Tuya VS TTlock: What’s the Difference?

Tuya Locks and TTlock are both well-known lock brands, but do you know the difference between them? In today’s guide, we will discuss in detail the differences between Tuya Locks and TT Locks. Read on to learn more.

1. What is Tuya

Tuya Smart is a Chinese artificial intelligence and Internet of Things (IoT) platform-as-a-service provider, and Tuya Smart serves the world. It connects all households through the Internet to realize intelligent life. Tuya Lock is a small branch of Tuya Smart. Its purpose is to allow you to unlock the door with your mobile phone, and even control other homes at the same time. Tuya also includes other smart solutions such as smart lighting, security systems, and other appliances. At present, Tuya has provided intelligent solutions for many famous manufacturers, including Philips, Schneider Electric, Lenovo, and so on.

2. What is TTlock

TTlock is the preferred supplier of global smart lock solutions. It not only provides smart lock solutions but also provides a full range of smart lock motherboards and software products. The software includes a mobile APP, computer web page, Windows client, etc., to meet the needs of various usage scenarios. It can customize different solutions for you according to different scenarios. For example, apartments and hotels, smart communities, conference rooms and smart homes, etc.

3. Tuya VS TTlock

Let’s compare Tuya and TTlock from different aspects.

1) Establishment background

First, let’s look at the background of how these two companies were founded.

#1. The background of the establishment of Tuya company

Tuya was established in China in 2014 and is headquartered in Hangzhou, China. It can be said to be the world’s first IoT cloud development platform and has a significant first-mover advantage in the global IoT PaaS field. Tuya mainly provides IoT solutions for manufacturers, it provides no-code development, device management, low-code development, firmware updates, and more solutions. Serving industries such as smart hotels, smart residences, commercial lighting, and smart buildings.

#2. The background of the establishment of TTlock

TTlock was established in 2012 and is headquartered in Hangzhou, China. TTLock is a company focusing on smart lock solutions, including the research development and transformation of smart locks. It continues to incorporate new innovations into smart locks, including features such as keyless entry, remote access control, and advanced security options. The product portfolio includes smart padlocks, fingerprint locks, keypad locks, and card door locks, among others.

2) Scope of services

Then, Tuya and TTlock have different service scopes and research and development focus.

#1. Tuya’s service scope

The main service scope and focus of Tuya Company is to create a set of intelligent homes for customers, so as to make customers’ lives more intelligent.

• Docking with the global IoT ecosystem: Tuya can easily connect with other smart systems, such as Alexa, Google Assistant, etc. Control your home with one touch by connecting with these smart systems.
• Develop smart products according to your needs: You can choose the product development path you like, and develop customized functions on the basis of signing a contract with Tuya.
• Develop currency-enabled apps: Create multi-platform apps using a wide range of mobile development methodologies, including homegrown apps, highly customizable OEM apps, custom user interface development, and smart applets.
• Development of IoT SaaS: Open, efficient, and professional IoT cloud API and development platform, supporting multi-project, multi-tenant, flexible configuration and management.

In short, Tuya’s service scope covers the development and service of various IoT products. And actively cooperate with third parties to create an intelligent and automated living platform.

#2. TTlock’s service scope

Compared with Tuya, TTlock’s service scope is relatively simple. TTlock mainly focuses on the research development and transformation of smart locks, as well as providing suitable solutions for security systems in various industries.

• Provide a full range of smart lock motherboards: Provide a variety of smart lock motherboards to help traditional lock companies quickly upgrade and upgrade. In addition, the motherboard can also be customized according to your needs, no matter what the needs are.
• Software products: R&D and exploration of a series of software apps that are compatible with door locks, such as Tongtong Lock App, Haofang Butler, Tongtong Hotel App, and Tongtong Lock Cloud. Committed to allowing users to use smart locks quickly and easily.
• Supporting products: Provide a wealth of door lock hardware supporting facilities, making management and use more convenient.
• Industry-wide solutions: Provide solutions for security systems in various industries. Including hotel plans, Airbnb/apartment plans, public rental housing plans, school plans, etc.
• Localized service: Data is stored locally, making you safe and secure.
• Cooperation with lock companies: Cooperate with other lock brands, and the smart locks that use the main board of Sainao can all be controlled through the software program TTlock.

