YubiKey AlternativesTop Authenticators and other similar apps like YubiKey

YubiKey is described as 'A multi-protocol, highest assurance security key offering passwordless workflows and strongest 2FA against phishing, protecting devices efficiently' and is a Authenticator in the security & privacy category. There are more than 10 alternatives to YubiKey for a variety of platforms, including Android, iPhone, iPad, Android Tablet and Mac apps. The best YubiKey alternative is Nitrokey. It's not free, so if you're looking for a free alternative, you could try Authy or 2FA Authenticator (2FAS). Other great apps like YubiKey are OnlyKey, andOTP, OVault and GNOME Authenticator.

filter to find the best alternatives

YubiKey alternatives are mainly Authenticators but may also be Password Managers or QR Code Readers.  Filter by these or use the filter bar below if you want a narrower list of alternatives or looking for a specific functionality of YubiKey.
YubiKey iconYubiKey
  31
  • ...

A multi-protocol, highest assurance security key offering passwordless workflows and strongest 2FA against phishing, protecting devices efficiently.

More about YubiKey
YubiKey alternatives page was last updated Jan 7, 2025
  1. Nitrokey icon
     17 likes

    Email Encryption. Encrypt your emails with GnuPG, OpenPGP, S/MIME or your favourite email client. Keep your secret keys secure on your Nitrokey.

    13 Nitrokey alternatives

    License model

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Flathub

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  Two-factor Authentication
    2.  Time-based One-time Password
    3.  Hardware securite module (HSM)
    4.  HMAC-Based One-Time Password (HOTP)
    5.  OpenPGP
    6.  PGP Encryption
    7.  Biometric Authentication
    8.  Works Offline
    9.  Password safe
    10.  S/MIME Support
    Nitrokey iconYubiKey Icon

    Nitrokey VS YubiKey

    Is Nitrokey a good alternative to YubiKey?
     
    Comments about Nitrokey as an Alternative to YubiKey
     
       
    rugk

    It's open hardware and software and has been independently audited!

    Positive commentJan 12, 2018
    4
    Guest

    Great USB key, open source and open hardware, with professional support.

    Positive commentOct 7, 2019
    3
    Guest

    This is the only option listed that is actually a hardware token like Yubikey and also has a critical mass of users and support. Open Source is a plus also.

    Positive commentOct 14, 2018
    0
    Show more comments
    3 of 4 comments
    YubiKey Icon
    Nitrokey icon
    • Almost everyone thinks Nitrokey is a great YubiKey alternative.

    • Nitrokey is the most popular Windows, Mac & Linux alternative to YubiKey.

    • Nitrokey is the most popular Open Source & commercial alternative to YubiKey.

    • Nitrokey is Paid and Open SourceYubiKey is Paid and Proprietary
    • Nitrokey is Privacy focusedYubiKey is not according to our users
  2. Authy icon
     225 likes

    Manage two-factor authentication seamlessly across various platforms with secure cloud backups and offline access. From Gmail to LastPass, enhance security effortlessly. Sync multiple devices securely and protect sensitive data with robust encryption.

    70 Authy alternatives
    Authy screenshot 1
    Authy screenshot 2
    +1
    Authy screenshot 3

    License model

    • FreeProprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Apple Watch

    Properties

    1.  Lightweight
    2.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  Two-factor Authentication
    2.  Cloud Sync
    3.  Encrypted Backup
    4.  Time-based One-time Password
    5.  Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
    6.  Cloud based
    7.  Multiple Account support
    8.  Biometric Authentication
    9.  Password protection
    10.  Ad-free
    11.  Dark Mode
    12.  Works Offline
    Authy iconYubiKey Icon

    Authy VS YubiKey

    Is Authy a good alternative to YubiKey?
     
    Comments about Authy as an Alternative to YubiKey
     
       
    Guest

    Authy is a two-factor authentication app, while YubiKey (and other U2F devices) is a two-factor hardware token.

    Negative commentSep 9, 2017
    13
    Guest

    Software OTP generators are not the same as hardware ones. The hardware ones are more secure because a newbie might use SMS for 2FA, which means that for apps on their phone, the 2FA is useless. A hardware token like Yubikey keeps the token and the app separate since no apps can run on the Yubikey.

    Negative commentOct 14, 2018
    11
    Guest

    Authy is not a Hardware two factor token

    Negative commentSep 1, 2021
    1
    Show more comments
    3 of 4 comments
    YubiKey Icon
    Authy icon
    • This alternative is disputed. Authy is a legitimate YubiKey alternative, but it might have issues that some users think are important.

    • Authy is the most popular Android, iPhone, iPad & Android Tablet alternative to YubiKey.

    • Authy is the most popular free alternative to YubiKey.

    • Authy is Free and ProprietaryYubiKey is Paid and Proprietary
    • Authy is Lightweight and Privacy focusedYubiKey is not according to our users
  3. 2FA Authenticator (2FAS) icon
     34 likes

    2FAS Authenticator is a simple and free application for Two Factor Authentication (2FA Authentication) which generates Time-based One-time Passwords (TOTP) and PUSH authentication*.

