YubiKey 5 Series
What YubiKey 5 Series is
YubiKey 5 Series is a hardware security key for two-factor, multi-factor, and passwordless authentication and authorization. It supports FIDO2/WebAuthn, U2F, PIV smart cards, Yubico OTP, OATH-TOTP, OATH-HOTP, OpenPGP, and secure static passwords. Connector options vary by model and include USB-A, USB-C, NFC, and Lightning. The keys are IP68 rated, crush resistant, have no moving parts, and require no batteries. 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 services including Facebook, Salesforce, Dropbox, 1Password, AWS IAM, Duo Security, and Okta. The series is described for personal and business use, including remote workforces, privileged users, and shared workstations. Yubico says the physical key is designed to help protect against phishing. The 5C NFC model supports tap-and-go use with NFC-enabled Android and iOS devices. Listed models range from $58, paid once to $85, paid once. There is no free plan or free trial.
Who it suits
The series suits people and organizations seeking hardware-based authentication, including remote workforces, privileged users, or shared workstations. Choose a model based on its connector and NFC needs.
What it does well
- Supports multiple authentication standards and methods.
- IP68 rated and crush resistant.
- Requires no batteries and has no moving parts.
- Authenticator codes keep credentials on the YubiKey.
- Listed models start at $58, paid once.
What to know first
- No free plan or free trial.
- Connector options vary by model.
- Biometric unlock is not supported.
- NIST validation is listed as not applicable for 5C NFC.
Limits
There is no free plan or trial. Listed models cost $58.00 to $85 as a one-time purchase, and available connector types depend on the model.
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| YubiKey 5C NFC | Single key · USB-C · NFC | $58, paid once |
| YubiKey 5 NFC | USB-A · NFC | $58, paid once |
| YubiKey 5C | USB-C | $65, paid once |
| YubiKey 5 Nano | USB-A · Nano | $68, paid once |
| YubiKey 5C Nano | USB-C · Nano | $68, paid once |
| YubiKey 5Ci | USB-C · Lightning | $85, paid once |
As yubico.com lists them, read 30 Sept 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Getting started
- Open the YubiKey 5 Series product page.
- Choose a model based on its listed connector and price.
- Purchase the key for a one-time fee.
- Use the key with a compatible account or service.
- Use Yubico Authenticator for verification codes on mobile or desktop, if needed.
Verdict
YubiKey 5 Series offers a range of authentication protocols and connection types across its hardware models. Check the connector and compliance requirements for your environment before choosing a key.
Questions
How much does a YubiKey 5 Series key cost?
Listed models range from $58.00 to $85 as a one-time purchase. The 5C NFC and 5 NFC cost $58.00; the 5C costs $65.00; the 5 Nano and 5C Nano cost $68.00; and the 5Ci costs $85.00.
Is there a free plan or trial?
No. The series is paid, with no free plan or free trial.
Which platforms are supported?
Listed platforms include Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, web, Windows, and ChromeOS.
Which authentication standards does it support?
It supports FIDO2/WebAuthn, FIDO U2F, Yubico OTP, OATH-TOTP, OATH-HOTP, PIV smart card, and OpenPGP.
Does it work with NFC-enabled phones?
The 5C NFC model supports tap-and-go use on NFC-enabled Android and iOS devices.
Is there an enterprise purchase option?
Yubico says businesses with 500 or more users qualify for YubiEnterprise Subscription.
Facts from YubiKey 5 Series's own pages
- Authenticator app
- Yubico Authenticator can generate two-step verification codes on mobile or desktop while credentials remain on the YubiKey. · yubico.com, 30 Sept 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, 30 Sept 2026
- Connectivity
- Available models support USB-A, USB-C, NFC, or Lightning, depending on model. · yubico.com, 30 Sept 2026
- Durability
- The key is IP68 rated, crush resistant, has no moving parts, and requires no batteries. · yubico.com, 30 Sept 2026
- Enterprise purchase option
- Yubico says businesses with 500 or more users qualify for YubiEnterprise Subscription. · yubico.com, 30 Sept 2026
- Founded
- 2007 · yubico.com, 23 Sept 2026
- Integrations
- Yubico says the series works with Google and Microsoft accounts, password managers, and hundreds of other services. · yubico.com, 30 Sept 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, 30 Sept 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, 30 Sept 2026
- Phishing resistance
- Yubico says the physical key adds a second factor designed to protect against phishing attacks. · yubico.com, 30 Sept 2026
- Protocols
- The series supports FIDO2/WebAuthn, U2F, smart card/PIV, Yubico OTP, OATH-TOTP, OATH-HOTP, OpenPGP, and secure static passwords. · yubico.com, 30 Sept 2026
- Purpose
- YubiKey 5 Series is a multi-protocol hardware security key for two-factor, multi-factor, and passwordless authentication and authorization. · yubico.com, 30 Sept 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, 30 Sept 2026
- Support and returns
- The product page advertises 45-day consumer returns and links to Yubico support and product documentation. · yubico.com, 30 Sept 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, 30 Sept 2026
Where YubiKey 5 Series stands on Freedom251
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