Skip to content
sudopicks
esc

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

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

all judged against security keys at a similar price

The Yubico YubiKey 5C NFC scores 8.1/10 overall, ahead of the Thetis FIDO2 Security Key (folding USB-A) at 4.4/10.

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

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

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 YubiKey 5C NFC

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.

Typically about £60 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 5C NFC
Protocols30%5/1010/10
Connectivity20%3/108/10
Security certification and firmware20%3/106/10
Passkey storage15%5/108/10
Durability and value15%6/107/10
Overall4.4/108.1/10

Specifications

SpecThetis FIDO2 Security Key (folding USB-A)Yubico YubiKey 5C NFC
ProtocolsFIDO2 and FIDO U2F (PRO model); one Thetis page describes the USB-A folding model as U2F-onlyFIDO2 L2, CTAP 2.1, FIDO U2F, smart card (PIV), OpenPGP, OATH-HOTP, OATH-TOTP, Yubico OTP, challenge-response, static password
Connectors (USB-A, USB-C, NFC)USB-A (folding listing); PRO model adds USB-C and NFCUSB-C 2.0; NFC (ISO 14443-3 Type A); no USB-A
Passkey slots200 passkey slots (PRO and PRO-A models); 50 OATH slots100 discoverable FIDO2 credentials on firmware 5.7 and later; 25 on firmware 5.0 to 5.6; unlimited non-discoverable credentials
Firmware (open, updatable)not listedCurrent listed firmware 5.8
Certification (FIDO level, FIPS)FIDO2 L1 (PRO model); FIPS not listed by manufacturerFIDO2 L2; AAL3 yes if FIPS not required by the environment; NIST validation N/A; standard model not FIPS-certified (FIPS 5C NFC is a separate variant)
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 resistance; crush resistance; glass-fibre reinforced plastic body with no batteries or moving parts

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 YubiKey 5C NFC

  • + Wide protocol list including PIV, OpenPGP and OTP
  • + USB-C and NFC on a single key
  • + IP68 rating with no batteries or moving parts
  • − Standard model is not FIPS-certified
  • − USB-C 2.0 only, no USB-A
  • − Reported MacBook sleep problems, from one secondary source

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who need FIPS certification, who should look at the separate FIPS 5C NFC variant
  • People whose machines only have USB-A ports
  • Anyone who only needs basic FIDO2 passkeys and no PIV, OpenPGP or OTP
Read the full Yubico YubiKey 5C NFC review ›

More comparisons

Compare all security keys · Best security keys