All in all, TTlock mainly focuses on the research and development of smart locks and the development of smart lock software.

3) Apps

Both Tuya and TTlock have their own apps, but there are differences between them.

#1. Tuya smart app

Tuya Smart is an application for controlling smart products, including your other smart home systems, such as smart plugs, smart switches, smart bulbs, robot vacuums, etc., through mobile devices such as smartphones or tablets. The TuyaSmart app is available for iOS and Android operating systems. Tuya uses Bluetooth to build an IoT platform that can integrate smart Bluetooth products.

Advantages of Tuya Smart APP

• Realize one-key control of multiple smart home systems.
• Use a smartphone or tablet to operate.
• Good compatibility, and it can be compatible with other smart home systems.
• Allow users to customize and create scenes by themselves, form different intelligent scenes, and enhance the user’s sense of experience.
• Easily share devices among family members.
• The device automatically starts/stops work based on temperature, location, and time.
• Free app.

Disadvantages of Tuya Smart APP

• Compared with TTLock, Tuya Smart’s smart lock has limited functions and is not professional enough.
• Certain devices still require an additional gateway device.
• Not all Tuya versions are compatible with Amazon Alexa, and Google Home.
• Certain reading sensors in gadgets can be a bit slow.

#2. TTlock app

The TTlock app is an app specially developed to control the TTlock smart lock, so compared to the Tuya smart app, its smart lock is very functional. The TTlock app also allows you to connect the door lock with the app through Bluetooth technology.

Advantages of the TTlock app

• Since the TTlock app focuses on the control of the smart lock, its professional ability is very strong.
• Download Everywhere, You can get downloads on iOS AppStore and Android Google Play, and it updates automatically to improve user experience.
• With the TTLock app, you can lock and unlock doors, grant temporary access to visitors, manage users, and view access logs.
• Compatible with all kinds of Bluetooth door locks, padlocks, safe locks, lock cylinders, parking locks, bicycle locks, and remote control locks. Enables you to manage multiple locks with one app. This is great for realtors, Airbnb, hotels, offices, car rentals, and gyms.
• Likewise, TTlock is also a free app.

Cons of the TTlock app

• Only supports the control of smart locks integrated with TTlock technology.
• It can only control TTlock smart door locks and cannot be integrated with other smart home systems.
• Compared with Tuya, fewer manufacturers use TTLock software to develop products.

4) Compatibility

Below is a compatibility comparison between the two.

#1. Tuya lock compatibility

• Third-party smart speaker integration: Tuya lock can be integrated with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant through Zigbee, Bluetooth gateway, and Wi-Fi. Let the user realize the voice control of the door lock.
• Video doorbell: Tuya smart lock can be easily integrated with a video doorbell and smart peephole, allowing you to screen and chat with visitors anywhere, and to answer the door.
• Built-in Clipper Chip: Financial-grade secure communication protocol. One-time pad (OTP) encryption prevents replay attacks. One-click and OTP authentication per device provides reliable data security. A unified and standardized security API makes development easier.

#2. Compatibility of TTlock

Compared with Tuya locks, TTlocks are less compatible. It is only compatible with the system that its application matches, so the compatibility is not strong. And it’s only compatible with smart locks, not other smart home systems.

5) Install

There are also differences in the installation of Tuya locks and TTlocks.

#1. Tuya lock installation

As we mentioned above, Tuya is a Chinese AI and Internet of Things (IoT) platform-as-a-service provider. It does not mainly develop smart locks but develops various types of smart locks through the platform of Tuya Smart. So the installation of each smart lock will vary from different manufacturers. After the installation is complete, you can connect the door lock to the Tuya smart app to realize remote control of the door lock.

#2. TTlock installation

When you purchase TTlock, you will get an instruction manual. You can install TTlock yourself according to the instruction manual or hire a professional installer. After the installation is complete, you can connect the door lock to the TTlock app to set it up.

6) Cost

The difference between Tuya lock and TTlock is also reflected in the cost.

#1. The cost of Tuya locks

We all know that product price = actual production cost + middleman management and operating profit + terminal business sales profit. Therefore, the specific cost of a smart lock is determined by many factors. Since the Tuya smart lock is compatible with various other smart home systems, it provides users with a better experience. Therefore, the repair and maintenance of the door lock system in the later period will be more complicated, so the corresponding cost of the Tuya lock will also increase.

