Will echo what @DarthCoin says and give a little more feedback.
Umbrel/Citadel/Start9 are basically the same thing just polished interfaces for the individual software.
Start9 is extremely polished and you can tell they are trying to build a commercial product. Less apps to play with but they barely work on the other platforms anyway so I appreciate that decision.
Umbrel is clearly the most popular, trying to appeal to everyone and build a community. Most apps. But I ended up having to do so much configuration manually I might as well run the individual programs myself.
Citadel is on the right track trying to get the best of both worlds. But looks like there is only a single developer chasing down every little thing. And still not perfect out of the box so needs TLC. I'm keeping my eye on it.
Note that I am trying to run on an actual Ubuntu computer. I want some more performance and flexibility than the Rasberry Pi otherwise I would stick with Start9 no question.
Indeed. I didn't want to discourage the use of these bundles. No, not at all, I just want to warn new users about one important aspect of running a node:
Since Linux on ARM (like Raspberry Pi) is barely serviced, and also since PI's prices have skyrocketed in recent years (something to do with a supply chain crunch?) it's a much better option to buy a not-too-old laptop and install Ubuntu + BTC + CLN.
That way, your setup will also have a built-in UPS.
Thanks I am on the same journey here.
I have used Umbrel, Citadel, Start9. Each have pros and cons. About to try rolling my own stack which is a little above my comfort level.
Would also like to hear from anyone on current best practices.
What are the pros and cons of umbrel?
Will echo what @DarthCoin says and give a little more feedback.
Umbrel/Citadel/Start9 are basically the same thing just polished interfaces for the individual software.
Note that I am trying to run on an actual Ubuntu computer. I want some more performance and flexibility than the Rasberry Pi otherwise I would stick with Start9 no question.
Indeed.
I didn't want to discourage the use of these bundles. No, not at all,
I just want to warn new users about one important aspect of running a node:
WHY, what is the purpose and destination of running a node?WHY, what is the purpose and destination of running a node?
For each of these there's a solution. But choose wisely.
Since Linux on ARM (like Raspberry Pi) is barely serviced, and also since PI's prices have skyrocketed in recent years (something to do with a supply chain crunch?) it's a much better option to buy a not-too-old laptop and install Ubuntu + BTC + CLN.
That way, your setup will also have a built-in UPS.
Steps to do:
This is a strong base for a strong node on that laptop
Optional if you want Tor and other apps (RTL, LNbits, BTCpay etc)
Thanks! One more thing… why you think umbrel is not convenient?
You have been warned.