Step 3 · Run your own node

Run your own Bitcoin node

A node is a small computer that keeps its own copy of the Bitcoin blockchain and checks every rule for itself. It's the next step after mining and securing your sats, and it's easier than it sounds: buy a plug-and-play box, or put free software on a spare PC.

Verify, don't trust

Your node checks every block and transaction against Bitcoin's rules itself, so nobody can tell you a fake balance.

Privacy

Normally your wallet asks someone else's server about your addresses, which tells them what you own. Point your wallet at your own node and that leak goes away.

You help keep Bitcoin decentralised

Every independent node is another copy of the rules that no company or government can quietly change.

Mine on your own terms

Advanced miners can build their own block templates from their own node, choosing which transactions go into a block they find.

Your options at a glance

OptionBest forSoftwareFrom (AUD) ?
Umbrel Home / Umbrel Pro
Plug-and-play home server with a one-click Bitcoin node
Beginners who want it to just work, and who'd like a home cloud (photos, files, media) on the same boxumbrelOS≈ $710
Start9 Server One
Sovereignty-first server running StartOS
People who want a privacy-focused, open-source server with strong support, and don't mind paying more for hardwareStartOS≈ $1,565
DIY: an old PC or a Raspberry Pi
Free software on hardware you already own
Tinkerers on a budget, or anyone with a spare laptop or mini PC in a drawerumbrelOS or StartOS (free)Free software

Prices checked 2 Nov 2026, 2:45 am AEDT. Umbrel showed some models in AUD to us; those are Umbrel's own AUD prices. Shipping and import GST are extra.

Umbrel Home (official image, umbrel.com)
Umbrel Home (official image, umbrel.com)
Plug-and-play home server with a one-click Bitcoin node

Umbrel Home / Umbrel Pro

Who it's for: Beginners who want it to just work, and who'd like a home cloud (photos, files, media) on the same box.

Umbrel Home: quad-core Intel N150, 16 GB RAM, 512 GB to 4 TB SSD. Umbrel Pro: 8-core Intel Core i3-N300, 16 GB RAM, four NVMe slots (up to 32 TB), 2.5 GbE.

Pros

  • Install Bitcoin Core or Knots, an Electrum server, mempool and Lightning from an app store
  • Polished and quiet; umbrelOS updates itself
  • DATUM and Public Pool are in the Umbrel app store, so it pairs with your miner
  • Same umbrelOS is free on your own hardware if you outgrow it

Cons

  • Ships from overseas; you pay import charges and may get a US power adapter (one Australian buyer reported this)
  • The cheapest Home (512 GB) is too small for the full blockchain; budget for 2 TB
  • Not Bitcoin-only: lots of other apps compete for attention
Umbrel Homefrom ≈ $710
converted from US$499
Umbrel Home (2 TB)$999
store's own AUD price
Umbrel Profrom ≈ $995
converted from US$699
Umbrel Pro (2 TB)$1,449
store's own AUD price

Official store price, checked 2 Nov 2026, 2:45 am AEDT. Excludes shipping, import GST and duties unless the store says otherwise.

Ships to all countries except sanctioned ones; the customer pays customs and import charges. [1] [2]

Sources: [1] [2] [3] [4]

Start9 Server One (official image, start9.com)
Start9 Server One (official image, start9.com)
Sovereignty-first server running StartOS

Start9 Server One

No affiliate programme

Who it's for: People who want a privacy-focused, open-source server with strong support, and don't mind paying more for hardware.

AMD Ryzen mini PC, 2–4 TB storage, 16–32 GB RAM, with StartOS pre-installed.

Pros

  • StartOS is open source and built around self-hosting and privacy
  • Bitcoin Core, Knots, Electrs, Lightning and many other services available
  • Start9 includes support with its hardware
  • StartOS is also free to install on your own PC

Cons

  • Dearer than Umbrel for similar hardware
  • International orders are held until you confirm you'll pay import charges; Start9 doesn't collect GST
  • Fewer flashy consumer apps than Umbrel
Start9 Server Onefrom ≈ $1,565
converted from US$1,099

Official store price, checked 2 Nov 2026, 2:45 am AEDT. Excludes shipping, import GST and duties unless the store says otherwise.

Ships internationally via UPS/DHL. Start9 holds international orders until the buyer confirms they'll pay import charges. [1]

Sources: [1] [2]

Your own hardware
Free software on hardware you already own

DIY: an old PC or a Raspberry Pi

No affiliate programme

Who it's for: Tinkerers on a budget, or anyone with a spare laptop or mini PC in a drawer.

umbrelOS is free on a Raspberry Pi 5, any x86 (amd64) PC or a virtual machine. StartOS is free on x86 PCs and officially supports the Raspberry Pi 4 (not the Pi 5). Either way you'll want a 2 TB SSD; a spinning hard drive will make the first sync painfully slow.

Pros

  • Software costs nothing: the same umbrelOS that ships on Umbrel's own boxes
  • Reuses hardware you already have
  • You learn how it all fits together

Cons

  • You're your own tech support when hardware fails
  • A Raspberry Pi needs a good power supply and an SSD (not a microSD card) for the blockchain
  • First sync of the blockchain can take days on slow hardware

Sources: [1] [2] [3]

For miners

Pairs nicely with OCEAN and DATUM

OCEAN + DATUM (advanced)

DATUM Gateway is free software from OCEAN that uses your node to build the block template your miners work on, instead of the pool choosing the transactions. Install it on your node (it's in the Umbrel app store), point your Bitaxe or NerdQaxe at it, and it mines on OCEAN with you deciding what goes in the block. OCEAN also charges a lower fee for DATUM users; see pools.

Sources: OCEAN DATUM setup guide · DATUM on the Umbrel app store · DATUM Gateway on GitHub (check its README for supported node versions before you start).

Solo mining against your own node

Prefer the lottery? Self-host Public Pool on your node and point your miner at it, so even your solo attempts use your own node's view of Bitcoin. It's a few clicks on Umbrel or Start9.

Not sure which to pick? Start with a hosted pool and come back to this later. Compare pools.

Before you start

What you'll need

Importing from overseas

Umbrel and Start9 both ship from overseas and expect you to pay import charges. Goods worth more than A$1,000 need a formal import declaration, with GST (and possibly duty) paid at the border. Check the power adapter suits an Australian socket.

Disclosure

Umbrel runs an affiliate programme; Start9 doesn't, and we list it on equal terms. No affiliate links are active yet. If they are added they'll be labelled and won't change what we say. Not financial or technical advice. Full disclosure.

Getting started

Where this fits

Mine, then secure, then verify. Each step stands on its own, so go at your own pace.

  1. Step 1MinePick a small home miner and start earning (or chasing) sats.
  2. Step 2Secure your satsSend what you mine to a hardware wallet that only you control.
  3. Step 3Run your own node You are hereVerify your own bitcoin, protect your privacy, and build your own block templates.

Get the good bits, fortnightly-ish

Price drops on beginner miners in Australia, new solo-block winners, and plain-English explainers. No hype, unsubscribe any time.