---
url: 'https://www.corbado.com/faq/how-does-webauthn-differ-from-passkeys'
title: 'How Does WebAuthn Differ From Passkeys?'
description: 'Learn the differences between WebAuthn and passkeys and discover how WebAuthn serves as the foundation for passkeys and how it impacts user authentication.'
lang: 'en'
keywords: 'webauthn vs. passkey, difference webauthn and passkey'
---

# How Does WebAuthn Differ From Passkeys?

## How Does WebAuthn Differ From Passkeys?

**WebAuthn** is a web security protocol developed by the
[FIDO Alliance](https://www.corbado.com/glossary/fido-alliance), designed to enable secure,
[passwordless authentication](https://www.corbado.com/glossary/passwordless-authentication) on the web.
**Passkeys**, on the other hand, are a specific implementation of WebAuthn that focuses on
providing a user-friendly, secure authentication method by replacing traditional passwords
with cryptographic keys stored on a user’s device.

### Key Differences

- **WebAuthn** is the broader protocol; **passkeys** are a specific application of that
  protocol.
- **WebAuthn** can support multiple authentication methods, including hardware security
  keys; **passkeys**
- **Passkeys** aim to enhance user experience by simplifying the authentication process,
  while **WebAuthn** provides the underlying framework for various passwordless solutions.

> - **WebAuthn** is the underlying protocol; **passkeys** are built on WebAuthn.
> - **Passkeys** specifically focus on replacing passwords with cryptographic keys.
> - **WebAuthn** supports various
>   [passwordless authentication](https://www.corbado.com/glossary/passwordless-authentication) methods beyond
>   passkeys.

---

### Understanding WebAuthn and Passkeys

**WebAuthn** (Web Authentication) is a web standard published by the W3C and supported by
major browsers. It enables strong, [phishing](https://www.corbado.com/glossary/phishing)-resistant authentication
by allowing users to sign in with a cryptographic key pair, rather than a password.
WebAuthn was developed by the **FIDO Alliance** (Fast Identity Online) and is a key
component of their broader [FIDO2](https://www.corbado.com/glossary/fido2) project, which aims to reduce the
reliance on passwords.

**Passkeys** are a technology based on the WebAuthn standard, designed to further simplify
the user experience while maintaining high security. Passkeys work by generating and
storing a unique cryptographic key pair on a user’s device - typically in hardware
security module like the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) or
[Secure Enclave](https://www.corbado.com/glossary/secure-enclave). When a user attempts to sign in, the website
or service sends a challenge, which is signed by the private key stored on the user’s
device. This signed challenge is then sent back and verified by the service using the
public key.

### Differences and Implications

- **WebAuthn's flexibility**: WebAuthn supports multiple types of
  [authenticators](https://www.corbado.com/glossary/authenticator), including external
  [hardware security keys](https://www.corbado.com/blog/best-fido2-hardware-security-keys) (like
  [YubiKeys](https://www.corbado.com/glossary/yubikey)), biometric devices, and passkeys stored on a user’s
  device.
- **Passkeys for convenience**: Passkeys are specifically designed to replace traditional
  passwords and provide a seamless authentication experience. They can be used with a
  user’s device, meaning users don't need to remember a password or carry an external
  [hardware security keys](https://www.corbado.com/blog/best-fido2-hardware-security-keys).
- **Adoption**: While WebAuthn is a versatile protocol used by various industries,
  passkeys are increasingly being adopted for consumer-facing applications where ease of
  use is crucial.

---