Passkeys are not the only passwordless authentication method available. This article compares passkeys with other alternatives to help you choose the right approach for your needs.

Passkeys vs. Hardware Security Keys

Hardware security keys like YubiKey and Google Titan are physical devices that provide strong two-factor authentication. Compared to passkeys, hardware keys offer maximum security since the private key never leaves the physical device. They are ideal for high-risk users like journalists, executives, or IT administrators.

However, hardware keys have drawbacks. They cost money (typically $25-$70 each), can be lost, and require a USB or NFC port. Passkeys are free and always available on your device. For most users, passkeys provide sufficient security with greater convenience.

Passkeys vs. SMS Two-Factor Authentication

SMS-based authentication is still widely used but is increasingly considered insecure. SIM swapping attacks allow criminals to hijack phone numbers and intercept SMS codes. The NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) has deprecated SMS as an out-of-band verification method.

Passkeys are dramatically more secure than SMS codes since they are immune to SIM swapping and phishing. The only advantage of SMS is that it requires no special hardware or software setup.

Passkeys vs. Authenticator Apps

Apps like Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, and Authy generate time-based one-time passwords (TOTP). These are more secure than SMS but still vulnerable to phishing—if a user enters a TOTP code on a fake website, attackers can use it immediately.

Passkeys eliminate this phishing vector entirely since authentication is cryptographically bound to the specific site. Authenticator apps remain a good second factor for services that do not yet support passkeys.

Passkeys vs. Biometric-Only Authentication

Some systems use biometrics alone without cryptographic key pairs. These systems store biometric templates on servers, creating privacy risks if breached. Passkeys use biometrics only to unlock the private key stored locally, meaning biometric data never leaves your device.

Passkeys vs. Password Managers

Password managers like 1Password or Bitwarden generate and store strong passwords. They are much better than reusing passwords but still require you to enter passwords into browser fields, which can be intercepted by keyloggers or compromised browser extensions.

Passkeys eliminate password entry entirely. However, password managers remain essential for services that do not yet support passkeys. Many password managers are now adding passkey support, blurring the line between the two approaches.

Summary

Passkeys offer the best balance of security and convenience for most users. A practical approach is to use passkeys where supported, hardware keys for critical accounts, and a password manager for the rest.