Tech riderRev. 30 Sept 2026

YubiKey 5 Series

Ch 067.2of 15 Security Keys
  1. 1Runs onAndroid, iOS, Linux, Mac, Web, Windows
  2. 2CostsNot stated by the maker
  3. 3Authentication standardsFIDO2/WebAuthn, FIDO U2F, Yubico OTP, OATH-TOTP, OATH-HOTP, PIV smart card, OpenPGP
  4. 4NFC supportYes
  5. 5Biometric unlockNo
  6. 6USB connectorusb-a
  7. 7Device managementvendor app
  8. 8Operating systemsWindows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, ChromeOS
7 lines stated Written from the maker's own pages: yubico.com
The YubiKey 5 Series homepage

Overview

YubiKey 5 Series is a hardware security key for two-factor, multi-factor and passwordless authentication and authorization. It supports FIDO2/WebAuthn, U2F, smart card/PIV, Yubico OTP, OATH-TOTP, OATH-HOTP, OpenPGP and secure static passwords. Models connect using USB-A, USB-C, NFC or Lightning, depending on the version. Yubico Authenticator can generate two-step verification codes on mobile or desktop while credentials remain on the key. Yubico lists compatibility with Google and Microsoft accounts, password managers, and services including Salesforce, Dropbox, 1Password, AWS IAM and Okta. The keys are IP68 rated, crush resistant, have no moving parts and require no batteries. Yubico describes the series for personal and business use, including remote workforces, shared workstations and privileged users. Listed models cost $58.00 to $85.00 USD per one-time purchase; there is no free plan or trial. The 5C NFC model supports tap-and-go use on NFC-enabled Android and iOS devices, and its specifications list a secure element and FIDO2 Level 2 and CTAP 2.1 support.

Who it is for

The series suits personal or business users who want a hardware key for authentication, including remote workers, privileged users and shared-workstation environments. Businesses with 500 or more users qualify for YubiEnterprise Subscription.

What is good

  • Supports FIDO2/WebAuthn, U2F, PIV and other protocols.
  • Models offer USB, NFC or Lightning connectivity.
  • IP68 rated, crush resistant and battery-free.
  • Listed models start at $58.00 USD per one-time purchase.

What to know first

  • There is no free plan or trial.
  • Connectivity options vary by model.
  • Biometric unlock is not available.
  • NIST validation is listed as not applicable.

Verdict

YubiKey 5 Series offers multiple authentication standards in a physical key, with connector options that vary by model. Choose a model based on the devices and connection types you need; no free plan or trial is listed.

YubiKey 5 Series plans and pricing

All plans
YubiKey 5C NFC $58 once Single key · USB-C · NFC yubico.com · 30 Sept 2026
YubiKey 5 NFC $58 once USB-A · NFC yubico.com · 30 Sept 2026
YubiKey 5C $65 once USB-C yubico.com · 30 Sept 2026
YubiKey 5 Nano $68 once USB-A · Nano yubico.com · 30 Sept 2026
YubiKey 5C Nano $68 once USB-C · Nano yubico.com · 30 Sept 2026
YubiKey 5Ci $85 once USB-C · Lightning yubico.com · 30 Sept 2026

Compared on security keys

Free plan
Noyubico.com
Paid from
58 one-timeyubico.com
Authentication standards
FIDO2/WebAuthn, FIDO U2F, Yubico OTP, OATH-TOTP, OATH-HOTP, PIV smart card, OpenPGPyubico.com
NFC support
Yesyubico.com
Biometric unlock
Noyubico.com
USB connector
usb-ayubico.com
Device management
vendor appyubico.com
Operating systems
Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, ChromeOSyubico.com

Facts

Purpose
YubiKey 5 Series is a multi-protocol hardware security key for two-factor, multi-factor, and passwordless authentication and authorization.yubico.com · 30 Sept 2026
Protocols
The series supports FIDO2/WebAuthn, U2F, smart card/PIV, Yubico OTP, OATH-TOTP, OATH-HOTP, OpenPGP, and secure static passwords.yubico.com · 30 Sept 2026
Connectivity
Available models support USB-A, USB-C, NFC, or Lightning, depending on model.yubico.com · 30 Sept 2026
Durability
The key is IP68 rated, crush resistant, has no moving parts, and requires no batteries.yubico.com · 30 Sept 2026
Phishing resistance
Yubico says the physical key adds a second factor designed to protect against phishing attacks.yubico.com · 30 Sept 2026
Authenticator app
Yubico Authenticator can generate two-step verification codes on mobile or desktop while credentials remain on the YubiKey.yubico.com · 30 Sept 2026
Integrations
Yubico says the series works with Google and Microsoft accounts, password managers, and hundreds of other services.yubico.com · 30 Sept 2026
Named services
The product page lists Facebook, Google Account, Microsoft account, Salesforce, Dropbox, 1Password, Bitwarden Premium, AWS IAM, Duo Security, Okta, and Ping Identity among compatible services.yubico.com · 30 Sept 2026
Supported systems
The YubiKey 5C NFC page says it works with Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, and Linux, and supports tap-and-go use on NFC-enabled Android and iOS devices.yubico.com · 30 Sept 2026
Security hardware
The listed YubiKey 5C NFC specifications state that it has a secure element and supports FIDO2 Level 2 and CTAP 2.1.yubico.com · 30 Sept 2026
Compliance limit
The YubiKey 5C NFC specifications list NIST validation as not applicable and say AAL3 applies when FIPS is not required by the environment.yubico.com · 30 Sept 2026
Support and returns
The product page advertises 45-day consumer returns and links to Yubico support and product documentation.yubico.com · 30 Sept 2026
Intended users
Yubico describes the series for personal and business use, including privileged users, shared workstations, mobile-restricted environments, remote workforces, and third-party users.yubico.com · 30 Sept 2026
Enterprise purchase option
Yubico says businesses with 500 or more users qualify for YubiEnterprise Subscription.yubico.com · 30 Sept 2026

Company

Founded
2007yubico.com · 23 Sept 2026

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