Nitrokey 3
What Nitrokey 3 is
Nitrokey 3 is a physical security key for two-factor and passwordless authentication, cryptographic key storage, and password management. FIDO2 and U2F work over USB and NFC; FIDO2 use cases include passwordless login and SSH login. Authentication uses a PIN and a touch of the device’s physical button. OpenPGP Card and S/MIME store private keys for asymmetric cryptography and email encryption, while PIV supports business-focused smartcard use; these are listed with secure element support. The SE050M secure element is Common Criteria EAL 6+ certified up to the OS level. Password Safe can hold up to 50 entries with login, password, comment, and OTP fields. The device stores cryptographic keys and certificates, not ordinary data. Nitrokey describes its hardware and software as open source. It works with current browsers and is managed with Nitrokey App 2 or nitropy, not Nitrokey App 1. Listed systems include Windows, macOS, Linux, BSD, Android, and iOS, with some mobile support noted in the FAQ. Plans include the Nitrokey 3A Mini at €54, paid once, Nitrokey 3A NFC at €60, paid once, and Nitrokey 3C NFC at €65, paid once.
Who it suits
It suits people who need a physical key for authentication, cryptographic keys, certificates, or a small password store. It may also suit organizations using PIV smartcards or FIDO2 login workflows.
What it does well
- FIDO2 and U2F over USB and NFC
- Supports passwordless and SSH login
- Password Safe holds up to 50 entries
- Secure element certified Common Criteria EAL 6+
- Hardware and software are open source
What to know first
- No free plan
- Does not store ordinary data
- Managed with Nitrokey App 2 or nitropy, not App 1
Limits
Password Safe holds up to 50 entries. The device stores cryptographic keys and certificates rather than ordinary data.
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Nitrokey 3A Mini | USB A Mini · FIDO2 · one-time passwords · OpenPGP smart card · Curve25519 · password manager · Common Criteria EAL 6+ certified secure element | €54, paid once |
| Nitrokey 3A NFC | USB-A · NFC · FIDO2 · one-time passwords · OpenPGP smart card · Curve25519 · password manager · Common Criteria EAL 6+ certified secure element | €60, paid once |
| Nitrokey 3C NFC | USB-C · NFC · FIDO2 · one-time passwords · OpenPGP smart card · Curve25519 · password manager · Common Criteria EAL 6+ certified secure element | €65, paid once |
As nitrokey.com lists them, read 4 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Getting started
- Open the Nitrokey 3 product page.
- Choose Nitrokey 3A Mini for €54, paid once, Nitrokey 3A NFC for €60, paid once, or Nitrokey 3C NFC for €65, paid once.
- Connect the device using its USB connector; NFC is available on the NFC models.
- Use a current browser, Nitrokey App 2, or nitropy to work with the device.
Verdict
Nitrokey 3 combines authentication, cryptographic functions, and a limited-entry password store in a physical key. Buyers should check the listed one-time prices and confirm their device and management-tool requirements.
Questions
How much does Nitrokey 3 cost?
The product page gives a starting price of €32. Listed models are Nitrokey 3A Mini at €54, paid once, Nitrokey 3A NFC at €60, paid once, and Nitrokey 3C NFC at €65, paid once.
Is there a free plan?
No. Nitrokey 3 is listed as a paid product.
Which platforms does it support?
The listed operating systems are Windows, macOS, Linux, BSD, Android, and iOS. The FAQ describes some support for Android and iOS.
Is Nitrokey 3 open source?
Nitrokey says its hardware and software are open source, allowing independent security reviews.
How is Nitrokey 3 managed?
It can be managed with Nitrokey App 2 or nitropy, and used with current browsers. Nitrokey App 1 is not the management app for Nitrokey 3.
What authentication integrations are documented?
Nitrokey documentation provides FIDO2 guides for Nextcloud, Microsoft login, Android, SSH, and Entra ID provisioning.
Facts from Nitrokey 3's own pages
- 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, 4 Oct 2026
- Authentication
- Nitrokey 3 supports two-factor and passwordless authentication using a PIN and physical button touch. · docs.nitrokey.com, 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, 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, 4 Oct 2026
- Data storage limit
- Nitrokey 3 does not store ordinary data; it stores cryptographic keys and certificates. · docs.nitrokey.com, 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, 4 Oct 2026
- Founded
- 2015 · nitrokey.com, 28 Sept 2026
- Headquarters
- Teltow, near Berlin, Germany · nitrokey.com, 28 Sept 2026
- Integrations
- Nitrokey documentation provides FIDO2 guides for Nextcloud, Microsoft login, Android, SSH, and Entra ID provisioning. · docs.nitrokey.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Open source
- Nitrokey says its hardware and software are open source, allowing independent security reviews. · nitrokey.com, 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, 4 Oct 2026
- PIV
- Nitrokey 3 includes PIV for business-focused smartcard use, with secure element support. · docs.nitrokey.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Secure element certification
- The SE050M secure element is Common Criteria EAL 6+ certified up to the OS level. · docs.nitrokey.com, 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, 4 Oct 2026
- Supported operating systems
- The FAQ lists Windows, Linux, and macOS, plus some support for Android and iOS. · docs.nitrokey.com, 4 Oct 2026
Where Nitrokey 3 stands on Freedom251
- Security Keys#3 of 20