Google Authenticator vs. HID DigitalPersona vs. Yubico YubiKeys

Overview
ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price
Google Authenticator
Score 8.7 out of 10
N/A
Google Authenticator is a mobile authentication app.N/A
HID DigitalPersona
Score 8.7 out of 10
N/A
HID DigitalPersona (formerly Crossmatch) provides a comprehensive multi-factor authentication solution. The vendor’s value proposition is that their solution frees users from cumbersome login activities while making it easy for an IT Team to secure access to their networks, data and applications.
$3.75
per user per month
Yubico YubiKeys
Score 9.3 out of 10
N/A
Yubico YubiKeys make the internet safer with phishing-resistant multi-factor authentication (MFA) by providing simple and secure access to computers, mobile devices, servers, and internet accounts. The Yubico YubiKey stops account takeovers at scale by mitigating phishing and ransomware attacks, and delivers users authentication with a simple touch or tap.
$3.94
per month per user
Pricing
Google AuthenticatorHID DigitalPersonaYubico YubiKeys
Editions & Modules
No answers on this topic
HID DigitalPersona
$3.75
per user per month
No answers on this topic
Offerings
Pricing Offerings
Google AuthenticatorHID DigitalPersonaYubico YubiKeys
Free Trial
NoYesNo
Free/Freemium Version
NoNoNo
Premium Consulting/Integration Services
NoYesYes
Entry-level Setup FeeOptionalRequiredOptional
Additional Details
More Pricing Information
Community Pulse
Google AuthenticatorHID DigitalPersonaYubico YubiKeys
Considered Multiple Products
Google Authenticator
Chose Google Authenticator
Reputed platform.
Chose Google Authenticator
Other options exist for 2FA: IBM, ATT, RSA, Authy, and other hardware and software-based companies provide 2FA services to individuals and organizations. Google Authenticator was chosen for its ease-of-use, reliability, robust security, and accessibility to the entirety of the …
HID DigitalPersona

No answer on this topic

Yubico YubiKeys
Chose Yubico YubiKeys
Google Authenticator and Microsoft Authenticator are both consumer (and commercial) grade products so they are expected to be easy to use. When you move to a more advanced product such as Yubico, there's a reason why you are not using the "easier" methods. The reasons may …
Chose Yubico YubiKeys
I've never really used any other physical keys, I mean I've used multifactor authentication from Google Authenticator or Duo, but never another physical key, so this is my first experience with that.
Chose Yubico YubiKeys
If you compare it to authenticator apps, I'd say it's much more easy to set this up for the individual user. Well, it's Swedish. It's also very well documented. There are a lot of guides on how to use them and I have a lot of faith in the security posture of Yubico and how the …
Chose Yubico YubiKeys
Don't need to use personal devices
Chose Yubico YubiKeys
Yubico YubiKeys make login seamless for our users compared to having to sync auth tokens between phones.
Chose Yubico YubiKeys
More robust security, phishing resistant, easier than typing in a code from the app
Chose Yubico YubiKeys
Yubico YubiKeys are way better than those old RNG tokens where you have to type in the number. The YubiKey enters the number for you and often can be used in other modes that don't require number entry at all. It is modern and convenient. I prefer authenticator apps like Google …
Chose Yubico YubiKeys
Yubikeys are considerably faster than utilizing authentication apps. Even better they can be used in addition to other 2FA implementations.
Chose Yubico YubiKeys
Yubico YubiKeys are a nice addition to a TOTP like GA. Since they are not battery based, they are incredibly reliable and always available, even if you've dropped your phone into the toilet. The only downside relative to TOTP is that some devices may not have the appropriate …
Chose Yubico YubiKeys
I liked the Kensington Verimark fingerprint scanner initially because it made signing into Windows simple and secured it within the household, but didn't like the additional complexities of setting it up and needing a driver. That would have required the IT support team to …
Best Alternatives
Google AuthenticatorHID DigitalPersonaYubico YubiKeys
Small Businesses
WatchGuard AuthPoint
WatchGuard AuthPoint
Score 9.0 out of 10
WatchGuard AuthPoint
WatchGuard AuthPoint
Score 9.0 out of 10
WatchGuard AuthPoint
WatchGuard AuthPoint
Score 9.0 out of 10
Medium-sized Companies
Cisco Duo
Cisco Duo
Score 9.4 out of 10
Cisco Duo
Cisco Duo
Score 9.4 out of 10
Cisco Duo
Cisco Duo
Score 9.4 out of 10
Enterprises
Cisco Duo
Cisco Duo
Score 9.4 out of 10
Cisco Duo
Cisco Duo
Score 9.4 out of 10
Cisco Duo
Cisco Duo
Score 9.4 out of 10
All AlternativesView all alternativesView all alternativesView all alternatives
User Ratings
Google AuthenticatorHID DigitalPersonaYubico YubiKeys
Likelihood to Recommend
9.0
(50 ratings)
8.6
(117 ratings)
9.4
(102 ratings)
Likelihood to Renew
8.0
(1 ratings)
9.5
(7 ratings)
9.0
(7 ratings)
Usability
8.8
(7 ratings)
9.0
(5 ratings)
9.2
(4 ratings)
Availability
10.0
(1 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
9.8
(2 ratings)
Performance
10.0
(1 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
9.8
(2 ratings)
Support Rating
8.6
(8 ratings)
9.0
(6 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Implementation Rating
10.0
(1 ratings)
9.0
(4 ratings)
8.8
(3 ratings)
Configurability
4.0
(1 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
10.0
(1 ratings)
Ease of integration
8.0
(1 ratings)
7.3
(4 ratings)
10.0
(1 ratings)
Product Scalability
5.0
(1 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
9.0
(2 ratings)
Vendor post-sale
8.0
(1 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Vendor pre-sale
8.0
(1 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
User Testimonials
Google AuthenticatorHID DigitalPersonaYubico YubiKeys
Likelihood to Recommend
Google
Logging into my work accounts is where Google Authenticator works best. Also, I had a personal account get hacked. I had an account created to book hotels, but someone was constantly resetting my password. To prevent further hacking attempts, I set up Google Authenticator. I do not believe it would be appropriate for banking accounts.
