Progress pill
Becoming a sovereign bitcoiner

Overview of software solutions

Setting up your first Bitcoin node

Overview of software solutions

  • Raw Bitcoin node implementations
  • Node-in-a-box distributions
  • Umbrel (umbrelOS & Umbrel Home)
  • Start9 (StartOS)
  • MyNode
  • RaspiBlitz
  • RoninDojo
  • Nodl
On the software side, there are 2 main ways to run a Bitcoin node:
  • directly install a protocol implementation, such as Bitcoin Core (recommended), or Bitcoin Knots,
  • or use a turnkey distribution (often called "node-in-a-box") which integrates a Bitcoin implementation in the same way, but also includes an interface for system administration, an application store, and ready-to-use tools (Lightning, browsers, index servers, even self-hosting applications external to Bitcoin...).
Both approaches lead to the same goal: to have your own node, but they differ in terms of interface installation and use, maintenance, expandability, and cost. That's what we'll explore in this chapter.

Raw Bitcoin node implementations

Installing a raw implementation means directly using the software of a Bitcoin protocol implementation (such as Core), without any additional software layer. You manage the configuration, updates, and associated services (indexing, API, Lightning, backups, etc.) yourself, according to your needs.
This is the most sovereign and flexible approach: you know exactly what's running, where the data is, and how everything works. On the other hand, it becomes more complex as soon as you want to go beyond the simple operation of a Bitcoin node. If your aim is just to have a node, the complexity is comparable to that of a node-in-a-box, or even less, since it's simply a matter of installing software.

Bitcoin Core (dominant client)

Bitcoin Core is the network's ultra-majority client. It downloads, validates, and maintains the blockchain, provides RPC/REST APIs, and can integrate a wallet. If you prefer standard tools and feel comfortable adding services yourself (such as Electrum server, explorer, and LND), you're better off using Core as is.
Benefits: Maximum stability, predictable behavior, raw experience, easy to install and configure.
Disadvantages: You must manually build the rest of the stack to create a complete application environment, rather than just a Bitcoin node.
bitcoin-core-linux
Bitcoin Core (Linux)Running your own node with Bitcoin Core on Linux
bitcoin-core-mac-windows
Bitcoin Core (macOS & Windows)Install Bitcoin Core on Mac or Windows

Bitcoin Knots (main alternative client)

Bitcoin Knots is a Fork of Bitcoin Core, maintained by Luke Dashjr. It is the main alternative client to Core for implementing the Bitcoin protocol. Fully compatible with the rest of the network (it is by no means a Hard Fork like Bitcoin Cash), it nevertheless offers additional features, including relay policy options that are absent from Core, or applied more strictly by default to limit what some consider spam.
There are 2 possible reasons for choosing Knots over Core:
  • Techniques: Different options from Core, particularly in terms of relay management, by determining which transactions are accepted and broadcast by your node.
  • Policy: Some people prefer to use alternative clients such as Knots for non-technical reasons, notably to support an alternative to Core and thus reduce its monopoly. If Core were ever compromised, it would be useful not only to have solid, well-maintained alternative clients but also to know how to utilize them effectively. Others use Knots for protest purposes, because they have lost confidence in Core's developers or disapprove of the majority of the client's management.
bitcoin-knots
Bitcoin KnotsHow do I launch a node with the Bitcoin Knots alternative client?
Personally, I recommend you choose Core, mainly to benefit from security patches more quickly. Indeed, some vulnerabilities discovered in Knots are corrected with a delay. More generally, Core's development process is solidly structured and supported by a large number of contributors, whereas Knots is maintained by a single person and has a much smaller community. On the other hand, relay rules tend to lose their usefulness today, especially when applied by only a tiny fraction of the network (as per percolation theory).

Node-in-a-box distributions

The node-in-a-box combines Bitcoin Core (or Knots) with a preconfigured operating system, a web interface, and an App Store of self-hosting services (Lightning, explorers, Electrum server, Mempool, BTCPay Server, Nextcloud, etc.). In just one click, you can install, update, and interconnect these different modules.
It's a much simpler solution for starting up and managing numerous ancillary applications on a day-to-day basis. The downside is that when a problem occurs (e.g., Docker image conflict, faulty update, corrupted database), debugging can become very complex, as you depend on the distribution's own integration. What's more, community or official support is often complicated.
So, a node-in-a-box is extremely easy to use as long as everything's working properly, but in the event of a bug, you have to be prepared to carry out lengthy searches, wait for help, and get your hands dirty.
Most of these solutions are available in two formats:
  • Pre-assembled machine: a complete computer with OS already installed. These pay-as-you-go machines simply need to be plugged into the mains and connected to the Internet to be operational. If your budget allows it, this option has the advantage of being very simple to set up, often offering priority support, and contributing to the financing of development, since the business model of these companies is generally based on the sale of hardware.
  • DIY: install the distribution OS on your own machine (old PC, NUC, Raspberry Pi, home server...). This is the most economical solution, as you can recycle an old machine or choose hardware that precisely matches your needs and budget. It's also the most flexible option, and the most satisfying to configure. It's this approach that we'll explore in the practical part of the course.
Here's an overview of the main node-in-a-box solutions available (in 2025):

