Portnox vs Yubico YubiKey comparison

Portnox Security and Yubico are both solutions in the Passwordless Authentication category. Portnox Security is ranked #1 with an average rating of 7.9, while Yubico is ranked #2 with an average rating of 9.0. Portnox Security holds a 14.9% mindshare in PA, compared to Yubico’s 11.8% mindshare. Additionally, 93% of Portnox Security users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 100% of Yubico users who would recommend it.

Portnox

Read 22 Portnox reviews

123 Views
65 Comparison Views

93% willing to recommend

Yubico YubiKey

Read 5 Yubico YubiKey reviews

133 Views
47 Comparison Views

100% willing to recommend

Portnox

Yubico YubiKey

Comparison Buyer's Guide

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Jun 15, 2025

Portnox and Yubico YubiKey both operate in the network security and access control market. Yubico YubiKey might have the upper hand due to its strong focus on secure authentication capabilities, although Portnox is favored for its pricing and customer support.

Features: Portnox offers a NAC solution with automated responses, a centralized cloud-based management system, and excellent integration with various network devices. Yubico YubiKey provides secure multi-factor authentication, robust hardware security features, and an anti-phishing capability that protects OTPs from being phished.

Room for Improvement: Portnox can enhance its user interface for more intuitive navigation, improve documentation for easier customer onboarding, and add more customization options for alert management. Yubico YubiKey could offer more detailed deployment guides for complex systems, increase compatibility with older systems, and expand its physical durability for more rugged environments.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Portnox employs a cloud-based deployment model that simplifies management and provides comprehensive support services. Yubico YubiKey is recognized for its plug-and-play deployment and requires less support due to its straightforward operation, allowing for a more self-sufficient setup.

Pricing and ROI: Portnox's pricing is mostly perceived as more favorable with cost-effective network management solutions that positively impact ROI. Yubico YubiKey requires an initial investment, but its ROI comes from its enhanced security and reduced operational vulnerabilities, with cost-saving benefits over time.

To learn more, read our detailed Portnox vs. Yubico YubiKey Report (Updated: June 2025).

Buyer's Guide

Portnox vs. Yubico YubiKey

June 2025

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Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Categories and Ranking

Portnox

Ranking in Passwordless Authentication

1st

Average Rating

8.0

Reviews Sentiment

7.4

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

Network Access Control (NAC) (6th), ZTNA (11th)

Yubico YubiKey

Ranking in Passwordless Authentication

2nd

Average Rating

8.6

Reviews Sentiment

7.1

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

Authentication Systems (5th), Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) (3rd)

Mindshare comparison

As of June 2025, in the Passwordless Authentication category, the mindshare of Portnox is 14.9%. The mindshare of Yubico YubiKey is 11.8%, down from 15.5% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Passwordless Authentication

Featured Reviews

Scott Kerr

President at TrackerSoft

It is seamless and integrates well with our Azure setup

We use devices like PLCs and controllers, and when we receive a request to allow one on the network, we bypass typical authentication, associate it with a group account, and push it to a firewalled VLAN. However, problems arise when the same MAC address is requested for a different project. Our current system only finds authenticated MAC addresses, making it difficult to troubleshoot when the same device is used for multiple purposes. Ideally, we should be able to search for any MAC address in the database, regardless of its authentication status, to see all its associated groups and potential conflicts.

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OmerKhan1

IT Specialist at Friendly Solutions Corp

A stable solution that is efficient, user-friendly, and easy to use

It would be better if the product can come up with a serial number for the keys. It would be nice if they had a numbering system as a configuration identity that would help the IT and technical teams to identify the keys because they look all the same. It would be more like putting a tag on them.

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Quotes from Members

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Pros

"Portnox helped to free up staff time and resources for other IT security priorities and IT work."

"The most important feature is that this solution is agentless. So, you don't have to install any agents on endpoints."

"Technical support was very helpful when we needed them."

