The OnlyKey Insider’s Guide
Everything we know about OnlyKey in one document: what it costs, its grades, getting a refund, getting help and what else to look at. Read it here, or keep a copy.
OnlyKey
The Insider’s Guide
USB hardware password manager and two-factor security key
Every plan, grade, refund rule and rival among password managers, read from OnlyKey’s own pages.
Made by OnlyKey · checked Nov 13, 2026 · toolgpa.com
Contents
- 01WelcomeWhat it is, who it suits, its grades and the ten things to know first
- 02What it costsEvery plan, the free plan, ways to pay less and how prices have moved
- 03What it doesIts main features, where it runs, what it works with and who makes it
- 04Where it standsIts grades against its category, and whether to keep it or make your own
- 05The alternativesThe tools it is most often weighed against, side by side
- 06Quick answersThe questions people ask about it, each answered in a line or two
- 07About ToolGPAWho made this guide, what else is on the site, and how to cite it
ToolGPA put this guide together from OnlyKey’s own pages, its app-store listings and our grades. Every fact in it is on OnlyKey’s page too, where it is kept up to date. Checked Nov 13, 2026.
Part 01 · Overview
Welcome
What it is, who it suits, its grades and the ten things to know first
2.0
GPA, above 2 of the 49 other password managers we grade
OnlyKey is a USB hardware device that combines a password manager, a two-factor security key and a file encryption token. You unlock it with a PIN typed on the device itself, and it types usernames and passwords into the computer it is plugged into. The vendor describes it as open source.
To get you started, here are 8 things to know about OnlyKey, taken from its own pages and our grades.
It works without installing software, which keeps setup short.
- 1
Best for a USB key that holds passwords and works as 2FA
It has no sync, no phone app and no browser extension, and losing it without a second key leaves a gap.
- 2
What it costs
Paid plans start at $65.99 one-time (single device).
- 3
It runs on 3 platforms
macOS, Windows and Linux.
- 4
Hardware password manager
Plugged into a computer, it types the username and password at the press of a button, so credentials need no browser extension or app.
- 5
PIN entered on the device
The unlock PIN is typed on the key itself, and the vendor says all data is securely erased after 10 failed attempts.
- 6
Two-factor authentication
Supports FIDO2 and U2F, Yubico OTP, TOTP and challenge-response methods.
- 7
A 2.0 GPA, above 2 of 49
That is against the other password managers we grade, on value, the free plan, features, ease of use and platforms.
- 8
Keep it
To replace OnlyKey you would be making a password vault, the last thing anyone should make for themselves. That is not a weekend's work, with an AI app builder or without one.
OnlyKey at a glance
- Pricing
- Paid, from $65.99 one-time (single device)
- Free plan
- No
- Free trial
- None stated
- Runs on
- macOS, Windows, Linux
- Made by
- OnlyKey
- Category
- Password Managers
- Our grade
- 2.0 GPA, fair
The report card
Best for a USB key that holds passwords and works as 2FA
OnlyKey is a USB device with a PIN pad that stores passwords and doubles as a two-factor key, for $65.99 one-time. It has no sync, no phone app and no browser extension, and losing it without a second key leaves a gap.
| Subject | Grade | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Value for money | B | $65.99 one-time equals the category's middle one-time price, under two years of a $2.99 subscription. |
| Free plan and trial | F | A physical device with no free plan and no trial. |
| Features | C | Password storage, 2FA, SSH and encryption. No sync, no phone app and no browser extension. |
| Ease of use | B | It works without installing software, which keeps setup short. No store rating on record. |
| Platforms and integrations | C | Windows, Mac, Linux and Chromebook, computers only. No phone app or extension on the pages read. |
An A is worth 4 points, a B 3, a C 2, a D 1 and an F nothing. The GPA is the average of the five.
Who OnlyKey is for
- Fits if you want a hardware key and password storage in one device
- Works for people who want no software and a one-time purchase
Who it is not for
- Skip it if you lose things: without a backup key your passwords are gone, hence the two-pack
- Not for you if you want sync or a phone app, as none is listed
- Watch out: shipping is extra, and prices show in local currency
- Tight if you want browser autofill, as no extension is listed
Good to know
Good for
- People who want a password manager that works without installed software
- Users who want a hardware security key and password storage in one device
- Those who prefer a one-time device purchase to a subscription
Worth knowing
- It is a physical device: losing it without a backup means relying on a second key, which is why a two-pack is sold.
- Store prices are shown in the visitor's local currency; the dollar figures were read from the US version of the pages.
- No sync service, mobile app or browser extension is listed on the product pages.
- Shipping is extra and calculated at checkout; the vendor also points US buyers to Amazon.
Part 02 · Pricing
What it costs
Every plan, the free plan, ways to pay less and how prices have moved
$65.99 one-time
To start
OnlyKey is a paid product, starting at $65.99 one-time (single device).
