YubiKey 5 Series
YubiKey 5 Series: A highly configurable security key family for users who need broad authentication support. Ranked #2 of 23 in Security Keys by our editors (9.3/10); pricing: Paid; best for users needing broad authentication features.
At a glance
- Editor score9.3 / 10
- PricingPaid
- Best forUsers needing broad authentication features
- Free planNo
- Paid from$58/unit one-time
- Authentication standardsFIDO2/WebAuthn, FIDO U2F, Yubico OTP, OATH-TOTP, OATH-HOTP, PIV smart card, OpenPGP
- Founded2007
- Facts checked22 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Supports FIDO2, U2F, OTP, PIV, OpenPGP, NFC, and Lightning
- Works across web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android
- Offers USB-A, USB-C, NFC, Lightning, Nano, and keychain formats
Where it doesn't
- Starts at $58 with no free plan
- Biometric unlock is not supported
- Choosing among connector and form-factor variants takes care
Our verdict on YubiKey 5 Series
YubiKey 5 Series is a family of hardware security keys for passwordless login, multi-factor authentication, and cryptographic operations. It is designed for consumers, small businesses, and enterprise environments spanning cloud, on-premises, desktop, and mobile systems. Its protocol coverage includes FIDO2/WebAuthn, FIDO U2F, Yubico OTP, OATH-TOTP, OATH-HOTP, PIV-compatible smart card authentication, and OpenPGP, making it a fit for buyers who need more than a single authentication standard.
Pricing is one-time and varies by model. YubiKey 5C NFC and YubiKey 5 NFC each cost $58, with USB-C or USB-A, NFC, and multi-protocol support. YubiKey 5C costs $65 and provides USB-C with multi-protocol support. YubiKey 5 Nano and YubiKey 5C Nano cost $68 and add a Nano form factor. YubiKey 5Ci costs $85 and combines USB-C, Lightning, and multi-protocol support. The published lineup gives buyers a clear range of connector and portability options, but the entry price is higher than a basic single-purpose security key.
Platform and ecosystem coverage is a central strength. The series supports web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, with ChromeOS also included in its operating-system specifications. Listed integrations include Microsoft Entra ID, Okta, Ping Identity, and Google Workspace. Yubico Authenticator and YubiKey Manager provide configuration tools, while FIDO2 discoverable credentials and OATH storage extend its role beyond simple login approval. Choose YubiKey 5 Series if broad protocol support, multiple connectors, and enterprise identity compatibility matter; choose an alternative if biometric unlock or a lower upfront price is the priority.
Your product? Our editors can test YubiKey 5 Series in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
YubiKey 5 Series pricing
All 6 YubiKey 5 Series plans and prices →
YubiKey 5 Series fact sheet
| Free plan | No |
|---|---|
| Paid from | $58/unit one-time |
| Authentication standards | FIDO2/WebAuthn, FIDO U2F, Yubico OTP, OATH-TOTP, OATH-HOTP, PIV smart card, OpenPGP |
| NFC support | Yes |
| Biometric unlock | No |
| USB connector | Usb-a |
| Device management | Vendor app |
| Operating systems | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, ChromeOS |
| Deployment | Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android |
| Compliance & security | 2FA |
| Support | Tickets, Docs |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 1,000+ integrations: Microsoft Entra ID, Okta, Ping Identity, Google Workspace See all → |
| Pricing | Paid (source) |
| Website | yubico.com |
| Facts checked | 22 Sep 2026 |
YubiKey 5 Series integrations
YubiKey 5 Series lists 1,000+ integrations on its own site — the 4 named here are the ones its pages call out.
- Microsoft Entra ID
- Okta
- Ping Identity
- Google Workspace
See all YubiKey 5 Series integrations →
Alternatives to YubiKey 5 Series
- Security Key Series by YubicoAffordable USB and NFC security keys for passwordless and multi-factor authentication.9.4
- Token2 T2F2-NFC-SlimA feature-rich security key for users who want authentication beyond passkeys.9.1
- Token2 PIN+ Release3.3A broad, multi-protocol security key for users managing varied authentication workflows.9.0
See all YubiKey 5 Series alternatives →
YubiKey 5 Series vs the competition
- YubiKey 5 Series vs Security Key Series by Yubico
- YubiKey 5 Series vs Token2 T2F2-NFC-Slim
- YubiKey 5 Series vs Token2 PIN+ Release3.3
- YubiKey 5 Series vs Nitrokey 3
- YubiKey 5 Series vs Token2 PIN+ Dual Release3.3
- YubiKey 5 Series vs Token2 Pico FIDO2 Security Key
Compare YubiKey 5 Series with any tool side by side →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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