Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), also known as Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) in broader terms, adds an extra layer of security to traditional passwords by requiring a second form of verification, such as a time-based code from an authenticator app, SMS, or hardware token. This helps protect against unauthorized access even if a password is compromised.
Passkeys, based on the FIDO Alliance standards, represent a passwordless authentication method using public-key cryptography. They generate a unique key pair for each account: a public key stored on the service’s server and a private key securely held on the user’s device (e.g., phone, laptop, or password manager). Authentication involves the device signing a challenge from the server, often verified via biometrics like fingerprint or face scan, or a device PIN. This eliminates the need for passwords entirely while incorporating inherent multi-factor elements (something you have: the device; something you are/know: biometric or PIN).
Security Comparison: Why Passkeys Are Generally More Secure
In 2025, passkeys are widely regarded as more secure than traditional password + 2FA setups for several reasons, based on real-world data and expert analyses:
• Phishing Resistance: Passkeys are inherently phishing-proof because the private key never leaves the user’s device and is bound to the specific website or app. Unlike 2FA, where attackers can intercept codes via man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks, SIM swapping, or phishing sites that prompt for OTPs, passkeys use cryptographic challenges that can’t be replayed or stolen remotely. This addresses a major vulnerability in 2FA, where even strong passwords can fall to social engineering.
• Elimination of Shared Secrets and Breaches: Passwords and 2FA codes are “shared secrets” that can be exposed in data breaches or guessed through brute-force attacks. Passkeys avoid this by not transmitting or storing reusable credentials on servers, making stolen data far less valuable to hackers. Asymmetric encryption makes brute-forcing the private key computationally infeasible, offering stronger protection than password hashing combined with 2FA.
• Built-in Multi-Factor Strength: Passkeys perform seamless MFA without extra steps, combining device possession with biometric or PIN verification. This outperforms traditional 2FA, which often relies on less secure methods like SMS (vulnerable to interception) and adds user friction that can lead to errors or bypassed security.
• Real-World Performance Advantages: Data from 2025 shows passkeys achieving 30% higher sign-in success rates and being ~20% faster than passwords, with Amazon reporting six times faster logins compared to password flows. This reduces support tickets and incidents related to forgotten passwords or failed 2FA attempts, indirectly boosting security by minimizing fallback to weaker methods.
However, 2FA remains effective for legacy systems and can be layered with passkeys in hybrid setups, where passkeys serve as a phishing-resistant second factor.
Potential Drawbacks and Vulnerabilities
While passkeys edge out 2FA in security, they aren’t flawless:
• Device Dependency: If a device is lost, stolen, or inaccessible (e.g., switching phones or using a public kiosk), users may face lockouts, sometimes requiring fallback to email or SMS recovery—which reintroduces phishing risks similar to 2FA weaknesses. Theft of a device could expose passkeys, though this is mitigated by device-level security like PINs or biometrics.
• Adoption and Ecosystem Challenges: Not all services fully support passkeys yet, and portability between devices or managers can be inconsistent, though standards like FIDO’s Credential Exchange are improving. In contrast, 2FA is more universally available but prone to user fatigue.
• Other Threats: Malware could steal browser cookies to bypass sessions, a risk not unique to passkeys but one that requires additional safeguards like shorter session durations.
Adoption and Trends in 2025
By 2025, passkeys have seen massive growth: The FIDO Alliance reports over 15 billion accounts supporting them, with Google logging 2.5 billion passkey sign-ins across 800 million accounts and Amazon enabling them for 175 million customers. Enterprise adoption is at ~87%, and consumer awareness is 74-75%. Companies like Microsoft are making new accounts passwordless by default, signaling a shift away from password + 2FA. Password managers such as Bitwarden and Dashlane report 400-550% growth in passkey usage.
Conclusion: Passkeys Are More Secure Overall in 2025
Passkeys provide superior security to 2FA in most scenarios due to their resistance to phishing, breaches, and user errors, while offering a better experience. They represent the future of authentication, though 2FA remains a solid option for unsupported services or as a hybrid layer. For optimal security, transitioning to passkeys—especially with a reputable password manager—is recommended, but always enable recovery options and device protections.