Yubico Security Key C NFC 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 Yubico Security Key C NFC at 7.2/10.

The Yubico Security Key C NFC leads on connectivity and durability and value.

The Yubico YubiKey 5 NFC leads on protocols.

They score the same on security certification and firmware and passkey storage.

The biggest difference is protocols, where the Yubico YubiKey 5 NFC scores 9/10 to the Yubico Security Key C NFC's 6/10.

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

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

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

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

Scores, criterion by criterion

Criterion	Weight	Yubico Security Key C NFC	Yubico YubiKey 5 NFC
Protocols	30%	6/10	9/10
Connectivity	20%	8/10	5/10
Security certification and firmware	20%	6/10	6/10
Passkey storage	15%	9/10	9/10
Durability and value	15%	8/10	7/10
Overall		7.2/10	7.3/10

Specifications

Spec	Yubico Security Key C NFC	Yubico YubiKey 5 NFC
Protocols	FIDO2 CTAP 2.1, FIDO U2F; no PIV, OpenPGP, OATH or Yubico OTP	FIDO2/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-C 2.0, NFC; no USB-A	USB-A and NFC (ISO 14443-3 Type A); no USB-C
Passkey slots	Up to 100 discoverable credentials on firmware 5.7+ (25 on firmware 5.0-5.6); unlimited non-discoverable	100 slots on firmware 5.7 and later; 25 on firmware 5.0 to 5.6
Firmware (open, updatable)	5.8	Version 5.8
Certification (FIDO level, FIPS)	FIDO2 L2; not FIPS 140-2 certified	FIDO2 Level 2, CTAP 2.1, FIDO U2F; not FIPS (separate FIPS 140-3 product)
Water and crush resistance	IP68 rated, crush resistant up to 25 N·m, no batteries, no moving parts, operating temperature 0°C to 40°C	IP68 water and dust rated, crush resistant up to 25 N·m, operating 0 to 40 °C, storage −20 to 85 °C

Strengths and weaknesses

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 ›

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 ›

More comparisons

Compare all security keys · Best security keys