For most people, the answer is both: use a passkey when a service offers one, and keep a password manager for accounts that still require passwords. Passkeys replace passwords on supported accounts; a manager helps you create and store a different strong password for every account that has not made the switch. Before relying on a passkey, make sure you can recover the account if your phone or passkey provider is unavailable.
What’s the difference between a password manager and a passkey?
A password manager stores credentials you use to sign in, including unique passwords and, depending on the service, passkeys. A passkey is an authentication credential for a particular account: it uses a cryptographic key pair instead of asking you to enter a reusable password at the service’s sign-in page. Apple says passkeys are based on FIDO Alliance and W3C standards (Apple’s passkey overview); NIST describes WebAuthn/FIDO2 verifier-name binding as a phishing-resistance property (NIST SP 800-63-4).
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They address different needs, so choosing a passkey does not mean you no longer need a password manager. Passkeys can replace passwords only on accounts and devices that support them. For other accounts, unique passwords remain important. NIST’s guidance says, “For accounts that require passwords, NIST experts highly recommend that you use a password manager.” (NIST password guidance)
Which should you use?
| Situation | Practical choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| A service offers passkeys and your devices support the method it accepts | Use a passkey, and retain your password manager | The passkey replaces the password for that account; the manager still covers accounts that require passwords. |
| An account still requires a password | Use a password manager to generate and store a unique password | It reduces the need to remember or reuse passwords. NIST recommends managers for password-required accounts. |
| You want passkeys available across your devices | Consider a synced passkey provider | Syncing is convenient, but access and recovery through the provider become part of your plan. |
| You want an authenticator kept separate from your everyday device, or manage an elevated-risk account | Consider a device-bound FIDO2 security key, if the service supports it | The key stays on one physical device. Compatibility and recovery vary by service; organizations may also face equipment, training, support, and replacement costs. |
There is no universal rule that one passkey type or storage provider works with every account. Check each service’s supported sign-in methods before choosing an authenticator.
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Are passkeys safer than passwords?
Passkeys offer a meaningful advantage against ordinary password phishing: instead of entering a reusable password at a relying site, you authenticate with a cryptographic credential. NIST identifies verifier-name binding in WebAuthn/FIDO2 as a phishing-resistance property. Google describes passkeys as “an easier and more secure alternative to passwords” (Google Safety Center); that is Google’s description, not an independent head-to-head test.
Passkeys do not remove every security risk. A compromised device, weak account-recovery process, or less-secure fallback sign-in method can still put an account at risk. Password-based accounts also remain exposed to poor password choices and reuse. For those accounts, generate a unique password with a manager and secure the manager account itself with multifactor authentication if available.
Synced or device-bound passkey: which fits?
Synced passkeys
A synced passkey is encrypted and synchronized through a provider, making it available across supported devices. That convenience also makes the provider account and its recovery process relevant to whether you can get back into your accounts. Microsoft lists options including a phone, a synced manager, a physical key, and Windows Hello (Microsoft Support’s passkey guidance).
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- FIDO2 & Passkey Ready: Business-ready and FIDO2 L1 certified. This key is supported by major management suites and is ideal for both individual and enterprise deployment. Works seamlessly with Gmail, Facebook, GitHub, Dropbox, Coinbase, and more.
- Dedicated Manager App: Use the Thetis Manager App for the initial hardware PIN setup. Setting the PIN on the device first ensures a smooth registration process. Once the PIN is configured, you can begin registering the key across your favorite FIDO2-compatible online services.
- Universal Connectivity (USB-C, USB-A, & NFC): Designed for PCs, Macs, iPhones, and Android. For mobile use, simply unfold the key, align it with your phone’s NFC antenna, and hold for a few seconds to authenticate.
- Enhanced MFA (FIDO2 & TOTP/HOTP): Strengthen your security with flexible options. Use the Manager App to access TOTP/HOTP features for accounts that do not yet support FIDO2.
- Check FIDO2 compatibility before purchase - Known limitations: ID Austria is not supported (requires FIDO2 Level 2). Windows Hello login only works with Windows Enterprise editions that support Entra ID. NFC is supported only through mobile authentication, Not MacOS/windows.
Google Password Manager and Apple iCloud Keychain are relevant options if you already use their respective ecosystems. Microsoft also lists 1Password among passkey storage options. Availability and behavior can change, so check current support for your devices and the service you want to sign into.
