Pros & Cons
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- Available for USB-A and USB-C
- Supports NFC
- Stores 250 passkeys
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- Can't delete passkeys
- Few features
Google Titan Security Key Specs
| Authentication Specifications | FIDO2 |
| Connector | USB-A |
| Connector | USB-C |
| Wireless Specification | NFC |
Starting at $30, Google's Titan Security Key is designed to prevent unauthorized access to your online accounts. With both USB-C and NFC, you can be confident that the hardware security key will work with the devices you already own. I wish it had an easy way to manage passkeys, and it lacks some features found in similar products, but it's backed by an industry giant, making it an obvious choice for newcomers to using security keys for multi-factor authentication (MFA). If you want to spend a little less for a very polished product, I recommend the $29 Yubico Security Key C NFC. It's affordable and easy to use, making it an Editors' Choice winner.
Pricing: Google's Titan Security Key Is Relatively Inexpensive
Google sells the USB-A/NFC key for $30 and the USB-C/NFC key (reviewed here) for $35.
The Google Titan Security Key uses FIDO2 credentialing and cryptography, so you can store passkeys on the device and log in to many sites on the web. Google provides substantial passkey storage, up to 250 resident passkeys—far more than the 100 allowed by Yubico's Security Key C. The Titan Security Key doesn't have a built-in way to browse all the passkeys or remove them from the device, which isn't a big deal because you get a lot of storage for them. That said, Yubico offers companion apps that let you view the passkeys and other tokens stored on the security key.
(Credit: Kim Key)The USB-C Titan Security Key lacks some of the advanced capabilities found in the more expensive YubiKey 5C NFC, a professional-level security device. This $58 key supports the latest authentication standards, doubles as a smart card, and can be configured to spit out static passwords. It also supports the proprietary Yubico OTP system and works with OpenPGP. When paired with the Yubico Authenticator app, it can generate time-limited one-time-use passcodes (OATH-TOTP). These aspects make it a great key for security professionals or people in business settings, but it's beyond the needs of the first-time users Google is clearly targeting with its Titan Security Keys.
Google's Titan Security Key is also suitable for individuals who require enhanced online privacy protection, such as activists, journalists, or anyone else who may be frequently targeted by online attackers. That's why Google recommends using it in its Advanced Protection Program.
Google's documentation for the Titan Security Key consists of a few support pages that describe how to use it with computers and devices. The Titan Key is not compatible with iPhones and iPads that can't run iOS 13.3, which includes older models.
Similar Products
Our Current Picks for The Best Hardware Security Keys for 2026
Other companies explain how their security keys fit into your cybersecurity toolkit, such as Yubico's posts about open authentication standards supported by its products, or the list of services accepting hardware security keys sponsored by Nitrokey (linked to by Google).
Hands-On Testing: A Well-Made, Easy-to-Use Security Key
The USB-C Titan Security Key is lozenge-shaped and made of white polycarbonate with silver accents. It's not as small as the latest Yubico keys, but it's still small enough to hang on a keychain, and it feels rock-solid.
The device has no moving parts or batteries and doesn't require a network connection. At one end is a standard USB-C connector, and at the other is a zinc-alloy-reinforced hole for threading a key ring. Just above the connector is a small LED that flashes when the device is connected, and above that is a silver, touch-sensitive circle. Though the Titan Security Key does not read fingerprints, you still must tap the silver button while logging into sites. This is standard for all hardware MFA keys.
(Credit: Kim Key)To start using the Titan Security Key, simply navigate to a site that supports hardware keys, locate the settings to add a key to your account, and follow the site's on-screen instructions. When you use the key for the first time on a Windows machine, you will be asked to create a PIN. If you ever forget the PIN, navigate to Settings > Accounts > Sign-In Options > Security Key. If you want to erase the device and start over, you can do so from this section.
(Credit: Proton/PCMag)To test the device's efficacy for multi-factor authentication, I attached the Titan Security Key to my Proton Mail account. Adding the key to my account was as easy as navigating to the account settings page and then following the prompts to attach the device. The key responded to my touch, as expected. Overall, the process was quick and easy, and I was able to sign back in using the key.
NFC lets you use the key wirelessly with supported devices. I used an Android phone to test this functionality. First, I logged out of my Google account, and then I placed the key against the back side of the Android. I immediately logged into the Google account without on-screen pop-ups or key tapping. I was also able to login to my Microsoft account using a passkey I created.
Final Thoughts
(Credit: Kim Key)
Google Titan Security Key
The Google Titan Security Key offers little beyond authentication, but it works with nearly every device to conveniently store up to 250 passkeys.