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Passkeys are generally the stronger primary sign-in when a service supports a properly implemented FIDO2/WebAuthn option. They bind authentication to the legitimate website or app origin, so a fake login page cannot collect a reusable password-equivalent secret. That makes them resistant to phishing and replay attacks.
Password managers are still essential for the many accounts that require passwords. They generate a different, long random password for every service and store those credentials in an encrypted vault. The most resilient setup is therefore passkeys first, a password manager for remaining passwords, and a separate recovery credential such as another passkey or a FIDO2 security key.
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For a single account that supports both choices, use the passkey as the primary sign-in. FIDO2 credentials are designed to be unique to each account and tied to the service’s legitimate origin. A counterfeit site can imitate the appearance of a login page, but it cannot obtain a credential that the real site can use.
A password manager improves a different part of the problem: it prevents password reuse. It can create a unique random password for every account, which limits the damage when one service is breached. Its security depends on protecting the vault, the master passphrase and the recovery channel.
#1 Best Overall
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The YubiKey 5C NFC is the most versatile physical passkey, protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with popular accounts like Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single YubiKey 5C NFC secures 100+ of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your YubiKey 5C NFC via USB and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC), to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required
- MOST SECURE PASSKEY: Supports FIDO2/WebAuthn, FIDO U2F, Yubico OTP, OATH-TOTP/HOTP, Smart card (PIV), and OpenPGP. That means it’s versatile, working almost anywhere you need it
- PRIMARY & SPARE KEYS: Just like having a spare house key, we recommend buying two YubiKeys - one for daily use and one as a spare. That way you’ll never get locked out of your accounts
The two technologies are complementary rather than competing replacements. Passkeys remove passwords from supported sign-ins; a password manager covers legacy accounts, services without passkey support and carefully planned recovery credentials.
How do passkeys work?
A public-key credential replaces a shared password
When you create a passkey, your device or credential manager generates a cryptographic key pair. The service receives a public key; the private key remains protected by your device, operating-system credential manager or passkey-synchronization system. During sign-in, the service sends a challenge and your device signs it with the private key. A stolen database containing public keys does not provide a password that can be typed into another site.
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Origin binding blocks the usual fake-site trick
FIDO2 and WebAuthn bind the response to the legitimate website origin. If you are tricked onto a look-alike domain, the browser will not authorize that domain to use the passkey created for the real service. This is why CISA describes FIDO/WebAuthn as the only widely available phishing-resistant authentication and urges migration where it is offered.
User verification can make the credential itself multi-factor
Passkeys commonly use an existing device biometric, such as Face ID or a fingerprint, or a device PIN. NCSC CTO for Architecture Dave Chismon said on 23 April 2026: “For individuals logging into websites and apps, passkeys and other FIDO2 credentials are as secure or more secure than traditional MFA/2SV, and – when user verification is used – are themselves multi-factor.” The biometric or PIN unlocks the credential locally; it is not sent to the website.
Synced and device-bound passkeys have different recovery trade-offs
A synced passkey is copied through a credential manager so it can be available on multiple approved devices. This is convenient when replacing a phone or adding a computer, but the security of the synchronization account and its recovery process becomes part of the security boundary.
A device-bound passkey stays on one authenticator, such as a particular phone, computer or hardware key. It limits exposure through synchronization, but losing or damaging that device can lock you out unless you registered another passkey or arranged a secure recovery method. NCSC recommends protecting the synchronization fabric with phishing-resistant authentication and maintaining secure recovery.
Rank #2
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The Security Key C NFC is the essential physical passkey for protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts.
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single Security Key C NFC secures 100 of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more.
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your Security Key C NFC via USB-C and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC) to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required.
- TRUSTED PASSKEY TECHNOLOGY: Uses the latest passkey standards (FIDO2/WebAuthn & FIDO U2F) but does not support One-Time Passwords. For complex needs, check out the YubiKey 5 Series.