Device-bound passkeys
A device-bound passkey remains on one physical device; FIDO2 security keys are one example. This can suit elevated-risk or regulated accounts, or people who prefer to keep an authenticator separate from their everyday phone or computer. Microsoft recommends FIDO2 keys for highly regulated or elevated-privilege users, while noting that organizations may need to account for equipment, training, helpdesk, and recovery costs (Microsoft Entra passwordless authentication documentation).
Do not assume a particular key works with every service or device. Confirm compatibility with each important account and decide how you will sign in if the key is lost.
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- USB-C or tap via NFC for easy authentication on any compatible device. No drivers needed; optional Kensington software available for advanced management features.
- Works across Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, ChromeOS, and supports Passkeys and Apple ID.
- Slim, keychain-ready form for easy carry and on-the-go authentication
- IP68-rated for dependable performance
- FIDO CTAP 2.1 for enhanced security features (e.g. resident credentials, Passkey support) and backwards compatibility with CTAP 2. FIDO2 L2 certified security for phishing resistant protection against identity theft and unauthorized access.
What happens if you lose your phone or passkey?
Access after device loss depends on where the passkey is stored, what other devices or authenticators you have, and what recovery options the account offers. A synced provider may make a passkey available on another supported device, but you still need a way to access the provider account. A device-bound key will not move to a replacement device automatically.
- Check recovery before enrollment. For every important account, review its recovery methods and confirm they are usable if your primary device or authenticator is unavailable.
- Add a backup authenticator where the service allows it. That could be another supported device or a separate security key; the right option depends on the account’s supported methods.
- Test the fallback. Make sure you can reach the account using the recovery route you intend to rely on, before you need it in an emergency.
- Keep password accounts covered. For services without passkey support, store a unique password in your manager and ensure you can recover access to the manager.
Microsoft notes that losing physical keys can create additional recovery and support work for organizations. For personal accounts, the same practical lesson applies: a passkey is only as dependable as the recovery route you have actually set up.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Do you still need a password manager if you use passkeys?
Yes, unless every account you use supports passkeys and you have no need to manage other credentials. In practice, many people will have a mix: passkeys for supported services, and unique passwords for the rest. A password manager can also be a place to store passkeys if its current support and synchronization model suit your devices.
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- Ultra-Compact FIDO2 Security Key - Plug-and-stay or carry on a keychain. This USB-A hardware security key offers portable, always-on protection for desktop and mobile use. (Item Size: 0.75 X 0.74 IN x 0.25 IN)
- USB-A Hardware Key for All Devices - Works with USB-A ports on PC, Mac, Android, and other laptop/notebook device. Enables secure, cross-platform login with FIDO2.0 passkey support.
- FIDO Certified Security Key - Meets FIDO and FIDO2 standards. Works with Google, Microsoft, GitHub, Dropbox, and more. Please check service compatibility before purchase.
- Passwordless Login with Passkey - Supports passkey login via WebAuthn and CTAP2. Enjoy password-free sign-ins where supported. Not all websites or services currently support passkeys.
- Advanced Multi-Factor Authentication - Offers 200 FIDO2 passkey slots and 50 OATH-TOTP slots. Strong, flexible 2FA/MFA support across various apps and authentication platforms.
For accounts where you must create a password manually, NIST’s currently accessed guidance recommends at least 15 characters. If a manager generates the password, you do not need to memorize it; use a unique one for each account and protect access to the manager.
When should you get a physical security key?
A FIDO2 security key is worth considering when a service supports it and you want an authenticator separate from your everyday device, or when an account’s risk justifies additional controls. It is not a universal replacement for synced passkeys: compatibility is service-specific, and a lost key can complicate recovery. Organizations should also weigh hardware, training, helpdesk, and replacement requirements before making keys standard.
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For an individual, verify that the account accepts the key and establish a backup sign-in or recovery method before relying on it. The available evidence does not establish a universally compatible brand or model, so choose based on the services and devices you actually use.
Quick Recap
A practical setup for 2026
- Use a passkey on accounts that offer one and support your devices.
- Keep a password manager for accounts that still require passwords; use a different generated password for each.
- Choose synced storage for cross-device convenience or a device-bound key when separation and control matter more and the account supports it.
- Secure your password-manager and passkey-provider accounts with multifactor authentication where available.
- Review and test recovery methods before losing access to a device or provider.
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