Passkeys have been gaining traction as an alternative to cumbersome and insecure passwords, but not all passkey solutions are the same.
Passkeys can use a range of passwordless authentication methods, from fingerprint, face and iris recognition to screen lock pins, smart cards, USB devices and more. They can be implemented as part of an account, application, cloud service, access management system, or password manager.
The top password managers are in the process of implementing passkey methods, but here we’ve focused on the best passkey products in general regardless of the access management product category we’d place them in. One thing all these passkey solutions have in common is that they’re all certified by the FIDO Alliance, which along with the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) sets passkey authentication standards and protocols.
See the Best Identity and Access Management (IAM) Solutions
Top Passkey Products:
- authID: Best for biometric MFA
- Aware: Best comprehensive solution
- Beyond Identity: Best for workforce and customer MFA
- HYPR: Best for distributed workforces
- LoginID: Best for e-commerce
- Ping Identity: Best for application integration
- Thales: Best for high security
- Yubico: Best for physical passkeys
- Passkey Solution Buying Considerations
- Bottom Line: Passkey Solutions
Passkey Vendor Comparison
| Passkey Vendor | Free Trial/ Free Version |
Price | Devices |
|---|---|---|---|
| authID | 14-day free trial | $2-$4 per account | Mobile and desktop |
| Aware Inc. | No | Inquire through the company’s website | Mobile and desktop |
| Beyond Identity | Free version | AWS pricing starts at $10k for 165 users | Mobile and desktop |
| HYPR | Free trial | Starts at $5 per user per month | Mobile and desktop |
| LoginID | Offers a free Startup version | Custom pricing on request | Mobile and desktop |
| Ping IDentity | 30-day free trial | Starts at $3 per user per month | Mobile and desktop |
| Thales | Free trial | About $20 per user | Mobile and desktop |
| Yubico | No | Physical keys from $25 – $310 | Mobile and desktop |
authID
authID is an enterprise identity authentication provider that promises “unphishable authentication.” authID’s multi-factor authentication (MFA) solutions included biometric authentication such as fingerprint recognition and facial recognition. authID stands out for its emphasis on biometric technology, ensuring strong security measures while prioritizing user convenience.
Key features
- Biometric matching of selfie to ID photo
- AI-liveness and anti-spoofing confirmation
- Automated document security features check
- Secure API response
Pros
- Efficient and convenient user experience
- Enhanced security through multi-factor authentication
- Robust protection against phishing attacks
- Biometric authentication for added security
- Versatile platform compatibility
Cons
- Reliance on device capabilities for facial authentication
- Potential learning curve for new users
- Limited data customization options
Price
AuthID offers three levels of pricing:
- Standard: $2 per account up to 500 accounts, $1 one time license fee per enrolled account. $600/year minimum
- Premium: $4 per account up to 500 accounts, $1 one time license fee per enrolled account. $1,200/year minimum
- Enterprise: Contact sales. 500+ accounts, $1 one time license fee per enrolled account
See the Best Facial Recognition Software for Enterprises
Aware Inc.
Best comprehensive solution
Aware Inc. offers a range of identity and biometric solutions, and its passkey solutions focuses on biometric authentication methods such as fingerprint recognition, facial recognition, and iris scanning. Aware provides flexible and scalable solutions that can be integrated into different systems and applications, giving the company’s solutions a wide range of potential uses.
Key features
- Mobile biometric authentication
- Biometric search and match SDKs (fingerprint, face and iris)
- Biometric enrollment SDKs
- Biometric platforms
- Turnkey solutions
- Biometric applications
- Identity text analytics
Pros
- Comprehensive product vision covering all common features
- User-friendly system with easy navigation
- Interoperability with a wide range of third-party software
- Stable and mature company with excellent customer service
- Implementation of advanced features like facial recognition and fingerprint scanning
- Innovative approach and use of next-generation technology
Cons
- Occasional instability and interoperability challenges
Price
Aware Inc. does not publicly provide pricing but potential buyers can inquire through the company’s website.