"The cloud-based feature of Portnox is excellent."

"It's agentless, and it's scalable."

"For the information security team, the security level was improved because it helped to manage and prevent rogue devices from connecting to the corporate network. The reporting was granular, and reports we scheduled for delivery on Portnox were useful during investigations and audits, especially in cases where the IP address changed."

"It's so easy to set up, you don't need outside assistance."

"I like the fact that you can take your device anywhere and still have that visibility from anywhere because it's agent-based."

More Portnox pros

"YubiKey is a hardware security device with advanced security features."

"The solution is simple to use and we have installed it in our clients' endpoints. The tool is just plug-and-play for the end user. The end user can just put in the key to the security computer and log in without any hassle. The solution is efficient, user-friendly, and easy to use."

"Yubico YubiKey is highly valued for its anti-phishing feature, which prevents phishing of OTPs that are normally obtained through phones."

"It's small and lightweight. Like a phone, it doesn't run out of battery. It also doesn't have to be unlocked. It doesn't break. Moreover, they're very durable and it's very convenient."

"The most valuable feature of Yubico YubiKey is security."

Cons

"Portnox CORE can improve on support for unmanaged switches (or hubs) and other brands of network devices. These kinds of devices are still in use in organisations, especially SMEs who cannot afford to buy a managed switch."

"Now, the way security is viewed, maybe including something like AI, to automate some of the things that are required to be done would be great."

"It would be good to integrate Portnox CORE with CLEAR."

"The product should consider more integration with vendors like Huawei. It should also improve visibility. The solution should offer a partner portal that can provide customers training on the in and out of the solution."

"Allowing for a search of MAC addresses in the interface, whether they are authenticated on the network or not, would be beneficial. Currently, it only finds authenticated MAC addresses, which complicates troubleshooting when the same MAC address is used for different requests."

"From a resource perspective, the OEM can do better in terms of resource utilization."

"The support team is very limited. They don't have much support during Asia Pacific hours; the team sits in during the EMI and US hours."

"I believe there is a lot of room for improvement in terms of integration."

More Portnox cons

"It's a hardware device, so it isn't cost-effective to use for all your accounts. You might have a hard time getting budget approval. It's better to take a strategic approach and use it only for critical accounts. You can use other forms of authentication for the rest."

"It would be better if the product can come up with a serial number for the keys. It would be nice if they had a numbering system as a configuration identity that would help the IT and technical teams to identify the keys because they look all the same. It would be more like putting a tag on them."

"Yubico YubiKey could be improved by allowing for centralized administration, which is not currently available in India."

"Currently, an area where the product lacks is in addressing service needs."

"Yubico YubiKey is inconvient. No one likes the idea of having to put a USB device into the system, having to remember to take it out, and having passwords. It may be very good for security but it is not great for people to use."

Pricing and Cost Advice

"Pricing is quite reasonable."

"We pay for port licensing and support on a yearly basis, and it's not cheap."

"The solution is very expensive and I would rate it 10 out of 10."

"The tool is more expensive than Fortinet."

"It is not bad. It is a bit on the high side, but considering the cloud features and how much it costs to run the instance in the cloud, it is not unreasonable. We do have RADIUS servers for the US, Asia, and Europe."

"It's not cheap. It's not expensive. It's in the middle."

"The licensing module should be reviewed to count the number of devices instead of port numbers of total switches. There is a case for this where not all ports for a switch are used by devices. Unused ports are calculated in the license, then the customer pays for license for those unused ports."

"The vendor price is fair."

More Portnox pricing and cost advice

"We paid 100 bucks for one Yubikey."

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Manufacturing Company

15%

Computer Software Company

13%

Financial Services Firm

12%

Healthcare Company

Computer Software Company

13%

Government

12%

Financial Services Firm

10%

Manufacturing Company

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

No data available

Questions from the Community

What do you like most about Portnox CORE?

It's easy to manage and troubleshoot thanks to the lightweight components.

