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In an era where cybersecurity threats continue to evolve, hardware-based authentication solutions have become essential for both individuals and organisations seeking to protect their digital assets. Yubico, a leading manufacturer in this space, offers two primary product lines: the YubiKey 5 Series and the Security Key Series. While both aim to enhance security through physical authentication, they differ significantly in terms of features, protocols, and target audiences.
This article examines the key differences between these two product families, helping you determine which might be better suited to your security needs.
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yubico - YubiKey 5C NFC - Two-factor authentication (2FA)... |
£55.20 | Buy on Amazon | |
|
| Yubico - Security Key C NFC - Black - Two-factor... |
£29.16 | Buy on Amazon |
Core Differences at a Glance
The fundamental distinction between the YubiKey 5 Series and the Security Key Series lies in their protocol support. The YubiKey 5 Series is a multi-protocol solution supporting numerous authentication standards, while the Security Key Series focuses exclusively on FIDO protocols.
This difference in protocol support directly influences pricing, with the YubiKey 5 Series starting at €60 (including VAT) and the Security Key Series available from €30 (including VAT). This price differential reflects the broader functionality and versatility of the YubiKey 5 Series compared to the more focused approach of the Security Key Series.
YubiKey 5 Series: The Multi-Protocol Flagship
Comprehensive Protocol Support
The YubiKey 5 Series stands as Yubico’s flagship offering, providing support for multiple authentication protocols that extend well beyond the FIDO standards. These keys support:
- FIDO2/WebAuthn and FIDO U2F
- Smart Card (PIV-compatible)
- Yubico OTP
- OATH-HOTP (event-based)
- OATH-TOTP (time-based)
- OpenPGP
- Secure Static Passwords
This extensive protocol support makes the YubiKey 5 Series particularly valuable for organisations with complex security requirements or legacy systems that may require different authentication methods.
Form Factors and Connectivity
The YubiKey 5 Series offers impressive versatility in terms of physical design and connectivity options:
- YubiKey 5 NFC (USB-A with NFC) – €60 / £49
- YubiKey 5C NFC (USB-C with NFC) – €66 / £55
- YubiKey 5C (USB-C only) – €66 / £55
- YubiKey 5 Nano (USB-A, compact design) – €72 / £60
- YubiKey 5C Nano (USB-C, compact design) – €78 / £65
- YubiKey 5Ci (USB-C and Lightning connector) – €90
The nano variants are designed to remain in the USB port, providing a low-profile solution for users who prefer not to have a key protruding from their device. Meanwhile, the NFC-enabled models offer tap-and-go authentication for mobile devices, adding convenience for users who frequently switch between desktop and mobile platforms.
Enterprise-Grade Security Features
The YubiKey 5 Series is built with enterprise requirements in mind, offering features that address the needs of corporate environments:
- Hardware-based authentication with secrets stored on a separate secure chip
- Public key cryptography support
- Compatibility with existing Smart Card/PIV infrastructure
- Support for RSA 2048, 3072, and 4096 encryption
- ECC P256 and P384 support
- ED25519 and X25519 cryptographic capabilities
These features make the YubiKey 5 Series particularly attractive for organisations looking to implement phishing-resistant multi-factor authentication (MFA) across their systems.
Target Audience
The YubiKey 5 Series is primarily marketed towards:
- Enterprise organisations seeking comprehensive security solutions
- IT departments managing complex authentication requirements
- Users who need compatibility with a wide range of services and protocols
- Individuals requiring the highest level of security across multiple platforms
According to Yubico’s materials, the YubiKey 5 Series is deployed in “5 of the top 10 global technology companies, 4 of the top 10 U.S. banks, and 5 of the top 10 global retailers”, highlighting its adoption by major organisations with stringent security requirements.
Security Key Series: FIDO-Focused Simplicity
Streamlined Protocol Support
The Security Key Series takes a more focused approach, supporting only the FIDO protocols:
- FIDO2/WebAuthn
- FIDO U2F
This streamlined protocol support makes the Security Key Series simpler to use and more affordable, but it does limit its compatibility with systems that require other authentication methods.