- BUILT TO LAST: Made from tough, waterproof, and crush-resistant materials. Manufactured in Sweden and programmed in the USA with the highest security standards.
How does a password manager protect accounts?
Unique passwords stop credential stuffing
Password managers can generate long, random and complex passwords. Assigning a different password to every service means a breach at one site does not automatically unlock your email, banking or other accounts. NIST identifies this generation and storage function as a material security improvement over memorized or reused passwords.
The encrypted vault concentrates responsibility
The manager stores credentials in an encrypted local or cloud vault. You unlock that vault with a master passphrase, sometimes supplemented by multifactor authentication. The master credential and the recovery channel are high-value targets: anyone who obtains them may gain access to every password in the vault.
NIST recommends choosing a long master passphrase, generating a unique password for each account, enabling multifactor authentication on the manager and, where practical, avoiding products that permit master-password recovery. A recovery feature can be convenient, but it creates another path an attacker might target.
Compromise can require a full password replacement
If an attacker steals the master secret or otherwise decrypts the vault, changing only one account password is not enough. You would need to replace the passwords stored in the vault, beginning with email, financial services, identity providers and any account that can reset others. That potential blast radius is the main weakness of concentrating passwords in one manager.
How do the two approaches compare?
| Security or usability factor | Passkeys | Password manager |
|---|---|---|
| Phishing resistance | Strong: FIDO2 origin binding prevents a fake site from obtaining a reusable sign-in secret. | Limited by the user and autofill context; a password can still be entered into a convincing fake site. |
| Credential reuse and stuffing | Each service receives a distinct public-key credential. | Unique generated passwords prevent reuse when configured for every account. |
| Master secret | No site password to memorize; a device PIN, biometric or credential-manager account protects access. | Requires a strong master passphrase; that secret protects the vault. |
| Sync and recovery dependence | Synced passkeys depend on the credential manager and its recovery controls; device-bound passkeys require backup credentials. | Cloud or local vault availability and the manager’s recovery process determine access. |
| Cross-device convenience | Synced passkeys can follow approved devices; device-bound credentials need another enrollment. | Cloud vaults can provide broad access after the manager is unlocked. |
| Service availability | Only available where the service supports FIDO2/WebAuthn passkeys. | Works with services that still require passwords. |
| Effect of device malware | Malware on an unlocked or compromised device can interfere with the sign-in session or steal session access. | Malware can capture typed or autofilled passwords and may expose an unlocked vault. |
NCSC’s lifecycle assessment rates FIDO2 credentials, including synced and single-device passkeys, as secure or more secure than traditional multifactor authentication against common attacks. That assessment does not make either technology immune to a compromised phone, browser or computer.
Should you use a password manager if you have passkeys?
Yes. Passkeys are not yet accepted by every website, app or workplace system. Keep a password manager for those accounts and create a separate random password for each one. Do not weaken a passkey-first setup by reusing one fallback password across several services.
Rank #3
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The YubiKey 5 NFC is the most versatile physical passkey, protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with popular accounts like Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single YubiKey 5 NFC secures 100+ of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your YubiKey 5 NFC via USB and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC), to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required
- MOST SECURE PASSKEY: Supports FIDO2/WebAuthn, FIDO U2F, Yubico OTP, OATH-TOTP/HOTP, Smart card (PIV), and OpenPGP. That means it’s versatile, working almost anywhere you need it
- PRIMARY & SPARE KEYS: Just like having a spare house key, we recommend buying two YubiKeys - one for daily use and one as a spare. That way you’ll never get locked out of your accounts
Use the manager for the accounts that matter most to recovery, too, but give the manager itself stronger protection than an ordinary account. Choose a long master passphrase, turn on multifactor authentication and review the manager’s recovery design before storing your complete password collection.
Where an account supports several authenticators, register more than one passkey or add a FIDO2/WebAuthn security key. Keep the backup credential in a safe place that is separate from your everyday phone or laptop. Verify that the backup works before removing an older password or authenticator.
