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Best security keys (2026)

FIDO2 security keys for passkeys and phishing-proof two-factor sign-in: YubiKey, Google Titan, Nitrokey and more. Ranked on protocols, connectors, durability and openness. Compare all security keys side by side

Researched, not hands-on tested.How we review ›

updated 24 Oct 2026 · ranked by score; ties by value and age
New to security keys? What they are and what to look for

A security key is a small USB or NFC device you use to sign in to accounts. Even if someone steals your password, they can't get in without the key in your hand.

Do you need a security key? One of the strongest protections for your email, bank and work accounts. Recommended for anyone, and especially for people at higher risk of being targeted.

What to look for

  • Buy two, so you have a backup if one is lost
  • USB-C and NFC work with modern laptops and phones
  • FIDO2 and passkey support

Unsure about a word? Jargon explained

Our picks

Best for most peopleYubico YubiKey 5C NFC8.1/10verdict: buy~£60The highest-ranked one we'd buy.Best on a budgetYubico YubiKey 5 NFC7.3/10verdict: buy~£54.40The cheapest one we'd recommend.
  1. #1

    Yubico YubiKey 5C NFC

    8.1/10verdict: buy

    The YubiKey 5C NFC is for people who want one key that covers FIDO2 passkeys, smart card, OpenPGP and OTP. It suits anyone who moves between USB-C laptops and NFC phones. Buyers who need FIPS certification or USB-A ports should look at other options.

    FIDO2 L2, CTAP 2.1, FIDO U2FUSB-C 2.0100 discoverable FIDO2 credentials on…Current listed firmware 5.8
    Read the full review ›
    Yubico YubiKey 5C NFC
    No live price yetCheck price at Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

    Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

  2. #2

    Yubico YubiKey 5 NFC

    7.3/10verdict: buy

    The Yubico YubiKey 5 NFC is for people who want one hardware key to cover FIDO2 passkeys plus older sign-in methods such as OTP, PIV smart card and OpenPGP. It suits those whose computers have USB-A ports and who also want tap-to-authenticate over NFC. Buyers who need USB-C on the key itself or FIPS certification should look at other models.

    FIDO2/WebAuthn, FIDO CTAP 1, CTAP 2 and…USB-A and NFC100 slots on firmware 5.7 and laterVersion 5.8
    Read the full review ›
    Yubico YubiKey 5 NFC
    No live price yetCheck price at Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

    Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

  3. #3

    Yubico Security Key C NFC

    7.2/10verdict: good, not the best

    The Yubico Security Key C NFC is for people who want a passkey and two-factor key for logging in to online accounts. It suits those with USB-C laptops or NFC phones who don't need smart card, OpenPGP or OTP functions. Sysadmins who want more than FIDO sign-in should look at the protocols list before buying.

    FIDO2 CTAP 2.1, FIDO U2FUSB-C 2.0, NFCUp to 100 discoverable credentials on…5.8
    Read the full review ›
    Yubico Security Key C NFC
    No live price yetCheck price at Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

    Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

  4. #4

    TrustKey T110 FIDO2 Security Key

    5.1/10verdict: good, not the best

    The TrustKey T110 is a USB-A FIDO2 key for people who want passkey or second-factor login on computers with USB-A ports. It suits those who want the listed resident key capacity and simple setup, and who can accept a lower certification level and no USB-C or NFC support. Buyers who need phone support, higher certification or published durability ratings should look at other keys.

    FIDO2, U2F, TOTP, HOTPUSB-AUp to 150 resident keysUpdatable
    Read the full review ›
    No live price yetCheck price at Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

    Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

  5. #5

    Thetis FIDO2 Security Key (folding USB-A)

    4.4/10verdict: skip

    This is a folding USB-A security key for people whose computers have USB-A ports and who want a low-cost second factor. It suits buyers who check the exact model listing first, because the research is unclear on whether this version supports FIDO2 or only U2F. It is a poor fit for anyone who needs USB-C, NFC or documented certification beyond FIDO2 L1.

    FIDO2 and FIDO U2FUSB-A200 passkey slots
    Read the full review ›
    Thetis FIDO2 Security Key (folding USB-A)
    No live price yetCheck price at Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

    Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

Questions

Why do I need two?

If you lose your only key you can be locked out. Register a second key on every account and keep it somewhere safe.

Do security keys work with passkeys?

Yes. A FIDO2 key can store passkeys, so you can sign in without a password on sites that support them.