---
url: 'https://www.corbado.com/faq/what-is-difference-between-yubikey-passkey'
title: 'What is the Difference Between a YubiKey and a Passkey?'
description: 'Learn the key differences between YubiKey and passkey - comparing security, convenience and deployment to help you choose the right authentication method.'
lang: 'en'
keywords: 'difference between yubikey and passkey, difference to yubikey, difference yubikey, yubikey difference'
---

# What is the Difference Between a YubiKey and a Passkey?

## What is the Difference Between a YubiKey and a Passkey?

The difference between a [YubiKey](https://www.corbado.com/glossary/yubikey) and a passkey lies in how they
manage and store authentication credentials. [YubiKeys](https://www.corbado.com/glossary/yubikey) store
credentials directly on the device, making them non-replicable and tied to the physical
hardware.

In contrast, passkeys are platform-generated and are mostly synced across devices using
cloud accounts, offering greater convenience but relying on cloud-based security measures.

> - The key difference: [YubiKeys](https://www.corbado.com/glossary/yubikey) are hardware-based, while passkeys can
>   be cloud-synced.
> - [YubiKeys](https://www.corbado.com/glossary/yubikey) provide a higher level of physical security by storing
>   credentials on the device.
> - Passkeys offer convenience by syncing across multiple devices, making them more
>   user-friendly.

---

### In-Depth Overview

YubiKeys and passkeys both play crucial roles in modern authentication methods, but they
cater to different security and convenience needs.

#### YubiKey Overview

YubiKeys are [hardware security keys](https://www.corbado.com/blog/best-fido2-hardware-security-keys) that
provide robust protection by storing [FIDO2](https://www.corbado.com/glossary/fido2)-enabled credentials directly
on the device. This means:

- **Non-Replicable Credentials**: Credentials are tied to the physical hardware, meaning
  they cannot be copied or transferred to another device.
- **Physical Security**: YubiKeys require physical possession of the key to authenticate,
  which significantly reduces the risk of remote attacks.

#### Passkey Overview

Passkeys, on the other hand, are [digital credentials](https://www.corbado.com/blog/digital-credentials-api)
generated and managed by the operating system or platform, such as
[iOS](https://www.corbado.com/blog/webauthn-errors), [Android](https://www.corbado.com/blog/how-to-enable-passkeys-android), or Windows.
Key features include:

- **Cloud Syncing**: Passkeys are automatically synced across devices using the user's
  cloud account or a third-party [password manager](https://www.corbado.com/blog/passkeys-vs-password-managers),
  which allows seamless access from multiple devices.
- **Convenience**: This synchronization makes it easier for users to access their accounts
  from different devices without the need for a physical key.

### Choosing Between YubiKey and Passkey

When deciding whether to use a [YubiKey](https://www.corbado.com/glossary/yubikey) or a passkey, consider the
following:

- **Security Needs**: If your priority is maximum security, a [YubiKey](https://www.corbado.com/glossary/yubikey)
  may be the better choice due to its hardware-based protection.
- **Convenience vs. Security Trade-Off**: For users or companies looking for convenience
  and ease of access across multiple devices, passkeys offer a simpler, more user-friendly
  option.
- **Use Case Scenarios**: YubiKeys are often preferred in enterprise environments or by
  individuals with high security needs, while passkeys are gaining traction in consumer
  applications due to their ease of use.

---