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For most people, use passkeys wherever an account supports them and keep a password manager for the accounts that still require passwords. They solve different parts of the login problem, so you usually do not need to choose between them. Before relying on a passkey, check how you would recover the account if your phone or passkey provider became unavailable.
What is the difference between a password manager and a passkey?
A password manager creates and stores unique passwords for accounts that use password-based sign-in. A passkey replaces the password for a particular account when that service supports passkey sign-in. You can use both: passkeys for supported accounts and the manager for the rest.
For accounts that still require passwords, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) says: “For accounts that require passwords, NIST experts highly recommend that you use a password manager.” NIST’s password guidance also recommends at least 15 characters when you have to create a password manually. A manager can generate a different password for each service, reducing the risk that one exposed password unlocks other accounts.
Are passkeys safer than passwords?
Passkeys use cryptographic key pairs rather than a reusable password typed into a website. Apple says passkeys are based on FIDO Alliance and W3C standards. With WebAuthn/FIDO2, the authenticator is bound to the service’s identity, a property NIST identifies as phishing resistance: a fake site cannot simply collect and reuse the passkey as it might a typed password. See Apple’s passkey overview and NIST SP 800-63-4.
#1 Best Overall
- ✅ PROTECT ONLINE ACCOUNTS – A password manager, two-factor security key, and secure communication token in one, OnlyKey can keep your accounts safe even if your computer or a website is compromised. OnlyKey is open source, verified, and trustworthy.
- ✅ UNIVERSALLY SUPPORTED – Works with all websites including Twitter, Facebook, GitHub, and Google. Onlykey supports multiple methods of two-factor authentication including FIDO2 / U2F, Yubico OTP, TOTP, Challenge-response.
- ✅ PORTABLE PROTECTION – Extremely durable, waterproof, and tamper resistant design allows you to take your OnlyKey with you everywhere.
- ✅ PIN PROTECTED – The PIN used to unlock OnlyKey is entered directly on it. This means that if this device is stolen, data remains secure, after 10 failed attempts to unlock all data is securely erased.
- ✅ EASY LOG IN –No need to remember multiple passwords because by plugging OnlyKey to your computer, it automatically inputs your username and password. It works with Windows, Mac OS, Linux, or Chromebook, just press a button to login securely!
That protection does not make an account invulnerable. A compromised device, weak account-recovery process, or less secure fallback login can still create risk. Password-only accounts also remain exposed to password reuse and phishing, which is why unique passwords in a manager continue to matter.
Synced passkey or device-bound key?
The choice is mainly between convenience across devices and keeping the authenticator separate from your everyday devices. Microsoft describes both synced passkeys and device-bound options; FIDO2 security keys are an example of a passkey authenticator that remains on a physical device. The right option depends on which authenticators each service accepts.
Rank #2
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The YubiKey 5 NFC is the most versatile physical passkey, protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with popular accounts like Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single YubiKey 5 NFC secures 100+ of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your YubiKey 5 NFC via USB and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC), to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required
- MOST SECURE PASSKEY: Supports FIDO2/WebAuthn, FIDO U2F, Yubico OTP, OATH-TOTP/HOTP, Smart card (PIV), and OpenPGP. That means it’s versatile, working almost anywhere you need it
- PRIMARY & SPARE KEYS: Just like having a spare house key, we recommend buying two YubiKeys - one for daily use and one as a spare. That way you’ll never get locked out of your accounts
| Option | How it works | Main tradeoff |
|---|---|---|
| Synced passkey | Stored and synchronized through a provider, such as a device ecosystem or credential manager. | Convenient across supported devices, but provider-account access and recovery become part of your login plan. |
| Device-bound passkey | Kept on one physical device, such as a FIDO2 security key. | Separates the authenticator from your everyday device, but losing it can mean extra recovery steps; compatibility varies by service. |
Microsoft lists phone storage, synced managers, physical keys, and Windows Hello among passkey choices. Its Microsoft Entra guidance recommends physical keys for highly regulated or elevated-privilege users, while noting equipment, training, helpdesk, and recovery can add costs in organizational deployments. That does not make a physical key necessary for every personal account.
Do you still need a password manager if you use passkeys?
Usually, yes. Not every service offers passkeys, and some accounts or sign-in flows may still require passwords. Keep the manager for those logins, use a unique password for each account, and protect the manager account itself with multifactor authentication if it is available. Google describes passkeys as “an easier and more secure alternative to passwords”; that is Google’s characterization, not an independent head-to-head test. Google Safety Center
Rank #3
- FIDO2 & Passkey Ready: Business-ready and FIDO2 L1 certified. This key is supported by major management suites and is ideal for both individual and enterprise deployment. Works seamlessly with Gmail, Facebook, GitHub, Dropbox, Coinbase, and more.