Beyond Identity
Best for workforce and customer MFA
Beyond Identity bills itself as “phishing-resistant, passwordless multi-factor authentication.” The company leverages device-based cryptography and secure certificates to authenticate users, removing vulnerabilities associated with passwords. Beyond Identity’s solutions target workforces, DevOps and customers, offering a secure and user-friendly authentication experience.
Key features
- Passwordless MFA
- Device trust
- Phishing-resistant MFA
- Zero trust authentication
- End user self-signup and recovery
- Device security posture checks
- Zero trust policy engine
Pros
- Offers a free version
- User-friendly interface
- Quick deployment
Cons
- Occasional bugs
Price
Beyond Identity doesn’t reveal pricing, but AWS offers Beyond Identity Secure Workforce packages, ranging from the Starter Package for 165 users starting at $10,000 per year up to the Secure Developer Bundle priced at $108,000 per year for 1,000 users. For a customized price quote, visit Beyond Identity’s sales page.
See the Top Zero Trust Security Solutions
HYPR
Best for distributed workforces
HYPR is a passkey solution company that focuses on passwordless multi-factor authentication. The company’s solution is designed to decentralize user credentials and store them securely on personal devices. HYPR’s decentralized approach enhances security by reducing the risk of centralized credential databases being compromised. The company supports a range of authentication methods and solutions, including biometrics, smart cards, and mobile devices.
Key features
- Desktop MFA client
- Software development kit (SDK)
- Passwordless integrations
- Centralized management via FIDO Control Center
- Works with a range of identity and technology platforms
- Policy enforcement
- Remote workforce support
Pros
- Effortless MFA with simple sign-in process
- Easy improves credential security
Cons
- Occasional error messages during sign-in, but can be resolved
- Windows credential manager issues sometimes affect Chrome/Outlook passwords
- Limited web integration
Price
Hyper offers competitive pricing for its workforce solution, starting at $5 per user per month, which can be billed annually. Additionally, on AWS, the Hyper Enterprise package caters to organizations with 1,000 active users, priced at $66,000 per year.
LoginID
Best for e-commerce applications
LoginID is a passkey solution company that offers passwordless authentication solutions for businesses. One of LoginID’s unique features is the ability to leverage existing email and phone numbers as user identifiers, simplifying the onboarding process for businesses and users alike. LoginID has particular appeal for finance, payment and DevOps uses.
Key features
- FIDO2/UAF integrations
- WordPress integration
- Multi-device management
- Cloud, private cloud, and on-premises solutions
- Offers SDK and API connections
Pros
- Strong authentication standards with the use of 3D secure protocol
- Frictionless checkout experience, eliminating redirects and password entry
- Liability shift, allowing merchants to shift fraudulent chargebacks liability to card issuers
- Enhanced security for crypto exchanges and digital wallets
- Rapid authentication and easy management
- Wide platform compatibility with major operating systems and browsers
Cons
- Exemptions from strong customer authentication may not benefit from the liability shift
- Limitations of merchants under fraud monitoring programs
- Reliance on device security for biometric authentication
- Limited information on data customization options
Price
LoginID doesn’t publish pricing information, but the company offers a free Startup version that comes with FIDO2/UAF integrations, multi factor authentication (mfa), dashboard, WordPress integration, multi-device management, cloud hosting, and email/live chat support. Customized pricing is required for enterprises.
Ping Identity
Best for application integration
Ping Identity provides comprehensive identity and access management solutions. Their passkey solution focuses on providing secure single sign-on (SSO) and multi-factor authentication capabilities. Ping Identity stands out for its 1,800+ integrations and extensive range of identity management features, allowing businesses to manage user identities, access controls, and authentication across a wide range of applications and systems.
