Bitcoin Nodes Overview
Understand how the Bitcoin network runs: full nodes, light nodes, and mining nodes. Learn what they do and why running your own node matters for sovereignty and privacy.
What is a Bitcoin Node?
A Bitcoin node is a computer running Bitcoin software that fully validates transactions and blocks. Think of nodes as guardians of the network: they constantly monitor the blockchain to distinguish legitimate transactions from illegitimate ones, preventing double-spending and ensuring every Bitcoin can only be spent once.
Nodes form the backbone of Bitcoin's peer-to-peer network. Almost all full nodes also help the network by accepting transactions and blocks from other nodes, validating them, and then relaying them to further nodes. They also serve lightweight clients by allowing them to transmit transactions and notifying them when a transaction affects their wallet. No central server is required—the network is decentralized and resilient.
Running your own node gives you sovereignty (you don't have to trust a third party for blockchain data), better privacy (your wallet queries stay between you and your node), and helps secure the network by enforcing consensus rules. By classifying transactions as valid or invalid, nodes create an immutable register that all participants share.
Types of Bitcoin Nodes
Full Node
Full nodes store the complete Bitcoin blockchain (600GB+ of data) and independently verify every transaction and block against Bitcoin's consensus rules. They don't trust anyone else—they check everything themselves. After the Initial Block Download (IBD), which can take several days, the node stays synchronized with the network.
Most full nodes run Bitcoin Core, the reference implementation. To fully support the network, nodes should allow incoming connections on port 8333, which lets them serve blocks and transactions to other nodes.
Pruned Node
Pruned nodes are full nodes that discard older blockchain data after validating it. They keep only a recent portion (e.g. the last 10GB), so storage requirements are much lower while still enforcing the same rules.
Trade-off: they can't serve the full history to other nodes and have limitations for some wallet recovery scenarios, but they're a great option for home users with limited disk space.
Light / SPV Node
Lightweight or SPV (Simplified Payment Verification) nodes don't store the full blockchain. They request only block headers and relevant transactions from full nodes, making them suitable for mobile devices and low-resource environments.
Drawback: they must trust the nodes that serve them data—those nodes could theoretically hide or fake transactions. For maximum sovereignty and privacy, a full or pruned node is preferred.
Mining Node
A mining node runs full-node software and builds block templates—selecting and ordering transactions for the next block. Specialized mining hardware (ASICs) then performs the proof-of-work; when the hardware finds a valid block, the node broadcasts it. The node validates and relays; the hardware does the hashing.
Setup varies: solo miners run a node that builds and proposes blocks; in pools, the pool operator typically runs the node that builds the template while miners contribute hashrate. Miners are the only node operators who earn Bitcoin rewards (block subsidy + fees); non-mining full nodes enforce the rules but don't get paid.
Why Run Your Own Node?
Sovereignty
You verify the blockchain yourself. No need to trust an exchange or a third-party API for your balance or transaction history.
Privacy
Wallet queries stay between you and your node. You don't leak addresses or balances to external services.
Network Health
More independent full nodes make the network more resilient and help enforce the protocol rules.
Requirements to Run a Node
Running a Bitcoin node is accessible to most home users. Here are the minimum requirements according to bitcoin.org:
Storage
600GB+ for full node, or ~10GB with pruning enabled
RAM
4GB minimum, 8GB+ recommended
Bandwidth
~20GB/month download, 200GB+ upload if accepting connections
Uptime
6+ hours/day recommended, 24/7 is ideal
Initial sync: The first time you run a node, the Initial Block Download (IBD) will take several days to weeks depending on your hardware and internet speed. During IBD, CPU and bandwidth usage will be higher.
Getting Started: Node Software
Bitcoin Core
The reference implementation. Runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux. The most battle-tested option.
Umbrel
User-friendly OS for Raspberry Pi or any hardware. Includes Bitcoin node, Lightning, and apps.
Start9
Sovereign computing platform. Privacy-focused with Tor built-in. Runs on their hardware or your own.
RaspiBlitz
DIY Bitcoin/Lightning node for Raspberry Pi. Great community and documentation.
myNode
Easy setup for beginners. Free community edition or premium with additional features.
Note: Running a non-mining full node does not earn Bitcoin rewards. The benefit is sovereignty, privacy, and supporting the network.
Network Statistics
Node Count Over Time
Connection Types
Software Versions
Full vs Pruned Nodes
Software Versions over Time
At a Glance
Quick comparison of node types
| Node Type | Storage | Verifies Rules | Trust Model | Earns BTC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full Node | 600GB+ | Yes | Trustless | No |
| Pruned Node | ~5–50GB | Yes | Trustless | No |
| Light / SPV | Minimal | Partial | Trusts serving nodes | No |
| Mining Node | 600GB+ | Yes + proposes blocks | Trustless | Yes |
Running a node keeps you in control of your Bitcoin data. For automated buying with your own keys and exchange, try our DCA bot.
Start DCA with dca.bot