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Core Lightning vs Lightning Network Daemon (LND): catalog facts
Core Lightning	Lightning Network Daemon (LND)
Best for: Lightning node operators who want a customisable, plugin-based node	Best for: Running your own self-custodial Bitcoin Lightning node
Free Free and open source.	Free Free, open-source software with no paid tier.
Self-hosted, Command line	Self-hosted, Command line
Modular design with plugins in any language Supports dual-funded channels All 3 strengths for Core Lightning Modular design with plugins in any language Supports dual-funded channels Privacy features such as multi-part payments and blinded paths	Widely used reference implementation of a Lightning node Self-custodial: you run the node and hold the keys All 4 strengths for Lightning Network Daemon (LND) Widely used reference implementation of a Lightning node Self-custodial: you run the node and hold the keys Includes channel backup support Active development with a long commit history
Blinded payment paths are still experimental Requires a Bitcoin node and command-line setup	Requires technical knowledge to set up and maintain Needs a Bitcoin backend and an always-on machine All 3 limitations for Lightning Network Daemon (LND) Requires technical knowledge to set up and maintain Needs a Bitcoin backend and an always-on machine No graphical interface of its own
Downloadable app, Self-hosted	Downloadable app, Self-hosted
Open source	Open source
License not stated	License not stated
No account needed	No account needed
Not stated if it works offline	Not stated if it works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Sources for Core Lightning corelightning.org Catalog checked September 23, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Sources for Lightning Network Daemon (LND) github.com/lightningnetwork/lnd Catalog checked September 23, 2026

“Not stated” means we have not confirmed it. Features can vary by device and plan.