If you’re looking to buy a security key and have decided that YubiKeys are not for you or are simply trying to find out which options are available on the market, we’ll help you make the best purchasing decision by featuring the 6 best YubiKey alternatives.
Here are the best YubiKey alternatives in 2024:
Token2
Google Titan
Nitrokey
OnlyKey
SoloKeys
Thetis
The best YubiKey alternatives in 2024
Now, let’s take a closer look at each of the YubiKey alternatives we have selected. Our list covers security keys with a variety of form factors, connections and authentication protocols. We’ve also made sure to include open-source alternatives to YubiKey.
1. Token2
Token2 is a Switzerland-based company that offers a range of authentication solutions compliant with FIDO2 (the company itself is also a member of the FIDO Alliance).
Here, we focused on Token2’s T2FT-PIN+ FIDO2 security key, but the company’s range of products can serve a variety of use cases.
The aforementioned security key is priced at around $20 and is able to connect to devices via USB Type-C and NFC (a USB-C variant is also available). The key can store up to 50 passkeys, 50 TOTPs and 1 HOTP, which should be plenty enough for most users. Users should keep in mind that a companion app created by Token2 is required for users to access the key’s TOTP and HOTP functionality.
For those wanting an additional layer of security, Token2 also offers security keys with biometric verification (fingerprint recognition). The company also provides authentication devices in different form factors, such as NFC-enabled cards.
2. Google Titan
The Google Titan series of security keys is designed to enhance online security through strong two-factor authentication. These devices support FIDO2 U2F and FIDO2/WebAuthn standards and can store over 250 unique passkeys, which is a capacity higher than many competitors offer.
Although the Google Titan key lacks a fingerprint reader, it includes a tactile button that users must press to confirm logins, enhancing security without the complexity of biometric verification. However, it does not support OpenPGP, which may be a limitation for users needing to encrypt emails or files.
If you use a large number of online services and want to store a large number of passkeys, Google Titan is one of the most compelling options on the market even though it lacks some features available on competing devices.
If you would like to learn more about how the Google Titan stacks up against Yubico’s devices, make sure to take a look at our Google Titan vs YubiKey comparison article.
3. Nitrokey
Nitrokey is a German company that sells open-source hardware designed with a focus on security. When it comes to FIDO2-compliant security keys, Nitrokey has 2 models in its current range – the Nitrokey 3 and the Nitrokey Passkey.
The Nitrokey 3 can connect to devices via USB Type-C and NFC, and supports the WebAuthn, FIDO2, FIDO U2F, HOTP and TOTP authentication standards.
The device also sports a Secure Element with EAL 6+ certification. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the Secure Element is only accessible when using the Nitrokey 3 via USB, but not via NFC.
Meanwhile, the more affordable Nitrokey Passkey has a very small form factor, and supports WebAuthn, FIDO2 and FIDO U2F. While this will suffice for most users, it’s important to note that this device can only connect via USB-A, doesn’t have a Secure Element and doesn’t offer support for HOTP and TOTP.
4. OnlyKey
OnlyKey offers a variety of products that help users secure their online accounts. When it comes to FIDO2-compliant security keys, the company has 2 products – the OnlyKey and the OnlyKey DUO. Both devices offer highly durable designs and are made in the USA.
The OnlyKey supports FIDO2, FIDO U2F, Yubikey OTP and TOTP. An interesting feature of the OnlyKey is that users enter the PIN required to unlock the device directly on the device itself. If there are 10 incorrect attempts to enter the PIN, all of the data stored on the OnlyKey is erased.
On the other hand, the OnlyKey DUO has a smaller form factor and supports USB-C in addition to USB-A, but has largely the same security features as the Onlykey.
5. SoloKeys
SoloKeys is a company that produces open-source security keys with a simple user experience and customizable sleeves, which allow users to personalize the look of their security keys.
The firmware used by SoloKeys is built with Trussed, a framework written in the Rust programming language. The Trussed framework was developed by SoloKeys in partnership with NitroKeys, a company that we have already highlighted in this article.
Although there’s quite a few variants available in the SoloKeys product lineup, most consumer will likely opt for The Solo 2 USB-A, Solo 2 USB-C or Solo 2C+ NFC. The main difference between this variants is the types of connections they support – when it comes to authentication standards, these devices work with FIDO2 and FIDO U2F.
6. Thetis
Thetis is a security key company that makes devices which aesthetically resemble old-school USB flash drives, which might be a benefit or a disadvantage depending on your preferences.
The company’s most affordable device, the Thetis FIDO2 Security Key, is a compelling option for anyone that’s looking for a cost-effective security key that supports FIDO2, U2F and HOTP. However, this device’s connectivity is limited to USB-A. The company also offers the FIDO2 BLE security key, which distinguishes itself by providing Bluetooth connectivity.
The Thetis Pro FIDO2 Security Key is the most versatile device in the company’s product range, as it has USB-A, USB Type-C and NFC compatibility. Meanwhile, users who want additional protection through biometrics can consider the Thetis FIDO2 Fingerprint.
The bottom line
Hopefully, our article helped you discover an alternative to YubiKey that meets your requirements for a security key that will help protect your most valuable online accounts. Although Yubico continues to have a dominant presence in the security key market, there’s quite a few alternatives to YubiKey on the market, with some even featuring fully open-source designs.
If you’re not satisfied with any of the YubiKey alternatives we’ve highlighted in this article and have decided to buy a YubiKey, we provide an article comparing YubiKey 5 vs YubiKey 5 FIPS to help you choose the best YubiKey for your needs.
