Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

YubiKey VS Steam Desktop Authenticator

Compare YubiKey VS Steam Desktop Authenticator and see what are their differences

YubiKey logo YubiKey

The YubiKey is a one-time password device for secure login with two-factor authentication

Steam Desktop Authenticator logo Steam Desktop Authenticator

A desktop implementation of Steam's mobile authenticator app.
  • YubiKey Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-10-14
  • Steam Desktop Authenticator Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-10-22

YubiKey features and specs

  • Enhanced Security
    YubiKey provides an extra layer of security through two-factor authentication, which significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access.
  • Phishing Protection
    It protects against phishing attempts because authentication requires physical possession of the device, making it difficult for attackers to steal credentials just via online manipulation.
  • Ease of Use
    The YubiKey is easy to use, requiring simple insertion into a USB port or a tap via NFC to authenticate, which simplifies the process compared to traditional methods.
  • Compatibility
    YubiKeys are compatible with a wide range of services and platforms, including Google, Microsoft, and many others, which makes them versatile across different ecosystems.
  • Durability
    Built to be durable and waterproof, a YubiKey can withstand daily wear and tear, making it a long-lasting security solution.

Possible disadvantages of YubiKey

  • Cost
    YubiKeys can be expensive compared to software-based authentication solutions, potentially making them less accessible for some users.
  • Reliance on Physical Device
    Since authentication depends on the physical key, losing it or having it fail could lock users out of their accounts, which necessitates a backup plan.
  • Initial Setup Complexity
    Setting up and configuring a YubiKey can be initially complex, especially for non-technical users, poses a barrier to adoption.
  • Limited Recovery Options
    In the event of losing the YubiKey, recovering access to accounts can be challenging without pre-established backup authentication methods.
  • Compatibility Limitations
    Although compatible with many services, there can still be limitations with certain applications or systems that do not support hardware keys, requiring alternate methods.

Steam Desktop Authenticator features and specs

  • Convenience
    Allows users to generate Steam Guard codes directly on their PC without needing a smartphone.
  • Offline Access
    Being a desktop application, it provides the ability to access the authenticator even when offline, provided the computer is accessible.
  • Open Source
    The application is open-source, allowing users to review the code, contribute, or modify it to suit their needs.
  • Multiple Account Support
    Enables the management of multiple Steam accounts from a single application instance.

Possible disadvantages of Steam Desktop Authenticator

  • Security Risks
    As a third-party tool, it involves security risks that may not be present in the official Steam mobile app, putting accounts at risk if not used carefully.
  • Complex Setup
    The installation and setup process may be complex for less tech-savvy users, requiring a basic understanding of GitHub and file management.
  • No Official Support
    Lacks official support from Steam, meaning users must rely on community assistance for troubleshooting and updates.
  • Potential Bugs
    Being a community-driven project, it may contain bugs and require careful monitoring by users for updates or fixes.

YubiKey videos

Yubico Yubikey 5 - Setup, Demo and Full Review

More videos:

  • Tutorial - [Explained] Yubikey 5.0 - How to use a Yubikey & LastPass to Secure all your online Accounts!
  • Review - Yubikey 2FA hardware key Review
  • Tutorial - You Should Be Using Yubikeys!

Steam Desktop Authenticator videos

How to get and use Steam Desktop Authenticator

More videos:

  • Review - Установка SDA (Steam Desktop Authenticator), привязка аккаунта и гайд по программе (.maFile)

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to YubiKey and Steam Desktop Authenticator)
Identity And Access Management
Two Factor Authentication
Authentication
76 76%
24% 24
Security & Privacy
84 84%
16% 16

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare YubiKey and Steam Desktop Authenticator

YubiKey Reviews

Top 6 Google Authenticator Alternatives in 2023
Yubico Security Key: Best for a physical security keyYubico security keys are available in different models and configurations, each with varying prices. The pricing depends on factors such as the model, connectivity (USB-A, USB-C, NFC, etc.), and features of the 2FA aupport FIDO2 and U2F support Multi-protocol support Physical security

Steam Desktop Authenticator Reviews

We have no reviews of Steam Desktop Authenticator yet.
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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, YubiKey should be more popular than Steam Desktop Authenticator. It has been mentiond 10 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

YubiKey mentions (10)

  • Regarding Yubikey
    People refer to blue keys as 'old' but yubico.com is clear...Security Key Series has been updated to black in 2023 with the same features as the Security Key Series in blue. Blue keys only available through partner sites. Source: about 2 years ago
  • Can't log in on mobile – Yubikey 5C NFC
    Sorry if this has been asked a lot already - I've tried searching yubico.com and this subreddit, but I haven't found a fix for it. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Why passkeys from Apple, Google, Microsoft may soon replace your passwords
    And this is what passkeys fix. So instead you get your parents a set of yubi-keys for their access to 1-pass. * Whenever they are using a known machine (their laptop, phone, etc.) an biometric+device security is used, that's your 2FA. * When in rare machines, or doing things that are probably not ideal (like trying to load and read account information stored in the password manager) they'd have to pull up... Source: over 2 years ago
  • First Yubikey lasted almost 10 years, here’s hoping for another 10!
    You know how sites ask you to use 2FA by texting you a code and having you put it in? It lets you do that by pressing the gold button on the front. It's better than using phone multifactor authentication, because it's possible for hackers to either trick you into giving them 2FA codes (There's a video on the front page of yubico.com right now explaining how that can happen), or to manipulate your phone carrier... Source: over 2 years ago
  • Google Authenticator
    Not a solution to your exact problem, but since you're already in this pickle, I recommend getting a couple security keys (Yubikeys directly from yubico.com). You can then use Yubico's authentication app + security key which works with any service requiring an authetication app (including CDC - this is what I use). It's much easier to restore and a lot more secure. Source: over 2 years ago
View more

Steam Desktop Authenticator mentions (1)

  • Tf2 trades always fail?
    If you have more control over your desktop, maybe you can check out the Desktop implementation of Steam Authenticator? https://github.com/jessecar96/steamdesktopauthenticator. Source: over 2 years ago

What are some alternatives?

When comparing YubiKey and Steam Desktop Authenticator, you can also consider the following products

Microsoft Authenticator - One app to quickly and securely verify your identity online, for all of your accounts.

Google Authenticator - Google Authenticator is a multifactor app for mobile devices.

Authy - Best rated Two-Factor Authentication smartphone app for consumers, simplest 2fa Rest API for developers and a strong authentication platform for the enterprise.

LastPass Authenticator - LastPass is an online password manager and form filler that makes web browsing easier and more secure.

SoloKeys - Secure login made open and easy 🔒

Myki Authenticator - Login to any account on any device with your fingerprint