Updated October 14, 2026 · ShieldCue Editorial Team
SoloKeys Solo 2 vs YubiKey 5 Series
SoloKeys Solo 2
Higher score in this comparison
YubiKey 5 Series
What sets them apart
| Compare | SoloKeys Solo 2ReviewSee alternativesSee alternatives | YubiKey 5 SeriesReviewSee alternativesSee alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $35 | Not confirmed |
| Protocols | Fido2, U2f, Piv | Not confirmed |
| Connectors | USB a, USB c | Not confirmed |
| Biometric unlock | No | Not confirmed |
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Our verdict on each
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.
YubiKey 5 Series
YubiKey 5 Series keys support multiple authentication protocols, including FIDO2, and use hardware-based public-key authentication.
Score breakdown
| Area | SoloKeys Solo 2 | YubiKey 5 Series |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | 9.0Entry price $35 sits above the €30.69 site median, and there is no free plan to try first. | Not confirmed |
| Offer | 8.6 | Not confirmed |
How they place
| Ranking | SoloKeys Solo 2 | YubiKey 5 Series |
|---|---|---|
| Hardware security keys | 6 of 18 | 16 of 18 |
Every fact side by side
| Fact | SoloKeys Solo 2 | YubiKey 5 Series |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Budget | Not confirmed |
| Legal entity | SoloKeys | Not confirmed |
| Headquarters | United States | Not confirmed |
| Support channels | Email, Help centre, Community | Not confirmed |
Privacy tools
| Fact | SoloKeys Solo 2 | YubiKey 5 Series |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $35 | Not confirmed |
| Free plan | No | Not confirmed |
| Platforms | Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, ChromeOS, iOS, XBSD | Not confirmed |
| Logging policy | 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. | Not confirmed |
| Jurisdiction | US | Not confirmed |
| Open source | Yes | Not confirmed |
Where each stands against the rest
| Fact | SoloKeys Solo 2 | YubiKey 5 Series | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $35highest quarter | Not confirmed | $30 |
Median across 6 listed providers.
Pros and cons
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.
YubiKey 5 Series
Pros
- YubiKey 5 Series keys support multiple authentication protocols, including FIDO2, and use hardware-based public-key authentication.
- This is the standard 5 Series scope; do not assume that attributes of FIPS or Enterprise variants apply to every key.
Who each suits
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.
YubiKey 5 Series
Who it suits
- Organizations comparing standard YubiKey 5 Series protocol support.
Questions about each
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.
Which sign-in standards does the Solo support?+
The Solo speaks fido2, u2f and piv, covering modern web sign-in, the older security key standard that legacy sites still rely on, and PIV for workplace smart card logins. A single device covers those flows, which saves carrying a spare token for an old portal or an office system.
Which computers and phones work with the SoloKeys Solo?+
The Solo is listed for Windows, macOS and Linux, so the same key covers major desktop systems and both mobile platforms. Connectors are usb a and usb c, matching the port shapes you meet on machines. Whatever browser or password manager you use still has to support security keys.
Other options to compare
SoloKeys Solo 2
YubiKey 5 Series