Nitrokey review
Updated October 13, 2026 · ShieldCue Editorial Team
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Our verdict
Nitrokey is known for open source IT security hardware that protects logins, stored files and connected infrastructure. It suits you when you want physical security devices with transparent design and distinct options for personal use and technical deployments.
Key facts
- Best for
- Open source hardware for everyday digital protection
- Jurisdiction
- DE (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
- Protocols
- Tor (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
- Owner
- Owner-managed; CEO Jan Suhr (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
- Legal entity
- Nitrokey GmbH (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
- Headquarters
- Germany (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
- Founded
- 2015 (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
- Support channels
- Email, Phone, Help-centre, Community (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
- Audience
- Business
- Pricing model
- Budget
- Official website
- nitrokey.com
Security keys
- Price
- €32 to €65 (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
- Protocols
- Tor (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
- Connectors
- USB-a, USB-c, NFC (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
- Legal entity
- Nitrokey GmbH (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
- Headquarters
- Germany (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
- Founded
- 2015 (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
- Support channels
- Email, Phone, Help-centre, Community (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
- Pricing model
- Budget
Encrypted storage
- Zero-knowledge encryption
- Yes (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
- Jurisdiction
- DE (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
- Compliance certifications
- Common Criteria EAL 6+, Independent security audit by Cure53 (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
- Legal entity
- Nitrokey GmbH (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
- Headquarters
- Germany (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
- Founded
- 2015 (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
- Support channels
- Email, Phone, Help-centre, Community (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
- Pricing model
- Budget
Apps and profiles
Pros and cons
Pros
- Open source hardware design supports transparent digital protection
- Nitrokey 3 offers improved NFC performance for contactless use
- Nitrokey Storage 2 pairs storage with strong authentication options
- NetHSM line spans service, container and Windows integration
Cons
- Hardware first approach means you keep track of physical devices
- Range concentrates on security keys, storage and NetHSM products
- Technical focus leaves little for general purpose electronics shoppers
Who it suits
- People who want open source hardware for digital protection
- Users who rely on security keys and protected storage
- Teams exploring NetHSM options for infrastructure security
Who should look elsewhere
- People who want software only protection without devices
How Nitrokey compares
Frequently asked questions
What does Nitrokey make?+
Nitrokey builds open source IT security hardware for protecting digital life. Its catalog includes keys for authentication, secure storage devices and infrastructure hardware. You choose a physical product that matches the task you want to secure.
What is Nitrokey 3?+
Nitrokey 3 is a security key line with improved NFC performance. It supports contactless use alongside direct connection. You can use it for authentication where NFC interaction helps.
What is Nitrokey Storage 2?+
Nitrokey Storage 2 is a secure storage device in the Nitrokey range. It sits beside FIDO2 devices that handle authentication duties. You would consider it when you want protected storage with hardware based security.
What is NetHSM?+
NetHSM covers hardware and related options for infrastructure security. The range includes NetHSM-as-a-Service, Software Container and Windows KSP/CNG. You would consider it when you need centralized key management beyond individual keys.
Which company operates Nitrokey?+
Nitrokey is operated by Nitrokey GmbH. (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
Where is Nitrokey based?+
Nitrokey is based in Germany. (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
When was Nitrokey founded?+
Nitrokey was founded in 2015. (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
How can I contact Nitrokey support?+
Nitrokey offers support through Email, Phone, Help-centre, Community. (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
Sources
- shop.nitrokey.com checked September 26, 2026
Backs: Price
“Nitrokey Passkey 32.00 EUR; Nitrokey 3A Mini 54.00 EUR; Nitrokey 3A NFC 60.00 EUR; Nitrokey 3C NFC 65.00 EUR”
- shop.nitrokey.com/shop/category/nitrowall-6 checked September 26, 2026
Backs: Protocols
“Mobile Privacy Router with Tor”
- nitrokey.com/about checked September 26, 2026
Backs: Audience, Founded
“our portfolio consists of Subscription and Fulfillment Business Services, the secure laptop NitroPad”
- nitrokey.com/faq checked September 26, 2026
Backs: Support channels
“Which shipping service providers do you offer? We offer shipping with UPS and DHL. (support: contact us at shop@) / Documentation, FAQ, Forum”
- nitrokey.com/general-terms-and-conditions checked September 26, 2026
Backs: Jurisdiction
“This agreement is governed exclusively by the law of the Federal Republic of Germany.”
- nitrokey.com/legal-information checked September 26, 2026
Backs: Headquarters, Legal entity, Owner
“Nitrokey GmbH Rheinstr. 10 C 14513 Teltow Germany”
- nitrokey.com/products/nitrokeys checked September 26, 2026
Backs: Compliance certifications, Connectors, Pricing model, Zero-knowledge encryption
“The Nitrokey (some models) contain smart cards that store and protect cryptographic keys securely (Common Criteria EAL 6+ certified).”
Compiled from 7 source pages, checked October 13, 2026. We did not open an account.
Not confirmed yet: Monthly price, Long-term plan price, Devices, Server countries, No-logs audit.