- Dedicated Manager App: Use the Thetis Manager App for the initial hardware PIN setup. Setting the PIN on the device first ensures a smooth registration process. Once the PIN is configured, you can begin registering the key across your favorite FIDO2-compatible online services.
- Universal Connectivity (USB-C, USB-A, & NFC): Designed for PCs, Macs, iPhones, and Android. For mobile use, simply unfold the key, align it with your phone’s NFC antenna, and hold for a few seconds to authenticate.
- Enhanced MFA (FIDO2 & TOTP/HOTP): Strengthen your security with flexible options. Use the Manager App to access TOTP/HOTP features for accounts that do not yet support FIDO2.
- Check FIDO2 compatibility before purchase - Known limitations: ID Austria is not supported (requires FIDO2 Level 2). Windows Hello login only works with Windows Enterprise editions that support Entra ID. NFC is supported only through mobile authentication, Not MacOS/windows.
Should you save passkeys in your password manager?
If your manager supports passkeys and you want them available across your devices, saving them in a synced credential manager can be convenient. Google Password Manager and Apple iCloud Keychain are options for people already using those ecosystems; Microsoft also lists third-party managers such as 1Password among passkey storage choices. Availability and behavior can change, so check the provider’s current documentation and each service’s supported sign-in methods.
Storing passkeys with a provider adds that provider account to your recovery plan. Make sure you can regain access to it, and do not assume a passkey stored in one ecosystem will be usable in every app, browser, or service.
Rank #4
- USB-C or tap via NFC for easy authentication on any compatible device. No drivers needed; optional Kensington software available for advanced management features.
- Works across Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, ChromeOS, and supports Passkeys and Apple ID.
- Slim, keychain-ready form for easy carry and on-the-go authentication
- IP68-rated for dependable performance
- FIDO CTAP 2.1 for enhanced security features (e.g. resident credentials, Passkey support) and backwards compatibility with CTAP 2. FIDO2 L2 certified security for phishing resistant protection against identity theft and unauthorized access.
What happens if you lose your phone?
The answer depends on where the passkey is stored, whether it synced to another device, and what recovery methods the service offers. A device-bound passkey may not be available on a replacement phone; a synced passkey may be recoverable through its provider, but that requires access to the provider’s account and recovery process. Microsoft’s instructions for creating and saving passkeys outline available storage choices.
- For each important account, check its security settings for a second authenticator or an account-recovery method.
- If the service allows it, register a backup passkey or another authenticator before you lose access to the first one.
- Confirm you can access the account used to sync or manage your passkeys, and know how that account can be recovered.
- Keep a password manager available for accounts that still rely on passwords, and verify its own recovery and multifactor-authentication settings.
When should you get a physical security key?
A FIDO2 security key can make sense if you need an authenticator kept separate from your phone or computer, or if an organization’s security requirements call for device-bound authentication. It is not a universal replacement: check that the specific service and devices you use support the key, and plan for a backup key or another recovery route where the service allows one. In workplace or regulated settings, account for the support and recovery overhead as well as the hardware.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Ultra-Compact FIDO2 Security Key - Plug-and-stay or carry on a keychain. This USB-A hardware security key offers portable, always-on protection for desktop and mobile use. (Item Size: 0.75 X 0.74 IN x 0.25 IN)
- USB-A Hardware Key for All Devices - Works with USB-A ports on PC, Mac, Android, and other laptop/notebook device. Enables secure, cross-platform login with FIDO2.0 passkey support.
- FIDO Certified Security Key - Meets FIDO and FIDO2 standards. Works with Google, Microsoft, GitHub, Dropbox, and more. Please check service compatibility before purchase.
- Passwordless Login with Passkey - Supports passkey login via WebAuthn and CTAP2. Enjoy password-free sign-ins where supported. Not all websites or services currently support passkeys.
- Advanced Multi-Factor Authentication - Offers 200 FIDO2 passkey slots and 50 OATH-TOTP slots. Strong, flexible 2FA/MFA support across various apps and authentication platforms.
A practical setup for most people
- Turn on passkeys for important accounts that offer them, using a provider or authenticator supported by those services.
- Keep a password manager for accounts without passkey sign-in; generate a unique password for each.
- Enable multifactor authentication on your password-manager and passkey-provider accounts when available.
- Test recovery and backup access for critical accounts before depending on a single phone, key, or provider.
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