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YubiKey VS FreeOTP

Compare YubiKey VS FreeOTP and see what are their differences

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Contents:
  1. » Base Details
  2. » Videos
  3. » Reviews
  4. » Alternatives

YubiKey logo YubiKey

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

FreeOTP logo FreeOTP

Open source implementation of the two-factor authentication HOTP and TOTP schemes.
  • YubiKey Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-10-14
  • FreeOTP Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-06-26

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 features and specs

  • Open Source
    FreeOTP is open source, meaning its code is available for anyone to review, enhance, and ensure security.
  • No Tracking
    FreeOTP does not track user activity, guaranteeing user privacy and data protection.
  • Offline Functionality
    Tokens generated by FreeOTP work offline, making it reliable even without an internet connection.
  • Compatibility
    It supports both HOTP and TOTP standards, making it compatible with a wide range of services and applications.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    The application has a straightforward interface, making it easy for users to manage their tokens.
  • Multi-Platform
    FreeOTP is available for both Android and iOS, providing cross-platform support.

Possible disadvantages of FreeOTP

  • No Cloud Backup
    Lacks cloud backup for tokens, meaning users must manually back up their tokens to avoid loss during phone changes or resets.
  • Limited Features
    Unlike some other authenticator apps, FreeOTP lacks advanced features such as PIN protection, biometrics, or encrypted storage.
  • No Desktop Version
    FreeOTP does not offer a desktop version, which may be an inconvenience for users who prefer managing tokens on a computer.
  • No Recovery Options
    If users lose access to their device, recovering tokens can be difficult as there are no built-in recovery options.
  • Less Frequent Updates
    The app receives fewer updates compared to some other popular authenticator apps, potentially resulting in slower implementation of new features or fixes.

YubiKey videos

+ Add

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!

FreeOTP videos

+ Add

FreeOTP - My Favorite Open-source Two-Factor Authentication App

More videos:

  • Review - FreeOTP Preview (iOS)

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to YubiKey and FreeOTP)

YubiKey

FreeOTP

Identity And Access Management
46 46%
Identity And Access Management
54% 54
Two Factor Authentication
47 47%
Two Factor Authentication
53% 53
Authentication
54 54%
Authentication
46% 46
Password Management
0 0%
Password Management
100% 100

User comments

Share your experience with using YubiKey and FreeOTP. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
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Reviews

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

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
Source: www.techrepublic.com

FreeOTP Reviews

Top 6 Google Authenticator Alternatives in 2023
One complaint about Google Authenticator is that it’s no longer open-source, with the relevant repositories not updated for several years. This isn’t an issue with FreeOTP, however, as it’s completely open-source.
Source: www.techrepublic.com
The Best 2FA Apps 2021: Locking Down Your Online Accounts
The only apps we wouldn’t recommend are paid ones. For example, Authenticator Plus on Google Play is rife with issues, and it costs $2.99. There are plenty of free options available, and if you don’t trust the likes of Google and Microsoft, there are open-source options like andOTP and FreeOTP.
Source: www.cloudwards.net

Social recommendations and mentions

YubiKey might be a bit more popular than FreeOTP. We know about 10 links to it since March 2021 and only 8 links to FreeOTP. 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.

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: about 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
View more

FreeOTP mentions (8)

View more

What are some alternatives?

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

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

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

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

Aegis Authenticator - Aegis Authenticator is a free, secure and open source app to manage your 2-step verification tokens...

SoloKeys - Secure login made open and easy 🔒

Nitrokey - Email Encryption. Encrypt your emails with GnuPG, OpenPGP, S/MIME or your favourite email client.

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