Compare software

Lightning Network Daemon (LND)MyNode

Screenshots

MyNode services dashboardMyNode application marketplace

Best for: Running your own self-custodial Bitcoin Lightning node

Best for: Running a personal Bitcoin and Lightning node without assembling the software yourself

Free

Free, open-source software with no paid tier.

 Free + paid options

Free Community Edition; Premium software, subscriptions and hardware are paid.

Self-hosted, Command line Web, Self-hosted
  • Widely used reference implementation of a Lightning node
  • Self-custodial: you run the node and hold the keys
All 4 strengths
  • 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
  • Bitcoin and Lightning node managed from one web interface
  • Many bundled apps such as Mempool, BTCPay Server and Thunderhub
All 4 strengths
  • 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
  • Requires technical knowledge to set up and maintain
  • Needs a Bitcoin backend and an always-on machine
All 3 limitations
  • Requires technical knowledge to set up and maintain
  • Needs a Bitcoin backend and an always-on machine
  • No graphical interface of its own
  • 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
Sources

Catalog checked September 23, 2026
Sources

Catalog checked September 23, 2026

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