#2. The cost of TTlock

Since TTlock has different types of door locks, each door lock has different functions and materials, so the cost will vary due to these factors. In addition, choosing to DIY or hire professional installers during installation will also affect the cost. There is no doubt that the cost of hiring a professional to install will be higher.

4. Tuya and TTlock, which one should I choose?

The above is the difference between Tuya and TTlock that we have summarized for you. So, knowing the differences, which one should you choose? Please consider the following factors:

• Compatibility: Consider whether you want a highly or poorly compatible door lock before purchasing. If you want to control all the smart homes in your home with one device control, then we recommend you choose Tuya lock. Because it supports integration with various ecosystems, such as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, etc. And TTlock has poor compatibility, so it is not your ideal choice.
• Professionalism: If you value the functions of smart locks, please consider TTlock. Because TTlock is a company specializing in the development of smart locks, it is more professional than Tuya locks.
• Budget: If your budget is sufficient, you can consider the mid-to-high-priced TTlock. If your budget is tight, consider Tuya locks in a wider price range.

5. Frequently asked questions

Below are answers to frequently asked questions about Tuya and TTlock.

1) Are Tuya Smart APP and Tuya Smart Life APP the same?

Not the same, The Tuya Smart APP is the basic version of the Tuya Smart Life APP, and the Tuya Smart Life APP is a rich version of the Tuya Smart APP. They are two separate applications. They have certain similarities, but also differences.

Similarities:

• It can be controlled by voice through Alexa and Google Home.
• Control multiple devices with one app.
• Devices can be controlled from anywhere.

the difference:

• The interface of the Tuya Smart Life APP is more concise, which can better control the device.
• Tuya Smart Life APP supports IFTTT to make your life easier.
• Compared with the Tuya Smart App, the Tuya Smart Life APP has enhanced performance.

If you want the latest smart home features, the Tuya Smart Life app is the clear winner as it supports IFTTT.

2) The difference between ZigBee and Wi-Fi Tuya

There are many differences between Wi-Fi Doodle Lock and ZigBee technology. ZigBee technology is generally more secure than Wi-Fi. There are specific differences in the following aspects.

Cost: ZigBee devices cost more than Wi-Fi devices. However, the high cost of these devices makes them more popular than low-cost WiFi systems because ZigBee devices are more reliable and provide better connectivity.

Power Consumption: ZigBee consumes less power than Wi-Fi. Tuya Smart uses Wi-Fi for connection between devices, while ZigBee uses Wi-Fi for wireless communication.

Security: Through the Tuya smart platform, you can control multiple sub-devices at the same time without a network connection. Data transmissions from these smart devices are encrypted and are Wi-Fi and ZigBee compatible. Therefore, it is very suitable for users who pay attention to security.

Connection range: Although both ZigBee and Wi-Fi are wireless, they have different limitations. Zigbee devices have limited range and cannot be used as repeaters. Wi-Fi devices need to be connected to a wireless router first. However, Wi-Fi equipment can be installed in other rooms. Using long-range ZigBee and Wi-Fi networks, you can connect multiple devices to your home.

3) How to connect Tuya smart devices to SmartThings?

Here are the step-by-step instructions for connecting a Tuya-powered device to SmartThings:

1. Add a device: In the app, make sure there is at least one SmartThings-enabled device in the device list.
2. Change the device name: In the app, change the device name to something SmartThings can easily recognize, for example: a living room light or bedroom light.
3. Sign in to SmartThings: Open the SmartThings app and sign in to your account.
4. Add a SmartThings skill: In the SmartThings app, tap the add button “+” in the upper right corner, then select “Devices”. Find “XXX Smart” under “By Brand” and click on any device category to proceed. Click “Next” and enter your “XXX Smart” account and password on the authorization page to complete the setup.
5. Control your device: You can now control your device through the SmartThings app, including voice control of your connected devices. Say, “Hey Siri, turn on the lights”.

6. Conclusion

This guide summarizes the differences between Tuya and TTlock from six aspects and gives some suggestions on how to choose these two locks. Although Tuya and TTlock are different in essence, they are both good smart lock brands. We hope this article has helped you learn more about them. If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact iLockey.