Node Guide

Your node, your rules.

Home

bitcoinerheader

Plug and Play node boxes offer a convenient way to run your own node. Most run on a variation of a single board computer such as a Raspberry Pi. You simply choose your specification (if multiples are offered), wait for it to be delivered, plug it in and you are off. This convenience comes with some tradeoffs that you should be aware of. Because you are buying pre built hardware, you can never be 100% sure that there are no malicious components installed that could be leaking your privacy, or worse your bitcoin. However, were one of the suppliers below were to perform such an attack, they would not be in business for long! Finally, you should consider the privacy and security aspects of getting Bitcoin related hardware delivered to your home address.

Table of Contents

  1. myNode One
  2. Nodl One
  3. Nodl Dojo
  4. RaspiBlitz
  5. Start9 Embassy
  6. Build-A-Node
  7. The Bitcoin Machine

Cost Comparison

Node Cost
myNode One $339 (HDD)
  $419 (SSD)
Nodl One $499
  +$50 w/ kill switch
  +$50 w/ Dojo support
Nodl Dojo $849
RaspiBlitz 269€ (2GB)
  299€ (4GB)
  369€ (8GB)
  379€ (4GB) w/ terminal style case
Start9 Embassy $239
Build-A-Node From $410
The Bitcoin Machine From $199

myNode One

The myNode One is a Raspberry Pi4 4GB and comes packaged with their premium software which provides extra features and support. The myNode software comes with a beginner friendly web based user interface and is packed with features. At time of writing myNode currently offers 15 different Bitcoin and Lightning related applications.

Features

Ease of setup

Once you receive the device, connect the hardware and power it on. Visit http://mynode.local/ with your phone, laptop or computer. Enter the product key that was supplied with the device. Your initial block download will then commence.

Limitations

Some users report reliability issues. Currently only shipping to the U.S and Canada.

Cost

Comes pre built with a Raspberry Pi4 4GB. User specifies type of storage.

Other resources

Nodl One

The Nodl One is a Rock Pi4 with 4GB ram and comes with a web based user interface and higher spec hardware than most plug and play nodes.

Features

Ease of setup

Once you receive the device, connect the hardware and power it on. Visit http://nodl.local:8338/ with your phone, laptop or computer. Click on the Nodl logo, set your password and you will then see the Nodl homepage.

Limitations

Documentation is sparse.

Cost

Comes pre built with a Rock Pi4 4GB, 16GB eMMC and 1TB SSD.

Other resources

Nodl Dojo

The Nodl Dojo is similar to the Nodl One at its core. The main differences are a custom red case, fully encrypted SSDs, RAID 1 mirroring for extra redundancy (if one SSD fails, your node continues to run) and a premium support package.

Features

Ease of setup

Once you receive the device, connect the hardware and power it on. Visit http://nodl.local:8338/ with your phone, laptop or computer. Click on the Nodl logo, set your password and you will then see the Nodl homepage.

Limitations

Stock is limited and sells out fast.

Cost

Comes pre built with a Rock Pi4 4GB, 16GB eMMC and 2x 1TB SSDs.

Other resources

RaspiBlitz

The RaspiBlitz is one of the longest standing node projects and comes feature packed with a significant focus on the Lightning network. The RaspiBlitz boasts rock sold uptime and well tested update procedures.

Features

Ease of setup

Once you receive the device, connect the hardware and power it on. You should then see the local IP and password address of your RaspiBlitz on the LCD panel. Using an SSH tool, connect through to your RaspiBlitz and finish the setup process.

Limitations

Lack of web user interface may put some users off.

Cost

Comes pre built with a Raspberry PI with a selection of 2,4 or 8GB ram, 1TB SSD and a touchscreen and optional ‘terminal style’ metal case.

Other resources

Start9 Embassy

The Embassy One is a new node implementation with a focus on making setup and interaction a frictionless as possible. The Embassy is limited in features but is working towards becoming your own personal server that does more than just be a Bitcoin node.

Features

Ease of setup

Once you receive the device, connect the hardware and power it on. Inside the setup app, enter your product key and then create your password. You can now log in and start installing and using the available services.

Limitations

No hard drive, all storage is done via an SD card which can be unstable. No Lightning network and runs in ‘pruned’ mode so importing existing wallets is not possible.

Cost

Comes pre built with a Raspberry Pi 4GB.

Other resources

Build-A-Node

The CryptoCloaks team offer a build a node service that lets you customise your own plug + play node. The node will arrive ready to go with a choice of the myNode community, myNode premium or RaspiBlitz software. You can also create a custom case for your node to add a more personal touch.

Cost

Comes packaged with this base hardware but upgrades are available.

The Bitcoin Machine

The Bitcoin Machine team offer four different pre built node options based on the Raspberry Pi 4B. The package is designed with a customised case and unique ‘machine face’ which acts as a Bitcoin ticker that can display the price, block height, total supply and network hash power. The case can also be personalised the case with a choice of colours. The Bitcoin Machine does not come pre-installed with any node software, and is designed to allow the user to pick from any Raspberry Pi compatibile implementation by falshing their own software onto the provided SD card.

Cost

Comes packaged with this base hardware but upgrades are available.

Want to build your own node? Check out the DIY page.