A physical device with no free plan and no trial.
OnlyKey
$65.99
one-time
One device. Shown on the product page at $65.99 against a crossed-out $69.99, with no end date given.
OnlyKey DUO
$65.99
one-time
One device with both USB-A and USB-C connectors; also supports SSH and OpenPGP.
Two OnlyKey bundle
$99.99
one-time
Two devices, sold so that you have a backup.
Read from onlykey.io on Nov 13, 2026.
Part 03 · Features
What it does
Its main features, where it runs, what it works with and who makes it
3
Places it runs: macOS, Windows and Linux
USB hardware password manager and two-factor security key. Here is what it does, as its own site describes it, and what it covers: open source, one-time purchase, password manager.
No sync, no phone app and no browser extension.
- Hardware password manager
- Plugged into a computer, it types the username and password at the press of a button, so credentials need no browser extension or app.
- PIN entered on the device
- The unlock PIN is typed on the key itself, and the vendor says all data is securely erased after 10 failed attempts.
- Two-factor authentication
- Supports FIDO2 and U2F, Yubico OTP, TOTP and challenge-response methods.
- Encryption and SSH
- Acts as a file and message encryption token; the DUO model is listed for SSH and OpenPGP use as well.
- Rugged build
- The vendor lists a waterproof, tamper-resistant case rated IP68 and MIL-STD-810G.
- Works on several operating systems
- The vendor lists Windows, macOS, Linux and Chromebook support.
Where it runs
- macOS
- Windows
- Linux
What it works with
- Windows
- macOS
- Linux
- Chromebook
OnlyKey is made by OnlyKey.
Part 04 · Standing
Where it stands
Its grades against its category, and whether to keep it or make your own
2/49
Other password managers it is graded above
OnlyKey's GPA of 2.0 is higher than 2 of the 49 other password managers we grade, and level with 6.
It stands best on ease of use (B, above 31 of 49) and worst on free plan and trial (F, above 0).
Each grade against the category
Every bar is all 50 password managers we grade, cut by the letter each got. OnlyKey’s own letter is outlined.
- BValue for moneyAbove 24 of 49
- FFree plan and trialAbove 0 of 49
- CFeaturesAbove 0 of 49
- BEase of useAbove 31 of 49
- CPlatforms and integrationsAbove 0 of 49
Keep it, or make your own?
Whether this is something you could build for yourself with an AI app builder, and what you would give up.
Keep it
To replace OnlyKey you would be making a password vault, the last thing anyone should make for themselves. That is not a weekend's work, with an AI app builder or without one.
That makes this kind of software worth paying for, not this one in particular: 41 of the 49 other password managers grade higher. It costs $65.99, paid once. OnlyKey is open source, so there is a third way: take its code and run it yourself.
What you could not
- A password vault, the last thing anyone should make for themselves.
- Apps for macOS, Windows and Linux that stay in step with each other.
What this rests on. OnlyKey’s listing: what it does, where it runs, what it plugs into and what it costs. It is a judgement about the kind of software this is. We have not built a replacement for it, and making your own means looking after it too. How we decide, and every tool’s verdict.
Part 05 · Alternatives
The alternatives
The tools it is most often weighed against, side by side
Mooltipass, KeePassXC, Bitwarden, Passbolt and 1Password
The 5 tools OnlyKey is most often weighed against, with where each one differs from it.
- 1.4GPA
Mooltipass
From $160.00 one-time
Open-source hardware device that stores and types your passwords.
- Only Mooltipass lists a browser extension.
- Mooltipass also covers passkeys.
- 2.8GPA
KeePassXC
Free
Free, open-source offline password manager for desktop.
- KeePassXC has a free plan. OnlyKey does not.
- Only KeePassXC lists a browser extension.
- OnlyKey can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- 3.8GPA
Bitwarden
Free plan · from $1.65/mo
Open-source password manager with a free plan and self-hosting.
- Bitwarden has a free plan. OnlyKey does not.
- Only Bitwarden lists a web app.
- Only Bitwarden lists iOS and Android apps.
- 2.2GPA
Passbolt
Free plan · from $4.90/mo
Open-source password manager for teams, self-hosted or cloud.
- Passbolt has a free plan. OnlyKey does not.
- Only OnlyKey lists macOS and Linux apps.
- Only Passbolt lists a web app.
- 2.8GPA
1Password
Free trial · from $3.99/mo
Password manager for individuals, families and businesses.
- Only 1Password lists iOS and Android apps.
- Only 1Password lists a browser extension.
- OnlyKey is open source, according to its own site.
Part 06 · Questions
Quick answers
The questions people ask about it, each answered in a line or two
11
Questions, each answered in a line or two
The short version of everything above, for when you only need the answer. Each one is told in full in its part of the guide.
