Compare software

Lightning Network Daemon (LND) vs Core Lightning: catalog facts
Lightning Network Daemon (LND)	Core Lightning
Best for: Running your own self-custodial Bitcoin Lightning node	Best for: Lightning node operators who want a customisable, plugin-based node
Free Free, open-source software with no paid tier.	Free Free and open source.
Self-hosted, Command line	Self-hosted, Command line
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	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
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	Blinded payment paths are still experimental Requires a Bitcoin node and command-line setup
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 Lightning Network Daemon (LND) github.com/lightningnetwork/lnd Catalog checked September 23, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Sources for Core Lightning corelightning.org Catalog checked September 23, 2026

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