Key features
- Orchestration
- Fraud detection
- Risk management
- Digital credentials
- Web API access and API intelligence
- Dynamic authorization
Pros
- Offers a robust set of features that rival top-notch identity and access management (IAM) solutions
- Seamless integration with other products in Ping’s comprehensive lineup allows for enhanced functionality and customization
Cons
- Product catalog can be overwhelming and may lead to confusion due to overlapping features and offerings
- Certain essential features are only available when purchasing bundled products, limiting flexibility in some cases
Price
Customer Pricing
- Essential plan is $44,000/year
- Plus plan is $66,000/year
- Premium requires custom pricing
Workforce Pricing
- Essential plan is $3/month/user
- Plus plan is $6/month/user
- Premium requires custom pricing
Ping Identity also offers a 30-day trial for both Customer and Workforce plans
See the Top Single Sign-On (SSO) Solutions
Thales
Thales offers a broad range of access management solutions. The company’s passkey solution focuses on providing secure authentication and encryption methods. Thales offers hardware security modules (HSMs) and smart cards that can securely store and process cryptographic keys, enhancing the overall security of passkey-based authentication. The company’s broad range of access solutions makes it a good choice for enterprises with high security needs.
Key features
- SafeNet Trusted Access, Agents and Mobile Pass+
- API References
- Identity and authentication as a service
- Cloud SSO
- A range of authentication methods such as SAML, one-time password (OTP) authenticators, token and tokenless
Pros
- Easy setup process with knowledgeable technicians assisting in initial setup and configuration
- Users are not limited to mobile approval; Thales accommodates those without constant access to a mobile device
- Effective use of hardware tokens and grid methods
- Strong protection for servers, files, and accounts
Cons
- Occasionally requires multiple pushes/approvals for connectivity to some aspects of the internal network
Price
Thales SafeNet Trusted Access offers a free trial on all its plans, but doesn’t publish pricing. The only pricing we could find is UK government pricing starting at $20 per user.
Yubico
Yubico is a passkey solution company that specializes in hardware-based authentication devices. They provide USB and NFC-based security keys, such as the YubiKey, which can be used for strong multi-factor authentication. Yubico’s unique offering lies in its hardware-based approach, providing an additional layer of security and protection against phishing attacks and other online threats.
Key features
- Comes with physical keys
- Phishing-resistant MFA
- Offers a range of authentication options and devices, including biometric keys
Pros
- Easy to use
- Strong physical layer of protection guarding against phishing attacks and credential theft
- Works offline, offering convenience in a range of situations
- Wide range of platform, app, and website support
- Compatible with major operating systems
Cons
- Limited availability for certain websites and apps, potentially restricting its usage
- Less customization options than some other tools
- Can require a learning curve for new users
Price
Yubico offers a range of pricing options for their physical security keys. Keys range from $25 to $90, while bundles start at $310. Enterprise pricing depends on the number of users requiring Yubico keys and you can get an estimated quote through their online calculator.
Passkey Solution Buying Considerations
Buyers in the market for a passkey solution should look for a vendor that most closely aligns with their needs. Considerations include:
- Application integration: Are the applications your organization uses covered by the passkey solution? This could be anything from collaboration and CRM tools to security systems, servers, files, and more.
- SSO and IAM integrations: The best solution for some organizations may be to simply strengthen an access management tool you’re already using.
- Security needs: Is the security provided by the tool adequate for your needs? Are protocols and implementation strong enough to meet your security and compliance requirements?
- Ease of use: Will the passkey solution fit your environment, and will users embrace it? An authentication solution is only as good as user compliance.
- Price: Can the passkey solution do what you need at a price that’s reasonable?
Bottom Line: Passkey Solutions
Passkeys are a convenient and secure way for moving beyond the limitations of passwords and ensuring user compliance. With a range of authentication methods ranging from biometric data to codes and hardware, passkeys are poised to become the de facto authentication standard for a wide range of access management solutions. Adopting passkey solutions will give organizations a big advantage in stopping credential theft, phishing attacks and other access threats.
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