Form Factors and Connectivity
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Yubico - Security Key C NFC - Black - Two-factor... |
£29.16 | Buy on Amazon | |
| Yubico - Security Key NFC - Black - Two-Factor... |
£25.08 | Buy on Amazon |
The Security Key Series offers fewer options compared to the YubiKey 5 Series:
- Security Key NFC by Yubico (USB-A with NFC) – €30 / £35
- Security Key C NFC by Yubico (USB-C with NFC) – €34.80 / £29
Both models include NFC capability, allowing for tap-and-go authentication with mobile devices, but the range lacks the nano form factors and iOS-compatible options found in the YubiKey 5 Series.
Consumer-Friendly Features
While more limited in scope than the YubiKey 5 Series, the Security Key Series still offers robust security features:
- Hardware-based authentication
- Public key cryptography
- FIDO2 and U2F protocol support
- Expanded storage for up to 100 FIDO2 discoverable credentials (passkeys)
- Durable design with no moving parts or batteries
The Security Key Series is designed to work out of the box with hundreds of services that support FIDO protocols, including Google, Microsoft personal accounts, Facebook, Twitter, Dropbox, and various password managers.
Target Audience
The Security Key Series is aimed at:
- Individual consumers seeking affordable security
- Small businesses with straightforward authentication needs
- Users primarily concerned with securing web-based services
- Organisations looking to implement basic two-factor authentication
The lower price point and simplified protocol support make the Security Key Series an accessible entry point for those new to hardware-based authentication.
Technical Specifications Comparison
When examining the technical specifications of both series, several key differences emerge:
| Feature | YubiKey 5 Series | Security Key Series |
|---|---|---|
| Protocol Support | Multi-protocol (FIDO2, U2F, PIV, OTP, OATH, OpenPGP) | FIDO-only (FIDO2, U2F) |
| Starting Price | €60 / £50 | €30 / £25 |
| Form Factors | 6 variants | 2 variants |
| iOS Support | Yes (YubiKey 5Ci) | No |
| Smart Card (PIV) | Yes | No |
| OATH Support | Yes | No |
| OpenPGP Support | Yes | No |
| Static Password | Yes | No |
| Works with Yubico Authenticator | Yes | No |
| Works with Personalization Tool | Yes | No |
Both series share certain characteristics, including:
- FIDO2/WebAuthn and U2F support
- Hardware-based security with public key cryptography
- Water-resistant, crush-resistant, and dustproof design
- No batteries or moving parts
- Manufacturing in the USA and Sweden
Use Case Scenarios
When to Choose the YubiKey 5 Series
The YubiKey 5 Series is the better choice in several scenarios:
- Complex Enterprise Environments: Organisations with varied systems and authentication requirements benefit from the multi-protocol support, allowing for a single key to work across different platforms and applications.
- Legacy System Integration: If you need to authenticate with older systems that don’t support FIDO protocols, the YubiKey 5 Series offers compatibility through PIV, OTP, and other standards.
- Advanced Cryptographic Needs: Users requiring specific cryptographic algorithms or key lengths will appreciate the broader support in the YubiKey 5 Series.
- iOS Device Users: The YubiKey 5Ci with its Lightning connector provides direct authentication for iPhone and iPad users, a capability not found in the Security Key Series.
- Password Manager Integration: While both series work with password managers, the YubiKey 5 Series offers additional functionality through OATH-TOTP support, allowing it to generate time-based codes for services that don’t directly support security keys.
When to Choose the Security Key Series
The Security Key Series makes more sense in these contexts:
- Budget-Conscious Deployment: At half the starting price of the YubiKey 5 Series, the Security Key Series offers excellent value for organisations deploying keys at scale.
- Consumer Use: For individuals primarily protecting personal accounts like Google, Microsoft, social media, and password managers, the FIDO-only approach is typically sufficient.
- Simplicity-Focused Implementation: Organisations wanting to avoid the complexity of multiple protocols may prefer the straightforward nature of the Security Key Series.
- FIDO-Centric Security Strategy: If your security architecture is built around FIDO standards and doesn’t require legacy protocol support, the Security Key Series provides everything needed.
- First-Time Security Key Users: The lower cost and simpler feature set make the Security Key Series an excellent entry point for those new to hardware-based authentication.
