Bitcoin Core
The reference Bitcoin full node, with a built-in wallet that verifies every transaction itself. Free and open source for Windows, macOS and Linux.
Key facts
- Type
- Desktop
- Made by
- Bitcoin Core contributors
- Works with
- Windows, macOS, Linux
- Keys
- You hold the keys
- Bitcoin-only
- Yes
- Source code
- Open source
- Lightning
- No
- Multisig
- Yes
- Full node
- Yes, verifies the blockchain itself
- Experience
- Advanced
- Price
- free
Good for
- Maximum verification and privacy, no third-party servers
- A node that other wallets such as Sparrow can connect to
Watch out
- Downloads about 600 GB once, plus 5 to 10 GB a month (pruning cuts storage to about 10 GB)
- The wallet interface is basic
Bitcoin Core alternatives
Electrum
One of the oldest Bitcoin wallets, lightweight, with multisig, hardware wallet support and Lightning. Free and …
Liana
Desktop wallet with timelocked recovery keys: if you stop moving your coins, a backup or heir key becomes …
Sparrow
The desktop wallet many experienced bitcoiners recommend: works with all common hardware wallets, multisig and …
Wasabi Wallet
Privacy-focused desktop wallet with Tor, coin control and coinjoin through independent coordinators.
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