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Thetis FIDO2 Security Key (folding USB-A) vs Yubico Security Key C NFC

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

all judged against security keys at a similar price

The Yubico Security Key C NFC scores 7.2/10 overall, ahead of the Thetis FIDO2 Security Key (folding USB-A) at 4.4/10.

The Yubico Security Key C NFC leads on protocols, connectivity, security certification and firmware, passkey storage and durability and value.

The biggest difference is connectivity, where the Yubico Security Key C NFC scores 8/10 to the Thetis FIDO2 Security Key (folding USB-A)'s 3/10.

Thetis FIDO2 Security Key (folding USB-A)

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.

Typically about £18.70 in the UK when we researched itCheck price at Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

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

Yubico Security Key C NFC

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.

Typically about £30 in the UK when we researched itCheck price at Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

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

Scores, criterion by criterion

CriterionWeightThetis FIDO2 Security Key (folding USB-A)Yubico Security Key C NFC
Protocols30%5/106/10
Connectivity20%3/108/10
Security certification and firmware20%3/106/10
Passkey storage15%5/109/10
Durability and value15%6/108/10
Overall4.4/107.2/10

Specifications

SpecThetis FIDO2 Security Key (folding USB-A)Yubico Security Key C NFC
ProtocolsFIDO2 and FIDO U2F (PRO model); one Thetis page describes the USB-A folding model as U2F-onlyFIDO2 CTAP 2.1, FIDO U2F; no PIV, OpenPGP, OATH or Yubico OTP
Connectors (USB-A, USB-C, NFC)USB-A (folding listing); PRO model adds USB-C and NFCUSB-C 2.0, NFC; no USB-A
Passkey slots200 passkey slots (PRO and PRO-A models); 50 OATH slotsUp to 100 discoverable credentials on firmware 5.7+ (25 on firmware 5.0-5.6); unlimited non-discoverable
Firmware (open, updatable)not listed5.8
Certification (FIDO level, FIPS)FIDO2 L1 (PRO model); FIPS not listed by manufacturerFIDO2 L2; not FIPS 140-2 certified
Water and crush resistanceDurable aluminum alloy body; described as water-, crush- and tamper-resistant on PRO 2-pack page; a third-party review says electronics are not completely waterproofIP68 rated, crush resistant up to 25 N·m, no batteries, no moving parts, operating temperature 0°C to 40°C

Strengths and weaknesses

Thetis FIDO2 Security Key (folding USB-A)

  • + Aluminium alloy body with a 1-year warranty
  • + Owners report easy PIN setup and a useful management app
  • + Owners describe it as good value for money
  • − USB-A only on the folding listing
  • − Protocol support for this exact model is unclear
  • − FIPS not listed; firmware details not given

Skip it if:

  • Anyone who needs USB-C or NFC on the same key
  • Buyers who require FIPS or documented firmware update and advisory details
  • Users who want passkeys and can't confirm this model supports FIDO2
Read the full Thetis FIDO2 Security Key (folding USB-A) review ›

Yubico Security Key C NFC

  • + Holds up to 100 passkeys on firmware 5.7 or later
  • + USB-C and NFC in a battery-free body
  • + IP68 rating and 25 N·m crush resistance
  • − FIDO2 and U2F only; no PIV, OpenPGP, OATH or OTP
  • − Not FIPS 140-2 certified
  • − No USB-A connector

Skip it if:

  • Sysadmins who need PIV smart card, OpenPGP or OATH on one key
  • Buyers who must have FIPS 140-2 certified hardware
  • Anyone whose only port is USB-A and who wants a native connector
Read the full Yubico Security Key C NFC review ›

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