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Thetis FIDO2 Security Key (folding USB-A) vs Yubico YubiKey 5 NFC

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

all judged against security keys at a similar price

The Yubico YubiKey 5 NFC scores 7.3/10 overall, ahead of the Thetis FIDO2 Security Key (folding USB-A) at 4.4/10.

The Yubico YubiKey 5 NFC leads on protocols, connectivity, security certification and firmware, passkey storage and durability and value.

The biggest difference is protocols, where the Yubico YubiKey 5 NFC scores 9/10 to the Thetis FIDO2 Security Key (folding USB-A)'s 5/10.

Yubico YubiKey 5 NFC

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.

Typically about £54.40 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 YubiKey 5 NFC
Protocols30%5/109/10
Connectivity20%3/105/10
Security certification and firmware20%3/106/10
Passkey storage15%5/109/10
Durability and value15%6/107/10
Overall4.4/107.3/10

Specifications

SpecThetis FIDO2 Security Key (folding USB-A)Yubico YubiKey 5 NFC
ProtocolsFIDO2 and FIDO U2F (PRO model); one Thetis page describes the USB-A folding model as U2F-onlyFIDO2/WebAuthn, FIDO CTAP 1, CTAP 2 and 2.1, U2F, PIV smart card, Yubico OTP, OATH-HOTP and TOTP, OpenPGP, static passwords
Connectors (USB-A, USB-C, NFC)USB-A (folding listing); PRO model adds USB-C and NFCUSB-A and NFC (ISO 14443-3 Type A); no USB-C
Passkey slots200 passkey slots (PRO and PRO-A models); 50 OATH slots100 slots on firmware 5.7 and later; 25 on firmware 5.0 to 5.6
Firmware (open, updatable)not listedVersion 5.8
Certification (FIDO level, FIPS)FIDO2 L1 (PRO model); FIPS not listed by manufacturerFIDO2 Level 2, CTAP 2.1, FIDO U2F; not FIPS (separate FIPS 140-3 product)
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 water and dust rated, crush resistant up to 25 N·m, operating 0 to 40 °C, storage −20 to 85 °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
  • − 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 YubiKey 5 NFC

  • + Wide protocol list including PIV, OpenPGP and OATH
  • + 100 passkey slots on firmware 5.7 and later
  • + IP68 rated and crush resistant
  • − USB-A and NFC only; no USB-C connector listed
  • − Not FIPS certified
  • − One-year warranty on perpetual purchases

Skip it if:

  • Buyers whose devices only have USB-C ports and want a key that plugs in directly
  • Organisations that need FIPS 140-3 certification
  • People who only want basic passkeys and will not use PIV, OTP or OpenPGP
Read the full Yubico YubiKey 5 NFC review ›

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