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Nitrokey 3
Teltow, near Berlin, Germany
What it is
Nitrokey 3 is a physical security key for two-factor and passwordless authentication, cryptographic keys, and password storage. It supports FIDO2 and U2F over USB and NFC; FIDO2 uses include passwordless login and SSH login. Authentication uses a PIN and a touch of the device’s button. OpenPGP Card and S/MIME store private keys for asymmetric cryptography and email encryption, while PIV supports business-focused 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 with login, password, comment, and OTP fields. Nitrokey says its hardware and software are open source. The device stores cryptographic keys and certificates, not ordinary data. It works with current browsers and is managed using Nitrokey App 2 or nitropy. Supported systems include Windows, macOS, Linux, BSD, Android, and iOS, with some mobile support noted in the FAQ. Listed models start at €54, paid once for the Nitrokey 3A Mini; the product page separately gives a starting price of €32.
For and against
For
- FIDO2 and U2F support USB and NFC.
- Password Safe holds up to 50 entries.
- Secure element support is listed for key and smartcard functions.
- Hardware and software are described as open source.
Against
- It stores keys and certificates, not ordinary data.
- Management uses Nitrokey App 2 or nitropy, not App 1.
- Listed model prices range from €54.00 to €65, paid once.
The verdict
Nitrokey 3 combines authentication, cryptographic key storage, and a small password store in a physical device. Check model connectors and listed functions when choosing among the variants.
Who it suits
It suits people who want a physical key for authentication, cryptographic tasks, or password storage. Its listed integrations include Nextcloud, Microsoft login, Android, SSH, and Entra ID provisioning.
Plans and prices
Nitrokey 3A Mini
USB A Mini · FIDO2 · one-time passwords · OpenPGP smart card
Read 4 Oct 2026 · shop.nitrokey.com
Nitrokey 3A NFC
USB-A · NFC · FIDO2 · one-time passwords
Read 4 Oct 2026 · shop.nitrokey.com
Nitrokey 3C NFC
USB-C · NFC · FIDO2 · one-time passwords
Read 4 Oct 2026 · shop.nitrokey.com
On the record
- 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.docs.nitrokey.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Authentication
- Nitrokey 3 supports two-factor and passwordless authentication using a PIN and physical button touch.docs.nitrokey.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Company and production
- Nitrokey says its products are produced in Germany and its company is based in Teltow, near Berlin.nitrokey.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- 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.docs.nitrokey.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Data storage limit
- Nitrokey 3 does not store ordinary data; it stores cryptographic keys and certificates.docs.nitrokey.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- FIDO2 and U2F
- FIDO2 and U2F support USB and NFC transports, while FIDO2 includes passwordless login and SSH login use cases.docs.nitrokey.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- Nitrokey documentation provides FIDO2 guides for Nextcloud, Microsoft login, Android, SSH, and Entra ID provisioning.docs.nitrokey.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Open source
- Nitrokey says its hardware and software are open source, allowing independent security reviews.nitrokey.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- 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.docs.nitrokey.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- PIV
- Nitrokey 3 includes PIV for business-focused smartcard use, with secure element support.docs.nitrokey.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Secure element certification
- The SE050M secure element is Common Criteria EAL 6+ certified up to the OS level.docs.nitrokey.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Support
- Nitrokey says it offers free email support in German, English, and French, along with product guides in its documentation.docs.nitrokey.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Supported operating systems
- The FAQ lists Windows, Linux, and macOS, plus some support for Android and iOS.docs.nitrokey.com · read 4 Oct 2026
