Kensington VeriMark NFC+ USB-C Security Key Review: Strong Protection at a Premium Price

Kensington VeriMark NFC+ USB-C Security Key Review: Strong Protection at a Premium Price | PCMag

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4.0 Excellent this.$refs.template.innerHTML, onCreate: (instance) => this.tippyInstance = instance, onShow: (instance) => { this.escapeHandler = (e) => { if (e.key === 'Escape') instance.hide(); }; window.addEventListener('keydown', this.escapeHandler); }, onHide: (instance) => { if (this.escapeHandler) { window.removeEventListener('keydown', this.escapeHandler); this.escapeHandler = null; } }, onMount: (instance) => { const closeBtn = instance.popper.querySelector('[data-tooltip-close]'); if (closeBtn) closeBtn.addEventListener('click', () => instance.hide()); }, }; }, }">   What Our Ratings Mean 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies. The Bottom Line The Kensington VeriMark NFC+ USB-C Security Key is expensive, but if you're looking for a security key that requires zero setup or additional downloads, it may be right for you. MSRP $54.99 $66.62 $66 at Amazon PCMag editors select and review products independently. If you buy through affiliate links, we may earn commissions, which help support our testing.

Pros & Cons Excellent build quality NFC capability USB-A or USB-C compatibility Stores passkeys Expensive Limited authentication protocols Kensington VeriMark NFC+ USB-C Security Key Specs Name Value tr:nth-of-type(n+6)]:hidden" :class="{ '[&>tr:nth-of-type(n+6)]:!table-row': open }"> Biometrics Authentication Specifications FIDO2, Smart Card Connector USB-C, USB-A Wireless Specification NFC

Sure, you can store all of your passkeys within a password manager. But maybe it's time to consider using hardware security keys like the Kensington VeriMark NFC+ USB-C Security Key ($54.99, as tested) to store your most important credentials and authenticate your identity for all of your accounts. While it's not the least expensive key we've tested, the Kensington VeriMark NFC+ USB-C Security Key offers phishing-resistant protection and works with every device you own. That said, Yubico's $29 Security Key C NFC remains our Editors' Choice winner in the category because it provides similar capabilities at a much lower price. An Introduction to Kensington's VeriMark NFC+ Security KeysKensington's VeriMark NFC+ line is available with an unshielded USB-A connector, which retails for $49.99, and a USB-C connector, which costs $54.99. This review focuses on the USB-C model. (Credit: Kim Key/PCMag) The USB-A and USB-C model designs are fairly different, as the USB-A is wider and flatter than the USB-C key. Both have gold sensors in the center of the key, and are rated IP68, so they're dustproof and can survive brief water immersion. Features: No Additional Apps Required, Platform Diversity, Passkey StorageKensington VeriMark NFC+ USB-C Security Key supports FIDO CTAP 2.1 and FIDO CTAP2 authentication standards. It also requires a tap via USB-C or NFC, making it incredibly difficult for anyone to get into your accounts without physical access to the key. The keys also support passkey storage, Apple ID logins, U2F, and smart card authentication (PIV).You won't need to install any drivers or software to use the key, either. The VeriMark keys will work with just about every device or platform you use, from ChromeOS to Windows. If you want to log in to your computers without your hardware security key, you can download the VeriMark Companion app to sign in with your phone. Similar Products

Our Current Picks for The Best Hardware Security Keys for 2026 Yubico Security Key C NFC