Updated October 13, 2026 · ShieldCue Editorial Team
Google Cloud vs Yubico
Facts checked September 26, 2026.
Facts checked September 26, 2026.
What sets them apart
| Compare | Google Cloud ReviewSee alternativesSee alternatives |  Yubico |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | IE | SE |
| Protocols | FIDO2, NFC, USB A, USB C | FIDO2, U2F, Smart card, OTP, OpenPGP 3 |
| Platforms | Android, iOS, ChromeOS | Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, Android |
| Owner | Yubico AB (Nasdaq Stockholm: YUBICO) | |
| Money-back period | Not confirmed | 45 days |
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Key differences
- Protocols: only Google Cloud offers NFC, USB A, USB C.
- Protocols: only Yubico offers U2F, Smart card, OTP.
- Platforms: only Google Cloud offers ChromeOS.
- Platforms: only Yubico offers Windows, MacOS, Linux.
- Support channels: only Yubico offers Phone.
- Founded is lower at Yubico: 2007 vs 2008.
- Pricing model: only Google Cloud offers Free.
- Pricing model: only Yubico offers Budget.
Our verdict on each
Google Cloud
Google Cloud centers on physical security keys while many alternatives emphasize software alone. The brand offers authentication hardware for Android, iOS and ChromeOS users who want plug or tap sign in backed by FIDO2 and broad connector choice for everyday use across devices.
Yubico
For people who want stronger logins across old and new systems, Yubico packs five authentication protocols into one physical key. Yubico makes keychain sized security keys that add phishing resistant protection on top of passwords for computers, tablets and mobile devices.
Score breakdown
| Area | Google Cloud | Yubico |
|---|---|---|
| Offer | 8.6 | 9.2Higher |
| Privacy | 9.3 | 9.6Higher |
Licences and countries
| Country | Google Cloud | Yubico |
|---|---|---|
| Headquarters | United States | Sweden |
Positions in our rankings
| Ranking | Google Cloud | Yubico |
|---|---|---|
| VPNs | 185 of 232 | 212 of 232 |
| Hardware security keys | 9 of 18 | 14 of 18 |
| Free VPNs | 149 of 189 | 176 of 189 |
Sources behind this comparison
Google Cloud
- store.google.com: 6 facts, checked September 26, 2026
- cloud.google.com: 2 facts, checked September 26, 2026
- en.wikipedia.org: 1 fact, checked September 26, 2026
- linkedin.com: 1 fact, checked September 26, 2026
Yubico
- yubico.com: 9 facts, checked September 26, 2026
- en.wikipedia.org: 2 facts, checked September 26, 2026
Every fact side by side
| Fact | Google Cloud | Yubico |
|---|---|---|
| Audience | Business | Business |
| Pricing model | Free | Budget |
| Legal entity | Google Commerce Limited | Yubico AB (publ) |
| Headquarters | United States | Sweden |
| Founded | 2008 | 2007Lower |
| Support channels | Email, Help centre | Email, Phone, Help centreCovers more |
Privacy tools
| Fact | Google Cloud | Yubico |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $29 | Not confirmed |
| Free plan | Yes | Not confirmed |
| Free plan limits | 20+ free tier products, each with a per-product monthly free usage limit; $300 in free credit for new customers | Not confirmed |
Security keys
| Fact | Google Cloud | Yubico |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $30 to $35 | €35.09 |
| Connectors | USB a, USB c, NFC | USB a, USB c, NFC |
| Biometric unlock | Not confirmed | Yes |
| FIPS certified | Not confirmed | No |
Where each stands against the rest
| Fact | Google Cloud | Yubico | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Money-back period | Not confirmed | 45 dayshighest quarter | 30 days |
Median across 132 listed providers.
Pros and cons
Google Cloud
Pros
- Offers physical keys that support USB-A, USB-C and NFC connections
- Works across Android, iOS and ChromeOS for everyday authentication needs
- Includes FIDO2 support for phishing resistant authentication workflows
Yubico
Pros
- Supports FIDO2, U2F, smart card, OTP and OpenPGP in one key
- Plugs into desktops and mobile through USB-A, USB-C, NFC and Lightning
- Combines hardware with PIN or biometric for high assurance checks
Cons
- Requires carrying and plugging in a physical key every time
- Works alongside passwords rather than replacing them everywhere
Who each suits
Google Cloud
Who it suits
- Shoppers wanting plug or tap authentication hardware
- Owners of ChromeOS devices seeking key support
Yubico
Who it suits
- People juggling desktop and mobile logins
- Workers in shared or mobile restricted settings
- Organizations needing higher assurance identity checks
Who should look elsewhere
- People who want software only authentication
Current offers
Google Cloud
Current offer
Discount code
20% off selected devices with the code GBDAY2026: 20% off selected devices
Google's 28th birthday offer, selected devices only, exclusions and terms apply
Source, checked September 26, 2026
Bonus
GBP 10 coupon off your next purchase when you sign up: 10 GBP
Google account required, terms and conditions apply, newsletter sign-up
Source, checked September 26, 2026
Country by country
| Country | Google Cloud | Yubico |
|---|---|---|
| Austria | Yes | No |
| Canada | Yes | No |
| France | Yes | No |
| Germany | Yes | No |
| Italy | Yes | No |
| Japan | Yes | No |
| Spain | Yes | No |
| Switzerland | Yes | No |
8 of 10 countries where either is available.
Questions about each
Google Cloud
What does Google Cloud provide for signing in securely?+
Google Cloud provides physical security keys intended for authentication on supported devices. The keys use connector types and protocols for plug or tap use. Shoppers can select hardware that matches ports available on current phones or laptops.
Which devices work with these security keys?+
The options support Android, iOS and ChromeOS. That coverage helps households with mixed phones, tablets and laptops stay on one type of hardware. Buyers still benefit from confirming port and tap compatibility before choosing.
Yubico
What does Yubico sell?+
Yubico offers physical security keys that attach to a keychain and add a stronger second factor on top of passwords. The keys help protect online accounts against phishing attacks during everyday logins.
Which authentication protocols does it support?+
The key supports FIDO2, U2F, smart card, OTP and OpenPGP 3 in one device. That range covers legacy and modern environments, so one key can handle passwordless, strong two factor and multifactor logins.
Other options to compare
Google Cloud
Higher score in this comparison