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How do you switch an account to a passkey safely?
- Update the device and browser. Install current operating-system and browser security updates. Passkey prompts and cross-device enrollment depend on the platform’s credential support.
- Open the account’s security settings. Look for labels such as “Passkeys,” “Security keys,” “Sign-in methods” or “WebAuthn.” The exact wording differs by service.
- Enroll the passkey on the intended authenticator. Follow the service prompt, then approve the operation with your device biometric or PIN. The service should show a confirmation that the credential was added.
- Add a second recovery authenticator. Register another passkey on a separate device or a FIDO2 security key when the account permits it. A device-bound passkey without a backup is a lockout risk.
- Test a new sign-in. Sign out, start again and confirm that the passkey prompt appears and completes successfully. Also test the backup method from the recovery path, not merely from the enrollment screen.
- Review account recovery. Check recovery email, phone, one-time codes and active sessions. Remove old credentials only after you know that the remaining methods work and that recovery is protected.
- Retain a password fallback when the service requires it. Generate a unique password in your manager and store it there. Some services keep a password enabled even after a passkey is added; treat that password as an additional attack surface.
How should you secure a password manager?
Build a strong master credential
Use a long passphrase that is unique to the manager and not reused anywhere else. Length matters more than a short string of complicated substitutions. Do not place the master passphrase in the same unprotected note or browser document as your vault instructions.
Enable phishing-resistant or multifactor protection
Turn on the strongest multifactor option the manager supports, preferably a FIDO2 security key or another phishing-resistant method. A second factor reduces the chance that a stolen master password alone opens the vault, although it cannot compensate for an already compromised device.
Generate instead of inventing passwords
For every password-based account, use the manager’s generator and save the result immediately. Replace reused passwords first on email, financial, health, work and social accounts because those accounts often control password resets elsewhere.
Examine recovery before depending on it
Read how the manager handles forgotten master credentials, new-device approval and emergency access. NIST advises avoiding managers that allow master-password recovery when possible because a recovery channel can become an alternate route into the vault. If you choose a product with recovery, protect that channel with a separate strong authenticator and keep its recovery material offline where appropriate.
Rank #4
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The Security Key NFC is the essential physical passkey for protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts.
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single Security Key NFC secures 100 of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more.
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your Security Key NFC via USB-A and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC) to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required.
- TRUSTED PASSKEY TECHNOLOGY: Uses the latest passkey standards (FIDO2/WebAuthn & FIDO U2F) but does not support One-Time Passwords. For complex needs, check out the YubiKey 5 Series.
- BUILT TO LAST: Made from tough, waterproof, and crush-resistant materials. Manufactured in Sweden and programmed in the USA with the highest security standards.
Control extensions and unlocked sessions
Install the manager’s browser extension only from the official browser store, keep it updated and remove extensions you no longer need. Lock the vault when you leave a shared or unattended computer. A malicious extension or malware running with access to an unlocked browser session can undermine otherwise strong password generation.
What happens if you lose the phone that holds your passkeys?
If the passkey is synced
Sign in to the credential manager on a replacement device using its protected account and recovery process. The result depends on how that manager verifies a new device; a weak recovery path can erase the phishing resistance you expected from the passkey. Keep a second authenticator and confirm that recovery works before an emergency.
If the passkey is device-bound
The credential may not be recoverable from another device. Use the additional passkey, FIDO2 security key or service recovery method you registered earlier. If none exists, the provider’s account-recovery process is the remaining option, so review and strengthen it while you still have access.
If the lost device might be in someone else’s hands
Use the provider’s device and session-management page to revoke the missing device, then change any password that was stored or recently used on it. A screen lock and encrypted device reduce exposure, but they are not a substitute for revoking a lost authenticator.
Can passkeys or password managers be hacked?
