM
• 14” screen display with HD or optional full HD up to 1000 nits
• Windows 11 Pro
• Configurable RS-232 DB9 serial port
• Wi-Fi 6E

Pros

  • A relatively more affordable rugged laptop offering serial port support
  • Offers IP53 + MIL-STD-810H certification, which means resistant to drops, dust, and moisture
  • Offers adaptable configuration options, such as modern connectivity and legacy ports
  • Provides other options too, such as Thunderbolt 4, long battery life, and Wi-Fi 6E

Cons

  • The serial port is not standard and must be added through custom configuration
  • The base display may come with HD resolution unless you upgrade to FHD
  • Offers a smaller ecosystem and limited accessory options than Panasonic Toughbook

Dell Latitude 7330 Rugged Extreme

The Dell Latitude 7330 Rugged Extreme is Dell’s flagship fully rugged laptop that offers enterprise-grade performance in the smallest and lightest 13” form factor. It is quite popular in defense, public safety, and government due to Dell’s ProSupport infrastructure and extensive service network.

Dell Latitude 7330 Rugged Extreme
Note: You can purchase this model from authorized resellers or Amazon.

Classification: Fully rugged

Price: Approximately $3,800 +

Features

• Intel Core i5-1135G7 / i7-1185G7 (11th Gen)
• 8 to 12 GB RAM
• 512 GB SSD
• 13.3” FHD display with 1400-nit touch screen 
• IP65 + MIL-STD-810H connectivity with 6-foot drop
• Windows 11 Pro
• RS-232 serial port with built-in or optional 2nd RS-232 through I/O bay

Pros

  • Offers the brightest display on this list at 1400 nits, ensuring visibility in direct sunlight
  • Provides a native RS-232 port along with an additional RS-232 through the I/O bay
  • Comes with IP65 + MIL-STD-810H connectivity with 6-foot drop tested
  • Equipped with Thunderbolt 4 and backed by Dell’s extensive ProSupport network

Cons

  • Need to buy through resellers as it is not available on the Dell official website
  • Using gloves can reduce touchpad responsiveness compared to a stylus
  • At 5.11 lbs, it is heavier than it appears for a 13-inch laptop

Durabook S15

Durabook S15 is the only 15.6-inch display laptop in this list, which is ideal for users seeking more screen real estate for CAD work, multi-window workflows, or GIS mapping. It is now updated to Intel 12th Gen, which includes a built-in serial port, a large screen display, and RAID storage support. You’ll get all these at a relatively reasonable price point for the semi-rugged category. 

Durabook S15

Classification: Semi-rugged

Price: Approximately $1,500+

Features

• Intel Core i5 / i7 of 12th Gen
• Up to 32 GB RAM
• Up to 3 SSD drives with RAID 0/1
• 15.6-inch Full HD display
• IP5X + MIL-STD-810H connectivity
• Windows 11 Pro
• Built-in RS-232 (DB9) serial port

Pros

  • With a 15.6-inch screen display, it is the largest screen on this list. This is best for data-intensive visual work
  • Offers an affordable starting point with integrated RS-232 support
  • Comes with a 3-year standard warranty
  • Features a built-in 9-pin DB9 serial port without requiring an add-on module
  • With RAID 0/1 support and up to three storage devices, it can be used as a mobile server

Cons

  • Won’t find touchscreen option
  • Under heavy workloads, the fan may produce noticeable noise

Durabook S14I

The Durabook S14I is the laptop with the most recent or latest technology in this list. A rare addition in the rugged category, the laptop is powered by Intel Core Ultra processors with a dedicated AI NPU. It includes up to two RS-232 serial ports, dual hot-swappable batteries, and Wi-Fi 7. These features make it a great fit for organizations adopting AI-based workflows while maintaining legacy serial connectivity.

Durabook S14I

Classification: Semi-rugged

Price: Approximately $2,500+

Features

• Intel Core Ultra 5/7 with integrated NPU
• Up to 64 GB RAM
• Up to 2 NVMe SSDs
• 14” Full HD 1200-nit DynaVue display
• Wi-Fi 7 support
• Bluetooth 5.4
• IP53 + MIL-STD-810H with 4-foot drop tested
• Windows 11 Pro
• Up to two RS-232 serial ports

Pros

  • The only model here that features Intel Core Ultra with a dedicated AI NPU
  • Offers up to two built-in RS-232 ports, which is unique in this segment
  • Comes with Thunderbolt 4 x 2, Wi-Fi 7, and dual hot-swappable batteries up to 24 hours
  • Available with an optional NVIDIA RTX A500 discrete GPU

Cons

  • Brand recognition is lower compared to Dell or Panasonic in the enterprise environment
  • Certain configurations may have limited wireless range
  • Optional GPU causes the bill to spike significantly
Historical Note: HP and Lenovo phased out native RS-232 ports from mainstream laptops in the mid-2010s. Older models like the HP ProBook 650 G1/G2 and ThinkPad T60/T61 supported serial connectivity, but modern devices typically require a USB-to-serial adapter or docking station with COM port support. For practical ways to restore serial functionality on modern systems, see How to Add RS-232 Serial Port Support to Any Laptop.

Best Refurbished Laptops with Serial Port Support

For occasional use of RS-232, or if you are on a tight budget, a refurbished laptop with serial port is a cost-efficient option. This is because refurbished devices have been properly inspected, cleaned, repaired, and usually come with a warranty, unlike used ones.

