Which YubiKey Is Right for You?

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Which YubiKey Is Right for You?

Choosing the right YubiKey is easier when you understand the series. Each model offers strong, hardware-based security, but differs in features, compatibility and certification. Use the guide below to compare the four main YubiKey ranges sold by Trust Panda.

Step 1: Choose the Right YubiKey Series

Series Best For Security Level Connections Learn More
Security Key Series Everyday users needing simple, strong protection Strong (FIDO2 / U2F) USB-A / USB-C / NFC View Formats ↓
YubiKey 5 Series Professionals and business users Very strong (Multi-protocol) USB-A / USB-C / Lightning / NFC / Nano View Formats ↓
YubiKey 5 FIPS Series Government and regulated industries Certified (FIPS 140-2 L1 & L2) USB-A / USB-C / NFC / Nano View Formats ↓
YubiHSM 2 IT admins & developers Hardware Security Module USB-A (with extension) Learn More ↓

Step 2: Compare Formats Within Each Series

Security Key Series

Simple, affordable protection supporting FIDO2 and U2F for Apple, Google, Microsoft and password managers.

Model Connection / NFC Best For Link
Security Key C NFC USB-C + NFC Modern devices (iPhone, Android, Mac, Windows) View Product →
Security Key NFC USB-A + NFC Desktops and laptops with USB-A ports View Product →

Most Popular: Security Key C NFC — easy, affordable and versatile.

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YubiKey 5 Series

Advanced, multi-protocol security supporting FIDO2, OTP, PIV Smart Card and OpenPGP. Perfect for professionals and enterprise environments.

Model Connection / NFC Best For Link
YubiKey 5C NFC USB-C + NFC Hybrid use across mobile and desktop View Product →
YubiKey 5Ci USB-C + Lightning Apple devices with Lightning or USB-C View Product →
YubiKey 5 NFC USB-A + NFC Cross-platform security on older hardware View Product →
YubiKey 5 Nano USB-A (compact) Always-inserted key for laptops or servers View Product →
YubiKey 5C Nano USB-C (ultra-compact) Permanent use in USB-C ports View Product →

Most Popular: YubiKey 5C NFC — the best all-round option for business and personal use.

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YubiKey 5 FIPS Series

Certified to FIPS 140-2 Level 1 & 2, these keys meet government and regulated-industry security standards while supporting all major authentication protocols.

Model Connection / NFC Best For Link
YubiKey 5C NFC FIPS USB-C + NFC Government or regulated desktops View Product →
YubiKey 5C FIPS USB-C Modern enterprise laptops and devices View Product →
YubiKey 5 NFC FIPS USB-A + NFC Cross-platform use with mobile and desktop View Product →
YubiKey 5 Nano FIPS USB-A (compact) Always-inserted servers or workstations View Product →
YubiKey 5C Nano FIPS USB-C (ultra-compact) Permanent deployment in USB-C ports View Product →

Most Popular: YubiKey 5C NFC FIPS — certified and ideal for modern regulated environments.

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YubiHSM 2 (Hardware Security Module)

The YubiHSM 2 is a dedicated hardware security module for server environments — protecting cryptographic keys, code signing and PKI operations.

Model Connection Best For Link
YubiHSM 2 USB-A (with extension) Server key management and code signing View Product →

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Protect Your Digital World Today

Every YubiKey delivers fast, reliable and phishing-resistant authentication. Choose the series that matches your needs and secure your accounts today.

Shop All YubiKeys at Trust Panda

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