Is OnlyKey free?
No. OnlyKey is a paid product, starting at $65.99 one-time (single device).
How much does OnlyKey cost?
OnlyKey lists 3 plans. OnlyKey: $65.99 one-time.
What platforms does OnlyKey work on?
OnlyKey is available on macOS, Windows and Linux.
Does OnlyKey have an Android app?
No Android app was listed when its pages were read on Nov 13, 2026. OnlyKey is listed for macOS, Windows and Linux.
Does OnlyKey have an iPhone app?
No iPhone app was listed when its pages were read on Nov 13, 2026. OnlyKey is listed for macOS, Windows and Linux.
Is OnlyKey open source?
Yes. OnlyKey is open source, according to its own site.
What does OnlyKey integrate with?
OnlyKey's listing names Windows, macOS, Linux and Chromebook. A listing names up to eight integrations, so it may connect to more.
Who makes OnlyKey?
OnlyKey is made by a company of the same name.
What are the alternatives to OnlyKey?
The closest alternatives to OnlyKey in our directory are Mooltipass, KeePassXC, Bitwarden, Passbolt and 1Password.
How does OnlyKey compare with other password managers?
OnlyKey's GPA of 2.0 is higher than 2 of the 49 other password managers we grade, and level with 6.
Could I make my own version of OnlyKey?
To replace OnlyKey you would be making a password vault, the last thing anyone should make for themselves.
Where this guide comes from
The prices, plans, platforms and features were read from OnlyKey’s own pages on Nov 13, 2026, and the grades were given on Nov 13, 2026. Graded from this listing, whose facts were read from OnlyKey's own pages on 13 November 2026. Not based on using the product, and shorter than our full reviews.
Every tool we list gets five grades, A to F, each with its reason, and a GPA that averages them. How each is decided is at toolgpa.com/grades. This guide is ToolGPA’s own work; it is not made, paid for or approved by OnlyKey. Prices change, so check onlykey.io before you buy.
Part 07 · About
About ToolGPA
Who made this guide, what else is on the site, and how to cite it
7,721
Tools graded, in 95 categories
ToolGPA grades software the way a school report grades a pupil: five subjects, a letter for each with the reason written beside it, and a GPA that averages them. Prices, plans and platforms are read from each maker’s own pages and dated, so you always know how fresh a figure is.
Every grade, review and ranking on ToolGPA is our own judgement. No company can pay for a grade or change one. Every tool on the site has a guide like this one, free to download and pass on. It all lives at toolgpa.com.
7,721
tools graded
95
categories
739
price changes on record
579
apps priced in 12 countries
What else is on toolgpa.com
- OnlyKey, kept up to dateEverything in this guide, with prices and grades as they are todaytoolgpa.com/tools/onlykey
- How grades are givenThe rules behind every letter and every GPAtoolgpa.com/grades
- Value chartsWhat each tool costs against what it scores, for every categorytoolgpa.com/charts
- CompareAny two tools side by side, plan by plantoolgpa.com/compare
- Price changesEvery price rise and cut on record, each with its sourcetoolgpa.com/price-changes
- Prices by countryWhat apps cost on the App Store in 12 countriestoolgpa.com/prices-by-country
- Pay lessEvery public discount: yearly billing, students, nonprofitstoolgpa.com/save
- Keep or makeWhich tools are worth paying for, and which you could build yourselftoolgpa.com/keep-or-make
Scan for the live page
Prices and grades as they are today
Quoting this guide?
Please name ToolGPA and link to the live page, so readers can check the figures for themselves:
ToolGPA, "OnlyKey: The Insider's Guide", checked Nov 13, 2026. https://toolgpa.com/tools/onlykey
Know someone choosing between password managers?
Send them this guide: toolgpa.com/tools/onlykey/guide
ToolGPA elsewhere: youtube.com/@toolgpa
See our other guides
The best-graded password managers after OnlyKey, each with an Insider's Guide of its own.
- Password Managers Insider's GuideEvery one of the 51 password managers we grade, compared
- Bitwarden Insider's GuideOpen-source password manager with a free plan and self-hosting3.8 GPA
- Apple Passwords Insider's GuideApple's free password and passkey app for iPhone, iPad and Mac3.4 GPA
- RoboForm Insider's GuidePassword manager and form filler with a single-device free plan3.4 GPA
Choosing software? Every tool graded, every price dated.
Compare tools at toolgpa.com ›Everything in this guide is ToolGPA’s own summary of what OnlyKey’s pages, its app-store listings and public reviews said on the dates shown. Grades are our judgement under the rules at toolgpa.com/grades. Every grade, review and ranking on ToolGPA is our own judgement. No company can pay for a grade or change one. OnlyKey is a trademark of its owner, and this guide is not made, paid for or approved by OnlyKey. Prices and plans change: check onlykey.io before you buy.