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YubiKey 5 Series
What it is
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 and HOTP, OpenPGP, and secure static passwords. Available models connect through USB-A, USB-C, NFC, or Lightning. 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 hundreds of other services, including Facebook, Salesforce, Dropbox, 1Password, Bitwarden Premium, AWS IAM, Duo Security, Okta, and Ping Identity. The keys are IP68 rated, crush resistant, have no moving parts, and require no batteries. The 5C NFC model supports tap-and-go on NFC-enabled Android and iOS devices and lists a secure element, FIDO2 Level 2, and CTAP 2.1. Models cost $58.00 to $85 one-time purchase. There is no free plan or trial.
For and against
For
- Supports multiple authentication standards and methods.
- Models offer USB, NFC, or Lightning connectivity.
- No batteries or moving parts are required.
- Works with accounts, password managers, and listed services.
- Listed models start at $58 as a one-time purchase.
Against
- No free plan is available.
- No free trial is listed.
- Biometric unlock is not supported.
- NIST validation is listed as not applicable for 5C NFC.
The verdict
The series offers multiple connection types and authentication standards across its models. Compare the connector and protocol needs of your devices with the specific model before buying.
Who it suits
YubiKey 5 Series is presented for personal and business use, including privileged users, shared workstations, mobile-restricted environments, remote workforces, and third-party users. Businesses with 500 or more users qualify for YubiEnterprise Subscription.
Plans and prices
YubiKey 5C NFC
Single key · USB-C · NFC
Read 30 Sep 2026 · yubico.com
YubiKey 5 NFC
USB-A · NFC
Read 30 Sep 2026 · yubico.com
YubiKey 5C
USB-C
Read 30 Sep 2026 · yubico.com
YubiKey 5C Nano
USB-C · Nano
Read 30 Sep 2026 · yubico.com
YubiKey 5 Nano
USB-A · Nano
Read 30 Sep 2026 · yubico.com
YubiKey 5Ci
USB-C · Lightning
Read 30 Sep 2026 · yubico.com
On the record
- Authenticator app
- Yubico Authenticator can generate two-step verification codes on mobile or desktop while credentials remain on the YubiKey.yubico.com · read 30 Sep 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 · read 30 Sep 2026
- Connectivity
- Available models support USB-A, USB-C, NFC, or Lightning, depending on model.yubico.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Durability
- The key is IP68 rated, crush resistant, has no moving parts, and requires no batteries.yubico.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Enterprise purchase option
- Yubico says businesses with 500 or more users qualify for YubiEnterprise Subscription.yubico.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Integrations
- Yubico says the series works with Google and Microsoft accounts, password managers, and hundreds of other services.yubico.com · read 30 Sep 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 · read 30 Sep 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 · read 30 Sep 2026
- Phishing resistance
- Yubico says the physical key adds a second factor designed to protect against phishing attacks.yubico.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Protocols
- The series supports FIDO2/WebAuthn, U2F, smart card/PIV, Yubico OTP, OATH-TOTP, OATH-HOTP, OpenPGP, and secure static passwords.yubico.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Purpose
- YubiKey 5 Series is a multi-protocol hardware security key for two-factor, multi-factor, and passwordless authentication and authorization.yubico.com · read 30 Sep 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 · read 30 Sep 2026
- Support and returns
- The product page advertises 45-day consumer returns and links to Yubico support and product documentation.yubico.com · read 30 Sep 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 · read 30 Sep 2026
