Difference to Multi-Signatures
TSS vs Multi-Sig explained. Why threshold signatures are superior: no private key reconstruction, chain-agnostic, lower fees, better privacy.
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.
Visualization: Threshold Signatures
Visualization: Multi-Signatures
Comparison
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
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.
Conclusion
Flexibility and security advantages make TSS the superior approach for managing digital assets compared to traditional multi-signature schemes.
Related
Last updated
Was this helpful?