Best security keys of 2026: YubiKey 5C NFC tops ZDNET's updated guide

ZDNET updated its 2026 recommendations for security keys, naming the Yubico YubiKey 5C NFC as its favorite and adding the Thetis Pro FIDO2 security key as one of its top picks in a January update.

ZDNET says the YubiKey 5C NFC is FIDO-certified, combines USB-C with NFC for broad device compatibility, supports multiple authentication protocols, and is dust-, water- and tamper-resistant. The article also highlights alternatives — including the YubiKey 5 Nano, Google Titan keys, Thetis Pro FIDO2, YubiKey Bio FIDO Edition and the Kensington VeriMark Gen2 — and summarizes each device's connectivity, platform support and notable limitations.

The guide explains why security keys matter: even if a username and password or a mobile device are compromised, an attacker cannot access an account without the physical key. ZDNET says it tests keys, gathers customer feedback and researches compatibility and durability when making recommendations, and it emphasizes modern standards such as FIDO2 and platform support as selection criteria.

ZDNET advises readers to check service compatibility before buying, and to purchase a backup key to avoid lockout. The article notes some keys can have functional limits on certain mobile platforms and that setup experiences vary, so confirming compatibility and requirements ahead of purchase is important.

Key Topics

Tech, Yubico, Google Titan