A Bitcoin node is a computer that checks every block and transaction against the rules. Learn what nodes do, why to run one and what it takes.
The rule enforcers
A full node downloads every block and checks everything: every signature, every amount, the proof of work, the block reward. If anything breaks a rule, the node rejects it, whoever sent it.
What a node does
- Keeps a copy of the blockchain (or a pruned one).
- Keeps the current UTXO set, so it knows which coins exist.
- Relays valid transactions and blocks to its peers.
- Serves your own wallet, so you don't have to trust someone else's server.
Why run your own?
- Verify, don't trust: you know your incoming payments are real and the rules are being followed, including the 21 million cap.
- Privacy: your wallet asks your node about your addresses, not a third party.
- A vote in upgrades: nodes decide which rules they accept. See Consensus rules.
What it takes
A modest computer, a few hundred GB of disk (or much less if pruned), and a decent internet connection. Bitcoin Core is the most widely used software.
MyBitcoinExplorer's node
Everything you see on MyBitcoinExplorer comes from our own Bitcoin Core node, with no third-party explorer data. Watch it verify history on our status page.
What you need to run one
| Resource | Typical requirement |
|---|---|
| Disk | About 900 GB for a full archival node, or a few GB pruned |
| Memory | 2 GB minimum; more speeds up the first sync |
| Internet | A stable connection; hundreds of GB in the first sync |
| Hardware | A desktop, laptop or small single-board computer with an SSD |
Node-in-a-box options
Several community projects package Bitcoin Core with a simple web interface for small home computers, making it easy to run a node and connect your wallet to it.
Key takeaways
- A full node independently checks every block and transaction.
- It relays data and can serve your own wallet privately.
- Running a node means verifying instead of trusting.
Common questions
Do I earn bitcoin by running a node?
No. Nodes don't earn rewards; miners do. Nodes give you independent verification and privacy.
Is a node the same as a miner?
No. Miners create blocks; nodes check them. A miner needs a node, but most nodes don't mine.
Do I earn money running a Bitcoin node?
No. Nodes don't receive rewards; they give you independent verification and privacy.
Can I run a node on a laptop?
Yes, especially in pruned mode, though it should stay online regularly to keep up.