Umbrel (umbrelOS & Umbrel Home)

[Today, Umbrel is the leader in node-in-a-box solutions (https://umbrel.com/). Its success is largely due to the simplicity of its installation (when it was launched on a simple Raspberry Pi), its elegant and intuitive graphical interface, and an ecosystem of applications that has grown rapidly and is now extremely extensive.
Launched in 2020 as a simple Bitcoin node accompanied by a few ancillary applications, Umbrel has gradually evolved into a full-featured, modern home cloud.
I won't go into more detail here on how it works and its specific features, as we'll examine these in greater depth in the first chapter of the next part. Indeed, for the purposes of this BTC 202 course, I have chosen to use UmbrelOS, which I believe is the best current node-in-a-box solution for beginner and intermediate users.
umbrel
UmbrelDiscover and install Umbrel - Your Bitcoin node and home server

Start9 (StartOS)

[Start9 offers StartOS (https://start9.com/), a system designed for "sovereign computing": the aim is for everyone to own and manage their own private server, enhanced by a marketplace of self-hosted applications. You can purchase a Start9 server (Server One at $619, Server Pure at $899) or assemble your own in DIY mode on your own machine.
On the Bitcoin side, StartOS lets you install a full node, a Lightning node, BTCPay Server, Electrs, and many other services. However, Start9's appeal extends beyond this: it offers the possibility of discovering, configuring, and exposing various software (file cloud, messaging, monitoring) in a unified manner, with complete control. The project is therefore aimed at users who want a robust self-hosting platform, not just a simple Bitcoin node. It's probably the most complete ecosystem after Umbrel.
The main difference with Umbrel lies in the graphical interface. Umbrel relies on a highly polished UX, while Start9 offers a cruder, more functional interface. Start9's application ecosystem is less rich than Umbrel's, but it compensates for this with several technical advantages: access to advanced application settings is simplified, whereas Umbrel quickly becomes restrictive if the desired option is not provided by the interface. Start9 also excels in backup management: apart from Umbrel's efficient solution for LND, there is no unified mechanism, unlike Start9. What's more, it offers more accessible monitoring tools and an encrypted remote connection (https), whereas local access to Umbrel is via http.
In short, if you simply need the essential applications for Bitcoin, with no particular interest in Umbrel's very rich ecosystem, and the user's graphical interface is not a priority, then Start9 is a better option. Otherwise, Umbrel is the better choice.
start9
Start9Tutorial about setting up a Start9 private server

MyNode

MyNode is a distribution focused exclusively on Bitcoin and Lightning, offering a web interface, an application marketplace, and one-click upgrades. You can either buy ready-to-use hardware (Model Two available at $549) or install MyNode free of charge on your own machine. The project also offers a Premium version of the software ($94), which includes priority support and advanced features.
In practice, MyNode brings together all the basic building blocks needed to operate a full node, as well as the applications essential to Bitcoin users. Therefore, it's a suitable solution if you don't require applications external to the Bitcoin ecosystem, such as self-hosted apps found in Start9 and Umbrel systems.
mynode
My NodeSet up your bitcoin MyNode

RaspiBlitz

RaspiBlitz is a 100% open source project (MIT license) for mounting a Bitcoin node and a Lightning node on a Raspberry Pi. Simply download the image, boot up, then follow the wizard to have a working node-in-a-box on your Raspberry Pi. Pre-assembled kits are also available from third parties, usually between $300 and $400, depending on the hardware. RaspiBlitz also offers a range of additional, easy-to-install applications.
If you own a Raspberry Pi, this is an excellent option, as more complete systems like Umbrel are becoming increasingly heavy for this type of mini-PC.
raspiblitz
RaspiBlitzGuide to set up your RaspiBlitz

RoninDojo

RoninDojo is a privacy-focused node-in-a-box that automates the deployment of Samurai Dojo and Whirlpool, with a dedicated interface and plugins specifically designed for the Samurai ecosystem.
The principle is simple: if you use Ashigaru wallet (the Fork successor to Samurai wallet, following the arrest of its developers) or if you want to benefit from advanced privacy tools, RoninDojo is for you.
The project previously offered a pre-configured machine called the Tanto, but this is currently unavailable. It may return at a later date. In the meantime, it's possible to easily install RoninDojo on a Rock5B+ or Rockpro64, or even indirectly on a Raspberry Pi.
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RoninDojo v2Installing your RoninDojo v2 Bitcoin node on a Raspberry Pi

Nodl

Another node-in-a-box solution is Nodl. As with the previous projects, you can either buy the preconfigured hardware (between €599 and €799, depending on the model) or install it yourself in DIY mode.
On the software side, Nodl integrates Bitcoin Core, LND, BTCPay Server, Electrs, Dojo, Whirlpool, Lightning Terminal, RTL, as well as BTC RPC Explorer, all with an integrated update chain and open-source code under the MIT license.
Having explored the various software solutions, it's now time to choose the machine that will host your node!
Quiz
Quiz1/5
What's the main advantage of a node-in-a-box over a raw implementation?