Read full review
HID Global
During the onboarding process, remote workers can enroll their fingerprints or create secure PINs. This eliminates the need for complicated passwords and enables them to safely access company resources and critical apps from remote locations. HID DigitalPersona's robust authentication techniques and access control features can assist you in adhering to data security laws.
Read full review
Yubico
Yubico YubiKeys will likely always be my default recommendation for hardware security keys. It's well suited for environments where key portability is necessary, and for privileged environments where step-up or separate authentication hardware benefits the situation. For example, I can step up my Microsoft rights through PIM, but I'm required to use a Yubico YubiKey (AAGUID filter) even if I'm already using Windows Hello. This means that accessing my workstation doesn't grant rights, accessing my device AND my Yubico YubiKey does. I wouldn't necessarily recommend deploying Yubico YubiKeys to entire user populaces unless the situation calls for it (shared workstations, compliance environments, etc.). This is primarily centered around user training (which is a low bar, but still different), and dealing with loss (you'll want to budget for a % of key loss and be ready to rapidly issue replacements).
Read full review
Pros
Google
  • One strength is in how it checks identity to stop unwanted people from getting access.
  • Another strength is in cutting down on the frustration of users for the authentication process.
  • With the pandemic and needing to work away from the office it also provided additional security in keeping our network/infrastructure safe.
Read full review
HID Global
  • Speeding up the login process with fingerprint in PIN rather than having to remember a long password. Our IT department has seen a huge decrease in the amount of account lockout and forgot password calls.
  • It is highly customizable to meet the needs of remote or on-premises workers. It is all configurable through group policy, so it is very easy to set specific requirements on certain groups.
  • Setup was quick and the administration guides are very easy to follow if you need to go back in and adjust things.
Read full review
Yubico
  • So as I said, the second-factor authentication that it does is really well. The response time is really good and all you have to do is just enter the second factor code and that's about it. Right? So that's the good part about using Yubico YubiKeys.
Read full review
Cons
Google
  • I once performed a factory reset of my smartphone which had Google Authenticator. I didn't have a backup for the device. When I restored my phone with the same google account, I was not able to restore the authenticator app settings. I had to add all the keys back into the app to use it. This is cumbersome, but I understand it is set up this way for security reasons.
  • I don't like the ease with which it lets you delete a key. If I accidentally delete a key, I am doomed to get my 2FA key reset, unless I still have the QR code saved somewhere.
Read full review
HID Global
  • I find that sometimes I have had to delete a users fingerprints and re-add them. There must be something going on where the software believes that the user has changed their fingerprints.
  • I have on occasion come across a person where the reader was unable to create fingerprints for that user. It would be interesting to see if the sensitivity of the 4500 reader could be improved on.
  • I find that using the DigitalPersona software makes the users ultimately forget their passwords. Maybe every once in a while the software could require the user to type in their Windows password to help them remember it.
Read full review
Yubico
  • It can be about access control because either right now it's just you have access or you don't have access. I think there can be a use case where you are allowed a particular set of servers and not a particular set of servers. I think maybe it's there or we don't use it, but I haven't seen that. I think I've used Yubico YubiKeys at two companies and I haven't seen that. Maybe that's something that can be added.
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Likelihood to Renew
Google
It works as intended, easy to setup, free and gives you another level of security against any unwanted access or cyber attacks
Read full review
HID Global
It is wonderful for multifactor authentication and gives us many options for what we use to authenticate. All of our users use it and it is engrained into our group policies and people would be very disappointed if it went away.
Read full review
Yubico
As for implementing YubiKey its simple so I don't see us using anything else as we have experienced no issues so fare. Adding these to our environment is still new for us currently but in the transition phase I only see us buying YubiKey. It is highly rated and well known and cost is reasonable so no need to find another solution.