Neither method eliminates endpoint risk. Malware that controls an unlocked device can manipulate a login, steal an authenticated session or capture information displayed after sign-in. A browser vulnerability, malicious extension or untrusted application can therefore defeat protections that are strong against remote phishing.
Keep the operating system, browser and credential manager current. Use reputable extensions, limit administrator privileges, avoid installing software from unknown sources and lock the device when unattended. For high-value accounts, a hardware FIDO2 key used on a clean, updated computer can reduce reliance on a phone’s software environment.
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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.
- Universal Connectivity (USB-A ): Features a built-in USB-A connector—simply unfold the key and plug it into your compatible PC or laptop for seamless authentication on the go.
- 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.
- Ultra-Durable & Portable: Featuring a rotating metal cover, this key is water, crush, and tamper-resistant. It fits easily on a keychain and requires no batteries or network connectivity.
- 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, and NFC is NOT supported.
Passkeys still have a major advantage against credential theft: the private key is not presented as a reusable password to a website, and a fake origin cannot request a valid response for the real origin. Password managers still have a major advantage against password-based attacks: they make every stored password distinct and difficult to guess.
How widely are passkeys available?
Availability is service-specific. A provider must implement FIDO2/WebAuthn enrollment and sign-in before you can use a passkey there, so password support remains necessary for many accounts and older systems.
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Which method fits common account situations?
- Modern consumer or work account with passkey support: Use a passkey, add a second authenticator or security key, and verify recovery before removing older methods.
- Service that accepts only passwords: Generate a unique random password in your manager and enable the service’s strongest available multifactor option.
- High-value account with several sign-in choices: Prefer a passkey or hardware FIDO2 key, retain a separate backup authenticator and keep recovery codes offline.
- Many older accounts with reused passwords: Use the manager to create replacements in priority order, beginning with email and accounts that can reset other services.
- Shared or managed workplace device: Follow the organization’s approved authenticator policy; do not leave a personal vault unlocked or enroll a personal device without authorization.
What mistakes cause the most lockouts or breaches?
- Deleting the only fallback immediately: Test a second passkey or recovery route first.
- Trusting synchronization without protecting the sync account: Add phishing-resistant multifactor authentication and review new-device approvals.
- Using one “strong” password everywhere: Strength does not prevent credential stuffing when the same secret is exposed at another service.
- Allowing convenient master-password recovery without assessing the risk: Recovery adds an alternate path to the vault; secure it as carefully as the vault itself.
- Assuming a passkey defeats malware: Endpoint compromise can still steal sessions or alter what you do after authentication.
- Failing to revoke lost devices: Remove missing phones, computers and security keys from active account credentials and sessions.
What is the most secure practical setup?
Use passkeys wherever the service supports them, with user verification enabled and at least one backup authenticator. Use a password manager for every remaining password, generate a different random password for each account, protect the vault with a long master passphrase and multifactor authentication, and plan recovery before you need it. Treat your phone, computer, browser, passkey-synchronization account and password-manager account as one connected security boundary: keeping each part updated and recoverable is what turns the two technologies into a resilient account-protection strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I delete my old password after adding a passkey?
Only after you have completed a fresh sign-in and tested another recovery method. Some services require a password for account recovery or administrative actions even when a passkey is the preferred sign-in, so check the provider’s current policy first.
Is a passkey the same thing as a FIDO2 security key?
Both use FIDO2/WebAuthn cryptography and resist phishing, but a security key is a separate physical authenticator. A passkey may be stored on a phone, computer or synced credential manager, while the hardware key can serve as an independent backup.
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How many backup passkeys should I register?
Use more than one authenticator and keep at least one in a different physical location from your everyday device. The right number depends on the account’s recovery options, but every device-bound passkey should have a separate way back in.
Should a password manager store my passkeys too?
A passkey-capable manager can be convenient, but it makes that manager’s account, synchronization and recovery controls part of the passkey’s security boundary. Use it only when you understand those controls and have a tested backup authenticator.
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