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Core Lightning vs MyNode: catalog facts
Core Lightning	MyNode
Best for: Lightning node operators who want a customisable, plugin-based node	Best for: Running a personal Bitcoin and Lightning node without assembling the software yourself
Free Free and open source.	Free + paid options Free Community Edition; Premium software, subscriptions and hardware are paid.
Self-hosted, Command line	Web, Self-hosted
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	Bitcoin and Lightning node managed from one web interface Many bundled apps such as Mempool, BTCPay Server and Thunderhub All 4 strengths for MyNode Bitcoin and Lightning node managed from one web interface Many bundled apps such as Mempool, BTCPay Server and Thunderhub Tor and VPN options for remote access One-click software updates
Blinded payment paths are still experimental Requires a Bitcoin node and command-line setup	Some features are limited to the paid Premium edition Needs dedicated hardware with room for the Bitcoin blockchain
Downloadable app, Self-hosted	Downloadable app, Self-hosted, Operating system
Open source	Not open source
License not stated	License not stated
No account needed	Not stated if an account is 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 MyNode mynodebtc.com Catalog checked September 23, 2026

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