    53 2FA Authenticator (2FAS) alternatives
    2FA Authenticator (2FAS) screenshot 1
    2FA Authenticator (2FAS) screenshot 2
    +3
    2FA Authenticator (2FAS) screenshot 3

    License model

    • FreeOpen Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Google Chrome
    • Mozilla Firefox

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused
    2.  Lightweight

    Features

    1.  Time-based One-time Password
    2.  Dark Mode
    3.  Usability
    4.  Biometric Authentication
    5.  Works Offline
    6.  Encrypted Backup
    7.  Cloud Sync
    8.  Ad-free
    9.  Two-factor Authentication
    10.  Multiple Account support
    11.  End-to-End Encryption
    12.  Browser extension
    2FA Authenticator (2FAS) iconYubiKey Icon

    2FA Authenticator (2FAS) VS YubiKey

    Is this a good alternative to YubiKey?
     
    Comments about 2FA Authenticator (2FAS) as an Alternative to YubiKey
     
    David Bronke

    This is not a hardware key like YubiKey.

    Negative commentApr 19, 2024
    0
    YubiKey Icon
    2FA Authenticator (2FAS) icon
    • 2FA Authenticator (2FAS) is Free and Open SourceYubiKey is Paid and Proprietary
    • 2FA Authenticator (2FAS) is Privacy focused and LightweightYubiKey is not according to our users
  4. OnlyKey icon
     10 likes

    OnlyKey is an open source alternative to YubiKey. OnlyKey natively supports: a hardware password manager, multiple two-factor methods (FIDO2, TOTP, and Yubico® OTP), passwordless SSH login, and OpenPGP.

    22 OnlyKey alternatives
    OnlyKey screenshot 1

    License model

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Chrome OS

    OnlyKey Features

    1.  Two-factor Authentication
    2.  FIDO U2F (2FA) support
    3.  Time-based One-time Password
    OnlyKey iconYubiKey Icon

    OnlyKey VS YubiKey

    Is OnlyKey a good alternative to YubiKey?
     
    Comments about OnlyKey as an Alternative to YubiKey
     
       
    Guest

    This is the only device listed that is actually an alternative to YubiKey. Lots of YubiKey users have switched to this open source alternative. OnlyKey natively supports: a hardware password manager, multiple two-factor methods (FIDO2, TOTP, and Yubico® OTP), passwordless SSH login, OpenPGP, and HMAC challenge-response.

    Positive commentDec 31, 2019
    3
    onlykey

    This is really the only device that can replace an YubiKey. The others don't support static passwords, FIDO2 / U2F, challenge-response, and OpenPGP. OnlyKey does support all of these and is open source.

    Positive commentJan 24, 2020
    2
    DougJohnson

    Secure backup feature makes this better than Yubikey

    Positive commentJan 24, 2020
    1
    Show more comments
    3 of 4 comments
    YubiKey Icon
    OnlyKey icon
    • Almost everyone thinks OnlyKey is a great YubiKey alternative.

    • OnlyKey is Paid and Open SourceYubiKey is Paid and Proprietary
  5. andOTP icon
     78 likes

    It implements Time-based One-time Passwords (TOTP) and HMAC-Based One-Time Passwords (HOTP). Simply scan the QR code and login with the generated 6-digit code.

    43 andOTP alternatives
    Main (Light theme)
    Settings (Light theme)
    +3
    Backup (Light theme)

    License model

    • FreeOpen Source

    Platforms

    • Android
    • Android Tablet

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused
    2.  Security-focused

    Features

    1.  Encrypted Backup
    2.  Dark Mode
    3.  Time-based One-time Password
    4.  Two-factor Authentication
    5.  Unlock pin
    6.  Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
    7.  Biometric Authentication
    8.  Unlock with fingerprint
    9.  Icon sets
    10.  Sort by date
    11.  Sorting by tags
    12.  Password Generator
    Discontinued

    Unmaintained, see https://github.com/andOTP/andOTP and developers announcement on XDA https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/app-4-4-open-source-andotp-open-source-two-factor-authentication-for-android.3636993/post-87021655. The GitHub repository was also archived in June 2022.

    andOTP iconYubiKey Icon

    andOTP VS YubiKey

    Is andOTP a good alternative to YubiKey?
     
    Comments about andOTP as an Alternative to YubiKey
     
    Guest

    This isn't hardware, unlike the yubikey

    Negative commentMar 1, 2019
    11
    Guest

    Isn't a Hardware two factor key like Yubikey

    Positive commentSep 1, 2021
    0
    YubiKey Icon
    andOTP icon
    • Some users think andOTP is a great YubiKey alternative, some don't.

    • andOTP is Free and Open SourceYubiKey is Paid and Proprietary
    • andOTP is Security-focused and Privacy focusedYubiKey is not according to our users
  6. OVault icon
     3 likes

    OVault is a super simple OTP app that lets you view and manage OTPs for all your accounts. Set up OTPs by scanning QR codes with your devices Camera App, or by manually providing the OTP secret to the app.

