Run my own node
Bitcoin's value comes from rules that no one can change: 21 million cap, predictable issuance, no counterfeits, no reversals. But here is the thing. You only know those rules are being followed if you verify them yourself. When you use someone else's node to check your balance or broadcast a transaction, you are trusting them to tell you the truth. That trust is exactly what Bitcoin was built to eliminate.
Running your own node means downloading and validating every transaction and block in Bitcoin's history. Your hardware checks that no one is lying. Not miners, not exchanges, not governments. If someone tried to change the rules, your node would reject it. That is not theoretical. That is the mechanism that keeps Bitcoin decentralized: thousands of nodes enforcing identical rules, independently.
There is a privacy benefit too. When you connect your wallet to someone else's server, they can see your addresses, your balances, and your transaction patterns. Your own node keeps that information on your own hardware. Pair it with Tor and you route all of that traffic privately. The platforms on this page, Umbrel, Start9, and MyNode, turn what used to be a command-line project into a plug-and-play setup with app ecosystems.
Select two platforms below and tap Compare to see how they differ on open-source commitment, Tor support, app selection, and hardware flexibility.
Frequently asked questions
Why should I run my own bitcoin node?
Because trusting someone else's node means trusting someone else to tell you the truth about your money. When you query a third-party server for your balance or broadcast through their infrastructure, they see your addresses, your activity, and they control what you see. Running your own node removes that dependency. You verify every block against Bitcoin's consensus rules. No one can lie to you about the state of the network. A user who verifies is a user who cannot be misled.
How much does it cost to run a bitcoin node?
The software is free or nearly free. Umbrel and Start9 are free to install on your own hardware. MyNode has a free community edition and a paid premium tier. The main cost is the hardware itself. A Raspberry Pi or mini PC runs $100 to $300, plus a 1TB SSD for another $50 to $100. Electricity is a few dollars per month. For less than the cost of a single year of most subscription services, you get independent verification of every bitcoin transaction ever made. That is a remarkable deal.
What hardware do I need to run a bitcoin node?
At minimum: a computer with 4GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD. The full Bitcoin blockchain is over 500GB and growing. A Raspberry Pi 4 or 5 is one of the most popular choices. Small, affordable, and quiet enough to sit in a closet permanently. Any old laptop, mini PC, or Intel NUC will also work. All three platforms on this page support both Raspberry Pi (ARM) and standard x86 hardware. The initial blockchain sync takes 2 to 7 days depending on your hardware and internet speed, then it runs in the background.
What's the difference between Umbrel, Start9, and MyNode?
Umbrel has the largest app marketplace and the most polished interface. It is the easiest starting point for most people. Start9 prioritizes sovereignty and privacy with built-in Tor routing and a fully open-source stack. No phoning home, no telemetry. MyNode is straightforward and reliable, focused on core Bitcoin and Lightning functionality without frills. The right choice depends on whether you prioritize polish, privacy, or simplicity. You can compare them above to see the trade-offs clearly.
Can I run a bitcoin node on a Raspberry Pi?
Yes, and it is one of the most common setups in the Bitcoin community. A Raspberry Pi 4 or 5 with 4 to 8GB of RAM and an external 1TB SSD is all you need. All three platforms, Umbrel, Start9, and MyNode, provide pre-built images you flash to a microSD card. Plug it in, connect to your network, and you are syncing. The initial sync takes a few days. After that, the node maintains itself and uses minimal bandwidth. Your $150 device verifies every single bitcoin transaction in history. That is the power of keeping the base layer small and accessible.