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SPECIFICTION
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Nitrokey 3

nitrokey.com

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Spec score 8.1 #4 of 20 in Security Keys

What it is

Nitrokey 3 is a physical security key for two-factor and passwordless authentication, private-key storage, and password management. Sign-in can use a PIN and a touch of the device’s button; FIDO2 and U2F work over USB and NFC, with FIDO2 also covering passwordless and SSH login. OpenPGP Card and S/MIME store private keys for asymmetric cryptography and email encryption, while PIV supports smartcard use. These functions are listed with secure element support. The SE050M secure element is Common Criteria EAL 6+ certified up to the OS level. Password Safe holds up to 50 entries, each with login, password, comment, and OTP fields. Nitrokey says its hardware and software are open source. The key stores cryptographic keys and certificates, not ordinary files. It works with current browsers and is managed using Nitrokey App 2 or nitropy. Listed systems include Windows, macOS, Linux, BSD, Android, and iOS, though mobile support is described as partial in the FAQ. Pricing starts from €32.

Spec sheet

Integrations
Nitrokey documentation provides FIDO2 guides for Nextcloud, Microsoft login, Android, SSH, and Entra ID provisioning.Read 4 Oct 2026 · docs.nitrokey.com
Support
Nitrokey says it offers free email support in German, English, and French, along with product guides in its documentation.Read 4 Oct 2026 · docs.nitrokey.com
Headquarters
Teltow, near Berlin, GermanyRead 28 Sep 2026 · nitrokey.com
Founded
2015Read 28 Sep 2026 · nitrokey.com
Apps
Nitrokey 3 can be used with current browsers and Nitrokey App 2, and is managed with Nitrokey App 2 or nitropy rather than Nitrokey App 1.Read 4 Oct 2026 · docs.nitrokey.com
Authentication
Nitrokey 3 supports two-factor and passwordless authentication using a PIN and physical button touch.Read 4 Oct 2026 · docs.nitrokey.com
Company and production
Nitrokey says its products are produced in Germany and its company is based in Teltow, near Berlin.Read 4 Oct 2026 · nitrokey.com
Cryptography
OpenPGP Card and S/MIME store private keys for asymmetric cryptography and email encryption, and the overview marks both as supporting the secure element.Read 4 Oct 2026 · docs.nitrokey.com
Data storage limit
Nitrokey 3 does not store ordinary data; it stores cryptographic keys and certificates.Read 4 Oct 2026 · docs.nitrokey.com
FIDO2 and U2F
FIDO2 and U2F support USB and NFC transports, while FIDO2 includes passwordless login and SSH login use cases.Read 4 Oct 2026 · docs.nitrokey.com
Open source
Nitrokey says its hardware and software are open source, allowing independent security reviews.Read 4 Oct 2026 · nitrokey.com
Password Safe
Password Safe stores passwords on the Nitrokey 3; it can hold up to 50 entries, each with login, password, comment, and OTP fields.Read 4 Oct 2026 · docs.nitrokey.com
PIV
Nitrokey 3 includes PIV for business-focused smartcard use, with secure element support.Read 4 Oct 2026 · docs.nitrokey.com
Secure element certification
The SE050M secure element is Common Criteria EAL 6+ certified up to the OS level.Read 4 Oct 2026 · docs.nitrokey.com
Supported operating systems
The FAQ lists Windows, Linux, and macOS, plus some support for Android and iOS.Read 4 Oct 2026 · docs.nitrokey.com

Plans and prices

Nitrokey 3A Mini €54, paid once USB A Mini · FIDO2 · one-time passwords · OpenPGP smart card · Curve25519 · password manager · Common Criteria EAL 6+ certified secure element Read 4 Oct 2026 · shop.nitrokey.com
Nitrokey 3A NFC €60, paid once USB-A · NFC · FIDO2 · one-time passwords · OpenPGP smart card · Curve25519 · password manager · Common Criteria EAL 6+ certified secure element Read 4 Oct 2026 · shop.nitrokey.com
Nitrokey 3C NFC €65, paid once USB-C · NFC · FIDO2 · one-time passwords · OpenPGP smart card · Curve25519 · password manager · Common Criteria EAL 6+ certified secure element Read 4 Oct 2026 · shop.nitrokey.com

Every Nitrokey 3 plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • FIDO2 and U2F support USB and NFC.
  • Password Safe holds up to 50 entries.
  • Secure element is certified to Common Criteria EAL 6+.
  • Hardware and software are open source.

Limits

  • No free plan is listed.
  • The key does not store ordinary data.
  • Android and iOS support is partial.

Who it suits

Nitrokey 3 suits people who want a physical key for login, cryptographic keys, certificates, or a small password vault. It also supports smartcard use and several desktop and mobile operating systems.

Verdict

Nitrokey 3 combines authentication, smartcard functions, and a limited password vault in a physical key. Check connector and model details before choosing: listed versions include USB-A Mini, USB-A with NFC, and USB-C with NFC.

Where Specifiction places it

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