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

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

The Yubico YubiKey 5C NFC leads on protocols.

They score the same on connectivity and security certification and firmware.

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

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

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

CriterionWeightYubico Security Key C NFCYubico YubiKey 5C NFC
Protocols30%6/1010/10
Connectivity20%8/108/10
Security certification and firmware20%6/106/10
Passkey storage15%9/108/10
Durability and value15%8/107/10
Overall7.2/108.1/10

Specifications

SpecYubico Security Key C NFCYubico YubiKey 5C NFC
ProtocolsFIDO2 CTAP 2.1, FIDO U2F; no PIV, OpenPGP, OATH or Yubico OTPFIDO2 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-C 2.0, NFC; no USB-AUSB-C 2.0; NFC (ISO 14443-3 Type A); no USB-A
Passkey slotsUp to 100 discoverable credentials on firmware 5.7+ (25 on firmware 5.0-5.6); unlimited non-discoverable100 discoverable FIDO2 credentials on firmware 5.7 and later; 25 on firmware 5.0 to 5.6; unlimited non-discoverable credentials
Firmware (open, updatable)5.8Current listed firmware 5.8
Certification (FIDO level, FIPS)FIDO2 L2; not FIPS 140-2 certifiedFIDO2 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 resistanceIP68 rated, crush resistant up to 25 N·m, no batteries, no moving parts, operating temperature 0°C to 40°CIP68 water and dust resistance; crush resistance; glass-fibre reinforced plastic body with no batteries or moving parts

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 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 ›

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