    51 OVault alternatives
    OVault screenshot 1

    License model

    • FreeOpen Source

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • iPhone
    • iPad

    Properties

    1.  Lightweight
    2.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  No Tracking
    2.  Ad-free
    3.  Time-based One-time Password
    4.  Works Offline
    5.  No registration required
    6.  Sync with iCloud
    7.  iOS widget
    8.  Keychain
    OVault iconYubiKey Icon

    OVault VS YubiKey

    Is OVault a good alternative to YubiKey?
     
  7. GNOME Authenticator icon
     11 likes

    Gnome Authenticator is a desktop 2FA code generator for Linux desktops, like Ubuntu.

    24 GNOME Authenticator alternatives
    GNOME Authenticator screenshot 1

    License model

    • FreeOpen Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Linux Mobile
    • Flathub
    • GNOME

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  Two-factor Authentication
    2.  Time-based One-time Password
    3.  Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
    4.  Google Authenticator
    5.  Multiple Account support
    6.  Dark Mode
    GNOME Authenticator iconYubiKey Icon

    GNOME Authenticator VS YubiKey

    Is GNOME Authenticator a good alternative to YubiKey?
     
    Comments about GNOME Authenticator as an Alternative to YubiKey
     
    Guest

    It's not a Key, therefore can't be compared

    Negative commentFeb 10, 2022
    2
    YubiKey Icon
    GNOME Authenticator icon
    • GNOME Authenticator is Free and Open SourceYubiKey is Paid and Proprietary
    • GNOME Authenticator is Privacy focusedYubiKey is not according to our users
  8. Microsoft Authenticator icon
     17 likes

    Sign in is easy, convenient, and secure when you use Microsoft Authenticator. Use your phone, not your password, to log into your Microsoft account. You simply have to enter your username, then approve the notification sent to your phone.

    56 Microsoft Authenticator alternatives
    Microsoft Authenticator screenshot 1
    Microsoft Authenticator screenshot 2
    +2
    Microsoft Authenticator screenshot 3

    License model

    • FreeProprietary

    Platforms

    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • Windows Phone
    • iPad

    Microsoft Authenticator Features

    1.  Two-factor Authentication
    2.  Time-based One-time Password
    3.  Biometric Authentication
    4.  Cloud Sync
    5.  Multiple Account support
    6.  Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
    7.  Password protection
    Microsoft Authenticator iconYubiKey Icon

    Microsoft Authenticator VS YubiKey

    Is this a good alternative to YubiKey?
     
    Comments about Microsoft Authenticator as an Alternative to YubiKey
     
    Guest

    It's not a Key, therefore can't be compared

    Negative commentFeb 10, 2022
    2
    YubiKey Icon
    Microsoft Authenticator icon
    • Microsoft Authenticator is Free and ProprietaryYubiKey is Paid and Proprietary
  9. OTPClient icon
     6 likes

    GTK+ application for securely managing TOTP & HOTP tokens. Content is encrypted on disk using AES256-GCM. Master password derived using PBKDF2 with 100k iterations & SHA512 as hash algorithm. Can import encrypted backups from andOTP & Authenticator+.

    34 OTPClient alternatives
    Main - empty
    Add code
    +1
    Import, export, change, edit

    License model

    • FreeOpen Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Flathub
    • GNOME

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused
    2.  Lightweight

    Features

    1.  Two-factor Authentication
    2.  Time-based One-time Password
    3.  Works Offline
    4.  Dark Mode
    5.  Ad-free
    6.  Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
    OTPClient iconYubiKey Icon

    OTPClient VS YubiKey

    Is OTPClient a good alternative to YubiKey?
     
    Comments about OTPClient as an Alternative to YubiKey
     
    Guest

    It's not a Key, therefore can't be compared

    Negative commentFeb 10, 2022
    1
    YubiKey Icon
    OTPClient icon
    • OTPClient is Free and Open SourceYubiKey is Paid and Proprietary
    • OTPClient is Privacy focused and LightweightYubiKey is not according to our users
  10. SoloKeys icon
     8 likes

    Solo is an open source security key, and you can get one at solokeys.com.

    17 SoloKeys alternatives
    SoloKeys screenshot 1

    License model

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android

    SoloKeys Features

    1.  Two-factor Authentication
    SoloKeys iconYubiKey Icon

    SoloKeys VS YubiKey

    Is SoloKeys a good alternative to YubiKey?
     
    Comments about SoloKeys as an Alternative to YubiKey
     
    tomsny

    SoloKeys don't do everything YubiKey does, a better option is OnlyKey which does pretty much everything YubiKey does

    Negative commentDec 19, 2019
    1
    YubiKey Icon
    SoloKeys icon
    • SoloKeys is Paid and Open SourceYubiKey is Paid and Proprietary
10 of 23 YubiKey alternatives