How to set up a Bitcoin full node: hardware and software options available on the market.
A full node is a computer that runs a Bitcoin client. Nodes work together through a peer-to-peer network to receive, validate, and transmit transactions and blockchain blocks.
Currently, the Bitcoin network has over 17,000 nodes, not counting those hidden behind Tor or VPN networks. It is estimated that there are over 60,000 nodes in total.
Hardware options
To build a Bitcoin full node, a modest computer is sufficient. The most important components are:
- An SSD with at least 1TB of storage (soon, 2TB will be necessary).
- At least 2GB of RAM.
- An unlimited Internet connection.
Several hardware options are available for building a Bitcoin full node. In recent years, one of the most popular solutions has been the Raspberry Pi, a single-board computer designed to be affordable and versatile, with dimensions similar to a deck of playing cards. One of its main advantages was its low price, making it a preferred choice over other solutions. However, since 2021, the semiconductor shortage has significantly increased Raspberry Pi prices, leading to the adoption of more affordable or more powerful alternatives for running a Bitcoin full node.
Here are some of the most commonly used solutions:
- Mini PCs
- Old Lenovo ThinkPad laptops
- Old enterprise servers
- Cloud VPS (Virtual Private Server)
When choosing hardware, it is important to consider potential power outages or surges and the physical control of the device. While a cloud VPS provides good performance without the need to manage hardware, it compromises sovereignty and control over your full node.
Unlike mini PCs and enterprise servers, a laptop does not require a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply), a device designed to provide power to the computer in case of outages.
Software options
The most widely used full node implementation is Bitcoin Core. By downloading the software from the official website, you can set up a fully functioning node on your computer.
However, over the years, several “distributions” have been developed to make setting up a Bitcoin full node simple and fast. The most popular ones include: umbrelOS, RaspiBlitz, RaspiBolt, StartOS, and Citadel.
UmbrelOS
UmbrelOS is one of the easiest distributions for setting up your own Bitcoin and Lightning Network node.
UmbrelOS is open-source software that, in addition to Bitcoin and LN nodes, offers other services such as file storage and sharing software, tools for downloading and streaming photos and videos on a local network, and ad-blocking for your network.
You can install UmbrelOS on a Raspberry Pi 4 or 5 or any 64-bit device with at least 4GB of RAM. All services provided by Umbrel are configured under the Tor network, ensuring that your IP address remains obscured.
You can start and manage all the software easily through a graphical interface accessible from a web browser. Alternatively, you can purchase a ready-to-use hardware version created by the company.
MyNode
MyNode is a straightforward full node implementation based on a freemium model. It offers a wide range of applications and services, all manageable through an intuitive interface.
Unlike other projects, MyNode is available in two versions: Community Edition and Premium Edition.
- The Community Edition is completely free and provides all the essential features to manage a Bitcoin full node. This version can be downloaded directly from mynodebtc.com and installed on your own hardware or a virtual machine.
- The Premium Edition, available for a one-time fee of $99, includes all the features of the Community Edition plus advanced functionalities, dedicated technical support, and one-click automatic updates.
For MyNode, you can also purchase a plug-and-play hardware version directly from the company.
RaspiBlitz
RaspiBlitz is an open-source project that enables you to create and manage a Bitcoin and Lightning full node using a Raspberry Pi 4 or 5.
You can also attach an LCD display to the Raspberry, which allows you to view node and Bitcoin network data. However, the display is not essential for the node’s functionality if you’re looking to save costs.
Node software management can be done either through a graphical interface (Web UI) in a web browser or via the terminal using an SSH menu (Secure Shell), a network protocol used to establish a secure and encrypted connection between two computers.
The official documentation also provides instructions for migrating from umbrelOS, myNode, or Citadel to RaspiBlitz.
RaspiBolt
Among the various options for setting up a full node, RaspiBolt is a must-mention.
Rather than being a “distribution,” it is a step-by-step guide that walks you through configuring your Bitcoin full node from scratch. It supports both Raspberry Pi and 64-bit computers running the Debian Linux distribution.
The guide relies on standard Debian commands, making it compatible with a wide range of hardware platforms.
RaspiBolt provides all the necessary software for a Bitcoin full node, including:
- An Electrum server
- A block explorer
- A Lightning Network client (LND or CLN)
- Software for managing LN channels
- Tor network support
This guide is ideal for those who want to deepen their knowledge of Linux, Bitcoin, and Lightning. While detailed, the instructions require a solid technical foundation.
StartOS
StartOS is open-source software that allows you to manage a fully private server.
In addition to various Bitcoin-related applications, StartOS includes software that enables you to host local versions of popular tools like NextCloud, Jellyfin, Vaultwarden, and SimpleX.
StartOS can be installed on Raspberry Pi and other 64-bit hardware platforms, such as desktop PCs, laptops, mini PCs, servers, VPS, and virtual machines.
As with Umbrel and MyNode, you can also purchase a ready-to-use hardware version developed by Start9 Labs.
Citadel
Citadel is a fork of umbrelOS, fully open-source and funded by user donations. It allows you to easily install and manage a Bitcoin and Lightning Network node on a Raspberry Pi 5 with at least 4GB of RAM. Thanks to its strict permission system, all apps are isolated from each other, and the user decides if and how these apps interact.
One of the main differences with Umbrel is the software license: Citadel uses the GNU Affero General Public License (AGPL), whereas Umbrel uses the PolyForm Noncommercial license. Specifically, AGPL is an open-source license that allows commercial use but requires the sharing of modified source code, while PolyForm Noncommercial prohibits commercial use, limiting the software’s use to non-commercial purposes without the obligation to share modifications or source code.
Other differences from Umbrel include a faster and more optimized operating system for Raspberry Pi and quicker app updates. Once the software is installed, you can manage the node through the graphical interface available at the web address: http://citadel.local/.
Steps to install the software
To install the software, the first step is to download the selected software from the official website and load it onto a microSD card.
- Download the .ISO image from the official website of the chosen distribution.
- Always verify the signatures of the file you just downloaded.
- Insert the microSD into the computer and load the file onto the card using programs such as balenaEtcher or UNetbootin.
- Once the file has been written to the microSD, insert the card into the Raspberry Pi.
- Connect the Ethernet cable and the SSD.
- Plug in the Raspberry Pi power supply and start the system.
To complete the node setup, follow the installation instructions for the chosen software.
Initially, you will need to wait for the node to download the entire Bitcoin timechain.
Once the node has completed synchronization to 100%, it is important to connect your wallets only to your personal node. This step is crucial to independently verify the balance and transactions, avoiding reliance on external nodes.