See all answers

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Portnox CORE?

It's not cheap. It's not expensive. It's in the middle, so I'll probably give it a seven out of ten, where one is cheap and ten is expensive.

See all answers

What needs improvement with Portnox CORE?

We have been having some issues with it. That's why we're considering migrating to Portnox Clear due to some limitations with CORE. At the end of the day, Portnox Clear's capabilities are much more...

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What do you like most about Yubico YubiKey?

The solution is simple to use and we have installed it in our clients' endpoints. The tool is just plug-and-play for the end user. The end user can just put in the key to the security computer and ...

See all answers

What needs improvement with Yubico YubiKey?

Yubico YubiKey could be improved by allowing for centralized administration, which is not currently available in India. In India, administrators typically have control over all security devices, bu...

See all answers

What is your primary use case for Yubico YubiKey?

I primarily use Yubico YubiKey ( /products/yubico-yubikey-reviews ) for authentication in environments such as Active Directory, cloud administration, trading room, and dealing room where phones ar...

See all answers

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Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

Portnox

June 2025

Download Portnox product report

Buyer's Guide

Authentication Systems

June 2025

Download Yubico YubiKey product report

Also Known As

Access Layers Portnox, Portnox CLEAR

YubiKey

Interactive Demo

Portnox Security

Demo not available

Yubico

Overview

Portnox offers Network Access Control to manage user access based on policy, securing both wired and wireless networks while ensuring compliance. It supports endpoint security and prevents unauthorized access across industries such as banking, IT, and energy distribution.

Designed for both on-premises and cloud deployments through CORE and Clear versions, Portnox delivers a straightforward interface aiding in deployment. It integrates effectively with equipment from multiple vendors and security solutions, enhancing endpoint profiling and ensuring compliance. Portnox provides real-time alerts and network activity insights, bolstered by excellent technical support and scalability. It also automates monitoring, reducing the need for dedicated resources while offering a comprehensive view of network activities.

What are the essential features of Portnox?

Comprehensive Network Visibility: Delivers detailed insights into network activity.
Agentless Operation: Simplifies deployment without requiring additional software on endpoints.
Seamless Integration: Works well with diverse equipment and security systems.
Real-Time Alerts: Immediate notifications for unauthorized activities.
Scalability: Accommodates growing network needs without adding complexity.

What benefits should users focus on in Portnox reviews?

Ease of Deployment: Quick setup without complex processes.
Security Capabilities: Strong defense against unauthorized access and breaches.
Automatic Monitoring: Continuously observes network traffic, requiring fewer resources.
Intuitive Insights: Clear visualization of network operations aids decision-making.
Reliable Support: Access to helpful technical assistance when needed.

Across industries like banking and IT, organizations rely on Portnox for endpoint profiling and compliance, ensuring remote worker security. Electricity distributors leverage its robust features for managing secure network access. Improvements like better third-party integration, enhanced graphical interface, and expanded support are desired, along with licensing adjustment and expanded use of AI and behavioral analytics.

Portnox Security

The YubiKey works with hundreds of enterprise, developer and consumer applications, out-of-the-box and with no client software. Combined with leading password managers, social login and enterprise single sign on systems the YubiKey enables secure access to millions of online services.

Yubico

Sample Customers

Data Realty, Royal London, Wales Millennium Centre, McLaren Construction Group, EL AL Israeli Airlines,

Google Inc., Salesforce, Novartis, Facebook, GitHub, CERN, Duke University, Code Enigma, Luther Burbank High School, ZorgSaam, Agfa, Santa Clara County Fire Department, Dyson Ltd, Portugal Telecom, Boral, Canonical Ltd

Buyer's Guide

Portnox vs. Yubico YubiKey

June 2025

Free Report: Portnox vs. Yubico YubiKey

Find out what your peers are saying about Portnox vs. Yubico YubiKey and other solutions. Updated: June 2025.

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