Key Factors When Buying a Refurbished Serial Port Laptop

There are several factors to consider while choosing a refurbished laptop with serial port:

• Search for refurbished devices with extended warranties, which are usually a minimum of 90 days to a year. 
• Look at reviews and the seller’s track record, and choose manufacturer-certified refurbished devices whenever possible.
• Check the specifications correctly. For that, you need to confirm the device has RS-232/DB9 and not just a Thunderbolt or USB-C. 
• More importantly, go through the return policy carefully before purchasing.
• Make sure the OS is compatible, as many older models come with Windows 10. Check whether your device supports Windows 11 if that’s your requirement.

Best Refurbished Models Available

• HP ProBook 650 G1: It is a late-generation HP laptop with serial port, commonly available refurbished for $80-$150 on eBay. 

• Panasonic Toughbook CF-31: This device comes in the fully rugged segment and has native RS-232. The refurbished model is available from £325–£400 at specialist sellers, such as Val-U-Computers or Ultima Computers.

• Dell Latitude E6410 / E6420: It provides stable workhorses with built-in RS-232, available on eBay for $50 to $120 with Windows 10 support. 

• Dell Latitude D610 / D620: This device is quite affordable, which comes at $30 to $60 for refurbished ones. It has native RS-232 and is good for traditional industrial software on Windows 7 or XP. 

Note: Used laptop and refurbished laptop are both separate terms. Refurbished devices are the reset version of old devices by removing previous user data, performing a quality check, cleaning each part, and upgrading software or hardware if necessary. The machines are repaired and checked by experts, and also come with an extended warranty.

How to Add RS-232 Serial Port Support to Any Laptop

If a rugged laptop doesn’t fit your budget or you only need serial access occasionally, there are two effective options to add serial port functionality to a modern laptop.

Option 1: Virtual COM Port Emulation

With specialized software like Virtual Serial Port Emulator, you can create any number of virtual COM interfaces on your laptop. These virtual serial ports fully replicate all physical parameters of a real RS-232 port, making them suitable for connecting serial interface equipment in a lab or workshop — and an invaluable tool for serial port software and hardware developers.

Key benefits:

• Stable and reliable connection
• Ultra-fast data transmission
• No extra hardware or cables required
• No limit on the number of virtual COM ports you can create

How to Set Up Virtual COM Port Emulation

  1. Get the Virtual Serial Port Driver from the official website and install it on your system.

2. Start the application and switch to the “Pair” tab.

3. Select “Add a new pair” and pick port names for your new virtual COM ports from the dropdown menu. You can also enter custom names manually.

4. Click “Create” to create two new serial ports in your system’s Device Manager.

Option 2: USB to RS-232 Serial Adapter

USB-to-serial adapters are easy to find and make it practical to add RS-232 connectivity to modern laptops. Although many laptops work out of the box based on the chip used and the operating system, some models still need driver installation. 

USB to RS-232 Serial Adapter
Note: The stability of the driver may vary depending on the OS version and the chip used in your system. Adapters with FTDI chipsets are more stable for your modern machines, such as Windows 11, which is ideal for industrial or professional use cases. Adapters with Prolific chipsets are cost-effective, but you need to install the driver manually, and compatibility issues may happen on newer models.

Key Points to Consider Before Purchasing

• Check whether the adapter supports your operating system, such as Windows, Linux, or macOS.

• Go to the manufacturer’s website to verify that the drivers are up-to-date.

• Assess the latest user feedback on driver stability and compatibility.

Name of Some Popular USB to RS-232 (DB9) Adapters

• DTECH USB-to-serial adapter powered by FTDI chipset

• StarTech USB-to-serial adapter with an enterprise-grade FTDI chipset

• Sabrent USB-to-serial adapter with a Prolific chipset, which is budget-friendly

• Gearmo USB-to-serial adapter featuring LED status indicators

• CableCreation USB-to-serial adapter with FTDI chipset. You need to confirm the model before purchase.

Final Thoughts

Whether starting with a new rugged laptop, choosing a refurbished option, or adapting an existing machine with a software or hardware workaround, a practical RS-232 solution is available. 

• For those seeking new hardware, the Panasonic Toughbook FZ-55 and Getac S410 are leading options.

• For refurbished, Dell Latitude E-series models deliver the best value.

• When serial access is only occasional, most tasks can be handled with a USB-to-RS-232 adapter and a Virtual Serial Port Emulator, without extra hardware investment. 

Frequently Asked Questions

A serial port, also known as RS-232 or a COM port, is a physical interface that sends data sequentially, one bit at a time, over a single channel. It is commonly found as a 9-pin D-sub (DB9) connector on laptops. While slower than USB, serial ports offer high reliability and strong resistance to interference, which is why they remain widely used in industrial, engineering, and networking systems.

Yes, the RS-232 standard on most laptops is typically implemented through a 9-pin DB9 connector. It defines how signals are transmitted electrically, while DB9 refers to the connector design. A serial port or COM port on a laptop always refers to the DB9 RS-232 interface. 

A serial port sends data sequentially, one bit at a time, whereas a parallel port sends multiple bits at a time over multiple wires. Laptops with 9-pin Serial ports, such as RS-232 or DB9, are used for networking equipment, industrial devices, and modems. On the other hand, laptops with parallel ports like LPT or DB25 are used for printers. Although both ports are viewed as legacy interfaces, serial ports remain popular in industrial settings.

In general, yes, RS-232 is the most popular serial communication standard used on PCs and laptops. While RS-232 refers to the electrical signaling standard, a serial port describes the overall class of interface. You will also find other serial standards, such as RS-422 and RS-485, but they are less popular on laptops.