- Short answer: For privacy and reliability, run your own node (CLI or Docker). If you can’t, use a reputable public remote node over Tor/I2P and rotate periodically.
- What’s below: Curated node resources by category, quick picks, setup paths, and safety tips. All items link to their source pages.
Quick Picks (Curated)
Public Remote Nodes
- monero.fail — Mainnet/Stagenet/Testnet nodes for clearnet, Tor, and I2P (Website).
- XMR Nodes — Public Monero remote nodes list (Website).
- Owl.lc — Remote node operator with Tor/I2P endpoints (Website).
One-Click Installers & Scripts (Self-Host)
- EasyNode — Simplifies Monero node deployment (Website).
- Docker Monero Node — Docker-compose with monitoring dashboard (Website).
- xmr.sh — Hardened node bootstrap script (Website).
- Monero Suite — Customizable node scripts (Website).
- Monero Node for Umbrel — Run a node on Umbrel (Website).
Hardware & DIY Appliances
- MoneroNodo — Full, unpruned node device with Tor/I2P support (Website).
- PiNodeXMR — Private nodes on Raspberry Pi (Website).
VPS & Hosting Friendly to Nodes
- Cockbox — Virtual servers; allows Tor Exit Nodes (Website).
- HammerVM LTD — AMD EPYC, up to 10 Gbit/s; No KYC, Tor exit allowed (Website).
- BPNode — Bulletproof hosting; Spamhaus ignored (Website).
Wallet & Tooling That Pair With Your Node
- Monero CLI Wallet — Full control, RPC/0MQ interfaces (Website).
- xmrSale — Self-hosted payment processor that connects to your own node (Website | Project site).
API & Explorer Access (Hosted)
Other
Stealthxmr.io — No tracking/logs; Tor available (Website | Tor).
How to Choose a Monero Node Option
- Maximum privacy: Run your own full node (CLI/Docker) and route over Tor/I2P. Avoid relying on third-party remote nodes.
- Ease of use: Use EasyNode or Docker Monero Node for one-command setup. For Umbrel boxes, use the Umbrel app.
- Low hardware effort: Consider a turnkey appliance like MoneroNodo or a Raspberry Pi build with PiNodeXMR.
- Temporary access: Public nodes from XMR Nodes, monero.fail, or Stealthxmr.io—prefer Tor/I2P endpoints.
- Infrastructure: If self-hosting, pick a VPS/host that is friendly to privacy networking and has strong bandwidth and uptime.
Set Up Your Own Node (Fast Path)
- Option A: Official CLI — Download the Monero CLI Wallet and run monerod to sync your own node (Website).
- Option B: Docker — Use Docker Monero Node for a compose-based deployment with monitoring (Website).
- Option C: Scripted — Bootstrap a hardened server with xmr.sh or customize with Monero Suite.
- Optional: Expose a restricted-RPC remote node for your wallet devices, or keep it local-only for maximum privacy.
Privacy & Security Tips
- Prefer self-hosting: Remote nodes can learn your IP and wallet activity timing. Your own node minimizes data leakage.
- Use Tor/I2P: When using public nodes, choose Tor/I2P endpoints and rotate providers periodically.
- Verify downloads: Check hashes/signatures for CLI and scripts; review Dockerfiles/compose before running.
- Backups & updates: Keep regular data backups and apply upstream updates and hardening guides.
Helpful How-To Guides
- Monero Node — Running Node — Step-by-step overview (Website).
FAQ
- Public node vs. own node? Your own node is best for privacy and censorship resistance. Public nodes are convenient but add trust and metadata risks.
- Pruned vs. full? Full preserves the complete chain; pruned reduces storage by discarding older spent outputs while remaining fully validating.
- Can I use a VPS? Yes—choose providers tolerant of privacy networking and with strong bandwidth. Consider encrypting disks and routing via Tor.
- Merchant needs? Use xmrSale with your own node for private, non-custodial payments.
Monero Node Directory (Links)
Public Nodes
- XMR Nodes — Website
- Stealthxmr.io — Website | Tor
- Owl.lc — Website
- monero.fail — Website
Installers, Scripts & Platforms
- EasyNode — Website
- Docker Monero Node — Website
- xmr.sh — Website
- Monero Node for Umbrel — Website
- Monero Suite — Website
Hardware / Appliances
VPS & Hosting
Wallets, Payments & API
Next Steps
- Best privacy: Install a full node via CLI or Docker and route over Tor/I2P.
- Fast start: Use EasyNode or Docker Monero Node; verify signatures and keep software updated.
- Convenience: If you must use a public node, prefer Tor/I2P endpoints and rotate providers.
