claude-dev-suite Self-hosted Bitcoin Node Distros
Pre-configured Linux distributions / app frameworks for running a Bitcoin node + Lightning + apps with minimal setup.
Major distros
Umbrel
- Most popular self-host distro.
- App store ecosystem (Lightning, BTCPay, mempool.space, Sphinx, many apps).
- Runs on Raspberry Pi, x86, mini PC.
- Open-source, easy onboarding.
- Default Bitcoin Core + LND.
Start9 Embassy / EmbassyOS
- Privacy-first, Tor-by-default.
- App marketplace with curated services.
- Focus on sovereignty.
- Hardware: Embassy Pro (commercial), DIY (Raspberry Pi).
RaspiBlitz
- Raspberry Pi-focused.
- Ecosystem of plugins (BTCPay, RTL, ThunderHub, JoinMarket, etc.).
- Active community.
- Boot from microSD or external SSD.
MyNode
- Premium product (closed-source for paid features) + free tier.
- App library similar to Umbrel.
- Mac/Linux installer.
Citadel
- Fork of Umbrel; community-driven.
- Focus on FOSS exclusivity.
- Active development.
Common features
- Bitcoin Core auto-configured.
- LND (or CLN) integrated.
- Tor v3 hidden service for remote access.
- Web UI for monitoring + app management.
- Backups and updates managed.
Hardware requirements
- CPU: Raspberry Pi 4/5 minimum; better with x86.
- RAM: 4 GB minimum, 8+ GB recommended.
- Disk: 1+ TB SSD (for full node).
- Network: stable, decent bandwidth (~600 GB IBD).
App ecosystem
Common apps across distros:
- BTCPay Server.
- mempool.space.
- Ride The Lightning (RTL).
- ThunderHub (LND web UI).
- Specter Desktop.
- Sphinx Chat (LN messaging).
- Cipher Seed (educational).
- BitFeed.
Use cases
- Personal Bitcoin sovereignty.
- Self-hosted Lightning routing node.
- Family / small business with shared infrastructure.
- Privacy-conscious users doing Tor-only.
Compared
| Aspect | Umbrel | Start9 | RaspiBlitz | MyNode | Citadel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open-source | yes | yes | yes | partial | yes |
| App store | rich | curated | many | rich | growing |
| Tor default | optional | yes | optional | optional | optional |
| Hardware | Pi + x86 | dedicated + Pi | Pi only | x86 | Pi + x86 |
| Maturity | high | high | high | high | medium |
Common issues
- microSD wear → use SSD when possible.
- ISP NAT preventing inbound P2P → use Tor or port forwarding.
- Resource over-allocation when running too many apps simultaneously.
- Update breaks: take snapshots before major upgrades.