Read full review
Usability
Google
It's as easy as opening the app and what I need it for is there. I don't have to fumble with other accounts or getting something else to open it for me. I have all the access that I need for the use of the app within seconds and I can get access to the info that I need.
Read full review
HID Global
I think there are still fundamental enhancements needed to be added to the management consoles and I think there ought to be a Centralized, Windows Based "Thick" Management Application instead of individual utilities which vary from MMCs, Scripts, Wizards, etc.
Read full review
Yubico
I give slightly better than average rating because of the complexity in using a Yubikey. It is not as easy as native push notifications for 2FA products, however, it provides much better strength. Rating this higher or lower would be a disservice to people reading this review. If you are in the market for a hardware 2FA tool, Yubikey will be a great asset in your toolbox.
Read full review
Reliability and Availability
Google
In terms of availability, I had not experienced any issues with outages or the product not working when needed
Read full review
HID Global
No answers on this topic
Yubico
We have not experienced any issues with availability which is very important when you are dealing with a company that holds the keys to the gate. We have had more issues with availability from our SaaS providers before with authentication but that was on their end. YubiKey has worked every time for us over the course of the last 6 or so months we began testing phase.
Read full review
Performance
Google
The performance of google Authenticator is good and I have not experienced any slow downs
Read full review
HID Global
No answers on this topic
Yubico
We have not seen any lag in loading pages and getting into systems or sites. In comparison to other 2FA and MFA options it is actually faster most of the time to authenticate due to not having to type in. We require users to have long passwords and when there is an option given for password less they jump on it with excitement. As we explore going password less on their PC's the YubiKey is going to make their lives a lot easier to access the resources they need.
Read full review
Support Rating
Google
I have found Google’s support to be hit or miss. There are times when they are very responsive, and I get my issue resolved quickly, and there are times where a response from them takes weeks. There is no in-between. But my support experience with this particular product is nonexistent because I have not had a problem with it yet. Hopefully, we do not have any problems with it either.
Read full review
HID Global
Extremely poor; I've never encountered such. Professional Services completely dropped us for months. Crossmatch tech support seems like it has 3 techs tops! No response to emails, calls, the absolute worst! I will never recommend DP to anyone.
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Yubico
We have only interacted with support once but it was quick and easily answered. Mostly just questions regarding adding this to certain apps.
Read full review
Implementation Rating
Google
It was easy to implement and it went very smoothly. No issues
Read full review
HID Global
Could use tools to audit license usage at a more granular level as to allow an administrator to free up licenses from users whom seldom use their biometrics to login.
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Yubico
I figured it all out on my own with the excellent product documentation provided by Yubico. I even managed to produce a backup YubiKey in case I lost my frequently used one. This was crucial when I temporarily lost the original.
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Alternatives Considered
Google
First, Google Authenticator meets the security requirements which should be considered "table stakes". Second, simplicity is critical. Many users don' understand why they are setting up MFA (or they just don't care), and so adding additional complications to their day-to-day is always challenging. When it is simple, it makes life a lot easier. Finally, trust (due to the brand name recognition, primarily) removes any notion of "what is this?" that the user may have from being required to install something on their personal device for work purposes.
Read full review
HID Global
We have used One Identity for software tokens. The Defender software tokens were originally included with our bundle and work pretty well for integration into the AnyConnect VPN client with Cisco. All that said, we use the two products for different applications and DP does what it does very well.
Read full review
Yubico
Yubico YubiKeys has been a leader in the security key market, and I think they have a new product we just read about two days back and they can store up to a hundred private keys now. So I think this is what it distinguishes them from the market, apart from this, whatever features we need personally and for our customers. So they provide all those features, but versus the other brands.
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Scalability
Google
The product doesn’t have any features of tools that can help it scale
Read full review
HID Global
No answers on this topic
Yubico
For us I feel like the ease of deployment has made this product very appealing, overall this will make the scalability very easy for us to push out once we roll out to our users and the management tools that we have looked at will make the admins like me happy as it is clear and easy to use. The rollout process looks to be very straight forward from the demos that we have looked at regarding the enterprise tools.
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Return on Investment
Google
  • More secure data = less worried about a data breach.
  • Takes longer to log in, and if I don't have my phone then I have to go looking for it, so it really makes it so that you can't be without your phone, which in certain instances is annoying or not possible and can hold up work time.
  • Everyone is willing to use the same program because everyone likes Google—makes it easier to manage.
Read full review
HID Global
  • I'm happy to say I'm not involved in budgeting or finance, but the financial benefits are easy to state: Less helpdesk time - helpdesk staff don't have to spend time resetting people's passwords.
  • Users don't have to wait for Helpdesk to get around to helping them log in.
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Yubico
  • I think it's the flexibility in being able to let users pick the type of authentications that they want to use. Some are comfortable with the touch device on the physical Yubico YubiKeys. Others prefer the mobile app. So it provides flexibility for our users to choose how they want to authenticate without running a file of our security requirements.
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ScreenShots