Performance and Reliability
Both the YubiKey 5 Series and Security Key Series share core design principles that contribute to their reliability:
- No batteries required, eliminating power concerns
- No moving parts to break or wear out
- Water-resistant, crush-resistant, and dustproof construction
- Always-on accessibility without reliance on cellular connectivity
These characteristics ensure that both series offer dependable authentication regardless of environmental conditions or usage patterns. The durability of Yubico’s products is a significant advantage over software-based authentication methods that depend on device functionality and network connectivity.
Security Benefits
Both the YubiKey 5 Series and Security Key Series provide substantial security improvements compared to traditional password-based authentication:
Phishing Resistance
Both series use public key cryptography to create a unique relationship between the user, the security key, and the service. This approach makes it virtually impossible for phishing attacks to succeed, as the authentication secret never leaves the hardware device and cannot be intercepted or replayed.
Account Takeover Prevention
According to Google’s research cited by Yubico, implementing security keys resulted in “zero account takeovers” among their workforce. This dramatic improvement stems from the hardware-based approach that keeps authentication secrets isolated from potentially compromised computers or phones.
Reduced IT Support Costs
The implementation of security keys has been shown to significantly reduce IT support costs related to password resets. Google reported “92% fewer IT support calls” after switching from mobile one-time passwords to security keys. While this statistic specifically references the YubiKey, similar benefits would apply to the Security Key Series given its similar authentication mechanism.
Enterprise Considerations
For organisations considering a large-scale deployment, several additional factors may influence the choice between the YubiKey 5 Series and Security Key Series:
Enterprise Editions
The Security Key Series offers Enterprise Editions that include features specifically designed for organisational use:
- Enterprise attestation for custom programmed keys
- Compliance enforcement for PIN usage
- Support for FIDO2 features like Force PIN Change and Minimum PIN Length
- Serial numbering on the back of keys for tracking distribution and usage
These Enterprise Editions bridge some of the gap between the consumer-focused Security Key Series and the more comprehensive YubiKey 5 Series.
Deployment Timeframes
According to Yubico, IT departments can deploy YubiKeys “in days, not months”. This rapid deployment capability applies to both series and represents a significant advantage over more complex security solutions that may require extensive integration work.
Bulk Purchasing
Both series are available in trays of 50 units for enterprise deployment:
- Security Key NFC by Yubico – Tray of 50: €1,500
- Security Key C NFC by Yubico – Tray of 50: €1,740
- YubiKey 5 NFC – Tray of 50: €3,000
- YubiKey 5C NFC – Tray of 50: €3,300
The price differential remains consistent at scale, with the Security Key Series offering approximately 50% cost savings compared to equivalent YubiKey 5 Series models.
Conclusion
The choice between Yubico’s YubiKey 5 Series and Security Key Series ultimately depends on your specific authentication requirements, budget constraints, and technical environment.
The YubiKey 5 Series offers unmatched versatility through its multi-protocol support, diverse form factors, and advanced cryptographic capabilities. It represents the premium option for organisations with complex security needs or users requiring the broadest possible compatibility.
The Security Key Series provides a more focused and economical approach, delivering robust FIDO-based security at a lower price point. It’s an excellent choice for consumers, small businesses, or organisations standardising on FIDO protocols.
Both series share Yubico’s commitment to hardware-based security, manufacturing quality, and phishing-resistant authentication. Either choice represents a substantial security improvement over traditional password-based methods or software-based two-factor authentication.
By understanding the differences between these two product lines, you can make an informed decision that balances security requirements, usability considerations, and budget constraints to best protect your digital assets.
I am James, a UK-based tech enthusiast and the Editor and Owner of Mighty Gadget, which I’ve proudly run since 2007. Passionate about all things technology, my expertise spans from computers and networking to mobile, wearables, and smart home devices.
As a fitness fanatic who loves running and cycling, I also have a keen interest in fitness-related technology, and I take every opportunity to cover this niche on my blog. My diverse interests allow me to bring a unique perspective to tech blogging, merging lifestyle, fitness, and the latest tech trends.
In my academic pursuits, I earned a BSc in Information Systems Design from UCLAN, before advancing my learning with a Master’s Degree in Computing. This advanced study also included Cisco CCNA accreditation, further demonstrating my commitment to understanding and staying ahead of the technology curve.
I’m proud to share that Vuelio has consistently ranked Mighty Gadget as one of the top technology blogs in the UK. With my dedication to technology and drive to share my insights, I aim to continue providing my readers with engaging and informative content.
Last update on 2025-05-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
