Updated October 13, 2026 · ShieldCue Editorial Team
Yubico vs SoloKeys Solo 2
Facts checked September 26, 2026.
Yubico vs SoloKeys Solo 2: the differences
| Compare |  Yubico | SoloKeys Solo 2 ReviewSee alternativesSee alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| Price | €35.09 | $35 |
| Protocols | FIDO2, U2F, Smart card, OTP, OpenPGP 3 | Fido2, U2f, Piv |
| Connectors | USB a, USB c, NFCCovers more | USB a, USB c |
| Biometric unlock | YesHas it | No |
| FIPS certified | No | Not confirmed |
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Key differences
- Protocols: only Yubico offers Smart card, OTP, OpenPGP 3.
- Protocols: only SoloKeys Solo 2 offers Piv.
- Connectors: only Yubico offers NFC.
- Biometric unlock: only Yubico.
- Support channels: only Yubico offers Phone.
- Support channels: only SoloKeys Solo 2 offers Community.
Our verdict on each
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.
SoloKeys Solo 2
The SoloKeys Solo is an open source hardware security key for readers who want an inspectable budget token at a single device price. You pay $35 for the key, and the open source build plus PIV support sets it apart from closed rivals such as the Google Titan Security Key.
Score breakdown
| Area | Yubico | SoloKeys Solo 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Not confirmed | 9.0Entry price $35 sits above the €30.69 site median, and there is no free plan to try first. |
| Offer | 9.2Higher | 8.6 |
| Privacy | 9.6 | Not confirmed |
How they place
| Ranking | Yubico | SoloKeys Solo 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Hardware security keys | 14 of 18 | 6 of 18 |
What we checked
Yubico
- yubico.com: 9 facts, checked September 26, 2026
- en.wikipedia.org: 1 fact, checked September 26, 2026
SoloKeys Solo 2
- solokeys.com: 8 facts, checked September 26, 2026
Every fact side by side
| Fact | Yubico | SoloKeys Solo 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Budget | Budget |
| Legal entity | Yubico AB (publ) | SoloKeys |
| Headquarters | Sweden | United States |
| Founded | 2007 | Not confirmed |
| Support channels | Email, Phone, Help centre | Email, Help centre, Community |
Privacy tools
| Fact | Yubico | SoloKeys Solo 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Not confirmed | $35 |
| Free plan | Not confirmed | No |
| Platforms | Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, Android | Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, ChromeOS, iOS, XBSDCovers more |
| Logging policy | Not confirmed | Credentials and passkeys are stored only on the device; no credential, FIDO2 private key, PIN or biometric data is ever collected, and no authentication data is used for analytics. |
| Jurisdiction | SE | US |
| Open source | Not confirmed | Yes |
Pros and cons
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
SoloKeys Solo 2
Pros
- Open source is a yes, so the hardware design and firmware of the Solo can be reviewed by anyone.
- Protocol support covers fido2, u2f and piv, so the same token handles modern web sign-in, legacy sites and PIV workplace logins.
- Connectors are usb a and usb c, covering the port shapes found on current desktops and laptops.
Cons
- Biometric unlock is a no, so unlocking rests on a PIN typed on the key rather than a fingerprint check.
- Support runs on email, help centre and community, with no phone line or live chat listed for a stuck setup.
- There is no free plan, and at $35 the Solo sits in the budget class, so a light user still pays the full device price.
Who each suits
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
SoloKeys Solo 2
Who it suits
- Readers who want open source hardware they can inspect before buying.
- People who want the same key on desktop and phone, given support for Windows, macOS and Linux.
- Anyone happy to unlock with a PIN instead of a fingerprint, since biometric unlock is a no.
Who should look elsewhere
- Google Titan Security Key, if you want a fingerprint unlock, because biometric unlock is a no here.
- Thetis, if the $24.99 to $49.99 range fits your budget better for a spare key at a desk.
- Token2, if you want to weigh a lower entry point, where prices run €7 to €37.
Questions about each
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.
SoloKeys Solo 2
How much does the SoloKeys Solo cost?+
The Solo is a hardware key sold at $35, and the entry price is listed as $35. That figure covers the device itself, so there is no subscription to renew and no second bill later. Budget for the key, then buy a spare if you want a token waiting at another desk.
Is there a free version or trial of the SoloKeys Solo?+
There is no free plan, so a key has to be bought to get started. The Solo is listed as budget here, which is the budget class rather than a premium tier. It is a straightforward token rather than a service, so there is nothing to remember or cancel later either.