Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

FreeOTP Authenticator VS YubiKey

Compare FreeOTP Authenticator VS YubiKey and see what are their differences

FreeOTP Authenticator logo FreeOTP Authenticator

FreeOTP Authenticator precisely brings a second, secure layer of security for your online social or private accounts.

YubiKey logo YubiKey

The YubiKey is a one-time password device for secure login with two-factor authentication
  • FreeOTP Authenticator Landing page
    Landing page //
    2020-03-01
  • YubiKey Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-10-14

FreeOTP Authenticator features and specs

  • Open Source
    FreeOTP Authenticator is open-source, meaning its code is publicly available for review and contribution, which enhances transparency and trust.
  • No Ads
    The app is free from advertisements, providing a clean user experience without disruptions.
  • Lightweight
    FreeOTP is a lightweight application that doesn't consume much space or resources on your device.
  • Privacy-focused
    The app does not collect personal data, prioritizing user privacy and security.
  • Support for Multiple Accounts
    Users can easily add and manage multiple two-factor authentication accounts within the app.

Possible disadvantages of FreeOTP Authenticator

  • Limited Features
    FreeOTP lacks some advanced features found in other authenticator apps, such as cloud backup and account synchronization.
  • Lack of User-friendly Interface
    The UI is quite basic and may not be as intuitive or visually appealing as some other authenticators.
  • No Biometric Lock
    The app does not have a biometric lock option to add an extra layer of security before accessing tokens.
  • Manual Setup Required
    Adding accounts requires manual input of setup keys or scanning QR codes, which might be less convenient compared to some alternatives with automatic import options.
  • No Cloud Backup
    There is no built-in option for backing up or restoring accounts, making it difficult to recover them if you lose your device.

YubiKey features and specs

  • Enhanced Security
    YubiKey provides an extra layer of security through two-factor authentication, which significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access.
  • Phishing Protection
    It protects against phishing attempts because authentication requires physical possession of the device, making it difficult for attackers to steal credentials just via online manipulation.
  • Ease of Use
    The YubiKey is easy to use, requiring simple insertion into a USB port or a tap via NFC to authenticate, which simplifies the process compared to traditional methods.
  • Compatibility
    YubiKeys are compatible with a wide range of services and platforms, including Google, Microsoft, and many others, which makes them versatile across different ecosystems.
  • Durability
    Built to be durable and waterproof, a YubiKey can withstand daily wear and tear, making it a long-lasting security solution.

Possible disadvantages of YubiKey

  • Cost
    YubiKeys can be expensive compared to software-based authentication solutions, potentially making them less accessible for some users.
  • Reliance on Physical Device
    Since authentication depends on the physical key, losing it or having it fail could lock users out of their accounts, which necessitates a backup plan.
  • Initial Setup Complexity
    Setting up and configuring a YubiKey can be initially complex, especially for non-technical users, poses a barrier to adoption.
  • Limited Recovery Options
    In the event of losing the YubiKey, recovering access to accounts can be challenging without pre-established backup authentication methods.
  • Compatibility Limitations
    Although compatible with many services, there can still be limitations with certain applications or systems that do not support hardware keys, requiring alternate methods.

FreeOTP Authenticator videos

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YubiKey videos

Yubico Yubikey 5 - Setup, Demo and Full Review

More videos:

  • Tutorial - [Explained] Yubikey 5.0 - How to use a Yubikey & LastPass to Secure all your online Accounts!
  • Review - Yubikey 2FA hardware key Review
  • Tutorial - You Should Be Using Yubikeys!

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to FreeOTP Authenticator and YubiKey)
Identity And Access Management
Two Factor Authentication
Security & Privacy
49 49%
51% 51
Authentication
23 23%
77% 77

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare FreeOTP Authenticator and YubiKey

FreeOTP Authenticator Reviews

10 best two-factor authenticator apps for Android
FreeOTP Authenticator is a free and open source authenticator app. It works with most popular accounts, including Facebook, Google, and many others. You also get support for productivity sites like GitHub. It also boasts support for businesses as long as they support TOTP and HOTP. That makes it a fairly cheap solution for small businesses. It’s not the most popular option...

YubiKey Reviews

Top 6 Google Authenticator Alternatives in 2023
Yubico Security Key: Best for a physical security keyYubico security keys are available in different models and configurations, each with varying prices. The pricing depends on factors such as the model, connectivity (USB-A, USB-C, NFC, etc.), and features of the 2FA aupport FIDO2 and U2F support Multi-protocol support Physical security

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, YubiKey seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 10 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

FreeOTP Authenticator mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of FreeOTP Authenticator yet. Tracking of FreeOTP Authenticator recommendations started around Mar 2021.

YubiKey mentions (10)

  • Regarding Yubikey
    People refer to blue keys as 'old' but yubico.com is clear...Security Key Series has been updated to black in 2023 with the same features as the Security Key Series in blue. Blue keys only available through partner sites. Source: about 2 years ago
  • Can't log in on mobile – Yubikey 5C NFC
    Sorry if this has been asked a lot already - I've tried searching yubico.com and this subreddit, but I haven't found a fix for it. Source: about 2 years ago
  • Why passkeys from Apple, Google, Microsoft may soon replace your passwords
    And this is what passkeys fix. So instead you get your parents a set of yubi-keys for their access to 1-pass. * Whenever they are using a known machine (their laptop, phone, etc.) an biometric+device security is used, that's your 2FA. * When in rare machines, or doing things that are probably not ideal (like trying to load and read account information stored in the password manager) they'd have to pull up... Source: over 2 years ago
  • First Yubikey lasted almost 10 years, here’s hoping for another 10!
    You know how sites ask you to use 2FA by texting you a code and having you put it in? It lets you do that by pressing the gold button on the front. It's better than using phone multifactor authentication, because it's possible for hackers to either trick you into giving them 2FA codes (There's a video on the front page of yubico.com right now explaining how that can happen), or to manipulate your phone carrier... Source: over 2 years ago
  • Google Authenticator
    Not a solution to your exact problem, but since you're already in this pickle, I recommend getting a couple security keys (Yubikeys directly from yubico.com). You can then use Yubico's authentication app + security key which works with any service requiring an authetication app (including CDC - this is what I use). It's much easier to restore and a lot more secure. Source: over 2 years ago
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing FreeOTP Authenticator and YubiKey, you can also consider the following products

Microsoft Authenticator - One app to quickly and securely verify your identity online, for all of your accounts.

Google Authenticator - Google Authenticator is a multifactor app for mobile devices.

Myki Authenticator - Login to any account on any device with your fingerprint

Authy - Best rated Two-Factor Authentication smartphone app for consumers, simplest 2fa Rest API for developers and a strong authentication platform for the enterprise.

Okta Adaptive Multi-Factor Authentication - Multi-factor authentication is becoming the standard. Secure your apps and VPN with strong MFA for adaptive, risk-based authentication.

SoloKeys - Secure login made open and easy 🔒