Updated October 13, 2026 · ShieldCue Editorial Team
SoloKeys vs Yubico
What sets them apart
| Compare | SoloKeys ReviewSee alternativesSee alternatives |  Yubico |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $35 | €35.09 |
| Protocols | FIDO2, WebAuthn, U2F, NFC, PIV, OpenPGPCovers more | Fido2, U2f |
| Connectors | USB a, USB c | USB a, USB c, NFCCovers more |
| Biometric unlock | No | YesHas it |
| FIPS certified | Not confirmed | No |
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Key differences
- Protocols: only SoloKeys offers WebAuthn, NFC, PIV.
- Connectors: only Yubico offers NFC.
- Biometric unlock: only Yubico.
- Support channels: only SoloKeys offers Community.
- Support channels: only Yubico offers Phone.
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
Yubico suits anyone who wants a single small hardware key that works across the main desktop and mobile platforms without a subscription. The Security Key NFC costs €35.09, close to $30 to $35, though FIPS certification is no for this listing and protocol support is listed as fido2 and u2f.
Score breakdown
| Area | SoloKeys | Yubico |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Not confirmed | 8.3Single purchase of €35.09, no subscription or renewal. The site median price sits at €30.69. |
| Offer | 9.4Higher | 9.1 |
| Privacy | 9.1 | 9.3Higher |
Licences and countries
| Country | SoloKeys | Yubico |
|---|---|---|
| Headquarters | United States | Sweden |
What we checked
SoloKeys
- solokeys.com: 8 facts, checked September 26, 2026
Yubico
- yubico.com: 10 facts, checked September 26, 2026
How they place
| Ranking | SoloKeys | Yubico |
|---|---|---|
| Hardware security keys | 11 of 18 | 7 of 18 |
Every fact side by side
| Fact | SoloKeys | Yubico |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Budget | Budget |
| Legal entity | SoloKeys | Yubico AB (publ) |
| Headquarters | United States | Sweden |
| Founded | Not confirmed | 2007 |
| Support channels | Email, Help centre, Community | Help centre, Email, Phone |
Privacy tools
| Fact | SoloKeys | Yubico |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Not confirmed | €35.09 |
| Platforms | Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, ChromeOS, XBSD, iOSCovers more | Windows, MacOS, ChromeOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Logging policy | Not confirmed | Collects and stores customer and registered-user personal data (name, address, phone, e-mail, payment and order details) and browser data such as IP address and pages visited in server log files; uses Google Analytics; data deleted when the processing purpose is completed; personal data is not sold. |
| Jurisdiction | US | SE |
Identity protection
| Fact | SoloKeys | Yubico |
|---|---|---|
| Money-back period | 30 days | Not confirmed |
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
- A single €35.09 purchase, with no subscription or renewal to track
- Works on Windows, macOS and ChromeOS with usb a, usb c and nfc in the same device
- Biometric unlock, so a fingerprint can approve a use of the key
Cons
- FIPS certification is no, so regulated buyers have a gap to close
- Token2 lists keys at €7 to €37, a lower entry point than €35.09, so the cheapest option sits elsewhere
- Protocol support is listed as fido2 and u2f, so a service asking for anything outside that list will not accept the key
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 who want a physical key instead of an app-only authenticator
- Teams that issue the same key to staff moving between Windows, macOS and Linux machines
- Anyone signing in from both a laptop and a phone who wants a tap instead of a cable
Who should look elsewhere
- Organisations that must require FIPS certified hardware, as the key is not FIPS certified
- Buyers chasing the lowest price, since Token2 lists keys at €7 to €37
- Shoppers who want a premium-tier key, as the listing is budget
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
How much does a Yubico security key cost?+
The Security Key NFC listing is €35.09, and the range entry price is €35.09. That is a hardware cost you settle once, not a subscription, so there is no renewal price and no monthly bill to budget for later.
Is that price lower than other security key brands?+
There is no renewal to price, because the key is bought outright rather than subscribed to, and a single €35.09 purchase is the whole cost. Yubico ranks at 12 on price among 15 brands, so the key sits in the dearer part of the field.