# Difference to Multi-Signatures

The main difference between Threshold Signature Schemes (TSS) and Multi-Signatures (MS) lies in their approach to generating signatures. In TSS, the signature is created by combining vault shares using Zero-Knowledge Proofs—no single private key is ever constructed. In contrast, MS involves multiple private keys, each contributing to the final signature.

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## Visualization: Threshold Signatures

<div align="center"><figure><picture><source srcset="/files/SpCVG9FDIpiA0S05y6w4" media="(prefers-color-scheme: dark)"><img src="/files/juFozoMBXF1z3sUGdN0h" alt="" width="375"></picture><figcaption><p><strong>Threshold Signatures</strong></p></figcaption></figure></div>

## Visualization: Multi-Signatures

<figure><picture><source srcset="/files/3RW4T26lVXcTcx5XY73u" media="(prefers-color-scheme: dark)"><img src="/files/I2LHBIcb0359Hrz2bN1e" alt="" width="375"></picture><figcaption><p><strong>Multi-Signatures</strong></p></figcaption></figure>

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## Comparison

| Factor                  | Threshold Signature Scheme                            | Multi-Signature                       |
| ----------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------- |
| **Private Key Storage** | No private key constructed; uses vault shares and ZKP | Multiple private keys held by parties |
| **On-Chain Footprint**  | Single signature on-chain                             | Multiple signatures visible on-chain  |
| **Redundancy**          | High; lost shares can be re-shared                    | Low; lost keys require fund migration |
| **Compatibility**       | Multi-chain: ECDSA and EdDSA                          | Single chain support                  |
| **Flexibility**         | Adjustable thresholds, replaceable devices            | Fixed once created                    |
| **Adding Participants** | Supported                                             | Not supported                         |

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## Key Advantages of TSS

### No Key Reconstruction

In TSS, the private key never exists in one place. Multi-sig requires each signer to hold a complete private key, creating multiple single points of failure.

### Chain Agnostic

TSS works identically across all blockchains that support standard signatures. Multi-sig implementations vary by chain and often aren't available.

### Lower Fees

TSS produces a single signature regardless of threshold. Multi-sig requires multiple on-chain signatures, increasing transaction fees.

### Better Privacy

TSS transactions appear identical to normal single-signature transactions. Multi-sig transactions expose the signing structure on-chain.

### Flexibility

TSS allows resharing to add/remove devices without changing addresses. Multi-sig typically requires fund migration for any configuration change.

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## Conclusion

Flexibility and security advantages make TSS the superior approach for managing digital assets compared to traditional multi-signature schemes.

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## Related

* [How DKLS23 Works](/security-and-technology/how-dkls23-works.md)
* [TSS Actions](/security-and-technology/tss-actions.md)


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