Updated October 13, 2026 · ShieldCue Editorial Team
SoloKeys vs Yubico
SoloKeys vs Yubico: the differences
| Compare | SoloKeys ReviewSee alternativesSee alternatives |  Yubico |
|---|---|---|
| Money-back period | 30 days | 45 daysHigher |
| Jurisdiction | US | SE |
| Protocols | FIDO2, WebAuthn, U2F, NFC, PIV, OpenPGP | FIDO2, U2F, Smart card, OTP, OpenPGP 3 |
| Platforms | Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, ChromeOS, XBSD, iOSCovers more | Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, Android |
| Owner | Not confirmed | Yubico AB (Nasdaq Stockholm: YUBICO) |
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Key differences
- Protocols: only SoloKeys offers WebAuthn, NFC, PIV.
- Protocols: only Yubico offers Smart card, OTP, OpenPGP 3.
- Platforms: only SoloKeys offers ChromeOS, XBSD.
- Support channels: only SoloKeys offers Community.
- Support channels: only Yubico offers Phone.
- Money-back period is higher at Yubico: 45 days vs 30 days.
Our verdict on each
SoloKeys
SoloKeys is known for open source security keys that store passkeys directly on hardware. It suits people who want phishing resistant logins without cloud backups and value hardware plus firmware that anyone can review while staying current through ongoing updates.
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 | SoloKeys | Yubico |
|---|---|---|
| Offer | 9.4Higher | 9.2 |
| Privacy | 9.1 | 9.6Higher |
Positions in our rankings
| Ranking | SoloKeys | Yubico |
|---|---|---|
| VPNs | 205 of 232 | 212 of 232 |
| Hardware security keys | 11 of 18 | 14 of 18 |
| Free VPNs | 169 of 189 | 176 of 189 |
A third option
Norton has money-back period at 60 days, against 30 days for SoloKeys and 45 days for Yubico.
Norton reviewSources behind this comparison
SoloKeys
- solokeys.com: 9 facts, 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 | SoloKeys | Yubico |
|---|---|---|
| Audience | Business | Business |
| Pricing model | Budget | Budget |
| Legal entity | SoloKeys | Yubico AB (publ) |
| Headquarters | United States | Sweden |
| Founded | Not confirmed | 2007 |
| Support channels | Email, Help centre, Community | Email, Phone, Help centre |
Security keys
| Fact | SoloKeys | Yubico |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $35 | €35.09 |
| Connectors | USB a, USB c | USB a, USB c, NFCCovers more |
| Biometric unlock | No | YesHas it |
| FIPS certified | Not confirmed | No |
Where each stands against the rest
| Fact | SoloKeys | Yubico | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Money-back period | 30 daysat the median | 45 dayshighest quarter | 30 days |
Median across 132 listed providers.
Pros and cons
SoloKeys
Pros
- Hardware and firmware designs stay open for public review and audit
- Passkeys remain on the key instead of uploading to cloud storage
- Firmware updates extend protection without requiring frequent replacement
Cons
- Use depends on websites adopting supported passkey authentication standards
- Contactless approval appears only on the upgraded NFC variant
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
SoloKeys
Who it suits
- First time users moving from passwords to passkeys
- Security professionals wanting auditable hardware
- Enterprise teams adopting phishing resistant logins
Who should look elsewhere
- People relying on cloud synced credentials across devices
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
Questions about each
SoloKeys
What does SoloKeys sell?+
SoloKeys sells Solo 2 devices that enable passkey authentication for supported online accounts. The range includes USB A and USB C models plus a variant with contactless approval for supported phones and tablets. A Hacker edition also serves developers who want to experiment with custom firmware and applications.
How do passkeys work with Solo 2?+
Insert the key into a USB port and wait for the service prompt during login. Touch the capacitive sensor on the key to confirm presence and complete authentication. The process replaces typed passwords and one time codes on services that support the standard.
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
SoloKeys
Higher score in this comparison