Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

SoloKeys VS Nitrokey

Compare SoloKeys VS Nitrokey and see what are their differences

SoloKeys logo SoloKeys

Secure login made open and easy 🔒

Nitrokey logo Nitrokey

Email Encryption. Encrypt your emails with GnuPG, OpenPGP, S/MIME or your favourite email client.
  • SoloKeys Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-06-28
  • Nitrokey Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-12-15

SoloKeys features and specs

  • Open Source
    SoloKeys are open source, allowing transparency and customization for users who want to verify or modify the firmware.
  • Affordable
    Compared to other hardware security keys, SoloKeys are relatively affordable, making them a cost-effective choice for secure authentication.
  • Multi-Protocol Support
    SoloKeys support multiple authentication protocols, like FIDO2 and U2F, providing flexibility in different authentication scenarios.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility
    These security keys work across various operating systems and devices, ensuring broad usability for different users.
  • Strong Security
    SoloKeys offer strong security features to protect user accounts from phishing and unauthorized access.

Possible disadvantages of SoloKeys

  • Limited Brand Recognition
    Compared to bigger names in the industry, SoloKeys is less known, which might affect consumer trust and perceived reliability.
  • Smaller Community
    Being a smaller company, the community and support resources around SoloKeys may be less extensive than larger competitors.
  • Potentially Limited Features
    While offering essential functionality, SoloKeys may lack some advanced features that competitors provide, such as biometric authentication.

Nitrokey features and specs

  • Open Source
    Nitrokey is based on open-source technology, allowing users to inspect and verify the security of the firmware and software.
  • High Security
    It offers robust security features like hardware-based encryption, secure storage for keys and credentials, and strong protection against physical attacks.
  • Compatibility
    Nitrokey supports a wide range of operating systems and applications, making it versatile for different security applications and platforms.
  • Multi-Function
    The device can be used for various purposes including two-factor authentication, secure email encryption, and cryptographic key management.
  • User Privacy
    Designed with user privacy in mind, it ensures that personal data remains confidential and protected from unauthorized access.

Possible disadvantages of Nitrokey

  • Initial Setup Complexity
    The initial setup and installation process can be complex for users who are not familiar with security devices or cryptographic concepts.
  • Cost
    Compared to software-based solutions, Nitrokey can be relatively expensive, which might not be ideal for all budgets.
  • Physical Vulnerability
    As a physical device, there is a risk of losing or damaging the Nitrokey, which could lead to data access issues.
  • Learning Curve
    Users may face a steep learning curve due to the advanced security features and technical knowledge required for optimal use.
  • Limited Retail Availability
    Nitrokey may not be widely available in local retail stores, potentially necessitating online purchase and waiting for delivery.

SoloKeys videos

SoloKey Unboxing & Review

Nitrokey videos

Nitrokey Storage Feature Overview

More videos:

  • Review - Introduction to Nitrokey, I Love Free Software Day - Feb 14, 2019, Zalando Office, Berlin

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to SoloKeys and Nitrokey)
Identity And Access Management
Two Factor Authentication
Authentication
53 53%
47% 47
Security & Privacy
54 54%
46% 46

User comments

Share your experience with using SoloKeys and Nitrokey. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, SoloKeys seems to be a lot more popular than Nitrokey. While we know about 28 links to SoloKeys, we've tracked only 1 mention of Nitrokey. 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.

SoloKeys mentions (28)

  • Side channel vuln in Infineon crypto library
    > I wish Yubico had some serious competition, but sadly they don't. This likely wouldn’t qualify as “serious competition” but I have a few solokeys and they work fine for my use. https://solokeys.com/. - Source: Hacker News / 8 months ago
  • Passkey Implementation: Misconceptions, pitfalls and unknown unknowns
    All phones ask for PIN or pattern in addition to face/fingerprint. Use that. For the average user this is safe enough. (i.e) keep google/apple password safe. Then all is fine. > exporting and FAANG lock-in You don't ever have to even sign into FAANG if you can put up with inconvenience. - Buy a U2F FIDO key like OPEN SOURCE https://solokeys.com/ or Yubikey etc. - Source: Hacker News / about 1 year ago
  • alternative to yubikey with requirements?
    Try Solokeys https://solokeys.com v2 is open source USB-C and NFC compatible work with FIDO and web Auth. Source: about 2 years ago
  • How to Yubikey: A Configuration Cheatsheet
    SoloKeys[0] are one alternative [0] https://solokeys.com/. - Source: Hacker News / about 2 years ago
  • On using bitwarden for TOTP:
    Also take a look at solokeys. They are very affordable and support FIDO2 and FIDO U2F -- meaning they have overlapping protocols with Bitwarden, and they certainly work on Google. Source: about 2 years ago
View more

Nitrokey mentions (1)

  • U2F 2FA
    Nice to hear ! The ability to both login and store GPG keys with a (n open source ?) security key would be really great. Source: almost 4 years ago

What are some alternatives?

When comparing SoloKeys and Nitrokey, you can also consider the following products

YubiKey - The YubiKey is a one-time password device for secure login with two-factor authentication

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

AuthLite - Affordable Two-Factor Authentication For Active Directory

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